Monochrome Chic – Retro Bathroom Design

Client & Brief

The client wanted a bathroom design that stood out from the ordinary, something bold, stylish, and character-driven. Their vision was to move away from plain neutrals and create a bathroom that felt dramatic yet functional, with a nod to retro-inspired design. The space needed to be practical for daily use while still reflecting a unique, contemporary personality.

Modern bathroom featuring a striking black, white, and red colour scheme, with a checkered wall pattern, sleek fixtures, and ambient lighting.

Project Scope & Key Challenges

The bathroom layout was compact, so our challenge was to integrate a full bath and shower combo, wall-mounted sanitary ware, and storage without overwhelming the room. Another design hurdle was ensuring the bold colour palette didn’t make the room feel smaller, requiring clever balancing of light and dark finishes. Budget management was also key, as we needed to deliver maximum visual impact with cost-efficient solutions.

Colour Scheme, Style & Finishes

• Style: Contemporary meets retro with a playful monochrome twist.

• Main Palette: Classic black and white checkerboard flooring and wall tiles create a striking, timeless foundation.

• Accent Colour: A deep burgundy red wall panel introduces warmth and drama, preventing the scheme from feeling too stark.

• Fixtures: Minimalist white vanity, bath, and WC paired with chrome fittings for a crisp modern finish.

• Lighting: A large, illuminated vanity mirror enhances the sense of space while ensuring practical brightness.

• Textures & Details: Matte black wall panels frame the space, contrasting beautifully with high-gloss tiles and reflective surfaces.

Design Features

• Checkerboard tiles on both floor and feature wall bring a retro yet modern energy to the space.

• Wall-mounted vanity and toilet free up floor space, making the bathroom feel larger.

• Built-in bath with overhead shower ensures the design is family-friendly and functional.

• Large LED mirror doubles as a statement feature while maximising brightness in the space.

• Bold contrast styling proves that compact bathrooms can carry daring design choices without compromising comfort.

Outcome

The final design is a perfect example of how small bathrooms can be bold, stylish, and practical. By blending monochrome patterns, dramatic contrasts, and functional layout solutions, the bathroom feels both fun and sophisticated. This project demonstrates that with the right balance, even compact bathrooms can embody luxury and personality.