Design Details: Powder Room Vanity Styles With Personality

From traditional to contemporary, approaches to the powder room vanity allow for lots of creativity. And because of the modest scale, this is a place where you can indulge in higher-end materials and design solutions that might be too much for the budget in larger rooms. Let these 11 delightful examples of beautifully combined colors, shapes and details inspire your own powder room project.

Marie Meko, Allied ASID

Richly Toned Traditional

Vanity: 36 inches wide by 18 inches deep by 35 inches high

Everything in this space is richly expressed in dark, intimate tones. The extraordinary Trumeau mirror by E.J. Victor, the integrated picture frame and the sumptuous tile flooring make the room particularly interesting.

A dark-stained wood cabinet from Hooker Furniture has been converted to a vanity, making a lavatory out of a beautiful piece of furniture. (The cabinet is no longer available, according to the designer, but the company is continuously coming out with new designs.) The oval white porcelain sink undermounts to a black solid-surface countertop and backsplash, and its two-lever handle faucet is in oil-rubbed bronze.

The branch detail in the wallpaper reflects the detail of the unique towel bar. Finishing things off are two metal-shaded sconces with brass details, mounted at 60 to 66 inches above the floor.

Charmean Neithart Interiors

Asian-Influenced Transitional

Vanity: Approximately 32 inches wide by 20 inches deep by 34 inches high

The nearly black wallpaper with sheen gives this small space drama and highlights the detail in the vanity cabinet, detail that’s further emphasized by the coordinating trim of the mirror and the finish on the sconces. The diagonal cabinet face detail repeats in the travertine tiles set at 45 degrees. The scheme is otherwise simple, with a single-lever faucet on a solid countertop with an oval undermount sink.

Design By Lisa

Neutral-Toned Traditional

Vanity: 30 inches wide by 22 inches deep by 35 inches high

Though this room employs a conservative color scheme, the detail in the finishes makes an unforgettable impression. The painted vanity cabinet is custom, though similar types are available from a variety of sources. An onyx countertop, called Delicato, the Zoffany Cordoba wallpaper and the quarter-sawn white oak flooring make the space luxurious. The sink is a porcelain rectangular undermount.

The mirror was custom-made, the designer says, but the key is its beveled edge, which achieves a finished look without the need for a frame. Brushed nickel hardware is equally elegant. The small Hudson Valley Lighting chandelier, mounted to the center of the ceiling, adds lots of charm. Notice that the crystal cabinet pulls match the doorknob, which completes the detailing in this space.

Shannon Ggem ASID

Boldly Colorful Traditional

Vanity: 37 inches wide by 18 inches deep by 37 inches high

This powder room quickly transports you to a vacation spot all on its own. The Thibaut wallpaper adds dimension and boldness, and the handpainted distressed cabinet from Cole + Co. gives the space an unexpected rustic twist. The luscious taupe-colored marble countertop, sometimes called Athens gray, holds an undermount oval sink. The silver-framed oval mirror coordinates with the playful Currey & Co. sconces, which in turn mimic the swirls in the wallpaper.

Mahoney Architects & Interiors

Rounding It Out

Vanity: Approximately 26 inches wide by 20 inches deep by 32 inches high

Rounded fixtures and furnishings can make smaller spaces function more smoothly and give the illusion of a larger space. This 3-foot-wide powder room could easily be overwhelmed by a large, square cabinet, but this rounded solution, along with the wainscot, nicely details the space. The 2-inch hexagonal floor tiles allude to traditional mosaics found in older homes, but the size gives them a fresh feeling.

Notice that the sink type serves as a countertop as well, eliminating the need for a separate piece of material. The mirror frame, custom-made for this project, matches the cabinet material and finish. Similar premanufactured configurations are available from many sources.

Ambiance Interiors

Wallpaper Focus

Vanity: Approximately 25 inches wide by 19 inches deep by 32 inches high

As with the previous example, you can find vanity configurations that have the sink integrated into the cabinet design, like this one. Some come with a faucet already installed. Their detailing gives the look of a piece of furniture rather than a traditional cabinet with a toe kick.

A custom decoupage wall treatment sets this room apart. A local artist installed a collection of maps, menus, articles and pictures collected by the owner as part of a trip to Italy, and the theme is enhanced by the candle sconces. The room is otherwise quite simple.

