The great thing about designing a kid’s bathroom is that there is no limit to what you choose for a theme, and best of all, parents get to join in with the imaginative fun.

However, with some many possibilities it can become very difficult what idea to settle on. These thematic ideas are sorted under boys’ bathroom designs but that doesn’t make them exclusively for males.

There are no rules and with a few small tweaks such as paint color, you can use any of these themes for a both boys and girls.

Boy’s bathroom design ideas evoke thoughts of rough and tumble, and cheeky, energetic fun. Don’t limit yourself to what you think you can do in your little boy’s bathroom, you’d be surprised as to how a few small details can easily, and affordable, bring the bathroom design alive.

Car Racing Bathroom

A theme that never tires for a boy’s bathroom; think vintage signs, antique-car hubcaps, and wallpaper with mini automobiles to drive this theme home. A large working spotlight and motor club sign would be great to balance a small-scale automobile wallpaper. Small one-inch floor tiles would provide great traction for a child that likes to move on wheels. Keep the fixtures white to be clean and shiny, and make the focus the car themes accessories.

Southwestern Bathroom

What kid hasn’t imagined riding horses on a ranch in the Old West? Let your little boy carry this through to the bathroom. You can keep the color scheme simple, a neutral yellow or beige or a simple soft stripe pattern or cowboy motif. Complement this with water-proofed wooden flooring or terracotta tiles and wooden or wicker cabinetry and stools.
Weathered wood details will be nicely accompanied by civilized touches such as a colorful throw rug (ensure it is slip-proof).

Dress the windows with checkered fabric curtains and rope cords or frame it with a couple of brass handmade and painted cactus cut-outs. Of course you can’t forget some cowboy-hats and lassos hung on wooden pegs as real-cowboy deal accessories.

Aquarium Bathroom

So convenient for the bathroom but a theme that never loses its charm. Blue and white are the best colors for this bathroom. Cobalt blue tiles surrounding the lower half of the room give instant under-the-sea effect and are complemented nicely with refreshing white walls and cabinetry.

There is no harm in painting deep-sea scenery on the top half of the wall; it would really envelop your boy in the theme. It’s easy to accessorize with this bathroom as stores have never-ending supplies. Choose accessories with a youthful touch; overload the bath tub with fun shaped starfish sponges, rubber duckies, toy boats and fish. Cute turtle shaped handles would give a fun touch to the fixtures.

Circus Bathroom

It’s a rare child who isn’t delighted by a circus. Boys are attracted to the adventurous spirit, bravery and exotic animals. Anything goes for a circus color scheme as long as its bright and energetic. Bright red and blue with touches of gold are nostalgic circus-wagon colors.

Maybe some colorful ‘paneling’ or fun wallpaper prints. Deck these walls with glass framed circus posters like Babar the elephant. Accent the accessories and prints with stars and circus animal shapes. Easy-to-make but nailing the circus theme: replicate a big-top tent around the window or mirror with valance details. Add flagpoles and scalloped edges to the tent flaps.

Space Bathroom

Don’t think a space themed bathroom has to mean tacky and futuristic, you can use the theme to inspire a creative space that transports him out-of-this-world. Think of dramatic geometric shapes in primary colors as well as lime green, hot orange and purple. On a simple white background, paint shapes in an exaggerated scale.

Maybe even a mural that travels up and over the roof. Think of fittings with an unusual twist, such as a stool that has legs painted as pencils. If there’s room, add a small fish aquarium and hang optical illusion performing mobiles.

Sports Bathroom

Just because it’s sporty doesn’t mean it has to look like a locker room. You will find it easier to narrow this theme down to one or two sports and then work the supportive details around this. The sporty bathroom tends to work with a simple décor, think clean white walls and varnished, water-proofed wooden floors or tiles.

Buy or enlarge a poster to life-size of your boy’s favorite athlete. Attach this (water-proofed) to the wall, and use it as a growth chart. Plenty of sport memorabilia in posters, flags and any collectible accessory are a must. Use a black and white checkerboard rug and curtain or simple single-tone bold colors.

