Goodbye clutter, hello functional elegance ! Whether you’re actively planning your future home or simply keeping an eye on design trends, these bathroom layouts are winning hearts for both their aesthetics and practical appeal. Here’s a focus on three modern features that are turning bathrooms into true wellness spaces.
1. The wet zone: bathtub integrated into the shower
A must-have in Scandinavian or Japanese-inspired interiors, the wet zone reimagines the modern bathroom with visual simplicity and functional efficiency at its core.
The concept ? Combining a freestanding tub and a shower in one fully enclosed or glass-partitioned area, separate from the rest of the room.
This layout offers several concrete advantages:
- Fewer divisions = an amplified sense of space, even in modest-sized bathrooms
- Streamlined look = clean, harmonious design with no visual interruptions
- Simplified cleaning = water stays contained within one zone, reducing splashes elsewhere
- Immersive experience = soaking in a tub surrounded by natural light creates a daily spa-like ritual
Aesthetically, the wet zone becomes the bathroom’s focal point. It pairs perfectly with large-format tiles, matte black finishes, wood slats, or minimalist glass. It’s the perfect blend of Nordic warmth and Japanese purity.
In short, the wet zone is all about doing less to achieve more.
✅ Why we love it: For its practicality, sleek style, and undeniable “Pinterest-worthy” vibe.
2. Italian showers
Spacious, walk-in, low maintenance and absolutely stunning, italian showers have become a standard in modern bathroom design. A true symbol of refinement and innovation, they’re loved as much for their minimalist look as for their everyday functionality.
Their main strength? The seamless, floor-level surface. This feature creates a sense of visual continuity, removing physical barriers between the shower and the rest of the bathroom. The result? A space that feels larger, brighter, and more cohesive. It’s also a major plus for families with young children or people with limited mobility.
On the cleaning side, Italian showers are a game-changer. Fewer joints, fewer corners, less buildup : cleaning becomes quicker, easier, and more efficient. Their minimalist design adapts to a range of styles: modern, Scandinavian, zen, or industrial, depending on materials like large ceramic tiles, concrete, or natural stone.
To sum it up : the italian shower is the perfect mix of comfort, beauty, and durability. A must-have that instantly adds value to any new build or renovation project.
✅ Why we love it : It brings that spa-at-home feel, without sacrificing style.
👉 Also read: All About The Italian Shower
3. Built-In Shower Niches
Say goodbye to shampoo bottles crowding the corners or slipping off the tub’s edge, the built-in niche has earned its place as a smart, must-have bathroom feature. Built directly into the shower wall, it merges sleek aesthetics with everyday functionality.
On the practical side, a niche keeps your essentials within reach while freeing up floor space. But it goes further: it maximizes organization while preserving a clean, uncluttered look.
Design-wise, the options are endless:
- Match the wall tile for a seamless, hidden effect
- Or choose a contrasting tile to create a bold, budget-friendly accent
- Some niches even feature integrated LED lighting for a luxurious, hotel-inspired touch
The result ? A bathroom that’s elegant and smart, where every detail serves a purpose.
✅ Why we love it: It makes your bathroom more enjoyable… and your photos more Instagram-worthy.
These trends truly enhance the daily experience by balancing style and function. Whether you’re building new or renovating with purpose, adding a wet zone, Italian shower, or built-in niche can elevate your bathroom in every way.
At Drummond HousePlans, many of our house plans already include these features… and so much more.
👉 Browse our collection of house plans to find one that fits your lifestyle
or
📩 Talk to our team to personalize a design that meets your needs !
