Design

What Kind of Paint Is Best For a Bathroom, According to the Experts

by Block December 22, 2020

A fresh coat of paint is a quick and inexpensive way to breathe new life into a bathroom. Whether you’re updating an 80s-era powder room or putting the finishing touches on an ensuite remodel, you’ll be surprised how much a lick of spa-inspired dusty blue or warm beige can transform a space.

But as any seasoned renovator can attest, painting a bathroom isn’t just about aesthetics. These splash-prone spaces often house excess moisture and humidity, requiring a durable, long-lasting finish that can tolerate damp conditions. Daily showers and relaxing soaks only increase the potential for toxic mold and mildew growth.

Before you head to the hardware store, find out what kind of paint is best for bathrooms, according to the experts.

What Kind of Paint Finish Is Best For Bathrooms

When selecting the best kind of paint for your bathroom, consider factors like ventilation and moisture. Do you have a bathroom exhaust fan to quickly wick away excess humidity, or do you have to rely on windows and natural air flow? How often do you use the shower or tub, and do you prefer steaming hot or lukewarm temps? The answers to these questions will help you determine what kind of paint for your bathroom is ideal.

Regardless of your setup, it’s best to avoid flat or eggshell finishes, especially around the shower or bathtub. While many prefer them for their matte looks, these finishes are porous and can actually trap moisture, leading to mold growth and water damage. They’re best reserved for low-moisture rooms like dining rooms or bedrooms. To err on the side of caution and protect your bathroom walls, consider the below expert-approved bathroom paints:

Mold-Resistant Paint

Mold resistant paints are ideal for cramped bathrooms that don’t have proper ventilation or bathrooms that have experienced mold issues in the past. As Bob Vila reports, these paints contain antimicrobial additives that actively ward off mold and mildew, both by killing existing mold and preventing new growth. Many options exist on the market: Benjamin Moore’s Aura Bath And Spa Matte Finish and Zinsser’s Perma-White are two favorite choices, and you can find them both on Amazon.

High-Gloss, Semi-Gloss, or Satin Paint

If your bathroom has a proper exhaust fan and mold is not a primary concern, Consumer Reports’ paint expert Rico de Paz recommends a satin, high-gloss, or semi-gloss finish. “They’re less likely to trap moisture and are easier to clean than flat or eggshell finishes,” he says. Homeowners who don’t like the sheen of glossy paints can opt for satin instead, which is slightly less reflective but still easy to clean.

Generally speaking, the higher the gloss, the more moisture protection the paint offers. You can even use multiple finishes in one bathroom depending on the amount of moisture in each area. For example, the walls and ceiling around a shower could use a satin or semi-gloss paint, while the walled area below a tub could use the protection of a high-gloss finish.

What Kind of Paint Color Is Best for Every Type of Bathroom

Timeless Paint Colors For Modern Bathrooms

Best White Paint for Modern Bathrooms: Simply White by Benjamin Moore
“Bathrooms set the stage for the beginning and end of your day. Seeing your face and clothes in their true colors provides context. That’s why I prefer Simply White, which reflects natural light in bathrooms,” said interior designer Jennifer Jean Morris to The Spruce. “A white room keeps things feeling fresh, but the warm undertone ensures that it doesn’t feel sterile.”

Best Beige Paint for Modern Bathrooms: Patches by PPG

“Patches by PPG is a rich brown-gray that’s a great darker neutral,” said interior designer Leanne Ford to Hunker. “It is gorgeous alone on the walls with a clean white trim, and it lives well with any metallic hardware. Other natural colors and materials such as wood flooring also coordinate well with this hue.”

Best Grey Paint for Modern Bathrooms: Stonington Gray by Benjamin Moore

“I love bathroom stones that have clean whites and light grays in them. I like to pair that with a light gray paint color, like Benjamin Moore’s Stonington Gray, to pull that color onto the walls,” said Lauren Behfarin of Lauren Behfarin Design to Elle Decor. “It’s a crisp way of keeping things neutral but tying it all together.”

Best Black Paint for Modern Bathrooms: Off-Black by Farrow & Ball

“My favorite bathroom color is Farrow & Ball Off-Black,” said interior designer Tali Roth to MyDomaine. “I love a dramatic black bathroom with a penny round mirror! I think black or a dark moody color is great—particularly when you can’t update the finishes, as it adds drama.”

