Your bathroom should be more than just a place to brush your teeth. At Hemma Living, we believe it should be a personal retreat that restores you at the start and end of every day. Whether you’re upgrading a compact guest bath or creating a spa-worthy primary suite, bathroom remodeling in Northern, MN, is all about balancing beauty with practicality.
In this blog, we’re sharing five key elements that can elevate any bathroom into a space that feels fresh, calm, and comfortably modern—no matter your square footage.
Quick Summary: 5 Key Elements of Modern Bathroom Design
Modern bathrooms blend clean lines, smart storage, and elevated materials with the comfort of integrated technology. At Hemma Living, we believe a well-designed bathroom is more than stylish; it’s functional, serene, and built to last. In this post, we explore five core features of modern bathroom remodels:
- Sleek Aesthetics — Minimalist lines, subdued earth tones, and natural textures
- Durable, High-End Finishes — Porcelain that mimics natural stone, matte/brushed fixtures
- Smart Technology — Heated floors, bidet seats, and app-controlled showers and lighting
- Custom Storage — Floating vanities, mirrored medicine cabinets with outlets, and hidden drawers
- Layered Lighting — Tunable lighting for task, ambient, and accent purposes
Get tips, FAQs, and expert insights to help you design a bathroom remodel that looks beautiful and functions even better.
1. Sleek and Minimalist Aesthetics
Modern bathroom design blends simplicity with refinement, using clean lines and a restrained material palette to create spaces that feel calm, open, and intentional. Uncluttered sightlines and streamlined silhouettes help bathrooms feel larger and more breathable—even when space is limited. Floating vanities, integrated sinks, and wall-mounted fixtures contribute to this effect.
Instead of relying on ornate detailing, our bathroom designers at Hemma Living focus on shape, proportion, and texture. Subdued earth tones, natural materials, and layered lighting provide a quiet contrast and warmth that enhances the space without overwhelming it. Decorative elements are chosen with care, often with fewer, better pieces that make a lasting impression.
2. High-Quality Materials and Finishes
The materials you choose set the tone for both the look and longevity of your bathroom. In modern bathroom remodels, this often means leaning into timeless, tactile surfaces that can withstand everyday use while still feeling luxurious and refined.
Natural stone, like marble, quartzite, or granite, adds organic movement and visual depth to vanities, showers, and flooring. We still use stone in the right circumstances, but because it can require maintenance, many of our clients at Hemma Living prefer quartz or large-format porcelain tile with natural stone veining that offers the look without the upkeep.
Frameless glass enclosures maintain sightlines and emphasize openness, although we must consider the presence of calcium and iron in the water in and around Duluth, MN. Matte finishes are a go-to, and brushed fixtures in a variety of tones, ranging from black and brass to bronze and nickel, offer a modern character that helps resist water spots and fingerprints.
Bathroom remodelers in the Twin Ports understand that durability is just as important as appearance. The best bathroom renovation projects strike a balance between beauty and function, prioritizing materials that age gracefully and are easy to clean.
3. Smart Technology
Bathroom remodeling often includes tech-forward upgrades that turn everyday tasks into comfort rituals. From ambient lighting to radiant heat, the right upgrades can transform your bathroom into a private spa-like retreat.
Motion-sensor lights and touchless faucets offer ease and energy efficiency. Heated floors add a layer of indulgence (especially in cooler Duluth climates). At the same time, digital shower systems allow you to fine-tune temperature, pressure, and even spray zones—all with the tap of a button or voice command.
Some systems integrate with home automation platforms, allowing for easy control of lighting, music, and humidity levels from a single device. If wellness is your goal, consider steam showers or built-in aromatherapy features. Bidet toilet seats and heated towel racks are also gaining popularity for their comfort and contribution to sustainability, as they reduce paper use and laundry frequency.
4. Efficient Storage Solutions
A clean, modern bathroom looks tidy and works hard behind the scenes. Thoughtful storage keeps necessities organized and out of sight.
Floating vanities with hidden compartments and integrated drawer organizers help maximize every inch of space. Recessed wall niches in showers and above tubs offer a built-in look for everyday essentials. Even medicine cabinets have come a long way—now featuring mirrored interiors, internal outlets, and adjustable shelving.
Whenever possible, choose custom or semi-custom solutions that cater to your actual lifestyle. Smart storage is key to achieving a space that feels serene, not sterile.
5. Well-Planned Lighting
Lighting can make or break a bathroom remodel. It affects both the function and the feeling of the space, so layering multiple types is essential.
Start with task lighting around mirrors, ideally from both sides or via backlit styles that reduce shadows. Add ambient lighting overhead to fill the room with a soft glow. Finally, incorporate accent lighting to highlight architectural details, textures, or floating cabinetry.
Tunable lighting, which allows you to shift between bright daylight tones in the morning and warm, cozy hues at night, gives you greater control over the bathroom’s mood. And wherever possible, take advantage of natural light by incorporating large windows, skylights where appropriate, and frosted glass doors, which invite light, softness, and clarity into the space.
Modern Bathroom Design Tips
A spa-like bathroom is about more than aesthetics; it’s also about harmony, intentionality, and ease. Here are a few bonus design tips to help bring it all together:
- Focus on Cohesiveness — Use a consistent material and color story throughout the space. Subdued earth tones pair beautifully with natural textures, such as wood, stone, and matte metal.
- Prioritize Both Beauty and Durability — Choose finishes that can handle humidity and daily use without losing their luster.
- Make Technology Work for You — From app-controlled lighting to programmable showers, today’s innovations make everyday routines smoother.
- Customize Your Storage — Opt for built-ins, floating options, and concealed compartments that support how you live.
- Choose Tunable Lights — Lighting that adjusts with your rhythm—from energizing to relaxing—can transform your bathroom into a true retreat.
FAQs: Modern Bathroom Design
What makes a bathroom feel modern?
Clean lines, simplified layouts, and thoughtful material choices all contribute to creating a sense of modernity. Add smart technology and well-planned lighting, and the result is a space that feels both functional and fresh.
Are modern bathrooms always minimal?
Modern doesn’t have to mean stark. At Hemma Living, we lean into minimalism as a design philosophy—not an aesthetic requirement. It’s about choosing fewer, better details that serve both function and beauty.
Can I add modern features without remodeling everything?
Absolutely! Start with layered lighting, a new vanity mirror, or a smart showerhead. Even a small change, such as a heated towel rack or bidet seat, can make a significant difference.
What’s the most important feature in a modern bathroom?
There’s no single answer, but we believe lighting and storage are two of the biggest game changers. They impact how the space feels and functions on a daily basis.
What’s the one feature clients most regret skipping due to budget?
In-floor heat, hands down! Especially in Northern Minnesota, it’s one of the most requested “wish-we-had” features afterward. The comfort and luxury it adds, particularly in the winter months, is hard to beat.
Achieve a Modern, Spa-Like Bathroom with Hemma Living
At Hemma Living, we combine thoughtful design with trusted materials and expert insight to help you create a bathroom that reflects your lifestyle. Whether you’re working with a tight footprint or dreaming big, we can help you craft a space that’s modern, serene, and perfect for Northern Minnesota living and beyond.
If you’re planning a bathroom remodel in Duluth, MN, or the surrounding area, call us at (218) 729-2707 or contact us online to get started.
