Creating a crisp contemporary home that also manages to feel homely, warm and welcoming requires a really careful approach. All too often, in a bid to ensure spaces feel fresh and modern, any sense of personality and cosiness seems to get lost.
When it comes to designing a bathroom, a clean, unfussy aesthetic is understandably one that many people aim for – yet as a room which needs to feel like a soothing sanctuary, it is important to seek ways to bring in design elements that balance out the sleek, minimalist, functional details.
My own bathroom is definitely lacking in warm and toasty vibes and, with a remodel on the cards, I am keen to discover the best ways to ensure that the new space looks and feels both up-to-date, as well as inviting. I reached out to a range of bathroom design experts for their advice.
1. Assess the space as a whole before making decor decisions
While it is tempting to dive headfirst into all those lovely bathroom design ideas you've been gathering together, it is really important to start the process of creating a contemporary, yet cosy, bathroom by assessing what you are working with first.
Keeley Sutcliffe, design manager at BC Designs, has some suggestions of how to kick off the process. "Sit in the bath for a moment and look around. We tend to judge a bathroom from the doorway, rather than from the place where we’re hoping to relax. From the bath, you might notice a spotlight shining straight at you or realise that your towel is frustratingly out of reach. Next, think about what would help you settle in comfortably. Where there’s room, a small table gives you somewhere for a book or a cup of tea, rather than balancing everything on the edge of the bath. Just leave enough space to get in and out easily. Those are the details I’d tackle before adding in more decoration.
"Don’t be too quick to blame the white bath, either," adds Keeley. "It may simply be surrounded by too much more of the same. Against a warmer painted wall, with a little timber nearby, that same bath can look much more inviting. You can keep the clean lines you liked in the first place without having everything around them feel quite so stark."
Keeley Sutcliffe is Brand Manager for award-winning British bathroom designers, BC Designs. Since 1999 the award-winning company has been leading the way with its thoughtful, innovative and considered bathroom designs.
2. Lighting is key to achieving the right ambience
The importance of getting your bathroom lighting right cannot be over-emphasised. In my own bathroom, an uninspiring grid of recessed downlighters is made only marginally better by the oversized Edison bulb that sits above the mirror – getting a little more creative in the illumination department would definitely help add character.
Matthew Kallum, founder of Kallums Bathrooms, explains just how impactful lighting can be on modern bathrooms. "A bathroom can have all the right materials and still feel cold if it is lit harshly. Rather than relying entirely on overhead downlights, layer the lighting with wall lights around the mirror and use a warmer colour temperature.
"Putting the lighting on dimmers is another simple change that allows the atmosphere of the room to shift from bright and functional in the morning, to softer and more relaxing in the evening," adds Matthew.
With an IP Rating 44, this wall light is suitable for use in Zone 2 of the bathroom – plus it is dimmable. Its elegant ribbed glass design makes it perfect for classic and modern schemes alike.
As founder of Kallums Bathrooms, Matthew Kallum is a specialist in the design and delivery of high-end spaces, working with private clients to create spaces that balance performance, longevity, and understated luxury.
3. Texture is just as important as colour
While colour can undeniably add lots in the way of visual warmth to a bathroom, if you want to keep things looking fresh and modern, texture is, arguably even more important than the shades you choose – particularly if you are a lover of neutral bathroom ideas.
Richard Skeoch, company director at Hyperion Tiles, explains that your bathroom tile ideas can really help when it comes to adding interest. "Texture is just as important as colour, and tiles with a matt finish or subtle variation in the glaze are great for adding depth to your scheme. In the evening, when the lighting is softer, those gentle variations catch the light beautifully, helping to create a layered feel that makes the bathroom feel more inviting.
"Matt and lightly textured surfaces feel softer and more organic than highly polished finishes, creating a gentle, understated backdrop that's easy to live with," continues Richard. "Natural stone-effect porcelain tiles are particularly effective, offering all the beauty of natural materials while being durable and easy to maintain."
Matthew Kallum agrees that softer, matt textures work better than high gloss if it is visual warmth you are after. "We look to honed or matt finishes rather than highly polished surfaces, as they soften the way light behaves in the room. Fluted and ribbed surfaces are another favourite as they introduce subtle shadow and give the eye something more tactile to engage with. Microcement can work beautifully too, particularly when used on a single wall. It creates depth without introducing lots of grout lines or visual noise."
Finally, Richard has some words of wisdom on which bathroom colours tend to work well for a cosier modern bathroom. "For a bathroom that feels rich and comforting in the evening, I recommend moving away from bright, clinical finishes and instead opting for warmer, more natural colours. Soft taupe, earthy greens, warm greys and stone-inspired tones all help create a calmer atmosphere, particularly when paired with warm, softer lighting."