Jungle Bathroom

Jungle boys like the rough, tumble and adventure of the outdoors. Make your boy’s bathroom a jungle refuge with wooden floorboards and fittings. Choose wooden or wicker furniture. On seats and stools, cover it with jungle themed fabric or paint a tribal pattern on. Choose roll down blinds either with a jungle pattern or safari colors and simple painted pictures.

There are heaps of animal printed area rugs to lie down and animal accessories in stores. To really bring the jungle bathroom theme home, perhaps make open wooden shelves look as if they are hung by rope, simply stringing them to the roof but not removing the wall attachments. A safari hat or lantern light will add a convincing final touch.

Nautical Bathroom

The sea, pirates and beach make perfect sense for a fun boy’s bathroom; clean crisp white again royal blue is the color scheme. Either white tiles or a wooden floor, you could paint white or even royal blue stripes on it. Think crisp white walls and crisp white fixtures, and then trim them with neat and tidy thin royal blue stripes.

There are so many wonderful nautical accessories for the bathroom to deck this theme with. A mini model boat, a steering wheel mirror, gold navy stars to deck the walls. If your little boy is a bit more cheeky, perhaps spice up this theme to give a pirate twist. Maybe a telescope or toy cutlass flanking the wall.

Studies show that throughout our lifetime, each of us will spend approximately ten months of our time in the bathroom. Despite this, many of us tend to neglect our bathrooms but it is needless to say that, from time to time, they need some tender loving care (i.e. they need decorating).

The ideal time to decorate the bathroom is during the summer season as it is when many of us undergo a lot of home improving. Unlike many other rooms in the house, the bathroom is fairly inexpensive to redecorate, unless of course you require a whole new bathroom suite.

But first things first; before getting out your paintbrushes, you should check your bathroom appliances i.e. bathtub, shower, toilet and sink, for any leakages or broken pipes. It is essential to do this because if a water leak seeps into wooden floors, or other parts of the home, it can cost thousands of dollars to fix.

So, you’ve decided to give your bathroom a facelift? It’s looking old and dingy and you fancy a change. You’ve checked for leaks and now you’re ready to go… there’s no time like the present! But you have a budget … a tight budget … you want a nice bathroom but want some money left in your wallet afterwards. If this sounds just like you then here are some great tips to getting that fabulous bathroom on a budget.

Work with What You Already Have!

The most expensive thing to replace is the entire bathroom suite … so don’t! Choose a theme that works around your old bathroom suite. You can make the most hideous things look stylish with a few adjustments and accessories here and there. Choose a theme that works well with your current suite and then you won’t break the bank balance; unless, of course, you have a few dollars to spare, in which case, just buy a new bathroom suite if you really can’t stand the look of an old, dingy, green one (or whatever color it may be.)

Refinish or Replace Cabinets

Nothing dates a bathroom like the cabinets. You can find cheap bathroom vanities that look nice and are easy to install for the do-it-yourself homeowner. Or, use a pedestal sink for a clean, modern look and add some wainscoting or bead board to liven things up a bit. You’ll give up a bit of storage, but for a guest bath or powder room this look can be perfect!

Freshen up the Walls

Paint! Paint! Paint! The best thing since sliced bread, painting is easy and affordable and can leave even the most dated room looking modern and stylish. I recommend using light colors, such as; pale blues, lilac, pale greens and yellows because it makes the room look fresh and clean but you can always work with other colors.

Liven up the Floor

If you really hate the flooring or it’s old and dingy then there are a few ways to change it. First is to just buy a rug. It adds color to any floor and makes it look fresh. Secondly, you could buy peel-and-stick tiles. These will you give your floor a whole new look and are easy to lay. And thirdly, you could buy a cut-to-fit bathroom rug, this will also give your floor a whole new look and cover up that hideous floor that you really dislike.

Let In the Light

To make a room appear fresh, clean and airy, you need light. The best way of doing this is by hanging blinds at the windows as they let in natural sunlight. Use window shades that allow you to control privacy and natural light easily; vinyl window coverings are great in a bathroom since they won’t warp and clean easily.

