In the bathroom, function is paramount: Fixtures have to work efficiently and the arrangement must be easy to use. Beyond that, however, is a wide world of bathroom designs that are stylish and comfortable. They can transform a basic bathroom into a luxurious and relaxing space with the latest trends and technologies. From simple sink upgrades to new tiling or an entire bathroom renovation, it’s easy to freshen up your bathroom design and make it a much more appealing space. Here are some elements that can make an enormous difference in your bathroom design.

The sleek, smooth finish is easy clean.

The wall-mounted, leggy base is an ideal bathroom design idea for places where space is at a premium.

This small basin is a serious dose of shine for a bathroom.

The organic shape of the mirror highlights the contemporary design.

The Latest Vanity Style Options

Bathroom vanities come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, from those with built-in cabinets topped with marble slabs to free-standing table designs and everything in-between. Some of the newest trends combine technology with style to create chic bathroom design ideas of all genres.

This particular bathroom combines a classic backdrop with a trendy floating vanity that features a lower shelf with drawers. The open space between the two sections, as well as between the vanity and the floor, keeps the bathroom light and airy. The minimalist toilet with a hidden water tank adds to the slim line look. The focal point, however, is the frameless mirror flanked by two modern sconces. The backlighting of the mirror is a growing trend as it provides ambient light as well as lighting for mirror use. The dark gray walls that have traditional panel detailing pair nicely with the lighter herringbone floor.

This DXV bathroom design is china and sophisticated — and very adult.

Perfect for a large space, a bathroom island brings the functionality of the concept into a new room of the house. This large and striking bathroom island adds a focal point and makes good use of the space in the middle of the room. One side of the island includes a basin and the other features drawers and a make-up vanity. A large mirror stands in the middle, serving both sides of the island. The curved edges of the base lend a retro feel that is enhanced by the soft sage green finish. The addition of a stylish chair completes this bathroom design idea.

The marbled swirls on the island top match the floor.

More at the contemporary end of the design spectrum, this vanity grouping from Klem is designed for a hospitality setting but would also be lovely in a residential home. Again, a dark bluish gray finish on the vanity gives it a sophisticated air, which is only enhanced by the golden fixtures and marble top. The cabinet style vanity has a modern air also because of the midcentury style legs, which is a contrast to the trendy vanity top that extends a wide border down the front. The choice of basin for this vanity will also affect the style it conveys, which here is contemporary because of the tall, round shape.

The organic shape of the mirror highlights the contemporary design.

Swanky Sinks

Sinks and basins can be one of the easier upgrades in a bathroom, especially when you don’t want to replace the entire vanity. Free-standing or console style sinks are even easier to replace when it’s time to freshen up the bathroom. Depending on the size of the space, new options range from compact styles that make the most of a right situation to stand-out basins that can become the focal point of a powder room or bathroom design idea.

This sink from France’s Horus is a great example of a small but luxurious sink for a powder room. The handmade style is part of theJandelle Paris collection, which has a number of authenticity stamped on each sink. The distinctive hammered metal finish is very different and adds a glamorous touch to the room. It’s also great for a tighter space because the side-mount faucet gives it a slimmer profile.

This small basin is a serious dose of shine for a bathroom.

La Cava’s Ottavo pedestal sink is a definitely a centerpiece for the bathroom. The style is sleek and different, and best suited to a powder room or bathroom where there is shelving or a table nearby to hold necessities. The floor mounted faucet turns the water pipe into a design element that is an integral part of the style.

The sleek, smooth finish is easy clean.

A little more traditional but with a great deal of pizzazz is this vanity and basin from Dezign Market of Canada. The Godi bathroom line is pure custom luxury, crafted from natural wood and stone. This powder room vanity lets the flared basin shine, with its elegant lines and thick sides. The small wooden base, however, has its own style with short but curvaceous legs that are crossed like a demure dancer’s feet.

This style is a perfect luxury bathroom design idea.

Modern style in a tight space might be a challenge but this compact basin from La Cava has the right proportions. The architectural matte black base with matching faucet are versatile and keep the space light and open. In addition, the corner-set faucet helps make the most of a smaller space, yet has some room to set down a few toiletry items. This style is also good for a guest powder room.

The wall-mounted, leggy base is an ideal bathroom design idea for places where space is at a premium.

A Luxurious Bathtub

Lounging in a deep bathtub may be the ultimate bathroom escape, and today’s trending stand-alone tubs can enhance the experience. Here, a round tub is set into a corner rather than being placed in a center space, which is a unique bathroom design idea. The faucet is mounted to the side ledge, which extends to both sides of the corner. A moveable wooden table accessory adds extra space for setting down toiletries, a book, or other items. It’s a unique way to position a round tub that might help it more easily fit into an existing bathroom design.

What a stylish way to fit a round tub in a square space.

Killer Tile Designs

Long gone are the days when tile was only smooth and shiny, with size and color being the only options. The latest tile designs feature patterns, textures and looks that were pereviously unimaginable. From carved, raised designs to designer patterns and tiles that look like wood, the choices are any limited by case and budget. This textured, carved and patterned style from Tile Bar is an intricate and sophisticated tile for a bathroom wall. Reminiscent of a Florentine villa, the curved lines and underlying floral shapes are opulent, but the muted gray tone keeps the look refined.

Although the curvy design is a bit rococo, it would work well in a modern bathroom too.

Lighted Bathroom Mirrors

One of the best and most functional new innovations for the bathroom is the lighted mirror. Whether done with backlighting or an LED lighted frame, the result is nice ambient light along with useful illumination for shaving and other bathroom activities. This particular lighted mirror from Victoria & Albert has a distinctive shape, while others may have simpler geometric lines. Either way, lighted bathroom mirrors are an excellent way to add more lighting without having to incorporate sconces or other wall lighting fixtures to complicate a bathroom design.

Lighted mirrors work well with single or double vanities.

Architectural Shower Details

It’s a simple detail that makes a world of difference: The framing of shower glass in an architectural style. Recently, black window frames and accents have become popular in contemporary homes, and this is a logical and easy way to incorporate it into a bathroom design idea. This new Zitta model features black framing on the shower glass and door, which elevates a plain shower to a stylish architectural feature. Zitta’s shower also has a fully smooth glass surface on the inside of the shower that makes cleaning a breeze, with no seams on the inside.

This striking architectural feature works with many bathroom decor styles.

Some of these latest bathroom design ideas can be incorporated in a bathroom refresh, while others are best done as part of a full remodel. Either way, there is plenty of inspiration here to help make a bathroom not only functional and comfortable, but also extremely stylish.