Design

Why Contemporary Bathroom Vanity Designs Are More Elegant and Efficient

by Block October 19, 2020

When you get down to basics, a bathroom vanity is a box designed to hold the sink and cover up the plumbing. For decades, these structures were either fairly large and clunky, extending from the countertop to the floor, or dainty pedestals with no cupboards whatsoever. One option provided plenty of storage (the other not at all), but neither were necessarily well-thought-out or optimized for bathrooms.

Today’s contemporary bathroom vanity designs have completely changed the game: They are no longer just big boxes designed to hide pipes. Instead, their functional and attractive style typically has a “floating” design that makes the room look more spacious. They also incorporate roomy drawers and shelves to maximize storage, often in a very smart way.

Let’s look at some great examples of contemporary vanity designs.

Efficient use of space

Contemporary vanities make the best use of available space, fitting into alcoves or right up to the tub as needed. Depending on the space you have to work with, contemporary designs can work in single and double-sink configurations.

Floating design

Contemporary vanities are often wall-mounted, giving them the appearance of floating in the room. Because they don’t extend to the floor, these pieces appear lighter and less imposing than a traditional vanity. Exposing the expanse of flooring underneath gives the sense that the room is larger, making this style of vanity an excellent choice in a smaller bathroom. (The floating design also makes it easier to clean the floor!)

Clean, simple lines

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The hallmark of contemporary bathroom vanity design is sleek, simple lines. It’s elegant in its simplicity. Contemporary vanities also make use of modern materials, such as white acrylic, marble, or quartz countertops and minimalistic shapes like integrated sinks. Natural materials likewood are also commonly used for the cabinet fronts, either in a natural stain or painted in a modern palette.

Clever storage

While a contemporary bathroom vanity appears much smaller than its traditional counterpart, it’s designed to optimize storage. Smart shelf and drawer systems allow you to organize your towels and toiletries and easily access what you need when you need it. This type of vanity keeps items hidden out of sight when you’re not using them—an important consideration in clean and minimal contemporary bathrooms.

Provide a focal point

With the variety of materials and designs available, a contemporary vanity can be truly eye-catching. It’s all about making it the focal point of the room. For instance, many designers add an oversized mirror that’s round or oval in shape to contrast with the vanity’s straight lines and flank it with simple modern sconces. The simplicity of the vanity also provides a perfect background for a statement vessel sink or wall-mounted plumbing fixtures.

Browse Block’s contemporary bathroom styles to get started on your dream remodel.

Design

5 Small Modern Bathroom Remodels That Will Inspire Your Reno

by Block October 19, 2020

Small bathrooms present their obvious design challenges, especially when it’s time to remodel. With minimal square footage, multiple essential fixtures, and sometimes limited natural light, designing a bathroom that feels serene, spacious, and welcoming can be easier said than done.

But a lack of square footage doesn’t have to mean a shortage of creativity. With a foolproof design plan and a few space-saving tricks, you can curate a modern small bathroom that makes 20 square feet feel like 200.

Modern small bathroom remodels may require an expert eye, but you can kick start the process at home by researching design styles, layouts, and decor that feel spacious and comfortable. Below, browse a few of our favorite modern small bathroom remodels to jumpstart your reno brainstorm, and heed our design advice to make your tiny space feel roomy.

Add a Skylight

With its serene white-and-gray color palette, minimal decor, and use of natural materials like stone and wood, this bathroom by Australian design firm The Stables is modern perfection. The frameless glass shower divider and large skylight do wonders for opening up the space and making it feel roomy.

Squeeze in a Freestanding Tub

If you love clean, modern design, take note from GIA Renovations and install a herringbone statement shower tile paired with matte black hardware and fresh greenery. To fit a shower and a bathtub into your modern small bathroom, consider adding a freestanding tub right in the wet area to maximize the space.

Draw the Eye Up

Follow blogger Jen Pinkston’s design advice and pair warm beige accents with utilitarian, horizontal-stacked subway tile in the shower to create a welcoming contrast. To add additional height, consider a tall statement vase with dried florals and eye-catching black hardware to draw the eye upward.