Key Measurements to Help You Design a Powder Room

kelly mcguill home

Open It Up

Vanity: 31.5 inches wide by 18.75 inches deep by 34 inches high

This vanity, the Weathered Oak Single Console Sink from Restoration Hardware, is available in seven wood finishes, depending on your location. Once again, the sink acts as the countertop. The mirrored cabinet is also from RH but doesn’t currently show up on its website, though there are similar options. The wainscot paneling adds greatly to the theme of the space. The ceramic floor tiles resemble brick and are laid in a running bond pattern.

Peter S. Balsam Associates

Contemporary Curves

Vanity: 20⅝ inches wide by 21 inches deep by 34 inches high

This Camber petite vanity by Kohler is available in several finishes, but the sink, called the Camber drop-in, is a separate product and must be bought specifically for use with this configuration. This solution may be a great fit if you have a really tight space and the circular shape fits your design.

With the mosaic tile seen here, this will be a more expensive scheme than most. You will also need to purchase a faucet; the one shown here is in a satin nickel finish. The sink is available in three versions. The first has no opening for the plumbing, meaning you would use it with a wall-mounted faucet. The other two have openings for the plumbing fixtures, either a single-handle faucet or the two-handle type seen here.

Josh Wynne Construction

Custom Creations

Vanity: Approximately 26 inches wide by 18 inches deep by 30 inches high

If you know a very good carpenter, you may be able to create your own custom design, as has been done here. This contractor custom-fabricated the concrete countertop and placed a vessel sink atop it, with the bronze faucet set at an angle. Varying sizes of Porcelanosa tiles line the wall, and a coordinated mosaic tile covers the floor. The mirror, found at an estate sale, floats on the chartreuse-painted wall above the tile wainscot.

Bill Fry Construction - Wm. H. Fry Const. Co.

Contemporary Lines

Vanity: Approximately 30 inches wide by 22 inches deep by 34 inches high

This semi-custom solution uses a Kohler product, or similar, for the sink. The contractor custom-built the base to complete the vanity. Ann Sacks Clodagh shield tiles line the back wall, adding dimension, shade and shadow to the scheme. The teardrop pendant provides lighting, and a framed beveled mirror, also custom, completes the contemporary theme.

David Heide Design Studio

When in Doubt, Float

Vanity: 30 inches wide by 21⅜ inches deep by 19 inches high (mounted about 14 inches above the floor)

This Kohler product, called Traverse, requires a selection of the cabinet, sink and faucet. With the hexagonal multicolored mosaic wall tile, this is also going to be a more expensive solution. The floor tiles are a rectangular shape about 6 inches wide and 24 inches long, laid in the running bond pattern. The dramatic internally lit round chrome mirror suits the modern design. This scheme could easily be replicated in less expensive finishes.

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The 20 Most Popular Bathrooms of 2015

When it comes to the most popular bathrooms of 2015, there are plenty of trends to talk about. Some old, some new, some borrowed, some navy blue. Obviously, tile played a big role — porcelain that looked like hardwood planks, hexagonal tiles that grew in size, more 3-D patterns than ever, and an old favorite, subway tiles, which showed no sign of going away anytime soon. Materials like teak, brass, reclaimed wood, pebbles, marble, quartz and concrete were big picks as well. Other than that, the most popular bathrooms featured a wide range of styles and sizes.

Holst Brothers General Contractors

Photo by Amy Bartlam

Brass hardware. Brass made its way back not only into the kitchen, but also the bath. The warm finish brightened up many of the popular bathrooms on Houzz. In this room designed by Kirsten Marie, we can see that deep navy is a swell pairing for brass, making a crisp nod to nautical without going overboard.
Another 2015 trend worth noting is the use of encaustic cement floor tile, which has found its way from Mediterranean- and Moroccan-style homes into all sorts of spaces. Its vibrant patterns, which are also turning up on ceramic tiles, offer designers a chance to make a big impact underfoot.

See the rest of this home

Vanity paint: custom (similar: Black Blue, Farrow & Ball); mirror: Made Goods; lighting: Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co.; hardware: Liz’s Antique Hardware; floor tile: Eastern Promise in Tangier Pallazzo, 6¾ by 6¾ inches, Martin Lawrence Bullard for Ann Sacks

Etelamaki Architecture

Teak. In this bathroom, a vanity made of quartersawn teak veneer plywood adds warmth and heft while standing up to moisture. Coordinating mats under the counter, a platform under the tub and accents on the wall tie the room together.

