So you’ve decided that this is the year for you to finally start your long-awaited bathroom renovation. You want your bathroom to be a personal oasis, whether you love a long and luxurious nightly bath or you just want a peaceful place to get ready for your day. What changes are you going to make?
While there are countless options regarding your renovation and you’re not limited on choices, many people want to simplify their decision by breaking it down into classic vs modern. While both classic and modern bathrooms can be broken down further into more specific styles, this gives you a great jumping off point. Are you going to opt for something sleek and futuristic, or a more vintage approach?
Let’s talk about a few key features of each style so you can decide what works best for your home!
Classic Bathrooms: Timeless Style
There’s something elegant about a classic and vintage-style bathroom. These are the bathrooms you’ll see in old homes, but updated with modern fixtures to suit the average person’s lifestyle in the 2020s. They tend to be more ornate and maximalist (although minimalists can also opt for the classic style). Many people find that this style blends more seamlessly into their homes, especially if they’re in older buildings.
So what makes a bathroom “classic?”
Ornate Fixtures
Intricately designed faucets, towel bars, lighting fixtures, and other bathroom features are a hallmark of classic bathrooms. These ornate details add a touch of refinement to the space. From brass to bronze, the choice of material can greatly impact the overall aesthetic. “Warmer”-toned metals tend to be more popular here, but ultimately that’s up to the individual.
Luxurious Materials
Marble, granite, and high-end woods like mahogany and oak (or, at the very least, materials that mimic these high-end options) are often used in classic bathrooms. These materials add sophistication and elevate the space. Whether used for countertops, flooring, or cabinetry, these materials can elevate the entire design and really drive home the “vintage” aesthetic.
Traditional Patterns
If you like intricate and fun tilework in bathrooms, you may want to opt for a classic aesthetic. Classic patterns like subway tiles, herringbone, and hexagon floors are a staple of traditional bathroom design. These timeless patterns add visual interest to the space and make it a bit more fun.
Freestanding Bathtubs
The freestanding claw-foot tub is a staple of a classic bathroom. While it’s a bit outdated, many people choose to keep the tradition alive and enjoy the vintage luxury of a standalone tub. They can still be equipped with showers, or you can install both a standalone tub and a separate shower if you have the space.
Warm Lighting and Colors
Classic bathrooms often have warm and rich color schemes. They may not be dark (though they often are), but they’re not usually the stark and cool white of many modern bathrooms. Warm-toned lights are also preferred when it comes to a classic bathroom.
Modern Bathrooms: Minimalist and Clean
So what about a more modern approach? Modern bathrooms are all about simplicity and ease. They’re minimalist, calming, and easy to clean due to flat and simple surfaces. They prioritize function over style, but if you love a minimal look, they still have plenty of style to spare.
Let’s break down the features you can expect from modern bathrooms.
Clean Lines and Minimal Ornamentation
Modern bathrooms often feature clean lines, minimal ornamentation, and a focus on functionality. This design approach creates a sense of simplicity and sophistication. This makes the space feel calm and serene. Sharp angles, geometric shapes, and a lack of clutter contribute to a sleek and modern vibe.
Monochromatic Color Scheme
A (mostly) monochromatic color scheme is a feature of modern bathrooms. A single color or a limited palette of neutral tones creates a sense of cohesion and flow. This design approach also makes it easier to add pops of color through accessories or artwork.
Sleek Materials
Modern bathrooms often incorporate materials like quartz, porcelain, and glass. These materials are not only visually appealing but also durable, low-maintenance, and resistant to water and stains. They can be used for countertops, flooring, shower walls, and other design elements.
Smart Technology
It’s increasingly common for modern bathrooms to feature smart technology, including heated floors, rain showerheads, and touchless faucets. These innovative features enhance the user experience and overall accessibility. Smart technology can also help reduce water and energy consumption, making the bathroom more sustainable long-term.
Large Walk-In Showers
Spacious walk-in showers are a staple of modern bathroom design. These showers often feature rainfall showerheads and bench seating to create a spa-like experience at home. If there’s a tub, it will be a separate soaking tub rather than a tub-shower combo.
So Which Is Better?
So is a modern or classic bathroom aesthetic better? It depends.
If you reside in a historic or traditional home, a classic bathroom might be a more fitting choice, while a sleek, modern bathroom could be more suitable for modern or contemporary homes. After all, you want your bathroom to fit seamlessly into the rest of your house.
Your lifestyle is another important factor to consider. Busy families might appreciate the practicality and ease of maintenance and cleaning offered by modern bathrooms, whereas those who value relaxation and pampering might prefer the luxurious feel of a classic bathroom.
Classic bathrooms often feel smaller and more cluttered than minimalist modern bathrooms, but some find that modern bathrooms feel overly sterile.
In short, there is no “better” option. In many cases, it can even be best to combine the two. This way, you can create a space that reflects your unique wants and needs. Perhaps you blend the fun colors and freestanding tub of a classic bathroom with the sleek materials and smart technology of a modern bathroom, for example.
Will You Go Modern or Classic?
So what do you think? Will you opt for a more classic and vintage-inspired bathroom for your next renovation, or are you looking toward the future with something sleek and modern? Or, alternatively, will you stray from the beaten path and combine the two to create your own unique space? It’s all up to you.
If you’re struggling to decide exactly what you want, now is a great time to reach out to a local renovation company like LA Carpet. Our experts can help you create a space that you’ll love. Reach out for a free estimate today.
