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10 Designer-Approved Bathroom Ideas for Your Next Remodel

When it comes to brainstorming ideas for your next bathroom remodel, you can count on your local design-build experts to give you the tips you need. Model Remodel has been designing and building custom bathrooms with tailored interior design for 22 years.

Are your bathroom’s aging cabinets and busy color patterns a constant reminder of the 1990s (or earlier)? Is your morning routine a bit dull as you dream of a space that accommodates all your wants and needs? If so, a bathroom remodel is the perfect way to transform your outdated space into a fully functional, spa-like retreat that exudes calmness and sophistication. That said, creating the bathroom of your dreams — one that streamlines your morning routine — takes planning and preparation.

Ready to get started? Grab your measuring tape and prepare to be inspired by these ten designer-approved bathroom remodeling ideas.

Create A Spa Vibe with Natural Stone Countertops

When used in a kitchen or bathroom, nothing says classic elegance like natural stone. For example, incorporating marble countertops and a matching backsplash into your bathroom décor is the perfect way to create a vintage-meets-modern aesthetic. In addition to being a timeless material, marble is durable and easy to maintain. Whether you opt for classic white marble or a bold, veined pattern, marble or a comparable stone is a must-have bathroom design element in any spa-like retreat.

Other materials that we love include granite, quartzite, and soapstone. Take a look at our bathroom portfolio page for more inspiration.

The countertop is often the foundation of your morning routine. Don’t let lower quality materials take away from your luxury experience.


Optimize Storage with a Fully Functional Built-In Vanity

As a practical-yet-decorative addition to any bathroom, a built-in vanity combines the best of both worlds: style and functionality. In addition to having ample storage for all your beauty essentials, a built-in vanity creates a cohesive look in any bathroom design. While you’re at it, why not customize your new bathroom vanity with integrated lighting, recessed mirrors, and decorative fixtures for a truly personalized touch?

Whether you prefer a sleek modern design, a more traditional look, or something in between, a built-in vanity is a versatile and impactful way to bring your theme seamlessly together.

What type of vanity do I need? Curious about the different types and functions of bathroom vanities? We have an extensive article discussing the topic, you can read it here.


Add Ambiance-Enhancing Mood Lighting

Whether natural or artificial, illumination plays a vital role in setting the right mood in your bathroom. While we often recommend natural lighting for the perfect relaxing vibe, sometimes that’s not an option. Incorporating unique lighting fixtures, such as statement chandeliers, LED-strips, or pendant lights, is a creative way to introduce a touch of glamour and sophistication into your space. Consider installing dimmable LED lights for a customizable lighting experience or a backlit mirror for a modern and sleek aesthetic. Experiment with different lighting options to create the functional, stylish, and ambiance-enhancing bathroom of your dreams.

Tip: Be sure to match the color temperature for an even-toned lighting experience that’s easy on the eyes.

Moody Bathroom with Japanese Soaking Tub


Refreshing Steam Shower

Transform your bathing routine into a spa-like experience by immersing yourself in a steam shower. Steam showers are known for their many therapeutic benefits, including improved circulation, stress relief, and body detoxification. Incorporating a steam shower is a surefire way to enhance your overall well-being and add a touch of luxury to your bathroom space. Look for a steam shower with customizable settings, built-in seating, and aromatherapy options for the ultimate relaxation experience.

Model Remodel has plenty of experience building steam showers in bathrooms of all shapes and sizes. A steam shower requires careful planning and attention to detail, and our design-build process is perfect for maintaining high standards all the way through the process. Steam showers are often built as part of wet-room style bathrooms (where whole or part of the bathroom is designed to be fully waterproof), but its also possible to create a steam shower that is the size of your average shower.


Dual-Purpose Wet Room

As a modern and stylish alternative to a traditional shower, a wet room is a fully waterproofed space that combines the shower and bathroom area within one enclosure. Ideal for smaller bathrooms, a wet room creates a seamless and open layout that maximizes space, resulting in a sleek and contemporary look. Personalize your wet room with floor-to-ceiling tile, a rain showerhead, and a linear drain for a clean and minimalist aesthetic. If you prefer a low-maintenance, high-end bathroom design, a wet room is the perfect choice.

As mentioned above, wet room style bathrooms are also perfect for including a steam shower for an extra luxurious touch. Freestanding tubs are also commonly included in wet rooms, as there is no need to worry about water dripping all over the floor.


Tranquil Japanese Soaking Bathtub

Bring a touch of Zen to your bathroom makeover with a Japanese soaking tub. These deep, freestanding tubs are all about relaxation and rejuvenation, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in soothing warm water. In addition to their various shapes and sizes, Japanese tubs come in a range of materials, including porcelain, wood, copper, and stone. With a Japanese soaking tub as the focal point, you can create a serene and tranquil spa-like atmosphere that soothes the soul and brings you comfort for years and years.

