When it comes to walk-in shower remodeling, one of the biggest style choices you’ll face is this: modern or classic?
It’s a question I hear all the time as a designer—especially from homeowners who want a timeless look, but also crave something fresh, sleek, and showstopping. And truthfully? Both styles can be absolutely stunning. The secret is figuring out which one suits your lifestyle, your home’s architecture, and the way you want to feel every time you step into that shower.
Let’s break it down—Jonathan Scott style—with inspiration, comparison, and just enough design savvy to get your creative wheels turning.
🚿 Aesthetic Vibes: Clean Lines vs. Refined Detail
Modern Walk-In Showers:
Think minimalism with a wow factor. Frameless glass panels, oversized tiles, sleek black fixtures, and recessed shelving. This style leans into function meets fashion—no visual clutter, just a clean, open layout that feels like a spa retreat in your own home.
Classic Walk-In Showers:
Elegance is the name of the game here. Expect polished finishes, subway or hex tiles, brushed nickel fixtures, and maybe even a vintage-inspired showerhead. It’s a design rooted in tradition—but still incredibly fresh when done right.
🎯 Design Tip: Modern shines in newer builds or contemporary homes. Classic works beautifully in traditional homes, or when you want to honor existing architectural elements.
🧱 Materials & Tile Choices: Bold vs. Timeless
Modern Materials:
- Large-format porcelain or concrete tiles
- Matte finishes
- Clear glass panels
- Floating benches
- Linear drains
Classic Materials:
- Ceramic subway tiles
- Marble mosaics
- Paneled glass or metal frames
- Mosaic accents
- Traditional drains and thresholds
🎯 Design Tip: Modern finishes tend to be lower maintenance. Classic materials often bring in texture and warmth that ages beautifully over time.
🌟 Functionality & Features: Spa-Like vs. Comfort-First
Modern Perks:
- Smart shower controls (hello, presets!)
- Rainfall showerheads
- Built-in lighting
- Zero-threshold entry (great for aging in place)
Classic Comforts:
- Bench seating
- Handheld fixtures
- Frosted or textured glass for privacy
- Framed alcoves for a cozy, enclosed feel
🎯 Design Tip: If accessibility or tech integration is high on your wishlist, modern is your friend. Prefer a cozy, luxurious feel? Classic has your back.
💰 Cost & Resale Considerations: Investment vs. Versatility
Modern Walk-In Showers:
These can run a bit higher, especially with premium glass, digital controls, and custom fabrication. But they offer instant wow and are a huge draw for resale in urban or newer markets.
Classic Walk-In Showers:
Often more budget-friendly—especially if you work with standard tile and fixtures. They also tend to appeal to a broader range of buyers if resale is on the horizon.
🎯 Design Tip: No matter your style, quality installation and waterproofing are non-negotiable. Get that part wrong, and no amount of design will save you. reduce clutter while enhancing the tactile experience. It looked elevated. It felt luxurious.
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💡 Which One Is Right for You?
Ask yourself:
- Do I want this space to feel cutting-edge or comforting?
- Am I remodeling to match my current home, or redefine it?
- How important is resale vs. personalization?
- Will this shower be used daily, or is it part of a guest suite?
- Do I love trends—or classic design that won’t age?
Here’s the best part: you don’t have to choose one or the other. I’ve worked on projects that blend modern lines with vintage charm, like frameless glass paired with traditional tilework. Your perfect walk-in shower isn’t about labels—it’s about what works for you.
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Whether you lean modern, classic, or somewhere in between, your walk-in shower remodel should reflect how you live—and how you want to feel in your space.
Ready to start your transformation? Let our design team help you bring it to life with the perfect balance of beauty, function, and everyday joy. Let’s create something you’ll love stepping into—day after day.