Master Bathroom Design

Updated on: September 5, 2022

Apart from the kitchen, the master bathroom is one of the most important rooms in a house. It is usually a space where a decent amount of money is spent. Style and function have to be paired perfectly since it has to accommodate two people at once.

Most people want their master bath to have a soft, calming appearance. It is also important to have it be a continuation of the look in your bedroom so the spaces flow together. I would also suggest creating a focal point in the bathroom; it could be a beautiful freestanding tub under a window or a special tile detail that stands out in the shower.

Cabinets are an integral part in the design. There are many different configurations you can use, depending on the size of your space and location of plumbing. I would stress the absolute importance of having two sinks. It's no fun having to share when both you and your spouse are in a hurry! You can have a longer vanity with two sinks if you only have one wall to place the cabinets. This provides a good amount of counter space. Some bathrooms are designed with the vanities split up, his and hers areas, which is nice because it gives some separation when you are getting ready. In either situation, the vanities will usually house a combination of cabinets and drawers for different storage options. If you have the space and budget, I would definitely add in some extras such as a built-in laundry hamper or a makeup/vanity area.

The plumbing placement is a big determining factor in placing cabinets but after that is figured out, the fun part comes, the selection of the fixtures. There are so many faucets available these days in a ton of finishes that there has to be one that fits your style. It is smart to select faucets for all the plumbing (sinks, tubs, showers) from the same collection so that they have the same finish and style. You can also flex your design muscle in the sink selection. There are the typical white or off-white porcelain sinks or you can opt for a vessel sink that sits on top of the counter or a glass sink. Besides the material, you can choose a typical oval sink or choose a rectangular sink for a modern feel.

Lighting is a crucial component as well. For the perfect bathroom, a balance of natural light and artificial light is needed. In order to have your bathroom feel more open, there has to be a window in the space. If you need privacy, there are plenty of coverings options but don't forgo having the window in place of privacy. For the lighting selections, I always love the look and function of having wall-mounted sconces at your vanity area, with the placement about 64" above the floor. It provides the perfect amount of light on your face when you are getting ready. Another option is to have pendants hung above the vanity, with the light coming right above where you're head is. Those options are a different approach than the typical overhead bath bar light. All of these options are in addition to having recessed lighting throughout the space for general lighting.

A few other nice touches to the master bathroom are decorative mirrors above the vanity in place of the standard unframed thin wall-mounted mirror. There are so many places where you can find a great decorative mirror that adds a lot of style. If you have the space, a heated towel warmer is a luxe addition. I would also say splurge on the towels for your bathroom. After all this time designing the perfect master bath, you need soft, plush towels to use! You can't leave any detail out!