Whether you’ve got money to spend on a bathroom reno or you’re just looking for styling ideas to elevate your current one, turning your bathroom into a private oasis needn’t be hard. All it takes is some good ideas, clever styling and understanding what sort of colours, styles and scents make you feel most at ease.
Don’t be afraid of using colour
Just because your bathroom is one of the busiest rooms in the house doesn’t mean it has to be tiled, white and clinical. If your bathroom is all white, pick a colour you think would brighten up or warm the space and try to integrate a few towels, candles, dispensers and storage items into the room in that colour scheme. If you’re doing a reno, consider painting your cabinetry in a statement colour, or pick tiles that use colour in a striking way.
Update your tapware and fixtures
An affordable option for a bathroom update is to replace tired tapware and fixtures with something new and shiny. Metallic finishes in copper and gold are having a moment right now, chrome is a classic choice, but fixtures in matt black are making a comeback. Whatever you choose, make sure it complements your bathroom and inspires ideas of luxury via the finish or the texture. Make sure the fixtures all match so the room feels purposeful and cohesive.
Add warmth
Natural materials are the best way to add warmth and serenity to a bathroom. If you’re doing a reno, don’t be afraid to swap tiles for natural stone, laminate cabinetry for a sleek timber option and a stand-alone stone, marble or porcelain basin for the top. If you want to update an existing bathroom, add timber to the space by way of timber towel rails, extra shelving, woven storage baskets, timber trays or home accessories.
Go Green
Adding houseplants to your bathroom is the perfect way to bring the outdoors in and make your bathroom feel more tranquil. Plants are scientifically proven to have a positive impact on your air quality and wellbeing, but this will only work if your bathroom gets a bit of sunlight and fresh air. Most plants will enjoy the humidity. Place them on windowsills, in corners or on the bath edge.
Invest in the little luxuries
Sometimes all a boring bathroom needs is some small luxuries to create the feeling of a home oasis. Change old towels for new fluffy towels in opulent colours. Bring in some scented candles in pretty jars. Choose toiletries with scents and textures that are actively soothing to you, such as lavender or eucalyptus. If you’re so inclined, add essential oils to your bath or shower floor and indulge in a little aromatherapy. For an extra soothing experience forgo flipping on the heat lamps and light some candles to create ambience.
Dress the space
If you’re one of the lucky few to have a large bathroom, rethink the space in terms of any other room in your house. Does it need a lightweight rug, a small side table by the bath where you could arrange a pretty collection of items? Perhaps you have room for a vase full of fresh flowers on your vanity. You could even introduce a vintage privacy screen for dressing behind or iple to fill empty space.
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