By: Kaelyn Lacefield

Gold fixtures are making a strong comeback in bathroom design. Incorporating gold fixtures into a bathroom can create a stunning, modern aesthetic when balanced with industrial elements. Gold, especially in chrome finishes, offers a sleek and luxurious feel while maintaining an edge when paired with darker tones and natural materials. If you’re looking for inspiration to transform your bathroom, consider embracing industrial design with gold accents to create a chic, functional space.

Creating a Statement with Vertical Shiplap

Shiplap is often associated with rustic or farmhouse-style interiors, but when used vertically, it adds a modern twist that enhances the height and openness of a bathroom. Vertical shiplap, in particular, has the ability to draw the eye upward, making small bathrooms feel more expansive and airy. The clean lines of shiplap also create a seamless, minimalist backdrop that works well with the industrial style.

In a modern industrial bathroom, white or neutral-colored vertical shiplap provides a light, refreshing contrast to raw materials like concrete or brick. For a bolder statement, opt for darker shades of shiplap—think navy, charcoal, or even deep forest green—that can anchor the space and complement the warmth of gold accents. The texture of the shiplap adds depth and interest to the walls, giving the bathroom a cozy yet sleek ambiance.

Shiplap is also an ideal solution for highlighting specific areas in the bathroom. You can install it behind a freestanding tub to create a feature wall or use it in the shower for a dramatic effect. The vertical design will make these areas feel even more prominent while enhancing the room’s overall verticality.

Dark Cabinets and Neutral Palettes: The Perfect Combo

A key element of modern industrial design is the use of contrasting dark cabinets with light, neutral palettes. Deep hues like charcoal or navy for cabinets add a sense of drama and boldness to the space, while light-colored walls, tiles, or paint can soften the overall look. This combination allows gold accents to shine, standing out against the darker surfaces while still maintaining balance.

For a truly industrial look, opt for cabinets with clean lines and matte finishes. This minimalist approach ensures the gold fixtures remain the focal point of the room. Combining these rich, dark tones with lighter paint on the walls creates a harmonious environment that feels both cozy and contemporary.

Balancing Raw and Refined Materials

One of the hallmarks of industrial design is its use of raw, unfinished materials. Concrete, exposed brick, and metal are often the go-to choices for flooring, walls, and fixtures. However, balancing these harsher elements with softer, more refined details is key to avoiding a space that feels too cold or sterile.

Introducing natural elements like wood can help soften the industrial vibe. A wooden vanity or shelving can warm up the space, and when paired with gold accents, it creates a harmonious blend of rustic and luxurious. You can also use wood tones to complement the vertical shiplap, creating a unified design scheme.

Textures play an important role in balancing materials. Consider a mix of smooth surfaces, like polished stone or concrete, alongside rougher textures, like exposed brick or reclaimed wood. The juxtaposition of these materials enhances the industrial style while keeping the room feeling inviting and comfortable.

Mixing Industrial Lighting with Gold Touches

Lighting plays a crucial role in industrial bathroom design, both functionally and aesthetically. Industrial-style lighting fixtures, such as exposed bulbs or cage lights, are iconic features of this design approach. But why not take it a step further and incorporate gold accents into your lighting choices?

Look for pendant lights or sconces that combine industrial elements with gold finishes. A matte black pendant light with a gold interior or a brass sconce with exposed Edison bulbs can create a striking focal point above the vanity. These lighting pieces not only enhance the room’s ambiance but also add a warm, golden glow that complements other gold details in the space.

For a more minimalist approach, consider recessed lighting with subtle gold accents, which can blend seamlessly into the ceiling while still maintaining a touch of luxury.

Functional Design with a Luxurious Feel

While aesthetics are important, functionality should never be compromised—especially in a bathroom. Gold chrome fixtures, in addition to their visual appeal, are also incredibly durable and easy to clean, making them a practical choice for high-use areas like the sink and shower.

If space is limited, think about integrating built-in storage solutions that maximize functionality without cluttering the room. For example, open shelving made of reclaimed wood or metal can provide ample storage while maintaining the industrial look. Combine these with gold accessories like towel bars or hooks to tie everything together.

Another way to add functionality is by incorporating double vanities or dual showerheads. This not only elevates the bathroom’s luxurious feel but also makes it more practical for couples or families sharing the space.

All-White Bathroom with Dark Floors and Gold Hardware

An all-white bathroom may be a classic choice, but adding dark floors creates a striking contrast that elevates the space. Picture an elegant black marble floor that makes an all-white space feel more modern and chic. The white square tiles on the walls, paired with sleek, frameless mirrors, create the illusion of a larger room, while bright lighting enhances the overall fresh, clean aesthetic.

