Whenever David and I decide to refresh a room, it usually starts with one of us texting a screenshot of an idea. From there, it slowly evolves into an inspiration board. I have shared our master bedroom inspiration board here and our home office ideas here—it is a great way to streamline our thoughts before diving into the updates. I am sharing my 2025 guest bathroom ideas with some of the tweaks that I am looking to make to our guest bathroom.
Our guest bathroom is on the smaller side and feels a bit choppy, yet it has so much potential. Since the fixtures are in great shape, we decided to focus on some cosmetic changes. During the Covid Stay-at-Home orders in thes pring of 2020, we were so excited to tackle this project. Today, I am sharing our modern guest bathroom ideas—and you can check out the finished guest bathroom here. After 5 years, I am itching to make a few more tweaks, so stay tuned!
This article was originally written in March 2020 and has since been updated and recirculated for May 2025.
Inspiration Board: Modern Guest Bathroom Ideas
One of my goals with our guest spaces is to have an interesting color palette that reflects our personal style and also feels welcoming to make guests feel right at home. I include personal items for guests to use, especially if they are staying overnight, to alleviate their packing burden. Since guest bathrooms can often be small bathrooms, I want to ensure that the space is functional and flows without feeling cluttered. Keep scrolling to see what guest bathroom decor ideas David and I are brainstorming right now.
Modern Guest Bathroom Decor Ideas
Gold Fixtures
Image via Dallas Pro List
One of the updates that David and I have been making throughout our whole home is updating fixtures to gold. I love the addition of the gold sconces in this bathroom paired with the large mirrors and gold faucet and hardware. That vanity is also swoon worthy!
Cabinet Color & Countertops
Image via Nicole from @grits
One of my very favorite Instagram accounts for interior design was Nicole for her beautiful interior design, her floral arrangements, and her chickens. I adore the tile, the color of these cabinets, and the acrylic handles. I would love these in gold, like these here. Her taste is impeccable, y’all.
Neutral Colors for a Small Space
Image via A Thoughtful Place
This bathroom set up is fairly similar to ours as it is a bit of a smaller space, though ours is without natural light. The color of this vanity paired with the gold details and that striped towel vibe with where David and I initially took our bathroom update.
Neutral Decor
Image via The Gentle Album
What caught my eye about this space was the basket, that beautiful print, and the minimal decor on the counter. I love a handsoap with a minimalist label and that faux arrangement is really pretty, too! I am swooning over those jars on the shelves.
An Organized Counter
Image via Pinterest
I love organization in bathrooms, both in my personal space and when hotels do something similar. This basket is so pretty with the faux flowers, the white hand towels, plus those bars of soap and bath salts. I also cannot resist a candle in any space, and the more neutral the branding, the better, in my opinion.
Patterned Floor Tiles
Image via Pinterest
I adore a patterned floor! We did not actually change out the tiles when we made our bathroom updates. Instead, we opted for tile stickers. After 5 years, they have held up so well and I am not bored with them yet!
Modern Guest Bathroom Styling Tips
Add Touches for Comfort and Relaxation
Choose Light and Calming Colors
To make your bathroom feel bigger than it is, consider using lighter colors, like light grays, blush pinks, pale blues, or light greens. We opted for Sherwin Williams Topsail, which is a pale blue that gives a bit of a nautical vibe. I wanted something that would brighten up the space since it does not have any natural light. One of my favorite grays is Sherwin Williams Repose Gray, which has a bit of blue tint that is also a great color for bathrooms. For a classic paint color that does not really go out of style, consider Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace.
Create a Spa-Like Zone
Bathroom design that feels like a spa is next level, in my opinion! I like to include a bath soak or bubble bath for our overnight guests, especially if they had a long day of travel. My sister-in-law sent me this as a gift and I ordered another one to have around the house for guests!
High-Quality Towels
There is nothing better than a big, fluffy towel after a nice, hot shower. I have a set of these towels in white for guests, and they are genuinely the best. A tip: be sure to wash your brand new towels a couple of times before use to get all the extra fuzz off.
Bath Mats or Area Rugs
I think area rugs are beautiful in larger bathrooms, which is not how I would describe either of the bathrooms in our home. I have been eyeing these new bathmats from Furbish Studio, especially this one. I also have this set of bath mats that I use in the guest bath and they have held up great!
Maximize Storage and Organization
Keep the space clean and clutter-free
Our counter space is pretty limited in our guest bath, so I have a small tray with jars that hold cotton swabs and balls, a basket that holds extra toilet paper, and then a small stool where I keep a jar of bath soak, that can double as a place for guests to set clothes, a towel, etc.
Add Storage Solutions
In addition to what I mentioned above, we keep some extra toiletries, tooth brushes, towels, a hair dryer, and other odds-and-ends guests might need under the sink in various containers.
Use Baskets
This helps keep bathroom accessories easily accessible and visually appealing. I really like the basket in one of the images above that sits on the top of the commode with extra toilet paper rolls in it. Baskets can also be used for extra towels or toiletries as well.
Provide Essential Amenities
Stock with Hand Wash
My current favorite hand wash is this scented one with this gorgeous minimalist label. We keep a hand cream on the small tray on the counter, which is especially important in the winter.
Include Cotton Swabs, Cotton Balls, Make-Up Remover
On our small tray, we keep small jars of cotton swabs, cotton balls, and I leave a make-up remover cloth out. These are the best because they easily remove make-up, do not stain your regular bath cloths, and wash incredibly well.
Provide Bathroom Essentials
Make sure guests have everything they might need during a stay. I keep small shampoos, conditioners, body washes, body lotions, and other small toiletries out for guests to use. I also let them know we will be providing that in advance if it makes their packing lighter. Under our sink are extras of any products and feminine products.
Ensure Good Lighting
This is especially important for when guests are getting ready. We want bright and functional lighting that is not flourescent. One of my personal favorite touches is this small flameless candle nightlight that I keep plugged in year round.
Add Decorative Touches
Consider Personal or Seasonal Touches
I usually incorporate fresh flowers on the counter during the spring and summer, faux pumpkins in the fall, and then some of our small faux trees during the winter.
Incorporate Art & Wall decor
One of my favorite prints is this art print of a woman in a bubble bath reading the newspaper because that is pretty spot on to me and how I enjoy relaxing. We also have some bright art prints from Rifle Paper Co. hung on one wall. I also loved bringing in this fun tassel shower curtain.
Add Candles for Ambiance
Hotel Lobby Candle Spa is the perfect scent for a bathroom. I love this scent because it is a bright, clean, and soothing blend of aromatics, designed to evoke the relaxed ease of five-star hotel spas. Aquatic water mint and fresh eucalyptus are anchored by warm amber and earthy sage.
Use a Statement Mirror
We opted for a large, round gold mirror, though if the right large, gold vintage one spoke to me, I would change it out in a heartbeat! I love a good mirror!
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