Looking to update a half-bath or powder room? Often on the smaller side, these bathrooms can be tricky as you balance upscale design features with rooms that should also be functional – particularly if you have a family.

Top Trends for Chicago Bathroom Designs

Here are trends we’re seeing as we revamp clients’ half-bath and powder room spaces.

Keep the old and add the new

It can be heartbreaking to tear out beautiful tilework for the sheer reason that it’s “outdated.” This is often the case when remodeling Chicagoland bathrooms that were built at the turn-of-the-century or mid-century. Product quality and craftsmanship were tenets of these eras, and there are times when the charming, historic features in your home may be just as functional now as they ever were.

If this is the case in your powder room or half bathroom space, think about retaining those historical features (as we know, trends always cycle 'round again...) and add contemporary fixtures and features to compliment them. This can be a win-win in terms of designing a space that is unique, beautiful and preserves your home’s personality.

Make the space accessible

Whether you’re planning to age-in-place or foresee putting your home on the market in the next several years, accessible designs are definitely trending. There is no need to sacrifice style for accessibility, but re-thinking proportions, measurements, slip-free surfaces and faucets or hardware that can be operated without a strong grip makes bathroom spaces more comfortable for yourself and guests.

Pair contemporary minimalism with ample texture

It’s true that modern and contemporary designs trend more towards neutral, monochromatic and sleek in their concepts. However, too much of the above leads to designs that are flat and boring. Savvy designers know that textural elements are key to enhancing a design's depth and visual interest.

If your bathroom design looks a little too one-dimensional, consider features like shag area rugs, adding wood and/or stone features, or textured, tile accents that add a little drama. Even something like a herringbone tile pattern – in monochromatic tile layouts – will do the trick.

Read, Adding Texture to Your Powder Room, for ideas on how to implement textural components in small spaces – without overdoing it.

Use natural elements for indoor/outdoor appeal

Nature themes continue to trend and Chicago bathroom designs are no exception. There are a range of ways to bring nature into smaller bathroom spaces. For some, this might mean a gorgeous wall mural or beautiful river stones incorporated into the tile layout. For others, bamboo floors and natural color palettes create a fresh, natural ambiance that brings the outdoors in. Leveraging available daylighting also helps.

Freestanding, furniture-style or open vanities

Perhaps your powder or half-bathroom is looking for something other than the standard bank of cabinets. If this is the case, consider adding a free-standing, furniture-style (dresser-turned-vanity, for example) or an open vanity into the space.

In addition to having a plethora of unique styles and textures to choose from, these vanities make small rooms feel larger because they leave more visible air space – particularly attractive to those of you with smaller bathroom spaces.

Visit Kitchens & Baths Unlimited for more tips on how to use today’s trends, and timeless themes, to design the perfect powder room or half-bath in your home. We’re innovators in luxury Chicago bathroom design.