Hooks and Towel Bars

A good bathroom needs to look tidy so a cheap way to keep your new bathroom looking new, clean and fresh is to add hooks and towel bars. These are great because you can add as many as you like. There is no such thing as having too many and they serve many purposes. I bet, more often than not, there is a large pile of used towels sat on the floor, usually in a corner. By using towel bars you can avoid this happening all of the time because you can put up as many as you like and just by the fact they are there, initiates a person to hang the towels there instead of on the floor.

However, if you don’t have the space for several towel rails then use hooks. They take up less space and can go just about anywhere in the room. They serve many purposes, such as hanging towels, hanging bath robes (more or less hanging any garment) and they also help keep things off the floor!

The Key to Bathroom Organization

Now that you have a fresh look, it’s time to organize and de-clutter. Take everything out of the cupboards and make two piles; the necessities and the clutter. Go through all of the things you have taken from the bathroom and organize it all, you have to be tough, get rid of anything that you never use and don’t tell yourself that you should keep it because it may come in handy one day because nine times out of ten it doesn’t. No doubt, also, that you have a few bottles of the same stuff just because it was on sale at your local supermarket but you really do not need six bottles of anti-wrinkle cream.

So now you have given in and thrown away all of the things you really don’t need, now the stuff you have kept needs a new home. The best place is usually cupboard/storage unit because it keeps it hidden away, which means less clutter.

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Little girls enjoy pretty places, pretty things, and dressing up. Even if they’re only going to brush their teeth or hair in their bathroom, it’s bound to be an occasion of playful elegance.

Your little girl’s bathroom doesn’t have to be classically serious, it is where she will want to pamper herself after all.

A little bit of drama, a touch of romance, and details of the feminine sort can dress up a little girl’s bathroom with spirited atmosphere.

Rub-a-Dub Ducky Bathroom

A classic theme for the bathroom, you can easily give this a girly touch with a splash of paint and some creative personal touches.

A lilac color scheme is feminine and also nicely complements the yellow duckys without overpowering a small space.

Paint the lower half of the wall in white/lilac stripes, then separate a solid lilac top with a yellow border repeating ‘rub a dub dub’ in playful lettering all around the room.

You can easily put some duck stencils on these walls wherever a fun touch could be needed. Pick yellow towels and accessories as well as simple, pale yellow blinds. Fresh flowers and plenty of rubber ducks will bring to life any simple white fixtures.

Rose Bower Princess Bathroom Theme

The rose bower princess lives in luxurious decadence. If you love decorating, you can lavish it on with this ultimate girly theme. This bathroom calls for pink and celadon rose-bedecked wallpaper. Unusually, paint the ceiling pink and keep the floorboards clean but water-sealed. Emit feelings of grandeur by hanging bead accents from a hanging lamp shade, you can find these parts and ribbons at craft shops to affordably recreate the atmosphere.

Find some pretty posters of famous art and double frame it in ornate, gold sprayed frames. Hunt for some antique furniture you can restore by painting, lightly sanding and adding flower stencils. The mirror needs a grand ornate frame that again you can hunt for at a flea market.

Bring an aura of old-fashioned romance with an elegant ceiling fixed water proof drape to encase the bathtub. Choose a clear finish and decorate it with elegant beads or a sheer fabric on the outer.

Elegant Ball Gown Bathroom

Let your little girl pamper herself amongst playful reflections of bygone Cinderella days when details went into elegant ball gowns made of ruffles, sashes and ribbons. Think girly color schemes that are pale pink or peachy. Lavishly deck the windows with long flowing ruffled curtains and tassels.

A glass-topped cabinet would be nicely in this setting, dress it up with perfumes, lotions and ornate photo frames. Choose a large mirror with painted floral accents on it or a decadent border. A floral area rug has a divine nostalgic touch, as would an antique looking hinged folding screen that you can crisscross with ribbon.

Sweet Storybook Bathroom Theme

Especially attractive to younger girls, the airy, sweet feel and minimal use of color is perfect for the bathroom. With a neutral color palette, think to make the bathroom feel cosy and harmonious with classic blue and white checked fabric curtains with sweet netting underlay. Stencil or paint freehand nursery rhyme themed murals from your daughter’s favorite story.

