Urban Calm – A Contemporary Small Bathroom Design

Client & Brief

The client sought a modern bathroom design that was both minimalist and functional, tailored for a compact layout. Their vision was to create a stylish yet practical space that maximised storage, kept the room feeling bright and uncluttered, and offered durable finishes suited to everyday use. Key requests included:

• A sleek walk-in shower with privacy.

• Integrated storage solutions without overwhelming the small footprint.

• A modern vanity with clean lines.

• A balance of style and practicality, keeping the design timeless.

Project Scope & Key Challenges

Designing within a narrow bathroom footprint presented the primary challenge, to make use of every inch without sacrificing comfort or elegance. The brief also required a cost-effective approach, where finishes had to deliver a premium look on a realistic budget. Another challenge was to visually expand the space, ensuring that despite its compact size, the bathroom would feel airy, modern, and inviting.

Colour Scheme, Style & Finishes

• Overall Style: Contemporary minimalism with Scandinavian warmth.

• Main Palette:

  • Neutral beige and cream walls/flooring to keep the space light and expansive.

  • Natural wood tones in the vanity and storage cabinet for warmth and texture.

  • Matte black fixtures for a bold, modern contrast.

• Key Features:

  • A backlit oval mirror above the vanity, adding depth, light, and sophistication.

  • A ribbed effect vanity unit topped with a slim white countertop basin, enhancing texture while maintaining minimalism.

  • A walk-in shower with fluted glass framed in matte black, offering privacy while allowing light to pass through.

  • A black heated towel rail, complementing the fixtures and providing essential warmth.

  • Compact storage cabinetry, keeping the space clutter-free without compromising aesthetics.

Design Features

• Functional Flow: The linear layout ensures the toilet, vanity, and shower each have their own defined zone, maximising efficiency in a small space.

• Visual Balance: Warm wood cabinetry contrasts beautifully with matte black fixtures, striking the right balance between comfort and modernity.

• Lighting Strategy: Recessed ceiling spotlights provide clean, even illumination, while the halo-lit mirror adds a layer of ambient light.

• Shower Experience: The fluted glass not only offers privacy but adds a tactile, design-led detail to elevate the overall feel.

Lifestyle Benefits

This design proves that small bathrooms can be both stylish and functional. The client now enjoys:

• A clutter-free environment thanks to smart storage.

• A light-filled modern space that feels larger than its footprint.

• Durable finishes that will remain timeless and easy to maintain.

• A bathroom that combines daily practicality with elevated design appeal.

Outcome

The completed project is a masterclass in small bathroom design. By pairing neutral tones with natural textures and bold modern accents, the result is a bathroom that feels calm, inviting, and beautifully resolved. It’s a reminder that with thoughtful design, even the most compact spaces can achieve luxury and functionality.