Your bathroom should feel like a sanctuary – a place that adds a sense of luxury to your home and that you enjoy using. And just because they need to be functional doesn't mean they can't be utterly chic, too.
As bathroom trends return to embracing larger bathrooms over having multiple small ones, there's one particular feature that's becoming a desired luxury – bathroom islands. Adding storage and countertop space, there are endless ways to create an elegant centerpiece for your scheme.
To learn more about their appeal and how to design them into your space, we've turned to interior designers to get the lowdown on the bathroom island trend – and they've got plenty of inspiration to share.
Is a bathroom island a good idea?
A bathroom island, which is also commonly referred to as a vanity island, can add style and function to a scheme. Think of it as you would a kitchen island – adding storage, surface space, and a focal point for the design. While it's luxurious, it's also incredibly practical in the right bathrooms.
'In my designs, I focus on blending luxury with practicality, and a bathroom island is a perfect example of this balance. It provides not only extra countertop space for essentials but also introduces a functional focal point that enhances the flow and symmetry of the room,' says interior designer Alexx Kesh.
'When thoughtfully designed, it offers tailored storage solutions, a central hub for grooming, and a touch of sophistication that elevates the entire space. It’s an opportunity to make a statement with materials while ensuring every detail serves a purpose.'
How to introduce an island into your bathroom
Considering a bathroom island? There are so many ways to design one into your scheme – but only if you have the right amount of space for one. To give you some beautiful and luxurious inspiration, we've asked designers to share bathrooms they've designed around an island, and how they made it work.
1. Introduce a vanity island with luxurious marble
A bathroom island can serve many purposes – and one of the favorites is to include your bathroom sink into it. 'An island vanity creates a striking centerpiece in your bathroom, combining form and function in a way that feels intentional and luxurious,' explains interior designer Marie Flanigan, who designed this bathroom island.
'Its open layout allows for better flow and maximizes space, especially in large bathrooms where traditional wall vanities can feel disconnected. The island design provides storage and counter space on all sides, making your daily routine more efficient and enjoyable,' she adds.
While there are a lot of practical benefits, there are aesthetic ones too. In this scheme, the bathroom island has been used as an opportunity to bring in elevated, statement materials that really set the tone for the overall look and feel of the space.
'It also offers the perfect opportunity to showcase exquisite materials like marble, unlacquered brass fixtures, or custom cabinetry, elevating the room's overall aesthetic. Incorporating an island vanity encourages a spa-like ambiance, transforming your bathroom into a retreat that feels both functional and indulgent.'
2. Create a cohesive flow with a bathroom island
Your bathroom island doesn't have to double up as a vanity. It can work in the same way as a closet island, with vast countertop space and abundant storage, centering a large bathroom without creating a visual divide.
'Incorporating a bathroom island into a design scheme starts with understanding the room’s layout and how the island will enhance both flow and functionality. Functional details, like custom drawers or towel storage, are designed to keep essentials hidden yet easily accessible,' explains Alexx.
In this scheme, the island becomes the perfect place to store away essentials that are best kept hidden. It creates a clutter-free environment that epitomizes luxury and tranquility.
3. Opt for a freestanding design
Freestanding kitchens are all the rage right now, so why not take the same approach with your bathroom? A freestanding bathtub is often considered a luxurious design feature, but your bathroom island can be, too.
In this scheme, the island doesn't house any fundamental features like a sink, so it's easy to move around depending on the space and requirements of the space. It fits seamlessly into the design, with its cohesive white color palette and turned leg details.
The simplicity of this bathroom island is what makes it so appealing. It's a place to display beautiful bathroom accessories, shore folded towels within easy reach, and somewhere the homeowners can get ready. This is a great solution if you want to add an island to an existing scheme.
A bathroom island is a wonderful design feature to add to your scheme. Adding function and style, it epitomizes luxurious bathroom design that prioritizes aesthetics as much as it does practicality. So, if you're considering an island in your bathroom remodel, this is your sign to do it!