Perhaps a favorite water or bathing inspired line of poetry to border the ceiling. If you can find, choose toweling with nursery themed prints or simple pastel colors.

Simple and classic white wooden furniture goes best, especially any seating that has a country bumpkin feel. A sweet touch could be a small chalkboard attached to the wall that you can write the evening and morning bathroom routine on.

Hello Kitty Theme

You can find everything from area rugs to toothbrush holders in the Hello Kitty world. If your little girl is into Hello Kitty then you’re in luck; these items are easy to find, inexpensive and quickly replaced later when she says good bye to Hello Kitty!

Funky Flower Bathroom

Unique floral stencils are unexpected theme details but so delightfully easy to do. A floral theme is always in fashion for girls. Choose a bright background color like a deep purple to set off the lively floral arrangements. Paint bouquets of flowers trailing around the mirror frame in a charming curve, follow this up around the door and even line the bath. Perhaps add bands of flowers of drawers and countertops, even extend to the roof, a fun detail to observe while in the bath.

Floral goes great with rainbow colored checks, maybe you could use these on the curtains to contrast. There are never ending floral printed area rugs to choose from, just make sure it is slip-resistant. For a cute touch, think ‘garden themed’ furniture, like a homemade child-size picket fence chair accented with floral cutouts.

Girl’s Beach Bathroom Theme

A theme that can be great for both boys and girls bathroom, a beach theme is always popular for the bathroom. A simple square tiled bathroom, with white cabinetry and fixtures can be brought to life with beach themed accents. Deck this bathroom out in blue-sky beach colors or pale peach and sandy hues. Add some creative mirror frames with driftwood border or a collage of shells.

Sand down some cheap outdoor furniture and paint it in a weathered green or red, a fresh and vibrant color. Add little details like linked shells on a chain to hold back a shower curtain or beaded shells to run vertically down the blinds. A sail boat throw rug and plenty of glued on shell accessories finish the look off, a pair of flip-flops waiting at the door will add the finishing touch.

Pastel Quilt Bathroom

Checkerboard tiles are a favorite in bathroom design, they simply and easily bring a small space to life. The pastel quilt twist on this is a classic girl’s theme. Use tiles in pastel pink, cream, green, and some spots of raspberry. Repeat the quilt pattern all over, on countertops, walls, floor, bathtub and surround.

You can make borders on the wall by turning the tiles of the central band on the diagonal to arrange against the tiles outside it. White, washed wicker furniture and simple pastel fabrics and toweling are perfect in this bathroom. Some fresh flowers in a vase and its good for your little girl’s use.

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Adults see the bathroom as a space for retreating and unwinding, but children see the bathroom as a place to play. After all, the bathtub is filled with toys and the mirrors are great for making silly faces.

A spunky bathroom that suits their bright-eyed personalities is another reason they’ll succumb to the necessary brushing of teeth. Splash out in a fun bathroom designed especially for your children and you’ll have less trouble getting them into the bathroom, though some convincing may be required to get them out!

Before you can get to the fun part, designing your kids themed bathroom, it is important to address the necessities of a kid’s bath. Remember that a kid’s bathroom has age-specific needs. Every element needs to be looked at thoughtfully to consider storage, use of space, function and most essentially, safety.

Plan the Space from a Kid’s Point-of-View

A child’s bathroom requires you to look at things from a shorter point of view. You want to consider how to make best use of the space but also how to anticipate your child’s needs may change and be able to cater for these.

No matter whether you have a single or a double bathroom, plan the room to keep the essentials low and easy in reach of little ones. Towel racks, hooks, cabinets, shelves and light switches all need to be made accessible and easy to use. Not only will this encourage independence but also lessen the risk of accidents.

When planning the space out, also try to anticipate the future changes in the family structure. If more than one child will be sharing the bathroom, as they grow the age gap and your children’s needs change and your bathroom needs to be able to work for varying ages, genders and numbers of children using it.

The best design options for this set-up are compartmentalized spaces; one for the toilet, one for the bath, one for the shower and perhaps also storage. If this isn’t feasible, at least consider a separate toilet to de-stress the morning and evening rush.