Medicine cabinets: Kohler K-2936-PG; vessel sinks: Larissa, Toto; floor tile: quartzite in Spa White, Velvet finish, Stone Source; wall tile: Graphite Slate, Stone Source; mats: CB2; pendants: Solitaire, Niche Modern; towel bars: Delta Trinsic, Home Depot

Anne Sneed Architectural Interiors

Farmhouse style. Houzzers were drawn to details like stained-wood vanities and mirrors, tongue-and-groove or beadboard paneling and other homespun touches.

The bathroom in this equestrian-inspired California ranch house had more than 85,000 Houzz users clicking the save button.

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Faucets: Salinas vessel lavatory faucet trim only, California Faucets; lights: Maria pendant, Cisco Brothers; vanity: custom; hardware: San Diego Hardware; counters: Calacatta marble

Interior Therapy

Vintage-modern mix. Also popular were nostalgic vintage touches like pedestal sinks, subway tile and even wood toilet seats, though homeowners balanced them with elements such as clean lines and frameless clear shower enclosures. Engineered oak floors enhanced the look.

In this bathroom, a framed tea towel made from the homeowners’ wedding invitation adds a personal touch.

Tea towel: Wedding Tea Towels; tile: Cotswold in Grafito, size 150x75, Tile Giant; towel bar: Vogue Regency traditional towel rail; window shade: Allia in Graphiite, Designers Guild; engineered oak floors with dark black stain: Furlong Flooring

Tanya Capaldo Designs

Eclectic touches. The mirror is a wonderful opportunity to add unique style to the bathroom. In this renovated Boston brownstone, an antique French mirror steals the spotlight, and brass faucets and frames pick up on its warm gold finish. Carrara marble adds elegance, while clear glass makes the room feel larger.

See the rest of this home


Wall paint: Cornforth White, Farrow & Ball; unlacquered brass fixtures: Waterworks

Large hexagonal tiles. Hex tiles blew up this year, literally and figuratively. We saw 6-to-9-inch versions bringing in a modern look as they spread across floors and up the walls of many bathrooms. The tiles add pattern through their honeycomb-like compositions.

More: Hex Tiles: Big and Bold in the Bath

Laura U, Inc.

Chic coastal style. Designers went more subtle when going for coastal style. Rather than creating a shell-a-palooza, elements like distressed paint, driftwood tones and shiplap brought in the beach. In this beach house bathroom, the team at Laura U used an oversized porthole mirror as an intriguing focal point.

Mirror: Noir porthole mirror, Candelabra; sconces: Congress 1-Light sconce, Hinkley Lighting

Carriage Lane Design-Build Inc.

Shades of gray. Gray remained one of the top color choices for bathrooms in 2015. All sorts of variations on it were used hand in hand with another popular element, Carrara marble tile. Designers paired the beautiful gray veins in the marble with gray tiles in the bath.

Another great design move worth noting in this bathroom is the open shelving made of reclaimed wood. There wasn’t room for a closet door, and cabinet doors would have been awkward in this space.

Shower tile: Saltillo Imports

LiLu Interiors

Cantilevered vanities. Vanities mounted to the wall free up floor space and make a room feel bigger. Note the way they let more of the large-format tile cover the floor of this room; had the vanity on the right extended to the floor, the scale would not have been as successful.

Counter: Cambria Durham 2240 quartz; art: This Is the Beginning, Sugarboo Designs; porcelain floor tile: 12x24 in Essex Silver, Tile x Design; accent glass mosaic tile: Artistic Tile; paint: HC-169 Coventry Gray in Aura Bath and Spa formula, Benjamin Moore; faucets and shower head: Jason Wu for Brizo

Beth Webb Interiors

Antique and repurposed vanities. Houzzers loved the idea of adding personal style by using antique vanities or repurposing unique pieces to serve as the vanity. This one is a 19th century French antique found at Scott Antique Markets in Atlanta.

