When designing or remodeling your bathroom, one of your first decisions will be the overall look you want to achieve. The theme you choose will be your guide when choosing smaller details such as lighting, color, layout, and fixture styles. It’s important to have a theme in mind when you consult your contractor, so they can work around your preferences.

Not all designs will work for every bathroom. For instance, a loud, colorful theme can overpower a small space, and a minimalist design can make a large bathroom look bare. An interior designer can help you choose the best design for your bathroom, or you can simply browse through designs on magazines or Web sites.

To get you started, here are three of the most popular bathroom designs today:

Country Country design favors a warm, homey, and slightly rugged look. Some of its trademarks are natural materials such as wood and stone, and handmade pieces with small imperfections that add to their charm. To achieve a country feel, make your curtains from old-fashioned fabrics in rich, warm tones. If you prefer something more delicate, try pastel shades and classic touches like brass and porcelain holders. Other country touches include patterned wallpaper, pedestal sinks, freestanding tubs, wicker baskets, peg racks, wooden cabinets and vanities, and vintage-style accessories. This theme works best with natural lighting, so it’s a good choice if you have large windows.

Contemporary

This style is characterized by clean lines, solid colors, and smooth surfaces – a striking contrast against the elaborate themes of the country bathroom. Contemporary design is very minimalist, emphasizing large spaces by using as few accessories as possible. However, it also favors contrast, such as a streak of color against a plain white wall, or a rugged stone sink over a sleek countertop. Cabinets and countertops are commonly made of wood, tile, or stone, and metal accents are often used for knobs and handles. Common elements in contemporary design include raised granite bowls, stainless steel faucets, warm -colored tiles, mixing of stone and wood, minimal ornamentation, and low-key, directional lighting.

Traditional

The traditional theme is inspired by 18th-century European design – timeless, opulent, and elegant. It favors classic colors and basic fixtures, but creates an air of luxury using artful arrangements and materials. A simple window can be decorated with rich drapery, or an elaborate steel faucet can accent a plain porcelain sink. This is the easiest look to create because you can simply add elements to your existing features to transform them into luxury pieces. It can work with most sizes and layouts, whether it’s a small powder room or a spacious bath. To achieve this look, use brass accents, vintage decorations, gilded fixtures, hand mirrors, and rich floral patterns for your curtains, table skirts, and upholstery.

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