You’re ready to embark on a bathroom renovation, and specifically of your shower. However, the standard ceramic tiles and brass fixtures just won’t cut it for you: you want a modern shower design right out of the pages of a sleek home magazine.

Walls

Ceramic tiles aren’t the be all, end all for walls in modern shower design. Sure, they’re affordable, but they really aren’t anything special. Think outside of the box and find wall coverings that are as unique as your style is. Consider natural stones like slate, which add warmth and texture to your bath. A little above your budget? How about save and do something good for the environment all at once. Try recycled glass tiles. They come in a wide range of colors and depending on how you lay them, they can make your shower look spa-like with a soft palette or even club-like with intense colors.

Fixtures

Bathrooms require a lot of metal. You need hardware for your sink and especially for your shower area. Besides a shower head, you may need a diverter, faucet and hot and cold knobs. These should all match, featuring the same finish material. If you want to look modern, consider shower fixtures with brushed nickel or chrome finishes. Shinier finishes show water marks easier, but it’s really a matter of preference.

Finishing Details

Finally, you need those special details to make your modern shower design look complete. Add a soft, fluffy white rug to step out onto as well as a stack of neatly folded white towels near your shower door. Don’t bother with the gallons of bubble bath and cute guest soaps. Pour your toiletries into uniform metal or clear pump containers. Avoid cluttering the interior of your shower by installing dedicated shelves and racks so each thing has its right place.

Having a modern shower is about having the right attitude: you are aware of good design, but you don’t push it to the point that you are trying too hard.