Go Frameless

Lend a slight mid-century feel to a crisp modern bathroom with warm wood accents, neutral terrazzo flooring, and vertical subway tile, like in this space by Melanie Beynon Architects. Keep the floor plan open by only installing one glass panel by the showerhead, and go frameless to further open up the space.

Mix Materials

Design blogger and influencer Kayla Boyd wasn’t afraid to take risks when designing her guest bath—she went with subway tile in the shower, penny tile on the sink wall, and a patterned tile on the floors. But the matte back showerhead is what really stands out—it creates an eye-catching contrast and draws the eye upward.

Design

6 Popular Bathroom Paint Colors to Try in Your Home

by Block October 19, 2020

Considering the seemingly endless options available, picking the right paint color for any room can be time-consuming. Selecting a bathroom paint color can be even more challenging because they come with their own set of considerations.

Bathrooms can have limited natural light, for instance, and they tend to be on the smaller side. But don’t let those issues keep you from taking risks with your paint color.

If you’re not happy with the result, the solution is as simple as another coat of paint in a different shade. “Paint colors are easy to change,” notes Cathy Nyarkoh, lead designer for Block Renovation. “It takes just a few hours to repaint a small bathroom,”

So which colors are popular and what considerations should you keep in mind? Here are a few popular options to get you started:

White

White is a very popular bathroom paint color, due in part to the wide range of shades available—from very cool hues to warm tones. An all-white bathroom gives you a clean, uncluttered, and updated look.

If you’re going for an all-white space, select a white bathroom paint that matches the tiles you’ve chosen. If you’re worried about the walls showing dirt, purchase a paint finish that you can wipe down as needed.

Nyarkoh has three go-to white paints she suggests to clients. All are from Benjamin Moore: “Decorator’s White is a simple white color for a contemporary look when you don’t want to draw attention to the paint,” she says. Chantilly Lace is a cooler shade, while White Dove is on the warmer side.

Dark Blue/Navy

Using a dark shade like navy above simple subway wall tiles creates a sophisticated contrast that makes the white look sharp and crisp. Dark colors can suck up a lot of light, however, so you may need to consider adding more lighting to the room, such as an overhead light fixture or sconces flanking the vanity mirror. Darker tones can also feel cozier which is why many designers prefer them in small windowless spaces.

Gray

Gray is an excellent choice for a contemporary bathroom and it pairs well with many natural stone tiles. Like white, gray is available in a range of warm and cool tones to complement other design elements like faucets and shower heads.
The depth of color ranges from almost-white to bold neutrals like charcoal.

Nyarkoh has two favorite gray paint colors she recommends from the Benjamin Moore line: Gray Shoreline, which is a very light gray, and Silver Chain, which is slightly darker.

Terracotta

Like its tile , terracotta paint can add warmth to your bathroom. Be sure to look at the paint sample on the wall where you want to apply the paint—you may find it appears pinker than you’d like, so it’s best to have a few samples to choose from.

If you select a dark terracotta, adding reflective surfaces and add light fixtures to your bathroom can make it feel like a jewel box.

Blush

A lighter option to terra cotta is a blush hue, Nyarkoh says, and it doesn’t have to read as pink and feminine either. It all depends on what shade you choose and what other finishes you mix it with.

Periwinkle

Periwinkle is a pale blue with a grayish tint, making it a pale neutral that’s a great alternative to pure gray. According to a study by Zillow, homes with periwinkle paint in the bathroom sell for nearly $3,000 more than similar homes with other colors of bathroom paint so it’s a great option if you want a remodel with a high ROI.

Express your own style

Of course, you don’t have to choose the same bathroom paint colors as everyone else.
“Feel free to experiment with colors. There is no right or wrong color,” Nyarkoh says. “Have some fun with it.”

If you’re not ready to commit to color on all the walls, try painting a smaller area, like the vanity, trim, ceiling, or door to add just a touch of color that won’t feel overwhelming. And if paint is too much of a commitment altogether, start really small. Towels can add a splash of color to a bathroom in a way that allows you to swap the color in no time.

Design

6 Bathroom Wall Tile Ideas You’ll Love

by Block October 19, 2020

If you’ve ever watched Fixer Upper, you know how much Chip and Joanna Gaines love their custom bathroom wall tiles. And for good reason.
Bathroom wall tiles give this utilitarian space a custom feel. They are also low-maintenance, easy to clean, and can increase the value of your home when the time comes to sell.

