Today, I will talk about bathroom renovations and how to bring your space into this decade without demolishing your bank account.
I know bathrooms can feel stuck in time – maybe yours has those weird beige tiles from the 90s or a vanity that’s seen better days.
Trust me, I’ve been there! My own bathroom was straight out of 1985 until last year. Bathroom makeovers might seem overwhelming, but I’m going to break down the most impactful changes you can make.
If you’ve been putting off updating your bathroom because it feels too complicated, this is definitely for you!
I’ve helped so many friends transform their bathrooms, and now I’m sharing all my favorite tips with you. Let’s jump right in and talk about the coolest ways to make your bathroom feel brand new!
Essential Upgrades to Modernize Your Bathroom
When it comes to modernizing your bathroom, you don’t need to gut the entire thing. Sometimes just switching out a few key elements can completely transform the space. The bathroom is such a personal room – it’s where you start and end your day, so it should feel good to be in there! I’ve found that focusing on clean lines, smart storage, and classic fixtures gives you the biggest impact. These upgrades range from weekend warrior projects to ones that might need a professional, but they’ll all make your bathroom feel like it belongs in this century. Pick and choose what works for your space and budget!
Upgrade to a Frameless Glass Shower Enclosure
Nothing says “dated bathroom” like those old sliding shower doors with the chunky metal frame that’s probably discolored by now. Switching to a frameless glass shower enclosure is like taking your bathroom from flip phone to smartphone in one move! It instantly opens up the room and makes everything feel bigger and brighter.
I did this in my guest bathroom last year and visitors always comment on how much larger the room looks now. The clear glass lets light flow through and makes the shower tile a feature instead of hiding it behind frosted panels.
All you need to do is conduct a quick search for ‘remodel my shower‘ and you’ll find numerous remodelers in your area who can help with this upgrade. They’ll measure your space and recommend the right glass thickness and hardware options.
If you’re worried about privacy, don’t be! You can go with slightly frosted or textured glass that still gives that open feel without putting everything on display. Plus, the bonus is that these are way easier to clean since there’s no track at the bottom collecting gunk.
Install a Floating Vanity
Okay, this might be my absolute favorite bathroom upgrade! Swapping out that clunky cabinet-to-the-floor vanity for a floating one changes everything. It’s like your bathroom suddenly lost 20 pounds!
Floating vanities don’t touch the floor, which makes even the tiniest bathroom feel more spacious. Plus, cleaning is a breeze because you can actually mop under it instead of trying to jam the mop into those weird corners.
When I updated my bathroom, I went with a simple white oak floating vanity, and it completely transformed the space. The light wood tone brought warmth into what was a cold, clinical-looking bathroom before.
Another great thing about floating vanities is that you can hang them at whatever height works best for you. No more hunching over! If you’re tall like me, this is life-changing for your back.
Look for ones with soft-close drawers – it’s such a small detail but makes the whole experience feel high-end. Trust me, once you go floating vanity, you’ll never want to go back!
Swap Out Old Fixtures for Matte Black or Brushed Gold Finishes
Let’s talk about one of the easiest upgrades that makes a huge impact – changing out those old chrome fixtures! If your bathroom still has those shiny silver faucets and handles from the early 2000s, it’s time for a refresh.
Matte black is super popular right now and looks amazing against white tile or light-colored walls. It gives that pop of contrast that makes everything look intentional. I switched my guest bathroom to matte black last year, and it instantly felt more expensive.
Brushed gold is my personal favorite though. It adds this warm glow to the bathroom that feels luxurious without being too blingy. I put a brushed gold faucet in my powder room, and people always ask if I did a full renovation – nope, just changed the fixtures!
The best part? You can do this yourself in an afternoon. Just make sure all your new pieces match – faucet, shower panel, towel bars, toilet paper holder – the whole set. Nothing screams “I didn’t plan this” like mixed metal finishes.
Don’t forget the little things like cabinet knobs and drawer pulls. Those tiny details really pull everything together!
Incorporate Large-Format or Geometric Tiles
Tiny tiles are so yesterday! If you want your bathroom to feel current, go big with your tile choice. Large-format tiles mean fewer grout lines, which creates this smooth, seamless look that’s much more modern.
I used 12×24 inch tiles in my shower remodel, and it makes the whole space feel bigger. Plus, less grout means less scrubbing – who doesn’t want that?
If big tiles aren’t your thing, geometric patterns are another amazing option. Hexagons, herringbone, or chevron layouts take basic tiles and make them special. I did a hexagon tile floor in my powder room with dark grout, and it’s the first thing people notice when they walk in.
You don’t have to tile the entire bathroom either. Sometimes just doing an accent wall in the shower or behind the vanity gives you that updated look without blowing your budget on tile for the whole room.
White subway tile will always be classic, but try laying it in a different pattern or using a contrasting grout color to give it a fresh spin!
Add Smart Technology
Bathrooms used to be the last place you’d find tech, but not anymore! Adding some smart features to your bathroom is like bringing it from the stone age to space age.
Smart mirrors with built-in lighting and defoggers changed my morning routine completely. No more wiping steam off with my hand just to see if my hair looks okay!
Motion-sensor faucets aren’t just for public bathrooms anymore. I installed one in my kids’ bathroom, and it’s been amazing – no more water left running, and way fewer germy handprints on the handles.
Heated toilet seats sound like a luxury until you try one in winter – then they become a necessity! Some even have night lights built in, which is perfect for those middle-of-the-night bathroom trips.
My favorite smart upgrade has been adding a waterproof Bluetooth speaker. Being able to listen to my favorite podcast in the shower makes mornings so much better! Some showerheads even come with speakers built right in now.
