17 modern bathroom ideas from stunning New Zealand homes

Every year, more and more amazing homes are built in New Zealand where the best modern bathroom ideas can be found. Some of these ideas include a mixture of the latest trends, unique and innovative products and contemporary design tricks but what they all have in common is that they enhance and elevate the bathroom space in their own special way.

Everyone knows that tiles are a great choice for a bathroom so why not fully embrace the fact with a complete tiling fit-out? That's exactly what the homeowners of this bungalow in Sandringham did with floor-to-ceiling tiling that even includes the bathtub surrounds. The dark grey grouting is also a unique feature that accentuates the form of the glossy white subway tiles for a very contemporary look.

Related article: 11 exciting bathtub tile surround ideas

Bathroom mirrors are an absolute necessity for your daily cleaning and grooming routines. Most go for the standard wall-mounted option but there is another choice to consider. A vanity-mounted mirror, like the two seen here in this spectacular Rangitoto House bathroom renovation, is a great point of difference that is captivating and compelling. The balance in its setup speaks to modern innovative design while its brass finish gives it a warm antiquated feel.

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If you have the space to accommodate it, a symmetrical bathroom design is a great one to pursue. That's exactly what was done in this award-winning ensuite in Fendalton and the results quite clearly speak for themselves. The beautiful bathroom vanity units with wonderfully panelled cabinets mirrored on either side, work as bold features in this bright space while the luxurious drop-in bathtub beckons you from afar.

Related article: 23 bathroom vanity ideas to refresh your space

While bathrooms traditionally have adopted a white or neutral colour scheme, modern bathrooms have become a bit more daring. The main bathroom in this Wiri home is a perfect example of this with a bold and beautiful black colour palette which includes the tiling, tapware, towel rail and even the towels upon them. It is stylishly punctuated only by the white designer bathroom basin, a feature in itself that deserves to be highlighted with its one-of-a-kind aesthetic.

Designer tiles are a prolific feature among the best bathrooms in New Zealand as they have so much to offer from a practical and stylistic point of view. The design team behind Parsons House in Christchurch created a magnificent feature wall of mosaic tiles which is nothing short of mesmerising. The textures and the subtle variations in colour make for a spectacular display in a bathroom that stands apart.

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The modern bathroom is more than just a cleaning and grooming space. It is a haven to relax and unwind in and there's no better way to do that than to immerse yourself in the natural environment. This stunning Herne Bay extension project seized this idea by placing an exquisite freestanding tub in an alcove of glass panelling, surrounded by lush foliage. With shutters for privacy when desired, it allows the homeowners to appreciate this exquisite natural environment while enjoying a deep soak.

Related article: 11 different types of bathtubs — pros and cons

One of the more recent bathroom trends that is quickly becoming a go-to for designer-inspired bathrooms is the inclusion of exposed materials and finishes. The bathroom in this Alexandra Residence showcases this superbly with raw elements featured throughout. Textured tiles, exposed plumbing, rich-grained timber and pops of greenery all work to create a bold and dynamic bathroom space.

Bathroom niches are undervalued and sometimes not even considered but as far as modern bathroom ideas go, we think it's one of the best, especially where small bathrooms are concerned. The bathrooms in the Horizon Apartments in Mission Bay show just how practical and stylish bathroom niches can be for storage, incorporating them within the shower and above the basin. They eliminate the need for additional cabinetry and also create a bit of visual depth too, increasing the sense of spaciousness.

Colour is such an important part of any interior design plan and one option to consider is green as your choice of primary bathroom colour. This beautiful home in Waiheke took inspiration from the resident Kingfishers to influence the colour choice for their bathroom with strong tones of green throughout. It's a colour scheme that brings tranquillity, freshness, cleanliness, and spa-like vibes. It's also incredibly versatile, combining well with a wide range of complementary colours.

There are some stunning locations in New Zealand and if your home happens to be on the doorstep of some scenic vistas, then making them accessible from your bathroom makes a lot of sense. This breathtaking home in Earnscleugh, Central Otago features one of the best examples of this we've seen with a bathroom that includes a sliding door into a yard with picturesque views of the rugged terrain. It's a great scene to be able to walk out into in the natural light of the morning after a deeply relaxing session in the soaking tub.

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As far as natural materials go, you'll find few as truly magnificent as marble, a go-to luxurious choice for the modern bathroom. This home renovation in Glendowie demonstrates all the best qualities of marble in its use as large format wall tiles in the main bathroom. The beautiful veining and variations in shades of this natural stone, each unique to the next, make it both exotic and meaningful. Marble also makes an excellent wall covering, protecting the surface of bathroom walls from moisture and splashing.

If your floor space permits, doubling up on showers on opposite sides to one another is another nice interior designer trick to try to achieve a balanced and luxurious look. The bathroom in the S&P House in Hamilton has this and many other things going for it including a great view, access to the outdoor deck and a beautiful freestanding tub to enjoy. The showers help create a focal point of the view and become a multi-functional feature that the residents can use before and after a dip in the pool.

There are a number of ways to make your bathroom space more personal but one of the most interesting and diverse is through contemporary wall art. The Belmont Project in Auckland has exquisitely styled bathrooms that among other stylish additions, feature works of art. It adds a unique form of expression to the bathroom space in a way that is quickly becoming synonymous with modern bathroom design.

The floating vanity is common inclusion for most lists of bathroom ideas but the floating sink is a slightly more novel choice. Including one, or two as seen in the exquisite Maple Courtyard House in Christchurch, instantly treats the eye to something just a little bit different. The absence of cabinetry frees up a lot of space, enhancing the spaciousness, and the comparatively thin counter adds a bit of styling finesse. The exposed chrome plumbing also reflects a popular modern bathroom trend.

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Another colour suggestion is to take an earthy approach, indulging in a colour palette of brown hues for your bathroom design. This doesn't always sound appealing but the Eastern Beach House proves otherwise with the immaculate combination of natural stone tiling and wood cabinetry contributing to a relaxed and calming ambience. This is capped off by the freestanding bath that also has a dark brown finish to it tying the whole design together.

One of the easiest modern bathroom ideas on this list is to simply include a few natural elements in the space. A prime example is seen here in this dynamic Hapuku home bathroom with a clever placement of a climbing plant and a tall countertop pot plant. The presence of these plants softens the hard surfaces and artificial fixtures of a bathroom, making it a much more relaxing space. It creates an ambience of nurture through nature which is a wonderful sentiment and theme to be able to embrace.

Anyone with children will know that bath time can be challenging. Bathing is usually done at the end of the day when the kids are getting tired, some of whom aren't big fans of it to begin with. Little touches, like the Piwakawaka wall decal in this lovely bathroom in Epsom, immediately make the bathroom a more comfortable space for the kids. The warm golden accents, patterned floor tiles and window sill greenery also help which could be all it takes to get your kids on board.

As you can see, there are some amazing bathroom ideas for you to take inspiration from, executed with aplomb in some of the best and most stylish homes in the country. While some like bathroom niches and glass panels, will need to be designed at the early stages of your project others, like contemporary wall art and plants can be implemented once all work is done. Either way, you'll find these ideas will elevate both the functionality and aesthetics of your bathroom making it the sanctuary you deserve.

Related article: Bathroom renovation costs in New Zealand — a full breakdown