Bathroom tiles are available in a huge variety of patterns, textures, shapes, and sizes. If you’re thinking about remodeling your bathroom, here are five wall tile ideas to help you get those creative juices flowing:

Marble Wall Tiles

No two pieces of marble are alike, making it a great choice for a custom design. Marble creates a clean, crisp, modern look. It’s smooth and easily wiped dry and comes in a wide variety of colors and veining patterns. Opt for a white marble if you’re going for a minimalist style or choose black marble to make a bold statement.
If you’re planning to sell your house, however, you might be wise to go with classic Carrara marble which buyers can accent with their own color choices.

Ceramic Wall Tiles for Bathrooms

Perhaps the most common bathroom wall tiles are ceramic because they’re durable, long-lasting, and easy to maintain. With a great range of styles, colors, and patterns, ceramic tiles work well for both walls and floors and can typically be found at a reasonable price. It’s a quick, easy, and cost-effective way to transform your bathroom.

Subway Tiles

Another inexpensive option for a quick bathroom reno is subway tile. It’s the rectangular shape laid out in a brick pattern that gives them the “subway” name, but you can mix and match wall colors and patterns to create your very own custom design. Best of all, subway tiles are a timeless classic you can work into any style, any time. Choose from ceramic (the most common), marble, glazed terracotta, or more.

Natural Stone

Natural stone tiles are a great way to add texture and give a bathroom a luxurious feel. We’ve seen natural stone used in bathroom renovations everywhere from small cabins and cottages to large century homes in the city. The design options are endless.
Here’s the best part: if you’re not quite ready to install real stone, you can find all kinds of affordable (faux stone) options.

3D Bathroom Wall Tiles

Adding 3D bathroom wall tiles to your bathroom can give the space texture and personality beyond traditional flat tiles.
Granted, some 3D tiles are priced a little higher than standard tiles, but once you see the spectacular impact they can have, you’ll see why we think they’re worth that little bit extra.

Terracotta Tiles

The name terracotta comes from the Latin word “terra cocta.” It was later translated to Italian as “terra cotta,” which means “baked earth” or “cooked earth.” Terracotta tiles, whether glazed or unglazed, are a traditional, environmentally-friendly, and natural-looking option for your bathroom. And when properly sealed with oil and wax (or synthetic sealant), terracotta tiles are completely waterproof, making them ideal for a warm, southwestern bathroom design.

Now we want to hear from you. What are some of your favorite bathroom wall tile designs? Share them with us in the comments below.

Design

10 Bathroom Wall Tile Ideas to Inspire Your Renovation Project

by Block October 19, 2020

If you’re looking to make a statement in your bathroom, look no further than wall tile. From hex and penny tile to floor-to-ceiling terrazzo and marble, the treatment is mold-resistant and easy to clean, while also giving you the opportunity to infuse personality into your space. When it comes to bathroom wall tile ideas, the possibilities are endless.

Of course, the limitless options are exactly what makes choosing bathroom wall tiles so challenging. In addition to deciding whether you want a full statement wall, a small backsplash, or a 360-degree application, you also have to choose the actual tile size, layout, and color palette.

To help narrow down your options, here are 10 bathroom wall tile ideas that will kickoff your bathroom design brainstorm.

Penny Tile Backsplash

If you’re not quite ready for floor-to-ceiling bathroom wall tile, consider adding a penny tile backsplash below your vanity mirror. Take notes from BAM Construction and opt for white tile and black grout to create an eye-catching contrast, and polish off the look with fresh cut Monstera leaves, woven baskets, and dark linens.

Waterfall Terrazzo Tile

This bathroom wall tile idea veers into maximalist territory while still remaining fresh and modern. Opt for a bold, sage-flecked terrazzo tile and match the backsplash to the floor for a waterfall effect. Allow the terrazzo colors to dictate your palette and select paint and accessories accordingly.

Floor-to-Ceiling Square Ceramic Tile

If combing through countless bathroom wall tile ideas feels overwhelming, keep it simple with an inexpensive square ceramic tile on the floor and walls. In this space, Ukranian designer Vladislav Kislenko completed the look with warm wood, black accents, and plenty of greenery.

