Modern Bathroom Trends: Turning Your Chicago Suburb Bath into a Spa

October 20, 2025

Modern Bathroom Trends: Turning Your Chicago Suburb Bath into a Spa

The bathroom is no longer just a functional room; for many homeowners across Roselle, Elmhurst, Schaumburg, and Wheaton, it's becoming a necessary retreat. A well-designed, modern bathroom can significantly improve your daily routine and add substantial appeal to your home.

If you are planning to update your main bathroom or master suite, here are three key trends that blend comfort, style, and high functionality.

1. The Rise of the Shower Room (Wet Room Concept)

One of the biggest shifts in bathroom design is the move away from the traditional shower-tub combo to the "shower room" or wet room concept.

  • Curbless Entry: Eliminating the step-over curb creates a seamless, open floor plan that is safer, easier to clean, and adds a sleek, modern look. This design is also essential for aging-in-place and universal design principles.
  • Freestanding Tubs: Where space allows, homeowners are moving the tub outside the shower enclosure and installing a beautiful freestanding soaking tub. This turns the tub into a sculptural focal point, creating that true spa-like feel.
  • Dual Fixtures: Incorporate both a standard showerhead and a large, ceiling-mounted rainfall fixture for a luxurious, immersive experience.

2. Smart Storage and Streamlined Vanities

Clutter kills tranquility. Modern bathroom design focuses heavily on minimizing visible items while maximizing accessible storage.

  • Floating Vanities: These mounted cabinets create an illusion of space, making the room feel larger. They also simplify floor cleaning. Choose vanities with deep, integrated drawers instead of shallow cabinets for better organization.
  • Recessed Niches: Forget hanging caddies. Installing tiled niches directly into the shower wall provides clean, permanent storage for toiletries.
  • Vertical Cabinets: Consider a tall, narrow linen tower or a cabinet recessed into the wall (if your structure allows) to keep towels and supplies nearby but out of sight.

3. Mixing Textures for Timeless Style

The all-white, sterile look is fading. Today’s trend emphasizes warm neutrals, natural textures, and subtle contrasts.

  • Layered Lighting: Move beyond a single vanity light. Use multiple layers: bright vanity lights for grooming, soft recessed ceiling lights for overall illumination, and accent lighting (like under-cabinet strips) for atmosphere.
  • Natural Materials: Incorporate wood-look tile or actual wood elements for warmth. Pair these with high-quality, durable quartz or stone countertops.
  • Bold Accents: Matte black or brushed brass fixtures are increasingly popular, offering a clean, contemporary contrast to white or light-colored tile and stone.

A bathroom remodel is an opportunity to invest in your comfort and your home's value. At CHR Contractors, we specialize in creating modern, functional bathrooms that serve as true retreats. We guide you through the latest trends and ensure the finished product meets Chicago's high standards for quality and code compliance.

Ready to start designing your new space? Schedule a free consultation with our team today.