Beyond slim profiles and unobtrusive colours, there are a host of characteristics expected to accompany the ubiquitous minimalist bathroom.
Born out of a reaction to abstract expressionism, minimalism continues to be highly relevant, especially when it comes to imbuing bathrooms with space-saving effects. With the majority of people living in urban centres around the world, and that proportion set to increase with the rising pace of urbanisation, minimalism will likely continue being among the most popular of styles applied in bathrooms.
While modern interpretations of minimalism may diverge with experimental blends of other aesthetic styles, a devoutly minimalist bathroom can be as awe-inspiring and breathtaking as a classically decorated banquet hall. To help you achieve the epitome of minimalism in the bathroom, we take you on a tour of some bathrooms that best exemplify this iconic style.
Classically Clean
Beyond the hallmarks of shedding frills in favour of practicality, another underlying principle of minimalism is centred around the preservation of space. Simplistic fittings such as those incorporated in the glass shower enclosures or bathtub areas are the most obvious selections for a minimalist space, but the choice of colour palette for the finishes and fixtures will have additional, more subtle, effects on the overall decor.
Tip: Bathroom fixtures tend to be all-white, but to truly maximise the perception of volume, the choice of white tiles is made to imbue this bathroom with the space-saving effect of white.
Mod Tub
Image credit: Guocera
All that effort into preserving a sense of space would just go to waste without a central element for the eye to focus on, and a bathroom decorated in minimalist style just happens to make a fittingly subtle backdrop for a lone decorative element. In the pictured bathroom, the slim furnishings and plain white finishes set the stage for eyes to fall on the main attraction of this space — the freestanding tub. With its all-white shell, the bathtub seemingly blends into the background, but its delectably curved sides set it apart from the rigid forms in the background.
Tip: The most popular style of bathtub in the current age – the ubiquitous free-standing tub – is the ideal choice for a central element in modern bathrooms by virtue of their uncomplicated forms.
Small Wonders
Image credit: Cosentino
The rationale behind those slim profiles prevalent in minimalist spaces is the reduction of form while preserving function — a principle that sometimes leads to the limitation of shelves and countertop surfaces. But a minimalist bathroom does not necessarily entail the forgoing of sometimes necessary amenities. Even with this minute detail added as an afterthought, the jarring divide between a showroom and someone’s real life sanctuary is effectively crossed.
Tip: A sprinkling of accessories and creature comforts speaks of a lived-in space. As demonstrated in the pictured bathroom, even a stool added as an afterthought makes the space seem purposefully minimalist rather than empty.
Dark Beauty
Image credit: Niro Granite
Minimalist bathrooms don’t need to be all-white or light-toned. Dark palettes can work well too; just that it’s not a requirement to go superbly dark. You can experiment with depth and textures by pairing different materials and finishes. The end result, when a dark bathroom is done well, is a visually exciting and dramatic space that can bring a relaxing yet sophisticated feeling.
Tip: Ensure there’s optimal lighting to complement the dark palette so that it won’t feel so dim inside the bathroom.
Tile Styles
Image credit: Kohler
An excellent to introduce visual interest in a minimalist bathroom is to leverage on tones or textures of tiles. It can be as simple as a contrasting grout lines of a ceramic tiled wall or graceful veins of marble. Be careful not to go overboard with too many patterns or colours if you want to maintain a minimalist aesthetic.
Tip: It’s a better idea to introduce tile motifs on the walls rather than the floors to keep the space visually clean. Work around neutral tones or use dark and light natural tones to generate a minimalist effect.