Dark Grey Herringbone Wall Tile

Modern bathrooms don’t have to stick to a minimalist, white-on-white color palette. Go dark with a plinth-style marble countertop, charcoal herringbone bathroom wall tile, and warm wood accents. Further heighten that contrast with eye-catching brass hardware, white towels, and a porcelain sink.

Horizontal-Stacked Subway Tile

Take note from French photographer and writer Garance Doré and opt for a glossy horizontally stacked subway tile. As you can see from her bathroom, this utilitarian style is anything but boring—especially when paired with warm wood shelving, a graphic terracotta rug, and texture-rich pampas grass.

Vertical-Stacked Subway Tile

The beauty of a simple rectangular tile is that applying it in a different pattern can completely change its look. For a slightly more Scandi-inspired feel, opt for a cool gray vertical-stacked subway tile, inspired by this bathroom by Australian design firm The Stables. Paired with curved mirrors, matte black hardware, and soft textiles, you can create a serene, spa-like atmosphere.

Rose Gold Penny Tile

Pink bathrooms can be subtle, as evidenced by this space from Australian firm Decus Interiors. Opt for a soft rose penny tile and matching grout for a textured, 80s-inspired look, and complete the space with gold hardware and white towels. Paint one wall a light gray shade to balance out the look.

Classic Subway Tile

The above space designed by The Stables is proof that you can’t go wrong with a classic white subway tile. Create eye-catching contrast with dark grout, and play with configuration to make the popular style a bit more unique. Add texture with a simple oak vanity, fresh greenery, and a matte oval mirror.

Oversized Square Tile

Wall-to-wall bathroom tile may look daunting, but remember that it’ll fend off mold or water damage. For an ultra-modern look, opt for durable oversized gray tile for the walls and floors, and add visual interest with a black vanity, fresh greenery, and a brass light fixture.

Marble and Stone

If you can’t choose between stone and marble, take note from design firm Cera Stribley Architects and add both. Line the wall with a single row of square stone, and cut it with a glossy swirled carrara marble vanity. Polish off the look with cool wood floor, a gold pendant light, and monochrome grey linens.

Design

5 Modern Shower Tile Ideas You’ll Love For Your Bathroom

by Block October 19, 2020

Showers may be small, but they’re an excellent opportunity to make a statement. Sure, bathroom renovations are more labor-intensive than the standard project. It’s not enough to slap a coat of fresh paint on the walls and call it a day, you also need to factor in the removal of old tile, mold assessment, and endless amounts of grout. That said, updating your cramped and dated bathroom with clean, modern shower tile will not only make the space feel more calming and roomy, it’ll also improve the value of your home if you plan to resell.

With all the modern shower tile colors, shapes, sizes, materials, and configurations available, the seemingly-endless choices can be overwhelming. But we’re here to help. Here are five modern shower tile ideas you’ll need to concept your new project and bring your vision full-circle.

Modern Shower Tile 101

Modern shower tiles are characterized by clean, straight lines, neutral hues, and an unfussy, streamlined aesthetic—think black and white subway tile, contemporary horizontal stacked tile, or neutral herringbone tile.

As House Beautiful explains, “whites, beiges, and even some shades of black are the main color palette for modern design, but it can incorporate color as an accent, so long as it leans toward earthy.” Additionally, modern bathrooms tend to feature open-concept floor plans, luxe materials like marble and brass, and seamless glass shower doors. Browse a few examples of modern shower tile to jumpstart your design brainstorm:

Marble Shower Tiles

This beautiful marble walk-in shower belongs to author Melissa Ambrosini. With its neutral color palette, simple chevron pattern, and contrasting brass hardware, it’s a perfect example of modern bathroom design that still feels warm and inviting.

Hex Shower Tile

Pinterest via Rue Magazine

Take note from interior designer Erin Chelius and mix and match modern shower tiles and to create a custom look. Here, she featured a one-inch hex tile on the showerhead wall, a larger white hex tile on the floors, and white ceramic tile in a herringbone configuration on the bench and wall. The contrasting niche finishes off the black-and-white theme.

Stacked Ceramic Shower Tile

This utilitarian straight-stacked shower tile lives in design blogger Jen Pinkston’s guest bath. With its straight, clean lines, neutral color palette, and floor-to-ceiling application, this space epitomizes modern bathroom design with a subtle mid-century flair.

