Ultimate Guide to Bathrooms for a Designer Look: Tips for a Luxe, Timeless Space
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If you're a home decor enthusiast like me, then there’s no question that bathroom styling is probably one of your favorite things to play around with. For most people, a bathroom is just a place to, well, get in and out. But for us? It’s a sanctuary, a heavenly retreat that deserves just as much love and attention as the rest of the house.
You’re going to love this post because it’s packed with all the tips and tricks you need to create the bathroom of your dreams. Whether it's swapping out tiles on a budget or adding those tiny designer details we all swoon over, this guide has everything you need to elevate your bathroom styling game. So, if you’re ready to give your bathroom some TLC, keep reading!
1. Establishing The Vision For Your Bathroom
Before diving into any major projects like painting or renovating, the first step is to build a vision for your bathroom space. Personally, I always recommend opting for a timeless style, which is my go-to favorite. Why? Because it stands the test of time and doesn’t get swept away by fleeting trends. A timeless look is all about warm neutral tones, natural materials, and earthy textures with nothing too flashy or overly trendy, just simple elegance that remains relevant year after year. Plus, it’s a great foundation that you can always refresh with smaller updates whenever you want a change!
2. Deciding On The Color Palette
Choosing a color palette for your bathroom doesn’t mean sticking to one color and splashing it everywhere. It’s mostly about setting the tone for your cabinets and walls, and just because we’re going for a timeless neutral look doesn’t mean you can’t show off your personality! You’re not limited to browns and beiges, there’s so much more you can do.
You can create a muted, elegant design with even the brightest color you love. It’s all about finding the right shade. Start by picking your favorite color, then go down the swatch to find a more muted, softer tone. That shade can become your bathroom theme or a pop of color on cabinets or accents. It’s a subtle way to bring personality into the space while keeping things classy and timeless!
3. Think About Wall Treatments
In most apartments or homes, bathroom walls tend to be very plain, often in that classic shade of Taupe or Agreeable Grey. While it’s a neutral, it doesn’t exactly scream personality, does it? Luckily, one of the easiest ways to infuse your bathroom with your unique style is by giving those walls some much-needed love.
There are so many ways you can elevate plain walls. You could add molding for a touch of character, paint them in a shade that complements your decor, or even go bold with a beautiful print of wallpaper. One of the favorite tricks of interior designers is pairing wall moldings with wallpaper. This combo instantly adds personality and depth to an otherwise boring bathroom and gives off a sophisticated yet personalized vibe that speaks volumes about your style.
When selecting wallpaper, it’s important to keep the key color rules in mind and stick to muted tones for the dominant color to keep things timeless and elegant. But when it comes to patterns, go wild! Bathrooms are forgiving when it comes to bold, patterned wallpapers. Feel free to play around with florals, abstract designs, or nature-inspired prints.
However, a word of caution: steer clear of geometric patterns. They tend to give off a cold, rigid vibe, which isn’t what we’re going for. Instead, aim for a warm, cozy look that makes your bathroom feel inviting and relaxing. Choose patterns that bring softness and charm to the space.
4. Floor Treatments Are Next
Just because your apartment or home came with a certain type of flooring doesn’t mean you’re stuck with it forever. Old, boring flooring like white tiles everywhere, vinyl sheet flooring with busy patterns, or outdated linoleum, is often considered dated by designers. But you can refresh your floors without committing to a full renovation.
Flooring treatments are often overlooked, but they can completely transform your bathroom without breaking the bank. You don’t have to damage the foundation or tackle a huge project. If you’ve got the budget, go for a full makeover, but if you’re looking for a more affordable route, there are plenty of budget-friendly options, like peel-and-stick tiles. These are quick, easy to install, and can instantly update your space. It’s an easy win for those who want a fresh look without the hassle! Go for more classic style like a checkerboard pattern in beige or plain oak wood and stay away from the busy patterns and heavy colors.
5. Replacing Vanity
Nothing says elegance quite like a beautiful vanity! You might have the perfect color scheme in your bathroom, but a dingy old standalone sink or a vanity that lacks texture, color, and cohesive style can really bring down the overall look. While vanities are definitely an investment, they’re one of the best you can make for your bathroom for years to come.
Modern vanities come in stunning designs that exude timeless elegance. The curves, the rich wood details, the chic hardware, and the blend of surfaces like wood and marble, ah! All these elements come together to create a classy look that makes your bathroom feel luxurious. You’ll find yourself going back to the bathroom just to admire your stunning vanity!
6. Replacing Hardware
If you’re lucky enough to have a fantastic vanity and sink in your bathroom, it’s time to take a closer look at the hardware! This includes your faucets, showerheads, cabinet knobs, flush handles, toilet paper holders, and drawer pulls. Swapping out the standard brushed nickel hardware commonly found in most homes for something a bit more elegant like brass, gold, or even polished nickel can make a huge difference.