These tech additions don’t have to be complicated or super expensive, but they definitely make your bathroom feel like it belongs in this century!
Replace Traditional Lighting with LED and Backlit Mirrors
Lighting can make or break a bathroom! Those old Hollywood-style bulbs above the vanity that cast weird shadows on your face? Time to kick those to the curb.
LED lighting strips behind your mirror create this gorgeous halo effect that lights up your face evenly. It’s like having perfect selfie lighting all the time! I added a backlit mirror to my bathroom last year, and my makeup has never looked better.
Recessed can lights in the ceiling are another great option. They give even light throughout the room without taking up visual space. I put these on a dimmer switch so I can have them bright for cleaning day but soft for relaxing baths.
Don’t forget task lighting near the vanity! Wall sconces at eye level on either side of the mirror give you the best lighting for shaving or applying makeup. Those top-down lights create shadows under your eyes and nose that nobody needs to see.
Good bathroom lighting isn’t just about looking pretty – it’s functional too. Being able to actually see what you’re doing makes everything from flossing to tweezing so much easier!
Go for a Wall-Mounted Toilet
Wall-mounted toilets look so sleek and take up way less visual space in your bathroom. The tank is hidden inside the wall, so all you see is the bowl floating above the floor.
I installed one during my main bathroom remodel, and the difference is amazing! Being able to clean under it completely changed my cleaning routine – no more trying to reach around that disgusting toilet base with a rag.
They typically have the flush buttons on top of the wall, which looks super modern and gives you options for half or full flushes to save water. Win-win!
The height is customizable too, so you can mount it at whatever level is most comfortable. Standard toilets are often too low for taller people, so this is a game-changer for comfort.
If you’re worried about installation, don’t be! Yes, it’s more complicated than a regular toilet, but any decent plumber can handle it. The wall needs to be reinforced to support the weight, but once it’s in, it’s totally sturdy.
These toilets make small bathrooms feel bigger and give any bathroom that spa-like hotel vibe that we all secretly want!
Install a Freestanding Tub
If you have the space, swapping out that built-in tub/shower combo for a gorgeous freestanding tub makes your bathroom feel like a luxury retreat! It becomes a focal point rather than just a functional item.
I replaced my old drop-in tub with a simple white freestanding one, and it completely transformed the room. There’s something so elegant about seeing all sides of the tub instead of having it wedged against three walls.
The styles range from super modern and sleek to those classic clawfoot tubs with vintage vibes. I went with something in between – a slightly curved egg shape that feels timeless but not old-fashioned.
They’re not just pretty – they’re practical too! Most freestanding tubs are deeper than built-in ones, so you get a much better soak. My old tub barely covered my knees, but now I can sink up to my shoulders.
If you’re worried about shower options, you can add a freestanding tub filler with a handheld shower attachment, or keep a separate shower stall if you have room. Either way, it’s a total bathroom game-changer!
Update the Flooring
Bathroom floors take such a beating from water, humidity, and traffic. Updating yours can make the whole room feel fresh and new!
Luxury vinyl plank flooring has come such a long way! It looks like real wood but handles water like a champ. I put this in my kids’ bathroom, and it still looks perfect after two years of splashes and puddles.
Porcelain tile is another fantastic option that comes in endless colors and patterns. I chose large-format gray tiles for my main bathroom that look like concrete but feel warm underfoot.
Don’t forget to consider heated floors! This might sound super fancy, but electric heating mats go under your new flooring and aren’t as expensive as you might think. I added this during my remodel, and stepping onto a warm floor on cold mornings feels like the ultimate luxury.
If you already have tile floors that are in good shape but look dated, sometimes just regrouting with a different color can refresh the whole look. I changed my white grout to light gray, and it made the floors look brand new without replacing a single tile!
Embrace Minimalist Storage Solutions
Cluttered countertops make even the nicest bathroom look messy and dated. Modern bathrooms are all about clean surfaces and smart storage!
I added simple floating shelves above my toilet instead of those bulky over-toilet cabinets that scream 1990s. They provide a place for a few pretty items and necessary storage without overwhelming the space.
Recessed medicine cabinets are making a huge comeback! Mine looks like a regular mirror but opens to reveal tons of storage for all those little bathroom items. The best part is that it doesn’t stick out from the wall, so the bathroom still feels spacious.
Drawer organizers changed my vanity situation completely. Instead of throwing everything in a drawer and digging around each morning, I have little compartments for each type of item. It makes getting ready so much faster!
For towels, I switched from a towel bar to hooks – they take up less wall space and towels actually dry better when they’re hung this way instead of folded over a bar. Plus, it’s way easier to hang a towel on a hook when you’re rushing around in the morning.
The key is finding storage that works with your daily routine, not against it. When everything has a designated spot, your bathroom naturally stays tidier and more peaceful!
Conclusion
There you have it – my top 10 ways to bring your bathroom into this decade! You don’t have to tackle all these at once. Maybe start with new fixtures or updated lighting before moving on to bigger projects like a frameless shower or floating vanity.
What I love about bathroom updates is how much joy they bring to your everyday routine. Think about it – we all use this room multiple times a day. Making it more functional and beautiful actually improves your daily life in a real way!
Which of these upgrades are you most excited to try? I started with new fixtures and lighting in my bathroom makeover, and those two changes alone made such a difference that it motivated me to keep going with the bigger projects.
Remember that bathrooms should be both practical and pretty. The best upgrades check both boxes! A frameless shower looks amazing AND is easier to clean. Smart technology feels fancy AND makes your routine more efficient.
Now go make that bathroom something you love walking into every morning! Trust me, future-you will be so thankful you did!
