If there’s one room in the home that can often get overlooked in terms of décor, it’s the bathroom. Especially for new homeowners, the first consideration is always making sure the bathroom is fit to function rather than it’s current aesthetic.
That all makes sense but at some point (typically before a looming event you’re to hold at your home, or visitors slotted to visit, you’re going to want to size up your bathroom with a different type of focus.
Especially if you’re looking to make others feel at home, or when it comes time to entertain guests, you need to think beyond function. The bathroom can easily be a place that displays as much charm as the rest of the home.
I have always seen the bath as a sanctuary, a place to relax with candles, long soak and a thick plush bathrobe to wrap up in after. Small details like the thickness of the bathmat, choice of hand soap and luxe hand towels never escape me.
Brighten Things Up
Light is something that matters in the bathroom a lot more than it matters in other parts of the home. A bathroom full of dark corners and shadows can easily feel somewhat dirty (especially if you have lighter tiling) and uncomfortable.
So even if your bathroom is a bit of a cave, or has no windows, do what you can to add more light and color.
Install a light on top of the mirror or directly over the shower in addition to your main source of light. Use transparent window treatments alongside patterned glass.
This way you let more light in while still maintaining your privacy.
Add a bit of personality
Your focus shouldn’t be solely about keeping things looking clean and bright (though for most of us it’s the main focus.)
If you want people to feel more at home in your bathroom (including yourself), a bit of personality can go a long way.
Don’t let the walls look bare and cold as you’re unsure of what to place, where.
Get prints, artwork and even some quality wall decal patterns that change change by season to add life and personality to your bath.
Add a fresh vase of flowers before your guests arrive and a unique shower curtains can give the room a whole new life.
Make it luxurious
To get the best use out of your bathroom, you need to think beyond just visual décor. You need to think about how it feels. Think back to the most opulent bathroom you have ever used (I am aware of how odd an exercise this is) and then think about all of the details that culminated into that one wonderful experience.
This is the idea of luxury you want your guests to feel, within reason and your budget of course.
Of relaxing and enjoying a private moment of bliss in the bath or shower. Adding this sense of luxury can make get rid of the awkwardness some people can feel in someone else’s bathroom.
A big part of being welcoming are those small amenities we notice most when we are traveling. The soaps, the bubble baths and body oils that can do wonders for the body.
Don’t forget about the little sensory touches, like a soft rug when you step out of the shower, a towel warmer during winter months, or wall dimmers to help guest slowly get their mind (and eyes) into the right mind-frame for sleep.
The points above have hopefully started to give you some ideas of how to add a bit more warmth and charm to your bathroom.
Send me a note (or before/after photos) of your next room makeover!
Terry Poage
July 25, 2016Thanks for such great ideas.
Stephanie
July 27, 2016Sounds like a great idea.