Hanging light: Urban Electric; sconces: Nolan single sconce, Restoration Hardware; wallcovering: Metallic Paper Weaves in Titanium, Phillip Jeffries

Brown Design Group

Open-concept master suites. This was a controversial topic for Houzzers but one that many embraced. There are several key factors to keep in mind when choosing this option. For one thing, make sure you have a separate water closet for the loo, as well as the same wake-up time as your partner so you’re not banging around in the bath while they’re trying to sleep. Ventilation for the steam is also important.

For their bedroom, designer Ryan Brown and partner Diego Monchamp were inspired by a hotel they visited in Thailand. Brown designed a large tongue-and-groove room divider that separates the spaces while maintaining an open luxury spa feeling.

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LMK INTERIOR DESIGN

Floor-to-ceiling tile. Perhaps it was the growing popularity of wet rooms that inspired this trend. The room seen here extends vein-cut honed Haisa marble tile across the floor and up the walls for a luxe look.

Other trends of 2015 can also be seen in this bathroom: the lighting underneath the vanity and the waterfall countertop that wraps around it.

Quartz tub deck and counter: Caesarstone; sconces: Hubbardton Forge

Jordan Iverson Signature Homes

Dark and moody. While spa-like, light and airy and bright were terms we could (and often did) use to describe many of the most popular bathrooms on Houzz, they certainly don’t describe all of them. While the Houzzer jury is still out on black bathrooms, medium to charcoal grays as well as deep chocolate browns were very popular with this year.

Another popular feature, seen in this room, was pebble tile on the shower floor. It adds a unique, natural-looking touch and feels great under the feet.

Teak bench: Teakworks4u; shower surround tile: Strands line in Twilight, Emser; shower floor and accent strip: Rivera flat pebbles in black, Emser

Concrete sinks. Houzzers took to the industrial look of concrete. In this bathroom, the sink’s trough-like shape, the hanging bulb lights and the aluminum-clad windows emphasize the look, while beautiful teak wood adds warmth. Another trend on display here is the space-saving move of placing the bathtub and shower in one open area. After all, it doesn’t matter if the tub gets wet.

Concrete sink: custom, SlabHaus; pendant lights: NUD; faucets: Brizo; bathtub: Signature Hardware

Lisette Voute Designs

Open vanities. Things can have a more open look without getting messy. This furniture-like piece adds style to the bathroom and keeps a tight space feeling more open. Neat piles or rolls of towels and pretty baskets help corral things underneath. If you do opt for open, you’ll need to pay attention to the look of the sink’s p-trap underneath since it will be exposed.

Vanity: custom by Lisette Voute Designs, painted Light Blue No. 22 by Farrow & Ball; wall color: Pale Powder, by Farrow & Ball; faucet: Classic Connaught lever basin mixer, Lefroy Brooks

SGS International

Porcelain floor tiles that resemble hardwood. While we also saw hardwood floors in some of the most popular baths, many homeowners opted for digitally printed porcelain tiles in long, narrow planks that add the colors and even the grain of wood in a more durable, wipeable material.

This bathroom is modestly sized at just 5 by 12 feet, something most of us can relate to. The long tile planks help emphasize the length and suit the room’s scale.

Floor tiles: Nihon Goma 4x24, Fiandre; shower tiles: French Clay Lumiere 4x12, Fiandre; backsplash tile: Arabesque with Carrara pencil marble edge, Merola; faucets: 8-inch widespread two-handle high-arc in oil-rubbed bronze, Kingston Brass; tub: Maui 5-foot in white enameled steel, Bootz Industries; paint color: Heirloom Shade (DEW 395), Dunn-Edwards; shower curtain: West Elm

Celtic Home Gallery

Free-standing bathtubs. Whether a classic claw-foot or a sculptural contemporary tub like this one, Houzzers loved the way these pieces stand on their own. They also create other design opportunities, such as interesting tub fillers that come up from the floor and the chance to add a stool, side table or bench.

Cabinets: Medallion Cabinetry; wallcovering (similar): Thibaut

Denton Developments

Subway tile. I’m sure this is not earth-shattering news to any of you. I wasn’t sure it was possible, but subway tile was more popular than ever in 2015. However, it’s not so much a trend as a classic. It goes with all kinds of styles, from vintage to industrial.

