Decorating bathrooms has a similar approach to decorating kitchens since most fixtures are built-in like the bathtub and water closet. I prefer bathrooms and toilets to be clean and minimal, purely functional, but ironically the toilet is what I’m most excited to design especially for commercial spaces. Toilets are additional opportunities to drive the experience and concept of the brand further.
For homes, the bathroom can translate the homeowner’s identity in a confined space. I sometimes envy a well-decorated bathroom but realize it is not suited to my lifestyle. I remember this fancy toilet we designed for a restaurant way back. We installed a custom wallpaper, thrifted vintage brass wall sconce, installed handmade cement tiles, and manufactured a one-off hand-carved classic mirror frame in vibrant red. It looks great but I know I won’t have the patience to clean it if it was mine
BATHROOMS, TOILETS, AND RESTROOMS
You might be extremely confused by the interchanging of the words bathroom and toilet in the first paragraph because the usage varies depending on where you are. I would identify a bathroom where you take a bath so it would have a shower and a tub but not necessarily have a water closet fixture. The toilet is a room that only has a water closet fixture and a sink. I see it this way as this is the setup in our house. The terms toilet and restroom are commonly used for public and commercial spaces. For the sake of uniformity, we will use the term bathroom.
Nonetheless, this post will discuss different ways to decorate toilets, bathrooms, restrooms, or whatever you would want to call it.
WHY CONSIDER DECORATING BATHROOMS?
Decorating bathrooms is often left out when designing homes because we probably don’t spend extended time in them, yet we always use them throughout the day because we need to. The bathroom might also be the first room you get in after waking up, which is why it is worth looking into improving this essential space in homes.
DIFFERENT WAYS TO DECORATE BATHROOMS
REGROUTING TILES
Through time, grout coverage decreases when the tiles are cleaned regularly with abrasive agents exposing crevices that could hold water. If done correctly, regrouting can prolong the life of the tiles and vastly improve the look of the bathroom. There are different types of grout and powder is the common one. These come in standard neutral colors like white, gray, and beige and can be mixed to achieve a specific color. I’ve seen paste-type grout similar to caulk but haven’t personally used it. Use colors like red or yellow for a pop of color, and if it fits your design identity.
DECORATING BATHROOMS THROUGH GOOD OLD PAINT
It is simple, low-budget, and can be done on a weekend. Applying a fresh coat of paint to your bathroom walls and ceiling can transform it into something new. Use light colors to brighten it up because most bathrooms utilize small windows. Bold and vibrant colors add tons of character in a limited space.
FUNCTIONAL AND DECORATIVE PIECES
I might have given this tip to almost all posts, but it is something I firmly believe in. The function always comes first, and making it decorative simultaneously is a plus.
There are plenty of choices now, from thematic shower curtains to fun rugs, and playful tissue rolls. I am a plain tissue roll type of person but I have seen patterned ones that provide pops of color to an otherwise neutral bathroom that I liked. We have staged multiple properties and I was initially aghast when our lead designer started choosing graphic shower curtains as I felt it looked cheesy. It made sense to a certain extent as it added character and interest to a simple bathroom.
The wall mirror is another functional element in the bathroom that can be a focal point. Select something sculptural or colorful when purchasing a new one. Our toilet mirror has handwoven PVC fibers in red and white assembled in stripes. I had a project where the bedroom toilet had simple off-white stone tiles already installed. The finishes were nice but did not reflect the whimsical design of the bedroom and the quirky personality of the owner. We decided to have the face mirror customized to match the bedroom. We had a hand-sawn frame with leaves and a deer silhouette in fuschia that made the bathroom livelier.
CLEANING FIXTURES
Like in decorating kitchens, the simple cleaning of sanitary fixtures like the faucet and lavatory can make the bathroom look sparkling new. Accumulated grime and water stains may not be immediately noticeable because using the bathroom is part of everyone’s everyday routine. As a general tip, select cleaning agents that are compatible with the fixtures to avoid corrosion.
DECORATING BATHROOMS THROUGH TILES
Tiling the bathroom is professional work, which is why I wouldn’t advise you to DIY. Yes, tiles are plastered to the wall, but they need leveling and spacing to look and function properly. Waterproofing will most likely be applied to the surfaces where the tiles are removed and installed. There are numerous types of waterproofing, and require testing to ensure no leaks will happen. As you have read, tiling the bathroom is technical work. Go for retiling if you know a professional who can install the tiles.
LIGHTING FOR FUNCTION AND DECORATION
A lighting fixture is a great way to add character and mood to an otherwise sterile space. Choose something sculptural but compact, especially for smaller spaces.
What I’ve learned during my practice is to install directional pinlights or spotlights to the ceiling directly above the person with the fixture facing the mirror. This way, the light will bounce off the mirror and illuminate the face while lessening the shadows. I have designed numerous salons and spas and know where light should placed to ensure workers can effectively do their tasks while creating a flattering effect for the customers. If you find the directional light boring but still want that soft glow, use globe-type pendant lights in frosted material for a diffused soft glow. Install this near the mirror.
This simple lighting change can breathe new life into space and make it safer for its users. I would personally opt for this bulb temperature setup
General lights – natural light, cool white, or daylight
Accent lights – warm white