Kids Bathroom Fittings and Fixtures

You can make small adjustments to your approach for choosing fittings when they will be used exclusively by children. Think low with all the fittings. You can either intentionally design the cabinetry to be low enough for a child, or for a more cost effective option, make sure on a short and steady stool the countertop will be easily in reach.

Single-lever faucets in the basin are a simple and easy touch that children find much easier to navigate. Also consider handheld showerheads and pullout faucets; they’re great for cleaning sinks and bathtubs as well as bodies.

The toilet basin is an area that your child will appreciate if the design is easy to use as possible. You will appreciate this too when it leads to less accidents to clean up! Especially with boys, and of any age, an elongated bowl will be far more hygienic than a standard oval shape.

If your budget allows, you can incorporate fun and imaginative touches to your fixtures, such as setting the bath in a custom surround shaped like a boat. With any added features, make sure they always capitalize on safety and storage as these are the two most essential aspects of a child’s bath. Even the smallest touch like installing door levers instead of knobs, will be far easier to use, especially with wet hands.

Making Storage Handy in Your Kids Bathroom

The focus is a little askew from the regular bathroom but all the same important. You’ll need more room for toy storage and storage solutions that your child can easily access on their own. Providing open shelves will make tidying up easier. Remember again to keep them low.

Towel racks and hooks for robes should be installed within a child’s reach. Big, capacious drawers need to be within reach to store all the essentials, combs, brushes and other grooming aids. Baskets and plastic bins that can be kept out-of-the-way are great options instead of drawers.

To encourage your kids to be neat and tidy consider some alternative methods. Velcro strips, for instance, can be pressed into duty for holding combs, brushes and similar items. In the shower, a vinyl organizer with pierced pockets to drain the water will catch all the shampoos, soaps and so forth.

Safety, Safety, Safety!

As much fun as bathing can be for a child, it must be safe; inspect all the small details that can cause children big trauma. Prevent bruises and falls with grab bars around the bathtub or shower so there is something firm to grip to when getting out. Cabinetry and countertops should also have rounded edges and corners.

Pills, medicines and ointments are a fact of bathrooms so you always want to childproof the medicine cabinet with a lock. Lessen the risk by flushing expired medicines down the toilet today or eliminate the risk by removing medicine entirely from the kids’ bathroom.

Children are fast little wrigglers so choose a flooring surface that will lessen slip risks. Opt for a non-slip and water-resistant surface like textured tile or vinyl. Make sure rugs have non-skid backings and install rubber footpads on step stools and chairs to prevent them from slipping.

Of vital importance, is that you are smart with water. Electrical gadgets are a real risk so keep them far away and equip the electrical outlets with ground fault circuit interrupters. To avoid burns, set the household water temperature to a moderate temperature, keeping in mind that 120F causes scalding.

The National Kids Safe Campaign recommends a maximum hot water setting of 105F, as kids are far more susceptible to burns. You can install a pressure-balanced valve in the shower that will guarantee a consistent water temperature and prevent sudden bursts of heat when the toilet is flushed.

Finally, arrange the bathroom so nothing can block the door. You need to be able to reach your children in an emergency!

Be Smart with Water

Reduce mildew and water-related headaches with these moves:

• Keep a stack of absorbent towels near the bathtub for speedy puddle cleanups.
• Install a vent fan and keep it dust-free with an occasional swipe with a rag.
• Ask your paint supplier to mix a mildewcide into the pain you’ll use.
• Choose easy-clean flooring such as tile, linoleum, or laminate rather than carpet.
• Drain the bathtub as soon as bathers are out.
• Install a childproof latch on the toilet lid.

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As youngsters become teenagers, their time in the bathroom changes. The vanity and sink area becomes a primary focus in the all-time-consuming process of getting ready, especially for girls!

Storage, drawers and organizers become especially important in the teen bathroom to keep the expanding collection of cosmetics and accessories orderly and easily in reach. If you have more than one teenager in the house, well-designed sink and storage areas for function can save you ear aches as your teens battle for mirror time while getting ready for high school.

