Minimalist Bathroom Ideas

Are you looking for a fresh perspective on bathroom ideas? The artists and architects who first created the minimalist style were concerned with a variety of ethical and aesthetic ideas. But today, you don't need a degree in philosophy to appreciate the elegance of minimalist design. The elements of the minimimalist approach are: lack of ornamentation, emphasis on geometric forms and the use of industrial materials and fabrication methods.

Minimalism isn't for everyone. However, there are good reasons for its popularity, it:

• Creates a calm, contemplative space
• Ensures durable, long-lasting construction
• Is easy to clean

Perhaps most importantly, minimalist designs have a timeless appeal, independent of the whims of fashion. Here are some aspects of minimalist bathroom design that you'll want to take into account.

Walls, Floors and Windows

Some say that minimalism beegins and ends with the Empty White Room. That's a tough standard to live up to if you're designing an actual usuable space. But it's a good ideal to keep in mind as you make basic decisions about your walls and floor.

Though wallpaper is clearly inconsistent with minimalist purity, you'll find that whiite walls aren't as simple as they appear. Every home supply store will stock dozens of different kinds of white paint, ranging from cool (bluish) to warm (yellowinsh or reddish), each with it's own specific effect on the ambience of the bathroom. And if white walls really aren't working, then a viable alternative is wood paneling. Hardwood paneling will be attractive, unobtrusive, durable and mildew-resistant.

For privacy, you'll probably want to avoid drapery. Instead, consider frosted glass for windows and shower stalls. Or for a real industrial touch, use traditional glass blocks.

Polished concrete is the usual choice for the minimalist floor. However, concrete retains heat poorly and gets slippery when wet. Simple ceramic or stone tile may be a more practical alternative.

Fixtures, Surfaces and Storage

The minimalist designer will avoid chrome and plastic whenever possible. Stainless steel is the preferred material for plumbing fixtures such as taps and faucets. Aluminum is a suitable material for light-duty hardware such as mirror clips, cabinet handles and drawer pulls.

Several popular design houses manufacture fixtures specifically for the minimalist aesthetic. These fixtures even include tank-less toilets and faucet-less sinks that reduce visual clutter.

You may need to "break the rules" a little when you choose a bathtub. To reduce weight, some manufacturers produce minimalist bathtubs using synthetic materials, even recycled plastics. Furthermore, for reasons of comfort, a bathtub will require a more organic form than otherwise dictated by minimalist aesthetics. Nevertheless, the principles of simplicity, functionality, and symmetry should still apply to the choice of bathtub.

Countertops and cabinets are often used to excellent decorative effect in ornamental design styles. But in a minimalist bathroom, these items should be understated, or even eliminated if possible. Polished stone or concrete is suitable for countertop applications, while clear-coated plywood or even glass can be used for cabinetry.

Design Concepts

The minimalist approach is always "less is more." If a design element seems unnecessary, get rid of it! Eliminating extraneous elements reduces the number of design decisions you'll have to make, but it increases the importance of each decision. Therefore, carefully consider the color, material, size and location of each item and surface in your minimalist bathroom design. This will be easier if you choose 1 or 2 primary components for visual impact (i.e., a stone tile floor and a glassed-in shower stall) and surround them with more subdued, complementary elements.