With a lightly textured surface and medium slip resistance, these matt concrete-effect tiles are perfect for walls and floors and will lend a tactile finish to any modern bathroom.
With more than three decades of experience in the tile and flooring industry, Richard has developed an expert eye for how tiles can transform a space. As Director, he personally curates distinctive brands and collections to bring to the company's portfolio. Richard is also on hand to offer his expertise to homeowners, interior designers and house builders, whether they need help selecting colour and pattern or guidance on material, scale and practical considerations.
4. Bring in warmth through thoughtful details
The success of any house design ideas always lies in those smaller details – yet all too often they get overlooked or deemed insignificant.
"Pay attention to the details," picks up Matthew Kallum. "Brushed brass or aged bronze can bring more warmth than polished chrome, while textured towels, a timber stool or natural stone accessories introduce softer, tactile elements. They may be small details but they are often what you notice when you walk into a space."
Gareth Hull, design lead at Hendel & Hendel , goes on to explain the importance of hardware too. "There’s more to warming up a modern vanity than swapping chrome handles for brass. An angular brass pull can still have quite a hard-edged appearance, whereas a gently rounded handle might be just the contrast a flat-fronted cabinet needs. I’d look at the shape alongside the metal, rather than expecting the finish to do all the work. Texture needs the same judgement. On very simple bathroom furniture, a smoother curve or a little detail at the end of a pull can introduce character without making the whole piece feel decorative.
"Also, you don’t need to change the bathroom taps simply because you’re changing the cabinet handles," adds Gareth. "Try the new finish against the furniture, worktop and existing metalwork before assuming everything has to match."
Shop bathroom details
With its grooved texture, this brass handle is perfect for injecting a little interest into an otherwise minimalist bathroom scheme – plus it comes in a choice of three sizes.
Thanks to its eye-catching detailing, this brass tap will add a point of interest within an otherwise pared-back bathroom scheme – its matt, brushed finish is also easy to keep clean.
Not only will this rustic little wooden stool come in handy as somewhere to rest your bathroom bits and pieces, but it will also contribute a laid-back vibe which can be essential in bathroom design that sits on the minimalist side.
Gareth Hull is the Design Lead at Hendel & Hendel, a leading UK hardware brand. He leads on the design direction for the brand’s collections and interior styling. With a background in product development and a keen eye for detail, Gareth's approach seamlessly blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics and his work emphasises refined forms, elevated materials, and a balance between contemporary, traditional and transitional pieces.
5. Combine warm colours with modern tiling techniques
There is no need to shun either walls tiles or warm colours for a bathroom to feel modern – it all comes down to making wise choices and, once again, looking at what you already have to work with.
Lesley Taylor, interior designer and founder at Baked Tiles, explains how assessing your existing tiles and picking a wall colour to bring out their cosier tones can sometimes be all that's needed. "Have a really good look at the tiles, because there may already be something in them you can work with. A grey stone-effect floor might have a little warm brown running through it, and picking that up in paint or textiles gives you a much better starting point than bringing in an unrelated shade.
"If you are changing some of the tiling, don’t assume gloss is the enemy of a cosy bathroom," adds Lesley. "I love a glaze with a little unevenness, where the light catches some parts more than others – it brings character without needing a busy pattern. Just give the grout as much thought as the tile. A close colour keeps the overall effect gentle, while a strong contrast outlines every tile and creates a much more graphic finish."
Richard Skeoch also has some advice on how to tile a wall in a modern bathroom without a clinical end result. "Consider how the tiles flow throughout the room. If possible, try to use the same tile across the floor and into the shower as this will create a more seamless finish, helping the space feel larger and more luxurious. The overall effect is a bathroom that feels less functional and more like a private retreat where you can unwind at the end of the day."
Lesley Taylor is an designer with more than 25 years’ experience across both residential and commercial property. A registered member of BIID – the British Institute of Interior Design – Lesley has authored 10 books on interior design.
6. Introduce some rich timber finishes
Bringing some natural materials, such as stone or timber, into a bathroom will instantly lend a laid-back, inviting vibe.
If you feel a little wary about using wooden flooring in bathroom, Ian Tomlinson, MD of Chaunceys Timber Flooring, has some reassuring advice. "Wood can significantly enhance the cosiness of a bathroom, transforming it into a warm and inviting sanctuary. Wood flooring brings a timeless sense of tradition and a deep connection to nature. While it’s often assumed that wood isn’t suitable for areas with frequent water exposure, it can perform beautifully in bathrooms when the right types of wood flooring are selected, proper precautions are taken and the space is well-ventilated with good extraction to prevent moisture build-up.
