Barring those who build brand new homes, most homeowners sometimes find themselves facing the fact that there is something they do not care for in their new home. Luckily, remodeling is an option for them. Many choose to make changes to the interior, and exterior, of a home nearly right after they move into it, creating a space that is more comfortable and personal. Perhaps the first place most start is the bathroom. Bathrooms, for most, are not just a place to shower and do the daily necessities, but rather a comfortable retreat. It is a place where relaxation is paramount, and is often where one gets their daily jumpstart in the morning and a recharge of the batteries at the end of a long day.

For some, this invigoration and relaxation comes in the form of an extremely posh and ornate bathroom, flush full of the latest and greatest fixtures and shower sprayers. But for others, this just is not an option. Perhaps the biggest determining factor of what motif one wants to achieve is not always the budget, but rather the space one is given to work with. Sometimes there just is not enough room for that twenty-one jet whirlpool tub. This is where some turn to the idea of creating a minimalist bathroom.

Minimalism is the idea of stripping an area of any unnecessary items that serve no purpose, and if often associated with the mantra “form follows function.” With minimalism, any and all available space is utilized as efficiently as possible, making this a popular trend among those who are not lucky enough to have a vast, cavernous bathroom at their disposal. Minimalist design also calls for the strictest of perfection since there is little or no ornament to draw one’s eyes away from a mistake. Making use of straight, uninterrupted lines also gives minimalism its crisp attitude and appeal.

With space in mind, most designers have turned to creating fixtures that not only take up minimal space, but that also serve multiple purposes. Some sink fixtures not only serve as a water delivery system, but also a place to hang towels. Sinks themselves are now being cantilevered out from the wall, allowing for storage or shelving to be placed underneath them, again maximizing any and all space made available. Also, it is important to take into account the storage needs of the bathroom in accordance to its size. If the bathroom is small, more focus will have to be placed on maximizing the amount of storage, while minimizing the use of unnecessary pieces of furniture or features that clutter and detract from the minimalist philosophy.

This philosophy goes much further than just what goes where and leaving out unnecessary pieces. In minimalist design, visible latches and doorknobs are often forgone for a touch latch, leaving less to catch the eye. With minimalism, it is one-hundred percent about ridding an area of everything but what is absolutely necessary, and then stripping that down of any ornamental additions.

Creating a minimalist bathroom is often a great option for those lacking the overall space to create the overly lush home spa. The clean lines and efficient design makes minimalist bathrooms very relaxing and easy on the eyes. With only what one needs, and nothing they do not, minimalist design seems to make room for what is most important. And in the world of bathrooms, that leaves a lot of room for enjoying the relaxation it affords.