In this period, teenagers tend to take a real interest in the look of their rooms. With an increased desire for privacy, your teenager may be spending more time in their bathroom. There are plenty of great teen bathroom solutions to match your teen’s lifestyle and special interests, as well as to keep the room functional and attractive.

Planning the Space in the Teen Bathroom

The layout in your teen bathroom will depend on the number of teenagers using it and the ages of them. With one child the design will be easy. You can tailor it to him or her, and easily anticipate his or her changing needs and development.

However, if more than one child will be using to room you need to consider how often they will be using it, their genders and the number of children sharing the space.

With more than one child, you need at least two lavatories. The best designs in a shared bathroom space include compartmentalized spaces for toilet, bathtub, shower and so on. If this isn’t possible, consider setting the toilet apart, which can be a real lifesaver on hectic mornings.

Double vanities are also a good consideration to reinforce the territorial tendencies of teenagers. If this isn’t possible, an extra large mirror will ease the battle when sharing grooming time.

Teen Bathroom Storage Savers

As parents know all too well, teenagers can be a little sloppy at cleaning up after themselves. Considering good storage solutions is invaluable in the teen bathroom. As the grooming supplies go up, so must the space to store them. Make sure you include a large, capacious vanity with deep drawers to house endless bottles of hair products and cosmetics that teens can’t live without.

Encourage your teens to fight the laziness that stops them cleaning up after them by keeping storage close-to-hand. An extra large towel rack in reach of the shower or bath will save piles of towels from sitting on the floor. Small storage niches created between the wall studs make handy spots for shampoo and toiletries.

An innovative compromise is to consider shelving without doors. Towels can be stacked within reach, and having them on display like this is a better motivator to keep them clean and orderly.

Lighting and Ventilation

Besides general lighting, teens require good clear task lighting for grooming. Around the mirror is the most logical area. Most important however, is proper ventilation. Invest in a good exhaust fan. Not only will it make the room’s air quality healthier and surfaces less slick but it will help to maintain materials that can be ruined by water build up and mildew.

Remember you may not spend as much time in your teen’s bathroom so make it as easy as possible for your child to keep it well maintained.

Teen Bathroom Decorating Ideas

As with all decorating, the décor for a teen bathroom is entirely a matter of choice. There are no rules as to what is ‘appropriate’ but at this age trends do tend to emerge. Teens are too old for a cutesy, childlike theme room, but still young enough to want to make a statement with funky colors and accessories.

What’s important is to let your teen take charge and express how they would like to design the room. It’s a great chance for bonding and a great opportunity to let them express themselves in a healthy, encouraging manner. Don’t be nervous! It’s easy to freshen and funk up a teen bathroom with some simple paint tricks and clever accessories. Your teen’s tastes will create a bathroom that is a bold statement rather than a nightmare.

Color and Paint Effects

Adding color to the bathroom space is the quickest and most effective way to modernize the décor. Just like teens, color is bright and exciting. Painting will save you from having to commit to theme wallpapers, and if you choose carefully, you can create a room that can effortlessly be transformed to a more mature look when your teen eventually moves out.

If you want to design a room that is malleable enough to change after your teen leaves, stick with whites, creams or other neutrals for all the fixed components of the room. This palette is always stylish and clean-looking no matter what you pair it up with.

To create a dramatic and impacting statement for your teen, pick a contrasting color like vivid pink or lime green and employ this color to every personal article, soft goods and displays in the bathroom. Imagine the impact in a teen girl’s bathroom that a hot pink shower curtain, towels, toothbrushes, bathmat and water glasses would have against white wainscoting walls. It’s a young and fresh but doesn’t overpower the space and can be transformed to a classic chic in years to come.

If you are willing to let your teen go a little ‘wild’ in their decorating and aren’t worried about painting the walls in bright colors, then some interesting paint effects can add some audacious and unexpected breaks with conventional painting techniques.
Experiment with bold dominant colors in some of these effects:

• Vertical Stripes – Will work to make a room look taller. Lighter colors will expand the room, while darker colors will hem it in. For a subtle and easy effect, try a single horizontal band of paint in a different color from the wall and run it all around the room. Make it as wide or as narrow as you please.
• Blocks – Geometric shapes are so versatile to paint on because they can fit together to create an entirely new effect. You can create a dramatic effect in a bathroom without windows, dividing a wall into four or six blocks and painting each one a different color.
• Lines – You can make a feature of color contrasts using the same principals of the feature wall. A single line of color running vertically or horizontally is very easy to do and has great impact. Perhaps use this device to separate different functions of the bathroom such as a color on two walls for the ‘wet’ bathing area, and a contrasting color on the ‘dry’ pampering side.