There are plenty of different styles of soaking tub to choose from. While Japanese-style soaking tubs are usually more narrow and tall (suited for sitting), some are more shallow, some have built in ledges, and some are wider to give more room to spread out.


European-Inspired Bidet Toilet

Say goodbye to toilet paper and hello to the ultimate in bathroom comfort with a bidet toilet. Commonly found in European bathrooms, bidet toilets are becoming increasingly popular in modern American bathrooms thanks to their hygienic and eco-friendly features. A bidet toilet combines the functionalities of a toilet and a bidet, providing a gentle and efficient way to clean yourself after finishing your “business.” Customize your bidet toilet with adjustable water pressure, temperature controls, and self-cleaning capabilities for a truly luxurious experience.

Freestanding Double Vanity

Elevate your bathroom’s storage and counter space game with a freestanding double vanity. As a must-have design feature in any master suite bathroom, a double vanity pairs dual sinks with generous drawer, cabinet, and countertop space to enhance your morning routine. Freestanding vanity options range from sleek and modern to fully customized versions with integrated storage and lighting solutions. Practical and stylish, a freestanding double vanity makes a thoughtful addition to any bathroom remodel.

There are tons of options when it comes to vanities, and every choice you make has several options. A nice vanity can act as the centerpiece to your bathroom, and is often the place you spend the most time at, while getting ready in the morning. Model Remodel has a helpful guide to picking the best bathroom vanity for your needs.

Having a vanity custom-designed for your bathroom can be a luxury in its own right.

Mediterranean Modern


Tile Flooring For A Bathroom Remodel

Flooring often defines a space’s aesthetics, making it essential to choose wisely when reimagining what’s underfoot in your bathroom. As a durable, low-maintenance, and eco-friendly flooring option, tile offers a plethora of materials and finishes. Colorful tile can brighten a room, while black tiling can make a bathroom look upscale and luxurious. Patterns and textures add interest and enhance design flexibility.

Model Remodel takes great pride in picking and sourcing some of the most interesting and beautiful tile for our client’s remodeling projects, and you can see all of our past designs in our portfolio.

LED Mirror

Illuminate your space with a touch of elegance. A built-in LED mirror offers more than just a reflection, it gives you perfectly even lighting every time you’re getting ready for the day. With their sleek design and customizable lighting options, these mirrors add a modern touch to any room. Many options include different modes for warm, cool, and neutral lighting. No more struggling with dim lighting or shadows, enjoy clear, bright illumination that highlights your features and creates a futuristic feel.

Vanity with LEDlighting mirror
Serene & Sustainable Dream Home Remodel

Bathroom Remodeling in the Seattle Area

Construction worker remodeling contractor

Dreaming of a fresh new bathroom that soothes the soul? From maximizing compact spaces to building your luxurious dream bathroom, Model Remodel can transform your vision into reality. With over 20 years in the business, we’ll guide you through every step, from eco-friendly material choices like recycled countertops and water-smart appliances to choosing the perfect tub that adds a pop of personality. Be sure to take a look at our portfolio for more bathroom remodeling inspiration.

Our design-build services let our expert designers and skilled builders breathe life into your bathroom, opening up spaces, embracing natural light, and creating a better connection to your home. Let’s build something great – contact Model Remodel today and unlock the full potential of your Seattle bathroom!

Bathroom Vanity and Sink FAQs

How much does a bathroom remodel cost?

The cost of a bathroom remodel can vary greatly depending on the project’s scope, the materials used, and the labor involved. A partial remodel can start in the $10,000+ range, while full luxury bathroom remodels can make their way up to $100,000.

How long does a bathroom remodel take

The timeline for a bathroom remodel can vary depending on the project’s size and scope, material availability, and other factors. On average, a bathroom remodel can take anywhere from one week to eight weeks or longer, depending on whether it’s a minor upgrade or whole bathroom renovation, and if it’s part of a larger remodel.

Do I need a building permit for a bathroom remodel?

In most cases, a building permit is required for a bathroom remodel, especially if you are making structural changes, such as moving plumbing or electrical fixtures or tearing out a wall. As a result, you should consult your local building department to determine your area’s specific requirements. Model Remodel has an in-house permitting specialist that can easily determine the appropriate course for your project.

How can I make my new bathroom more eco-friendly?

Several eco-friendly options are now available when planning a bathroom remodel, including low-flow toilets, water-saving faucets, energy-efficient lighting, and eco-friendly materials like reclaimed wood and recycled glass. These sustainable choices can help reduce water and energy consumption and create a more environmentally friendly bathroom space. Model Remodel specializes in sustainable building and we would be happy to discuss your options for going green on your next remodel.

Written by Model Remodel

Model Remodel is a design-build, remodeling contractor located in Seattle, WA. For over 20 years we’ve been building with purpose, craftsmanship and sustainability in mind. We are proud to continually make the list of top Seattle contractors for our beautiful interior designs and homeowner-focused remodeling process.

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