Vanity: custom, Beach Kitchens; floor tile and subway tile: Daltile

Mosaic Architects Boulder

Rough stone. Typically we associate smooth surfaces with bathrooms — glass, marble, mirror, porcelain, polished metals and the like. But that’s exactly why throwing in rougher natural textures has such a strong and pleasing effect.

Here, all the stone in the room is in similar colors. But the contrast comes from the finishes — rough travertine up the walls, honed travertine on the floors and polished Crema Marfil marble on the countertops. The room is earthy yet elegant thanks to this beautiful balance.

Stone tile: travertine ivory split-face Cambria strips (ST TVISFCS), Capco Tile; floor tile: Sant’Agostino & Marmi Italiani, SATAV 124, 12-by-24-inch Travertino tile in Avorio, honed, Apco Tile; bathtub, Zuma; wall sconce: Tubolaire wall sconce, Alico Lighting; sinks: rectangle ceramic semi-recessed vessel sink, Ronbow; Weng cabinetry, custom, Bruce Jaffe Design

iPhotographyHOMES

Textured tile. 2015 continued the trend of interesting 3-D tiles in all sorts of patterns. These are a great way to add interest in a bath with a monochromatic scheme.

Shower wall tile: Porcelanosa; pendant lights: Frost mini pendant, ET2 Lighting


Tell us: Did 2015 bring any new bathroom trends you liked? Reaffirm any long-standing favorites? What kinds of elements would you add in a 2016 bathroom renovation? Please let us know in the Comments.

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Your Guide to Shower Floors

Whether you’re in the middle of a bathroom renovation or in the initial planning stages, you shouldn’t forget about your shower floor. While it may be easy to get hung up on your space’s style and color palette, it’s a detail for which function is important. Not knowing the cost, slip resistance and upkeep of what you’re buying can send your investment down the proverbial drain. To help you decide on the best option for your shower, here are six common types of shower floors at a glance.

Martha O'Hara Interiors

Marble

Marble is a soft stone with an even softer look. The two most popular finishes are polished (classic gloss) and honed (matte finish). The swirls of gray and cream are enough to make homeowners swoon, and its popularity isn’t going away.

Pros: The biggest advantage of marble is, naturally, its beauty. It’s luxurious, elegant, timeless and romantic all at once. Marble is also surprisingly versatile. It can be made in many different shapes, from subway tile and herringbone to basket weave and standard four-by-fours. This variety is much appreciated.

Cons: So it scratches. And stains. It may not seem like a big deal, but a shower space gets covered with soap and suds, which can leave a filmy substance on marble’s surface over time. A good sealer is a must. Honed marble has better scratch resistance than polished marble. In general, its slip resistance isn’t the best compared to tumbled travertine or porcelain tile. Marble can also hike up your shower’s price tag.

The many shapes and styles of marble allow you to create brilliant texture-on-texture contrast. This traditional shower space complements the brick wall tile with a basket-weave-patterned floor, which adds subtle contrast to the design.

ART Design Build

Travertine

It’s hard not to find a style of travertine you love, whether it’s chiseled, honed, polished or tumbled. This natural stone has the best of earth’s creams, browns, grays and golds packaged into designer tiles that grace homes across the world.

Pros: Home buyers love travertine, and not just because of its veins and swirls. They also appreciate the slip resistance it offers, particularly that of tumbled travertine, as well as how long it lasts.

Cons: Travertine is porous, so you could find yourself in hot water if you forget to seal it. It is recommended that you seal it every one to two years unless your sealer lasts longer. Other than that, your main concern is staining. Anything other than a mild detergent can affect the stone’s surface. Be careful how you clean it and be careful of the soaps and shampoos you use.

TG-Studio

You can install travertine on your shower floors in a variety of sizes, including (but certainly not limited to) standard 12-by-12-inch tiles, 4-by-4-inch squares and 2-by-2-inch mosaics.

Celtic Custom Homes

This traditional shower has 4-by-4-inch travertine tiles on its floor and walls, which create depth and intrigue.

Sean Murphy Contracting INC.

Glass

Cool, clean and contemporary, glass mosaics can insert a pop of color or stroke of glossy white on your shower floor.

Pros: Looking for low maintenance? Glass may be the floor for you. It’s super easy to clean. Just grab Windex and a cloth to give it a quick wipe-down. Its translucent surface can keep your shower space light and open. It almost always looks high-end, no matter what you actually paid for it.

