Trend alert – homeowners are seeking a homely, lived-in look in their bathrooms, so we’re exploring how you can make this space more decorative with no compromises on practicality…
From layering lighting and adding warmth with natural materials to introducing soft furnishings and textiles, KBB journo Charlotte Luxford breaks down five chic and effective design tricks for nailing the ‘living’ bathroom look…
1. Layer your lighting
If you’re looking for a less ‘bathroomy’ aesthetic, many designers eschew bright overhead fittings in favour of soft, layered lighting instead – spotlights are a big no-no while dimmable lighting is a must have. “Downlighters are out and large pendants and decorative wall sconces are in, adding personality and glamour,” says James Lentaigne, creative director at Drummonds.
Many brands are recognising this demand for ‘prettier’ fittings, and so the choice of IP-rated lights has increased exponentially, with the likes of Pooky, Dyke & Dean and Lights & Lamps offering a wider range of decorative bathroom fittings.
Having said that, it’s worth taking the opportunity to mix old and new wherever possible; you can opt for vintage fittings and those with patina outside of the zones that require an IP44 rating, to take the edge off the ‘newness’ of the bathroom and add character. Highlighting niches or areas around the bath or shower can also create a lovely glow and add depth to the scheme, allowing for ambient lighting when having a relaxing soak in the tub.
2. Opt for natural-look flooring
There’s no need to compromise on aesthetics in favour of practicality when there’s such an array of convincing stone and wood-look options on the market these days. “We prefer porcelain as it’s easy to clean, doesn’t require sealing, and it’s available in super-large formats that allow you to create a seamless slab-like effect – the opportunities are endless and porcelain’s more affordable, too,” says Justine Bullock, director at The Tap End.
Using wood-effect tiles is a great way to add warmth and a ‘living’ feel to a bathroom, with premium products replicating the knots, lines, and varying tones of natural timber, as well as creating a maintenance-free surface that’s also compatible with underfloor heating.
Same goes for marble-look and terrazzo designs – chequerboard marble-style flooring is an excellent way to add classic character, while terrazzo is a great choice for more contemporary bathrooms.
“You can also play with pattern to elevate the space,” says Grazzie Wilson, head of creative at Ca’ Pietra. “Think parquet-style layouts, scalloped shapes, or heritage-inspired prints and tile borders that feel more boutique hotel than clinical wetroom.”
3. Conceal your storage
While storage is an obvious essential to a bathroom, nothing kills a beautifully curated scheme more than cluttered surfaces or open shelves littered with toiletries and cleaning products. Both Obradov Studio and Otta Design are big advocates of building in tall, full-height cupboards wherever possible to keep everyday essentials tucked away. Painting them the same colour as the walls will allow them to blend in, too.
Mirrored cabinets are also a designer’s best friend, providing storage without overwhelming the space, as well as making the room feel larger and more light-filled. “We love using recessed mirrored cabinets from Porter, which look like elegant mirrors but open up to reveal storage built into the cavity of the wall – they can have added toothbrush chargers and demisting pads too,” says Ali Johnson, director at Otta Design.
It’s not just storage that’s worth concealing. Hiding the more nuts-and-bolts parts of the bathroom such as the cistern and waste pipes can really make a difference and create a more polished look. “If the fittings are more traditional, then we would go for a floor-mounted loo, and if more contemporary and a small space, we would go for a wall-mounted option instead,” adds Ali.
4. Introduce textiles for softness
Although not typically associated with the bathroom, don’t underestimate the power of textiles – and we don’t just mean adding a couple of towels. “Because bathrooms are full of hard finishes, it’s important to bring in texture,” reveals interior designer Sean Symington. “A lovely rug that can handle a bit of water, jute baskets for towels, pretty lampshades on your wall lights, maybe a vintage or upholstered stool or footstool, all help to soften the space.”
If there’s a window, Sean suggests dressing it with a soft roman blind in a pretty patterned fabric to add comfort and elevate the scheme. Fabric skirts are also a clever way to hide unsightly storage, much like you would under a utility sink, or even lining a vintage glazed cabinet with a sheer or linen fabric can help add that final flourish.
To prevent a build-up of mildew, a lightweight, breathable fabric such as a cotton or linen is often best to allow the air to circulate. There’s also a growing trend for beautiful waterproof fabrics from the likes of Christopher Farr and Morris & Co., which are perfect for making bespoke shower curtains – another bathroom design feature that’s made a comeback of late.
“For window treatments, we love to hoard off-cuts from eBay or Haines; they’re often perfect sizes for blinds without spending a fortune,” says Rose Hanson, co-founder of interior design firm Penrose Tilbury. “We also adore incorporating a statement fabric shower curtain – try an eye-catching print or decorative detail like a frill, which can really soften and bring visual interest to the room.”
5. Add artwork to your bathroom walls
Art is a fantastic way to bring soul into a bathroom and give it a ‘living’ quality so it feels akin to other spaces in the house. It can also be the linchpin of the bathroom design and help to inform your colour scheme, whether you go for one statement piece above the bath or an informal gallery wall arrangement of eclectic pieces.
“I’m always on the hunt – especially when travelling – for small paintings or prints that bring a sense of memory or warmth,” says interior designer Emma Merry of Emma Merry Styling. “It’s lovely to lie back in the bath and be transported to another place.”
The trick is to make sure you opt for more inexpensive artwork; charity shop finds, flea market buys, or posters and prints; the bathroom probably isn’t the place to hang your key investment pieces, due to the moisture, which can seriously damage the art if it gets under the glass.
However, you can look at using moisture-resistant materials such as acrylic glass and metal and plastic frames to help avoid any potential damage. Although, if a bathroom is well ventilated, most art should be pretty relatively safe to hang.
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