
When it comes to designing bathrooms, we’re all about creating a space that’s fresh, soothing, and truly timeless. Whether our clients lean traditional, contemporary, or transitional, we follow a few tried and true concepts that enable the spaces we create to stand the test of time. Here’s a peek at how we design bathrooms that look fabulous in 2024 – and will continue to do so for years to come.
Carrara Marble
Look at a timeless bathroom and you’re likely to find Carrara marble or a quartz or porcelain version that mimics it. “This Italian stone has been a favorite of designers and homeowners for centuries,” says Marina Case, The Red Shutters’ principal designer. “Its aesthetic instantly elevates a space, giving it a luxurious feel – plus, it’s highly durable and long-lasting.”
You can incorporate this marble or its lookalike into countertops, flooring, walls, and showers, and it can work well with all styles. See how we used it in two completely different style bathrooms below.



Floor Tiles
Our go-to bathroom flooring tends to be hexagon-shaped. We love hexagon Carrara marble for a classic design because of its effortless, timeless appeal. Whether it’s a penny, three inches or more, this tile is the perfect foundation for the other layers of the space. For a more modern feel, you can’t go wrong with a mottled white or dark hexagon. You can even use larger rectangular tiles, such as 12”x24”. Floor & Decor, Wayne Tile, Town and Country Ceramic Tile, and TileBar have lots of options to choose from. We’re currently working on four bathrooms for one of our clients where, as you can see from the design sheet, we’re using a mix of flooring options.
We always use a smaller tile such as a 1-2” hex in stall showers for safety reasons.
Fixtures
Trends may come and go, but polished nickel and chrome has always remained a tried and true choice for bathroom fixtures. It has proven time and time again that it has staying power – and it works across design styles thanks to the many options available. We are also seeing the return of a slightly worn looking aged brass which we love as well. You’re sure to find something to suit your style from Rohl, Lefroy Brooks (which we used throughout Glenmere Spa), and Grohe.


Shower Wall Tile
With both traditional and modern designs, we like to keep things simple for shower wall tile. In a modern design, a 12X24 large format tile is a good option, and a white subway tile is the perfect pick for a traditional, modern or farmhouse bathroom. We are also using a 4X4 in a green color as well.

Bathroom Walls
For the walls outside of the shower, paint is probably the most popular finish. But, if you follow us, you know we love to use wallpapers that pop. “Wallpaper gives you the biggest impact in a small space, especially for a powder room,” says Marina. “Sometimes, we’ll also do beadboard for homes with a more New England traditional style.” In the bathroom design, we incorporated both wallpaper and beadboard.
Vanities, Mirrors and Medicine Cabinets
In selecting a vanity, white is a timeless choice that allows you to easily change the feel of the room by painting the walls or adding colorful wallpaper. We also love to add a pop of color through the vanity. As for medicine cabinets, we opt for something simple and understated that fades into the background. Robern has a lot of great medicine cabinet options. We like to add visual interest with vanity mirrors whether they are vintage or new. “The lines of a mirror are key for me. I like to use more unusual shapes, such as gothic or an arched top,” says Marina.

The suggestions above are not hard and fast rules, but merely features that pop up again and again in timeless bathroom design. Your bathroom should reflect your personality and lifestyle. That’s where we come in. At The Red Shutters, our designs reflect who you are and how you live.
Ready to Get Started Transforming Your Space?
There are so many ways in addition to pattern to breathe fresh life into a home. View my Portfolio to see more examples of my interior design projects and follow us on Instagram for more interior design inspiration.