Chevron Shower Floor Tile

This sleek marble shower by Brian O’Tuama Architects is a beautiful example of modern shower floor tile. The walls are adorned with large slabs of stunning carrara marble, which gives the space a seamless look, while the ground is lined with gray tile in a graphic chevron configuration.

Large Porcelain Shower Tile

To create a sleek waterfall effect, choose the same modern shower tile for your floors and walls. Perfect for the true modern design lover, this look is minimalistic and will make your room feel more spacious. Bonus: larger bathroom tiles are significantly easier to install.

Modern Bathroom Decor Ideas

Of course, you’ll want to complement your modern shower tile with on-trend decor: matte black or brass hardware, neutral textiles, and indoor greenery could be considered the decorative hallmarks of a modern bathroom. To warm up the space, add natural materials like a bamboo or rattan stool, a wood-paneled ceiling, or a light oak vanity. For a touch of color, bring in earthy accent tones like terracotta, sage green, ochre, and rusty red via hand towels, planters, candles, and rugs.

Design

3 Solid Reasons You Need a Modern Shower in Your Life

by Block October 19, 2020

Design terminology can be confusing, especially when it comes to the ‘modern versus contemporary’ debacle. To many of us, ‘modern’ sounds like now. (We use modern technology, for example.) But in design, it refers to the design era that came about in the ’30s and lasted through the ’60s or ’70s. Before you dismiss the retro style altogether for your shower redesign, it’s important to point out that the movement gave way to most conveniences we know and love today.

The modern design era was inspired by the art movement of the same period and influences from the German Bauhaus school. Stylistic modern elements include the importance of simple form and function, the use of earth tones, and a reliance on natural materials like stone, wood, and leather.

By the 1980s, modern style was supplanted by contemporary design, but that doesn’t mean it’s outdated or no longer popular. And if you’re having visions of avocado tile and shaggy bath carpets, know that there are many ways to incorporate mid-century or Art Deco elements (both staples of modern design) in a contemporary bathroom. In fact, it might just be what you need to make your bathroom extra-inviting.

Let’s look at the features that are significant in creating a modern shower.

Natural materials

Modern design is known for the use of natural materials that add warmth. In a modern shower or bathroom, materials include natural stones like travertine, colorful ceramic tiles laid in brick or stacked patterns, or moisture-treated woods like teak. Art Deco spaces often featured shiny finishes like chrome, while mid-century style leaned towards burnished textures such as brass, so mixed metals work well in a modern bathroom design.

An earthy neutral color palette

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With the emphasis on natural materials, it’s no surprise that warm, earthy hues carry over to the color palette typically used in a modern shower or bathroom. Shades of brown and beige are commonly seen, with the colors picked up in natural stone or wood accents.

However, the modern aesthetic also embraces vibrant colors, like green, yellow, or even orange, so it’s not unusual to see a pop of bright color in a modern bathtub or shower area.

A clean and simple style

At the end of the day, modern design is all about creating simple, well-designed spaces. Form and function are both important. The style incorporates bold sleek lines and geometric shapes (like hexagon tile in a bathroom, for example). The aesthetic also embraces symmetry and tries to provide a sense of balance so dual vanities are welcomed, even preferred when space allows.

Together, these modern design elements—natural materials, earthy tones, and functional spaces—create a shower or bathroom that is warm and inviting. The overall atmosphere of the modern shower should give you a sense of ease and comfort. In fact, you could call it spa-like.

Design

What Kind of Paint Is Best For a Bathroom, According to the Experts

by Block October 19, 2020

But as any seasoned renovator can attest, painting a bathroom isn’t just about aesthetics. These splash-prone spaces often house excess moisture and humidity, requiring a durable, long-lasting finish that can tolerate damp conditions—daily showers and relaxing soaks only increase the potential for toxic mold and mildew growth.

Before you head to the hardware store, it’s essential to learn what kind of paint is best for bathrooms, according to the experts.