Funky Teen Bathroom Flooring Ideas

Let your teen go for something unusual on the floor that you might not want in any ‘classic’ areas of the rest of the house. Why not try one of these unique teen bathroom flooring ideas:

• Rubber – It’s great for the bathroom! Warm and soft underfoot, cleaned easily with a swish of detergent, hard-wearing, stain resistant, anti-bacterial and anti-slip. Rubber is the perfect quirky bathroom floor option. There are plenty of colors to choose from or you could mix them up to create a checkerboard look.
• Metal – Has a sleek, eye-catching finish and is great for the bathroom. With a raised pattern it will protect against slipping while making an easily cleaned, practical, attractive bathroom feature.
• Sanded Wood – A great option in a teen bathroom because it can so effectively be accessorize with personality. Sanded floors are affordable and universally appealing and versatile. Add a jolt of color with a groovy rug or even treat it with a color wash. If your daring, maybe even let your teen paint a shape or pattern directly onto the floor itself.

Teen Bathroom Accessories

After painting walls, and choosing flooring, it is the accessories that will leap into life your teen bathroom and importantly, add the fun and stamp of individuality. There are no permanent commitments to any accessories so it is the best place to allow your teen to really let their imagination run.

Spend some time together considering which items work well together in terms of color and shape. If there are particular things that take pride and place in your teen’s heart, think about the best way to show them to best advantage. Here are some ideas:

• Hang some large pictures, or glassed posters on the wall to form a focal point.
• Laminated photos of friends or football, baseball cards can be pegged onto a thin wire with small clips and hung across a wall.
• It is possible to find translucent plastic shower curtains with pockets that your teen can display photos of family and friends in.
• Customize glass shelving holding a gift-wrap motif underneath and painting over the design with water-based varnish. Spray over with glass etch spray, leaving it opaque apart from the varnish patterned areas,
• Customize a plain lampshade by sticking sheets of music, maps or unusual gift-wrap and varnish it.
• Don’t get obsessed about lining things up in rows or of the same height, take a relaxed approach and jumble things for a funky, random style.

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Our Complete Bathroom Decorating Guide shows you everything from designing a small bathroom space to creating an outdoor home spa. This is our second Photo Gallery on Bathroom Design and Decorating. You can click on any image to view a full-sized image.

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An infinite array of shapes, sizes, materials, and structures to choose from. Old, new, or repurposed; porcelain, metal, glass, or stone and the list of shapes, sizes and styles goes on and on, making it a challenge to pick the bathroom sink that best fits your bathroom decor.

Any vessel that can be plumbed can function as a bathroom sink and combines with the Bathroom Countertop to create a strong focal point in your bathroom, both visually as well as functionally.

Today’s bathroom sinks can be truly artistic. With beautiful proportions, rich colors and decorative finishes, these sculptural forms can make your bathroom extraordinary.

And whether you like a minimalist look or one that’s infused with tradition, you’re sure to find the perfect fixture and fitting.

Planning the Space for your Bathroom Sink

When choosing a bathroom sink, first consider the height of those who will be using it.

Vintage sinks standing at 31 inches high may be too short for a tall person, while standard porcelain models, at 33 to 36 inches may be too tall for a small child.

You can opt for wall-mounted sinks at any height, or combine a basin with a customized base. If you have space, mount the bowl on the countertop. For the cleanest edge, drop it in flush, or under mount it.

