Sure, one of the best things about the minimalist design is how it simplifies your daily life, but our favorite part? How relaxing and tranquil this aesthetic feels—especially in the bathroom! Minimalism is all about taking essentials and mixing functionality with beauty, and it’s the perfect aesthetic for creating a spa-like bathroom at home.
To really know how to bring the spa to your fingertips, we spoke to several minimalist designers for their top tips at creating a serene atmosphere in the bathroom. Here’s what they had to say.
Meet the Expert
- Artem Kropovinsky is an interior designer and Founder at Arsight Studio in New York.
- Jen Cobb is the Founder and Principal Designer at Verity Design Studio in Raleigh, NC.
Start With a Much-Need Declutter
A major aspect to the minimalist aesthetic is focusing on necessities and function to create a beautiful, organized space. Before transforming your bathroom into a minimalist retreat, our experts say a decluttering spree is definitely in order.
”Minimalist bathroom design begins with both decluttering and simplifying,” Artem Kropovinsky, interior designer and founder of Arsight Studio, says. ”An orderly and tidy environment will automatically create feelings of peace. My bathroom contains essential items while organized storage remains the key to achieving an uncluttered interior.”
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Think Of Your Rituals
A serene minimalist bathroom is just as functional as it is relaxing.
One thing Jenn Cobb, founder and principal designer at Verity Design Studio, says you need to do before designing a minimalist bathroom is to think of your daily rituals so you shop for the right necessities.
”The bathroom is the setting for your most intimate daily rituals, from morning refreshes to evening unwinds,” she says. ”Before introducing elements into the space, reflect on your routines. Writing out your morning and evening habits can help identify the essentials you truly need and use daily.”
Add Lighting Layers
Once you’ve decluttered your bathroom and established your routines, it’s time to play with lighting.
”Good lighting is key to a serene atmosphere,” Cobb says. ”Instead of relying solely on overhead fixtures, incorporate multiple light sources at varying heights. A backlit mirror or wall sconces provide flattering mid-level illumination, while a small table lamp on a shelf or counter adds a soft, ambient glow.”
For more light options, Kropovinsky says you can’t go wrong with dimmable lighting in a minimalist bathroom.
”Dimmable wall sconces with hidden LED strips serve as my lighting choices instead of using standard overhead illumination,” he says. ”The relaxed atmosphere is best enhanced by warm diffused illumination which creates a peaceful environment during nighttime.”
Bring In Relaxing Scents
While you do need some design elements that align with the minimalist style, another element to incorporate in your bathroom for a serene atmosphere is relaxing scents. Think candles, fresh eucalyptus, or an essential oil diffuser.
”The pleasant scents from scented candles create a relaxing environment while giving off gentle fragrances,” Kropovinsky says. ”My preferred bathroom candles are made from natural materials with essential oil scents that include lavender, eucalyptus, and sandalwood. These elements construct a spa environment which deepens the sensory perception of the area.”
Style Decorative Toiletries
If you really want to make your minimalist bathroom scream ”elevated and serene,” Cobb’s hack of ditching original toiletry packaging for decorative ones is the perfect touch.
”Transferring liquid products into uniform, well-designed containers instantly elevates your bathroom’s aesthetic,” she says. ”Opt for opaque or frosted glass vessels that align with your color palette to maintain a cohesive, uncluttered look. This small change creates a sense of harmony and refinement.”
Use Warm Colors & Textures
Speaking of color palette, the shades and textures you invite into the space are another major step in creating an at-home spa retreat. The minimalist aesthetic focuses on warm neutral shades for an inviting and clean atmosphere that ties the entire room together.
”Minimalism isn’t just about color—it’s about cohesion. Select a palette of 2-3 textures and tones that complement the existing materials in your space,” Cobb says.
To add texture to the room, Cobb says to focus on natural elements like warm wood and greenery, since they soften the hard surfaces of countertops and tiles, creating a balanced and inviting atmosphere.
Scatter a Few Plants
You can’t have a minimalist bathroom without decorating with plants. And what’s more, fresh greenery also contributes to a relaxing environment by improving the air quality and adding a calming sensation to the room.
”Placing a few plants strategically throughout the bathroom will introduce both freshness and life to the space,” says Kropovinsky. ”My plant selection includes ferns together with pothos and peace lilies because these plants thrive in humid conditions without requiring much care. The plants not only clean the air but they contribute organic elements which create a softening effect to the bathroom design.”