The brushed gold fixtures act as a stunning bridge between the stark contrast of black and white. Gold brings a warm, luxurious feel to the bathroom, helping soften the sharp edges of the monochrome palette. These subtle touches of gold can come through in faucets, showerheads, or even drawer pulls, ensuring that every element of the bathroom feels cohesive and intentional.

This design is ideal for anyone wanting a high-end look that feels spacious and stylish without overwhelming the senses. If you’re craving a pop of color, consider adding soft touches like pastel towels or a small plant in the corner to keep the look cohesive without straying too far from the minimalistic vibe.

Sandstone Tiles and Neutral Accessories with Brassy Gold Fixtures

If you’re aiming to infuse nature into your bathroom without sacrificing a modern touch, sandstone tiles paired with brassy gold fixtures are the way to go. Sandstone’s neutral, earthy tones offer a calming and serene feel, making your bathroom an oasis of relaxation. Unlike the often starkness of an all-white bathroom, this palette provides warmth and a connection to nature, which can be especially grounding in a smaller space.

To add dimension and depth, consider layering in accessories that bring in other earth tones, like soft browns, bronzes, and creams. A decorative tray in bronze or towels in earthy tones can elevate the style without feeling cluttered. And for that extra pop of personality, a dramatic black vase or candle can add the right amount of contrast, ensuring your bathroom feels chic and well-thought-out.

This combination is especially suited for bathrooms with limited surfaces to work with, as the few materials present make a strong visual impact. Adding in green plants, like succulents or leafy ferns, can complement the earthy vibe while still keeping the space feeling fresh.

Mixed Grays and Stone Textures with Brushed Gold Hardware

If you’re seeking a design that feels dynamic and layered, experimenting with mixed grays and stone textures could be the perfect route for your bathroom. By combining different shades of gray—like a light gray stone paired with a deeper gray marble—you can create an unexpectedly stunning visual contrast. The variation in textures adds depth to the room, making it feel rich without overwhelming the space.

Brushed gold hardware pairs beautifully with these grays, giving the bathroom a touch of warmth and sophistication. You can further elevate the design by adding black and gold sconces, which bring a modern edge to the space. For additional style points, round off the look with a circular mirror, balancing the sharp lines of stone and tile.

Dark wood accents—whether in the form of shelving or cabinetry—work in harmony with the grays and golds, blending warmth and coolness for a balanced and cohesive look. The wood’s golden undertones complement the gold hardware, tying the entire design together without overpowering the room.

For those wanting a bold yet inviting space, this combination of gray textures, wood, and brushed gold is perfect for introducing personality into the bathroom while keeping it timeless and elegant.

Additional Design Ideas for a Personal Touch

• Matte Black Fixtures with White Subway Tiles: Another trendy and sophisticated option is to use matte black fixtures against a backdrop of white subway tiles. This pairing adds a modern, industrial flair to your bathroom while maintaining a clean, classic look. Incorporate matte black showerheads, faucets, and drawer handles for a sleek and minimalistic feel. A hexagonal black tile floor would also add depth and character.
• Terrazzo Accents for a Playful Pop: For those who want a more whimsical approach, terrazzo tiles offer a playful pop of color and pattern. These tiles, speckled with vibrant chips of stone, bring life to an otherwise neutral bathroom. Pair them with brushed gold hardware or even brass elements to balance the fun design with a touch of elegance. Terrazzo works well on floors, countertops, or even as a shower feature wall for a bold yet sophisticated touch.
• Natural Wood Cabinets for Warmth and Texture: Integrating natural wood into your bathroom design is an excellent way to add warmth and texture. Opt for wood vanity cabinets or shelving to introduce a rustic yet refined element. Combining wood with white marble countertops and brass or gold fixtures creates a bathroom that feels luxurious yet approachable.
• Floating Vanities for a Minimalist Look: If space is a concern or you’re a fan of clean lines, consider a floating vanity. This design trend not only gives your bathroom a modern, minimalist look but also creates the illusion of more space. Floating vanities can be paired with any of the above designs, whether it’s sleek white cabinets with gold accents or a wood finish with matte black fixtures.
• Statement Mirrors for a Unique Touch: Mirrors are not just functional; they can also be statement pieces. Consider installing an oversized, backlit round mirror for a futuristic feel or opt for a vintage-inspired, gold-framed mirror to introduce an old-world charm to your bathroom. Statement mirrors can act as the focal point of your design, balancing the room and adding an artistic element.

Bringing It All Together

The beauty of modern industrial bathroom design lies in its ability to combine rugged, raw materials with elegant touches like gold chrome fixtures and vertical shiplap. By carefully selecting and balancing these elements, you can create a bathroom that feels both edgy and sophisticated—perfect for those who want to make a bold statement with their design choices.

Whether you’re renovating a small powder room or a master bath, incorporating gold accents and vertical shiplap into your industrial design will ensure your bathroom stands out with a blend of timeless elegance and modern edge.