Issue 5: 6 ways to transform your bathroom

Bathrooms, we all have one but more often than not, they are the most under designed spaces in our homes. Most homes have a function over design approach to bathrooms, bland tiles, bad layout, reduced light and an echo that is great for singing but not so great for design. But why is this? Why do we neglect such a fundamental space in our homes? Bathrooms have so much potential to be a space that we can actually enjoy, think long baths or luxurious showers.

Bathrooms are a space where we can be creative, where we can use bolder colours or different textures. It can be a place of sanctuary and calm and not just a place to brush your teeth and wash in a rush. 

Perhaps you feel this way about your bathroom, but maybe don’t know where to start. I will give you some tips, do’s and don'ts of successful and beautiful bathroom design. So that you can create the bathroom of your dreams.

1.Tiles

Most modern bathrooms you will see have a basic cream, white or beige tile and while functional, can be very un-inspiring. Large flat matt tiles that line the floor and walls but for some reason seem to stop ¾ of the way up the wall……why?? This immediately makes the wall seem cut off and the ceiling look lower. When you tile a room, always tile to a natural cut off point for example the ceiling or a corner. This will give the room a much more put together look and actually give the impression of higher ceilings. The first image the tile is only around the bath and shower unit. It cuts off mid wall creating a feeling of being unfinished. The second image you can see that the tile has been brought all the way around the room creating a much more cohesive look.

2. Lighting

When you think about it, bathrooms can be dark and uninviting places. The windows are usually small or covered up in some way leaving little to no natural light to come in. Of course privacy is important, but instead of heavy window treatments, opt for window film that will block any unwanted neighbors looking in, but will still let the natural light through. Artificial lighting is important too, some say that going for a “Daylight” cool white (6,000K) LED bulb which omits a strong bright white colour is good for your bathroom as it gives the impression of clean, bright and clear, but in my opinion it can give off the feeling of clinical, cold and uninviting. While this daylight light is good for certain tasks,  I would suggest having different light options too. Warm white Led ( 3,000K) on a dimmer switch would allow you to change the lighting to suit your needs, be it every day use or on dimmer for a relaxing spa experience.

3. Furniture in the bathroom

I am a big fan of using furniture in the bathroom if you have space. Instead of a standard bathroom “Vanity Unit” why not opt for a beautiful dresser or table with a top mounted sink? Bathrooms however, are spaces that are much more humid than the rest of your home, but with the right care such as finishing the furniture piece with a water resistant varnish, opening windows, wiping down any damp areas and of course having an extractor fan you should not have any issues. One of my favorite YouTube channels to watch is The sorry girls. They showed how you can repurpose a beautiful mid century drawer unit into a beautiful one of a kind bathroom vanity.

Photo by The Sorry Girls

4. Plants

I am a huge lover of plants and think that they can make any space look and feel amazing. There are certain plants that thrive in a humid bathroom environment, I am no plant expert but I do love to have them at home and have managed to keep them alive. I did a little research online and apartment therapy had a great blog post on best plants for bathrooms. They suggest plants such as Ferns, Pathos, Stag Horn Fern ( One of my favorite ) and spider plants to name a few. 

5. Textiles

I adore textures and patterns. I think you can easily change the feel of a space by some soft furnishings. Of course we can really put cushions into bathrooms … but we can have beautiful towels, bathmats, shower curtains. You can be playful with colour, texture and Material. Think what is the mood I am trying to create, is it Spa like? Then go for natural materials such as wood, cotton and rattan or is it more dramatic, then go for bold colour towels and maybe a statement shower curtain.

6. Art Work

This is something that I have always had in my bathrooms, but you rarely see. Artwork is mostly kept for spaces such as living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, but what about a beautiful piece of art in the bathroom. As I mentioned above, bathrooms are humid environments so not all artwork is suited to this environment. Choose art that will stand up to the humid environment perhaps on canvas or framed in a way that wont be damaged if by accident moisture does get into the frame. When in doubt, don't put your most precious works of art on display in the bathroom :)