"Blending wood and tile flooring is a thoughtful way to define distinct zones within a bathroom while embracing both functionality and style," continues Ian. "Wood introduces warmth and an organic, natural element, while tiles offer practicality in wet areas. Together, they embody the wabi-sabi philosophy of creating a harmonious, welcoming space that feels grounded and serene."
Chaunceys Timber Flooring is a family-run company based in Bristol with Ian becoming the Managing Director in 2012. They have been supplying sustainable, high-quality timber flooring to homeowners, award-winning architects, design and build companies, and renowned interior designers since 1988.
7. Don't shy away from wooden wall panelling
While we're on the topic of using timber finishes in the bathroom, do take the time to consider using wooden wall panelling – it is definitely not just for traditional spaces.
Adam Robertson, MD of Urbane Living, explains why this idea works so well in modern bathrooms. "Wood wall panelling can bring warmth and character to a bathroom and, when designed correctly, can work beautifully in these spaces."
That said, Adam is also keen to highlight that care needs to be taken with installation and positioning to ensure the longevity of bathroom panelling. "Moisture management needs to be considered from the outset. Steam, condensation and poor bathroom ventilation will all affect timber over time, so an effective extractor fan and good airflow are essential.
"Positioning is equally important," adds Adam. "Do not use wood panelling inside shower enclosures or in areas that are regularly exposed to direct water. Instead, consider incorporating timber on feature walls or behind vanity units, where it can add texture and visual interest without being subjected to constant moisture. The finish also plays a crucial role. A high quality lacquer or specialist water resistant treatment will provide greater protection and make surfaces easier to maintain. Slatted timber panels are a popular choice, but they need to be installed carefully to ensure moisture cannot become trapped behind them."
Adam Robertson is the co-founder and managing director of Urbane Living, a specialist flooring company recognised for its expertise in parquet, bespoke carpets and runners. With a background in design and a strong eye for detail, Adam is passionate about all things related to quality timber, from floorboards to wall panels.
8. Soften the look by using fabrics in unexpected places
And, finally, while fabric finishes are often avoided in bathrooms, there are ways of introducing them successfully – and this can be a great way to warm an otherwise stark space, as Debbie Leigh, design manager at ILIVexplains. "Textiles are a really useful way to soften a modern bathroom and make it feel more cosy. Bathroom window dressings are particularly important because they control the natural light, which can completely change the atmosphere of your room. To soften a contemporary scheme, you might like to try a relaxed linen or linen look fabric in a warm, natural shade.
"Another idea to soften a modern bathroom is to try using fabric in less expected places, such as a simple curtain beneath a vanity or basin," adds Debbie. "As well as hiding bottles and potions, the fabric will also add some softness, colour and pattern to what can otherwise be quite a hard, streamlined space.
"I would suggest looking for fabrics which have some texture to them as well, and picking colours that you’ve used elsewhere in the room so that it all ties in together."
Debbie is an expert in creating beautifully coordinated fabric collections that can be easily combined to create harmonious interior schemes. With more than 30 years of experience, she takes every design from conception right through to the finished textile - inspired by the latest trends and techniques from every continent.
FAQs
How do you make a modern shower enclosure feel cosy?
While clean, modern shower enclosures can look stunning, there are ways of ensuring they don't feel cold or sterile without ruining their crisp lines.
"We tend to think of a shower tray as another white bathroom fitting, but visually it forms part of the floor, particularly behind a clear shower screen. A bright-white tray can therefore stand out quite sharply in a room where you’ve worked hard to make everything else feel softer," points out Richard Eaton, design manager at Tissino.
"When you’re updating a shower, put the tray sample next to the floor tile before matching it to the basin and toilet. You don’t need an exact match, and trying to achieve one across different materials can be frustrating. What matters is how the two finishes look together, not whether they have the same colour name. Two versions of taupe can be surprisingly different, so comparing the samples side by side is far more useful than choosing from descriptions.
"There’s no need to add texture everywhere, either," adds Richard. "If the bathroom flooring already has plenty of pattern or variation, a smooth tray in a complementary shade can provide a quieter area within the scheme. That’s a useful way to make a modern shower feel less stark without adding more detail to it. I wouldn’t suggest replacing a perfectly good tray just to change the mood of a bathroom, though. This is something to get right when the shower needs updating; for a room that’s otherwise staying as it is, start with the smaller changes."
Richard is Senior Design Manager at Tissino and is responsible for designing many of Tissino's market-leading bathroom products. His speciality areas are showers, baths and heating, and he enjoys nothing more than developing products that people enjoy using on a daily basis, while making sure they look the part.
If you are keen to make sure your modern bathroom really is kitted out with all the latest products, make sure you also keep up-to-speed with current bathroom innovations – they are constantly being updated. And, for an instant modern bathroom style that still has warmth, take a look at these Scandi bathroom ideas to inspire you.