What Kind of Paint Finish Is Best For Bathrooms

Regardless of your setup, it’s best to avoid flat or eggshell finishes, especially around the shower or bathtub. While many prefer matte looks, these finishes are porous and can actually trap moisture, leading to mold growth and water damage. They’re best reserved for low-moisture rooms, like dining rooms or bedrooms. To err on the side of caution and protect your bathroom walls, consider the below expert-approved bathroom paints:

Mold-Resistant Paint

Mold resistant paints are ideal for cramped bathrooms that don’t have proper ventilation or bathrooms that have experienced mold issues in the past. As Bob Vila reports, these paints contain antimicrobial additives that actively ward off mold and mildew, both by killing existing mold and preventing new growth. Many options exist on the market: Benjamin Moore’s Aura Bath And Spa Matte Finish and Zinsser’s Perma-White, which you can find on Amazon, are two favorite choices

High-Gloss, Semi-Gloss, or Satin Paint

If your bathroom has a proper exhaust fan and mold is not a primary concern, Consumer Reports’ paint expert Rico de Paz recommends a satin, high-gloss, or semi-gloss finish. “They’re less likely to trap moisture and are easier to clean than flat or eggshell finishes,” he says. Bob Vila echoes that recommendation, adding that homeowners who don’t like the sheen of glossy paints can opt for satin instead, which is slightly less reflective but easy to clean.

Design

Modern Vs. Contemporary Bathroom Design: What’s the Difference, Really?

by Block October 19, 2020

When looking up “modern design,” the word “contemporary” is often listed as a synonym. But as any design lover can attest, the two classic styles are not one and the same. Simply put, “modern” is not just an adjective—it refers to a specific style that flourished during the early to mid-twentieth century. By contrast, contemporary design generally refers to what’s popular at the moment and is constantly evolving.

Of course, this distinction is important when redesigning a bathroom. From shower tile and flooring to paint color and hardware, every decision contributes to your overall vision. While mixing and matching is perfectly acceptable, educating yourself on modern versus contemporary bathroom design can help you pinpoint your preferred style.

To help guide you, we outlined everything you need to know about modern vs. contemporary bathroom design, from color palette, to layout, and finishes.

What Is Modern Design?

Generally speaking, modern design is an expression of the modernism movement, which began in the late 1800s and was heavily influenced by Scandinavian simplicity and the German Bauhaus school. It thrived from the early 1900s to the 1950s, when mid-century modern became ubiquitous before postmodernism eventually took over.

Modern design is defined by the belief that form follows function, and is therefore characterized by clean lines, neutral colors, streamlined silhouettes, natural materials, and practical, sleek furniture. Think Marcel Breuer’s famous Wassily Chair, the iconic Eames chair, and the Grand Confort by Charlotte Perriand and Pierre Jeanneret. Modern homes prioritize balance and function over all and adhere to a minimalistic aesthetic.

What Is Contemporary Design?

On the contrary, contemporary design is less clear-cut and typically draws inspiration from multiple design sensibilities. While contemporary design is not tied to a specific time period, the term first came about in the 1970s in an effort to characterize design inspired by modernism, postmodernism, art deco, and more.

To this day, contemporary design is constantly evolving to reflect the design trends of the moment, and is therefore a bit ambiguous by nature. Contemporary spaces currently draw inspiration from modernism, postmodernism, Scandinavian minimalism, mid-century modern, industrialism, and modern-bohemian, without committing to any single aesthetic.

However, as Elle Decor reports, there are a few qualities that define the contemporary aesthetic: “Neutral palettes, stark minimalism, and organic silhouettes are some of the prominent characteristics. You can expect to see materials including nickel, steel, and chrome, combined with natural textures like hemp or jute.”

Modern vs. Contemporary Bathroom Design

When dissecting modern versus contemporary bathroom design, it’s best to reference examples. The above space designed by architecture studio HÛT is a perfect example of modern design in 2020. Although it contains elements of classic modernism (note the clean lines and natural materials), the mid-century inspired teak vanity and art deco-esque terrazzo floors give it a modern flair. It feels very current and reflects the design trends of the moment, while still being rooted in modernism.

The above bathroom designed by Berga & Gonzalez Architects is a great example of a contemporary bathroom in 2020. With its marble floors, curved free-standing bathtub, and matte black hardware, it’s sleek, minimalist, and highly functional. True to form, it draws from classic modernism with its subdued color palette and use of natural materials, which is typical of a contemporary space.

Modern & Contemporary Design Similarities

Despite their many differences, modern and contemporary design are often confused for a reason. They both trend toward minimalism and often feature clean lines, natural materials, and a neutral color palette. Modern and contemporary homes both favor open floor plans and feel airy, spacious, and clean.