The bathroom doesn’t have to be just a place for quick showers or stop in—it can be a truly luxurious experience with a few strategic design flourishes.
If you’re looking to elevate your bathroom design, here are four favorite ways to deliver a high-end feel.
1. Art: Add Personality to the Walls
Art in the bathroom is usually overlooked, yet it’s a design power move!
An immediate gesture that adds character and style, art is a must. Whether a textural statement, a photograph, a vintage print, or even an unusual mirror with an unusual shape or frame – go bold for easy sophistication.
Warning: Make sure the artwork can withstand humidity – watercolors are a no-no in a high-humidity space.
2. Light Fixtures: Brighten Up with Style
Lighting fixtures are always a massive design opportunity and one I don’t take lightly. Clients will spend $$$$ on the cabinetry but light fixtures will be the first things people notice. 😊
Consider style-broadcasting pendants or sconces for soft lighting around the mirror or a room-defining overhead fixture.
Think shape, scale and material/texture. Do you want to lean into the textures already in the bath, or bring in something new and unexpected?
Here in this powder room, we opted for striking crystal pendants in keeping with the elegance of this powder room, but selected something that also used unexpected materials like wood and rope.
3. Wallpaper: Make a Statement
Wallpaper is a fantastic way to inject style into any bathroom without a complete remodel.
In the photo shown here, we were tasked to reinvent this bathroom without changing a single plumbing fixture, counter or cabinet (beyond paint). 😊 Wallpaper really moved the needle here.
Don’t shy away from bold patterns or rich textures. Or saturated color.
Be sure the wall covering is appropriate to the type of bath it is – no grass cloth in a high humidity space; and in the case of small powder rooms, be sure to consider the scale repeat of the paper.
4. Tile: Create a “Your Style” Foundation
Tile is the backbone of a bathroom’s aesthetic, so choose wisely.
Large-format tiles as well as geometric tiles are trending. They can create a seamless look, or, a dramatic look, depending on your selection.
Tile can drive a bath’s personality so if we’re being honest, where possible, I like to make my tile decisions BEFORE I lock into my cabinetry and counter.
In fact, design tile first and your bathroom scheme will fall in place faster and more seamlessly than you can imagine. (Most people start with the cabinetry….)
Don’t forget about accent tiles for the shower or floor—they can be the perfect way to add some drama.
One last tile tip: Think twice about doing an accent tile inside a shower niche. I never understand why people want to feature their shampoo bottles. Instead, use the accent tile in the shower as you wish – but keep the shower niche tile in the same as the surrounding wall in which it sits.
For a memorable bath that’s also a daily treat, it’s all about mixing high style with functionality, my lovely.
Ready to get started but need some help?
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