These choices add warmth, style, and texture to your space. Don’t be afraid to mix different metals, either! Here’s a guide by Studio McGee you can refer to. Combining various finishes can create an interesting, layered look that enhances your bathroom’s overall design. It’s the little details that truly elevate your space!
7. Choose Mirrors Carefully
As a home decor enthusiast, you probably already appreciate the variety of stylish mirrors and their aesthetic appeal, especially in bathrooms. To achieve that coveted designer look, the first step is to say goodbye to the builder-grade mirror. If you have a double vanity, opt for two stylish mirrors, and for a single vanity, well, do the math, haha!
But remember, stylish mirrors don’t mean funky mirrors there’s a difference! A timeless luxe look is achieved with mirrors that feature soft details, gentle curves, or straight lines that seamlessly complement the rest of your decor. Choosing the right mirror can elevate your bathroom’s design and create an inviting atmosphere that reflects your personal style!
8. Add Ambient Lighting
Lighting is to home decor what snow is to winter, it just isn’t complete without it, and it’s what makes a space truly special! For your bathroom to achieve that soft, cozy vibe, swap out bright white bulb temperatures for warm white lights. Adding ambient light fixtures, like wall sconces beside the mirrors, can work wonders.
A classic vanity with wall sconces on each side of the mirror is the look we all admire in those stunning designer bathrooms! If your space allows, consider adding a simple chandelier for an extra touch of elegance. It’s all about creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that makes your bathroom feel like a luxurious retreat.
If you’re a fan of the 3-light fixtures that go above mirrors, I have some bad news. They only look a tad bit nice if you have a single vanity with one mirror. Using two of these 3-light fixtures above two mirrors can be a bit of overkill and may end up weighing down the entire decor. Instead, go for more simple lighting options that enhance your bathroom’s overall aesthetic without overwhelming it. Remember, less is often more when it comes to creating a chic and sophisticated space.
9. Opt For Simple Textiles
Contrary to popular belief, simplicity is what truly adds that luxe factor to a space. The simpler your selections, the more exuberant and refined your bathroom will feel. Let’s discuss bathroom linens and textiles. These are your bath towels, face towels, hand towels, bath mats, shower mats, and even shower curtains. Opt for simple, even monochromatic linens that aren’t too heavy in pattern or style. Bold, busy patterns and colors can add unnecessary visual weight and ultimately cheapen the space, undoing all the hard work you’ve put in so far.
When selecting materials, go for natural fabrics like linen and cotton. Not only are these timeless and durable, but they also provide the warmth and coziness that a bathroom needs, while being gentle on the skin. t’s these small details that truly elevate the look and feel of your bathroom, making it feel cohesive and luxurious. For instance, if you must have a toilet mat around the bowl, make sure it complements, rather than clashes, with other floor elements like your shower mat or runner rug.
10. Style Small Details For a Finished Look
The art of styling small details is truly the heart of interior design. It’s all about how the towels are hung, how the wall art is framed, and how the objects are arranged. For a bathroom, these often-overlooked small items can have the biggest impact. Here’s how you can style these details to elevate your space:
1. Add a runner rug – No matter the size of your bathroom, a runner rug instantly brings a luxurious touch. It works wonders, not just in bathrooms but in any space, adding warmth and elegance.
2. Upgrade your dispensers – Swap out those generic plastic bottles for clear or amber glass dispensers for your hand soaps and lotions. It creates that hotel-like feel, instantly upping the luxe factor. Rejar your bath cosmetics like shampoo and body wash in similar bottles for a cohesive, polished look.
3. Bring in florals – A small vase with fresh or faux florals or stems on the vanity brings natural softness to the space. It adds a welcoming vibe and elevates the bathroom’s overall aesthetic.
4. Choose woven baskets – Chic woven baskets are perfect for extra toilet paper rolls, toiletries, or hand towels. Rattan or natural woven materials not only add texture and warmth but also complete the layered, designer look.
5. Hang wall art that reflects your personality – Showcase your unique style by displaying wall art (above the toilet or elsewhere in the bathroom) that speaks to you. For instance, if you love nature and hiking, frame and hang photos you’ve taken during your hikes. Personal touches like these not only add a deeper layer of personality to the space but also make it feel more connected to you
These small touches make all the difference in creating a beautifully styled bathroom.
Following the tips and tricks I’ve shared here is a surefire way to elevate your bathroom styling game and give it the luxurious touch it deserves! Whether it’s updating your hardware, choosing the right linens, or incorporating personal elements like art and florals, every detail plays a role in creating that designer look. Your bathroom should feel like an inviting retreat, and with these ideas, it’ll look and feel like a space straight out of a magazine. Happy styling!
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