Cons: The price isn’t always right. Quality glass can take a toll on your wallet. And unfortunately, it feels as sleek as it looks. The slip resistance is minimal, which could be a deal-breaker. Older or very cautious homeowners should seek something with a better grip if they’re set on a glass shower floor.

KellyBaron

Glass mosaics can blend colors together with an iridescent, glossy or matte finish. The mosaic in this Mediterranean shower gives the space a designer touch by complementing the soft green wall tile.

London Basement

Porcelain

Now here’s a shower floor that just might have it all. Made with a dense clay body, porcelain tile is durable and waterproof, and lasts for decades.

Pros: Porcelain tile is highly versatile. It can survive detergents, scratches and long-term water exposure. It can be finished to have an authentic wood, stone or marble appearance. The best part? It accomplishes all of this without being high-maintenance. Expect to enjoy cleaning it (or the lack of cleaning, rather).

Cons: Grout can be a problem. Rectified porcelain can keep grout joints small, but grout will no doubt be there for you to clean. It can get slick if it doesn’t have a textured surface.

Becker Architects Limited

Wood

Wood can bring warmth and exquisite style to your shower floors. It also lets homeowners create a flat, smooth shower entry.

Pros: Wooden shower floors have a sleek, minimalist look perfect for contemporary shower spaces. They sit slightly above your shower base and have slats, which allow for good draining when they’re installed correctly. Moisture is less likely to fester. Wood also wears well if you maintain it (make sure you follow maintenance instructions regarding how to seal it).

Cons: We all know about wood and water. Long-term exposure to moisture can cause wood to warp, discolor and fade. You won’t have direct access to your shower drain either. Your drain can get icky in the long run. Not surprisingly, wood can be costly.

Laura Bohn Design Associates

Pebbles

With a soothing touch and an organic look, pebbles can make any bathing experience feel refreshing.

Pros: The texture of pebbles offers sufficient slip resistance because of the grip it provides to your feet. They have fairly broad appeal to home buyers. Just as with other natural stones, you can’t beat their one-of-a-kind beauty. And, truthfully, there might not be an easier way to incorporate a piece of the spa into your bathroom.

Cons: There’s a lot of grout to clean, and it’s a large part of your floor’s aesthetics. While slipping isn’t a concern, the hard, rocky surface is. It can hurt your feet and be difficult to stand on while you’re showering. In areas with hard water, a chalky film can develop on the surface of pebbles, which will require daily maintenance.

Melissa Winn Interiors

Flat-surface pebbles are a viable solution if you’re keen on the look but are worried about how regular pebbles will feel on your feet, though you’ll still have to clean the grout.

More
18 Knockout Ideas for Wooden Floor Showers

7 Reasons Why Your Shower Floor Squeaks

7 Steps to Stellar Shower Design

It’s totally normal to feel overwhelmed when you’re designing a new shower. There are many decisions involved, but once you know what to expect, the process will seem more manageable. Here are seven things to consider while you’re planning your new shower space.

Artistic Designs for Living, Tineke Triggs

1. The Size of Your Shower

If you’re renovating an existing shower space and aren’t planning to expand, the size of your shower is predetermined. But those building a new home or tearing their bathroom down to the studs will have to determine the best size for their space.

The standard shower measures 3 feet by 5 feet. Many homeowners find this size sufficient for their needs. A 15-square-foot shower allows for wiggle room and can normally fit a bench plus several niches or shampoo corners.

Mark Williams Design Associates

Some homeowners will undoubtedly prefer something bigger than the standard 3-by-5-foot shower. You can create super-sized showers that are anywhere from 4 to 5 feet deep and 6 to 10 feet long. These spaces can fit multiple benches and shower heads and will never feel cramped.

If you’re building a new home, tell your architect to incorporate a large shower into your bathroom. If you’re remodeling, you can get rid of a tub you don’t use and convert the space into an oversized shower.

Visible Proof

2. Where Your Glass Is Going

The majority of showers have at least two full-height walls. Modern and contemporary designs may only have one wall for plumbing. This means homeowners, whether they’re remodeling or building a new home, will likely have the option to include glass walls in their shower design.

