Oh, the possibilities! So you’ve worked really hard and you’ve finally arrived at the point where you are ready to buy your new construction home. It can be a little nerve-wracking, we know. After all, it’s a big investment! And there is a lot to think about. It’s also a really exciting time: not only do you get to watch your house be built from the ground up, but you get to be on the front row making major decisions about what it should look like. We know there is a lot to consider about a home. The bathroom is one of the rooms people spend a lot of time thinking about. There are plenty of options. We thought we’d take a look at some of the features of today’s modern bathrooms. 

Back in the Day…

People didn’t have the luxury of privacy and sanitation. Today’s bathrooms are all about style and layout but they weren’t always that way and people didn’t always have the ability to do their business in a private bathroom with running water, heater, and shower. The bathroom started in public bathhouses in ancient civilizations. England in the Middle Ages loved the concept of steam baths and were, many times, the center of social activities. 

In 1927, Bermondsey Public Baths opened up in London. At that point, only about one out of every 500 houses in this London borough had a bathroom. This meant that many working-class people congregated in these bathhouses in order to keep clean. When the flushing lavatory came into play, that also changed the way that bathrooms were built in many homes. Advancements in plumbing and sewer systems also played a role in the integration of the bathroom in every home. This began the movement towards the privacy that we know and cherish today in our bathrooms. 

Today, the bathroom is an opportunity to create a room in your home that is another sanctuary, as the bathroom has evolved into more than just a functional necessity but often a sensual and luxurious home spa. 

What is a Modern-Style Bathroom?

When you think of the words ‘modern-style’ or ‘contemporary’ bathroom, there are likely a few characteristics that come to mind. Even if it’s hard to articulate, you likely know what a modern bathroom looks like. So what are some of today’s most desired bathroom designs? 

Modern-style can mean different things to different people. Some of the overarching themes might include:

Simplicity and Minimalism

The concept of a minimalist approach has been in vogue in many modern homes for some time now. Sometimes, as they say, less is more. Keeping the design simple and with minimal adornments, can make your bathroom shine with modern style. For example a simple pattern of geometric shapes, one or two colors throughout the bathroom at most. Some popular colors include white with a little neutral gray and very little decoration. 

The Open-Plan

Just like in the kitchen and living areas, modern homes showcase an open layout, a bathroom can also have a more open layout. Your new construction home is up to you and you can ultimately decide how much space you want. This type of layout refers to a bathroom that is designed with open space, without being over compartmentalized. Often this means transparent glass walls around showers. The color scheme is simple, sometimes monochrome to add that sleek feel. It’s a great way to maximize space and give the bathroom an air of openness. 

A Warm Old Fashioned Feel

If you are not really into the modern sleek look and want something a little warmer that feels more rustic, then you can play around with the colors and the layout as well. You can create a welcoming, warm, and inviting space by including a few details. Consider geometric shapes for the sink and tub, a simple and warm color scheme (brown hues and warm neutrals work best). 

Mid-Century Modern

The name says it all. This design takes elements of the mid 20th century and enhances them with modern elements. The architectural, furniture, and graphic design of the mid-twentieth century. This is characterized by geometric shapes, natural colors, and straight lines, as well as ornate bathroom fixtures. Freestanding tubs are often a popular feature of many modern designs. 

Pretty and Simple

Your bathroom doesn’t have to be anything too unorthodox or wild. Simplicity often wins the race and people choose to keep it simple with a splash of modern. Neutral color schemes with grays and whites. 

Today’s bathroom utilizes a lot of:

• Modern light
• Natural light
• Simple light fixtures
• Freestanding tubs

Build Your New Construction Homes With a Trusted Builder

As El Paso’s new construction home builder, Padilla Homes can help you design the bathroom of your dreams. Perhaps you want a modern feel but are not sure how to make it cohesive with the rest of your design ideas. We are here to help. With our many previous floor plans and 3D models, envisioning what an idea looks like is easy. We can work through your ideas until we get it right. Call us today and build your dream today.