Choosing a style for your bathroom can feel a bit like deciding what type of person you want to portray yourself as. Are you calm and minimal, or bold and unconventional? Do you value the sentiment of timeless classics or prefer to embrace the latest trends? The bathroom is, after all, a personal space where you go to unwind from the busyness of life. So, let’s walk through a few ideas to help you uncover the bathroom style that feels most like you.
Start with Inspiration: Who Are You in This Space?
What do you want to feel when you walk into your bathroom each day? Maybe you need a peaceful, tranquil feel. Maybe you need to feel energised and uplifted. A style choice isn’t just about fixtures and fittings. It’s about how those elements come together to tell your story.
Take a moment to gather inspiration. Scroll through Pinterest, flip through design magazines, and create a mood board of sorts. Let your choices be instinctual, adding anything that catches your eye. You’ll likely notice patterns emerging—a particular colour palette, an affinity for certain textures, or a soft spot for particular lighting styles. These are your first clues.
Step 1: Find Your Core Aesthetic
Once you’ve gathered inspiration, you might start to see an overarching style that appears. It can be a process – but discovering your fundamental style preferences will help you create a cohesive space that aligns with the rest of your home. Here are a few examples to get you going:
- Modern Minimalism: If clean lines, neutral tones, and uncluttered spaces make you feel at ease, a minimalist bathroom might be your match. Think sleek fixtures, concealed storage, and a focus on function without fuss. Simple materials, like matte black fixtures or concrete sinks, create a modern look that’s effortlessly elegant.
- Classic Elegance: Do you have a taste for timelessness? Traditional bathrooms draw on vintage elements like subway tiles, freestanding tubs, and polished chrome finishes. Imagine marble countertops, soft whites, and accents that bring a touch of luxury without feeling ostentatious. This style is perfect if you appreciate a bathroom that feels substantial and stately.
- Industrial Edge: For those who like a bit of grit and character, an industrial style might be a perfect fit. Exposed brick walls, metal finishes, and utilitarian elements create a look that’s bold and unapologetic. Pair it with Edison bulbs or matte black fixtures for an extra touch of drama.
- Scandinavian Serenity: Rooted in simplicity, Scandinavian design brings an intrinsic warmth. Natural textures like wood, stone, and ceramic play a large role in creating an iconic Scandinavian feel. The aesthetic of clean lines, soft neutrals, and plenty of light make this style ideal if you want your bathroom to feel like a peaceful escape, grounded in nature.
- Eclectic Charm: If you love to mix styles and let your personality shine, an eclectic bathroom might be your canvas. Combine patterned tiles, vintage mirrors, brass accents, and layered textiles to create a one-of-a-kind space. This style is about bold choices and breaking the rules.
Step 2: Consider Your Home’s Aesthetic Flow
It’s tempting to go all out with a style that captures your imagination; but it’s important to consider how it ties into the rest of your home. A mid-century modern bathroom might look stunning, but if your home leans more towards rustic charm, this contrast could feel disjointed. The goal is to create a style that flows with the rest of your space, while still standing out as an individual statement of its own.
For instance, if your home has a contemporary, open-plan layout, a sleek and minimal bathroom could be the perfect complement. Or if your home is a period property, you might lean towards a bathroom style that honours that history, perhaps by incorporating classic fixtures with modern updates.
Step 3: Think Functionally About Your Lifestyle
A luxury bathroom is just as much about functionality as it is about aesthetics. If your bathroom doesn’t work for you, it doesn’t work at all. Are you someone who takes long, luxurious baths? Or do you favour quick showers to start your day? If storage is key for you, a style that embraces practical solutions (like concealed cabinets or built-in shelving) might be essential. On the other hand, if your bathroom is a secondary space or guest bathroom, you might want to take more creative liberties.
Consider elements like:
- Storage Needs: Do you need a vanity with ample space for toiletries, or are you more inclined towards open shelving that allows you to showcase beautiful items?
- Lighting: Think about how the lighting will set the mood. A spa-style bathroom might benefit from soft, dimmable lighting, while a vibrant, modern space might call for bold statement lighting.
- Maintenance: If you prefer a low-maintenance bathroom, opt for materials like porcelain or quartz that are easy to clean, and avoid intricate details that gather dust.
Step 4: Don’t Forget the Details
It’s the small details that make it yours. Even in a minimalist bathroom, touches like organic cotton towels, a carefully selected plant, or bespoke cabinetry can add warmth and personality. And if you’re leaning eclectic, go all out with bold tile patterns, unique fixtures, and personal décor pieces. Your bathroom should feel like it was crafted just for you.
Conclusion
Choosing the right bathroom style can feel like a daunting task, but it’s also an opportunity to create a space that reflects you. Take your time, do your research, consult with experts, and trust your instincts. You know what matters most to you. Let this be an enjoyable journey, and give yourself the freedom to craft a bathroom that’s inviting, functional, and uniquely yours.