Glass enclosures can instantly make a bathroom feel larger and more open. The effect can be more dramatic in smaller spaces. It does, however, involve more maintenance than a tiled wall. Glass must be cleaned regularly to avoid streak marks. It also can cost more depending on your design. The average cost of a glass shower enclosure totals several thousand dollars. It may be less expensive than building a wall and adding tile, though.

J.A.S. Design-Build

You may prefer an enclosed shower design for privacy, or you may already have an enclosed shower and don’t want the added expense of knocking down walls. This type of shower normally has three walls with an open space for a glass door or shower curtain.

Hartley and Hill Design

If you want an open-shower design but aren’t sold on an all-glass enclosure, pony walls (or half walls) are a good compromise.

Chelsea Kloss Interiors

3. Your Tile Design

There are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of options available for your wall tile design. This can include porcelain and ceramic, natural stones such as travertine and marble, or even glass and glass mosaics. Porcelain usually trumps ceramic and natural stone, as it excels at water resistance and offers low maintenance. Natural stones must be sealed.

Since there are so many options out there, you may find yourself overwhelmed when you’re designing the overall look of your shower. Here are a few ideas to inspire you.

Jeff Herr Photography

In love with two tiles or shapes? Incorporate them both into your shower with a wainscot design. This classic bathroom space combines classic subway tile with a herringbone pattern for extra depth.

Fairview Builders, LLC

Run a mosaic border through your shower horizontally or vertically to add a decorative touch to your design.

Godden Sudik Architects Inc

A natural stone like travertine is another option that can adorn your shower walls. Mixed shapes and colors will showcase the stone’s natural beauty and variety. No matter what kind of natural stone you install, always seal it.

Wolf & Wing Interior Design

If you’re looking for a clean and minimal design, stick with the same style throughout your shower.

John K. Anderson Design

4. Whether to Include a Bench

A shower bench helps create a cozy and comfortable shower design and offers a convenient place to sit while you shave. It also provides a safe space for older or disabled homeowners to sit and reduces slipping hazards. Larger showers (usually any space larger than 3 by 3 feet) can fit long benches that have ample seating space.

If your shower is on the smaller side, a corner bench may be the best solution to conserve space. Corner benches can be built in or portable. A portable bench might save you money, but it won’t be as stable as a built-in bench.

Pine Street Carpenters & The Kitchen Studio

Older homeowners can install a bench underneath a handheld shower head to make bathing an easier and safer experience.

Duxbury Architects

5. Your Shower Floor

Slip resistance is usually top priority for homeowners of all ages. Low maintenance is also high on their wish list. The type of material you select will affect both of these factors. Tumbled travertine, textured porcelain and pebbles, for example, have enough grip to reduce slipping and falling. But they might require more maintenance because they require grout. Other types of shower floors, such as wood and acrylic shower bases, may require less maintenance but not offer enough slip resistance to your liking. Weigh the pros and cons before you buy your shower floor.

David Howell Design

6. The Types of Fixtures You Want

It isn’t just about the style and finish of your fixtures, though these decisions matter. One of the most important things to figure out is what kind of shower head, and how many, your shower will have. Most showers have one shower head, while some have two or three. Some homeowners install rain heads to give their space an extra spa-like feel. Others love the convenience of a handheld shower head. Choose the best option for your needs and lifestyle.

That said, the finish and style of your fixtures can make or break your design. Sleek fixtures can maintain the simplicity of modern and contemporary designs. Ornate fixtures will complement details in traditional, rustic or farmhouse-style showers. Stainless steel, chrome and even brushed nickel are considered contemporary styles, though any can work in traditional and rustic spaces. Oil-rubbed bronze typically works best in traditional spaces.

New Marble Company Inc.

7. How You Plan to Store Your Soaps and Shampoos

Do you prefer a built-in niche or wall-mounted shampoo corners? Built-in niches fit more seamlessly within your shower design and can offer more storage space. But they’re also more costly and require additional planning, such as knowing which wall you’re going to place them on. On the other hand, shampoo corners can save you several hundred dollars and don’t take up much space.

RemodelWest

If you don’t want your soaps and shampoos to show, consider hiding a niche inside one of your shower walls.

More:
Shower Design: 13 Tricks With Tile and Other Materials
8 Stunning and Soothing Shower Designs