Bathroom Sink Styles

There are six basic sink styles on the market today. The style you choose will depend on your taste, budget and the size of your space:

• Self-Rimming Sinks – The most common and easiest to install. They have a rim that overlays the countertop and makes them easy to retrofit into existing countertops, as long as they are the same size. Adhesive applied to the raised rim or lip, which rests on top of the counter, holds the sink in place and forms a waterproof seal. Debris can collect around the sink rim, but it’s pretty simple to clean.
• Under-Mount Sink Basins – Joined to the vanity surface from below, so there is no raised lip, emphasizing the countertop material and making cleanup easy – debris sweeps directly from the counter into the sink without catching on a rim. Keep in mind, that because under-mount sinks expose the counter substrate, they require expert sink and countertop installation for a precise, clean fit.
• Integral Sinks – Perhaps the most hygienic option. Manufactured from stainless and solid surfacing, they are fused with the countertop to form on seamless, easily maintained unit. They are usually custom designs and require special installations that will spike the cost.
• Vessel Sinks – Appear to sit on top of the vanity counter, allowing their shapes and colors to function almost as a sculpture within the room. In reality most rest in a custom-cut hole in the vanity top. Vessels are made of everything from fireclay, stone or metal to heavy-duty glass.
• Pedestal Sinks – Fit on top of a pedestal-shaped base and are ideal for small sized bathrooms. They have a classic, traditional look. Keep in mind, however, that pedestals offer no storage underneath and little surface area for toiletries.
• Console Sinks – Stand on two or four legs rather than on a central pedestal, provide wide, practical decks that allow a clear space underneath for knee space and wheelchair access. The disadvantage though, like pedestals, is that they offer no storage.

Bathroom Sink Size

When choosing your bathroom sink, always check to make sure both hands fit comfortably in the basin to keep splashing to a minimum.

In a high-traffic bathroom, the bowl should be no less than 19 inches wide, 15 to 16 inches front to back, and 6 inches deep.

In a powder room, the bowl may be narrower, but no shallower from front to back.

Bathroom Sink Materials

When shopping for a sink, you’ll also find a wide range of options in materials, including vitreous china, marble and other stones, solid surfacing and stainless steel.

Composites, or cultured stone, are made of granite particles suspended in a polyester resin. Fireclay, a durable ceramic, offers a hard, glossy finish and is strong enough to sustain larger designs, some of which almost resemble furniture.

Other materials such as glass, hammered metal, concrete, wood and stone have taken vessel sinks to new heights of style. Just keep in mind that these products are most appropriate for a powder room, where they’ll receive less wear and tear.

Here is the lowdown of the advantages and disadvantages of the four main materials you will find your sinks are constructed in:

• Porcelain-Enamel Cast Iron Sinks – Extremely durable and easy to care for, but are heavy and require study support.
• Vitreous China Sinks – Have a lustrous, easy-clean surface and are available in many choices of rich colors. They’re lighter than porcelain-enamel cast-iron sinks and are the most resistant to discoloration and corrosion. Heavy items dropped in or on these sinks will crack or chip them.
• Solid-Surfacing Material – Offers solid colors as well as stone lookalikes. One significant advantage is that one-piece, integrated sinks and countertops are available in solid-surfacing for a seamless look and easy cleaning. Of these materials acrylic-resin is the most durable and requires little maintenance. Polyester and cultured marble scratch and dull more readily.
• Stainless-Steel Sinks – Durable and unaffected by household chemicals. They do tend to show hard water and soap stains more readily than other materials.

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Inspired by nature and improved by technology, today’s bathroom countertop options add all-round style to the bathroom.

Although the bathroom sink and countertop are two separate elements of the bathroom, it is the way they work together that serves a very important function.

Of all the rooms in the house, the bathroom is designed to work hardest. Though every fixture in this room will see repeated use daily, no other element will take the beating your countertops will. The sink or vanity top sees a little bit of everything, from soap scum and grime to hairspray and makeup, so you’ll want to choose your materials with care.

The other important function for the countertop is to work to create a space that soothes and rejuvenates the soul. What you select for your countertop will certainly affect the mood of the room. When deciding on the countertop that works best with your bathroom sink, insist on top-of-the-line materials, reliable performance and excellent materials.

Bathroom Countertop Materials

Bathroom countertops are available in various styles and materials, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Most important is to choose something so stand up to water, soap, alcohol- and acetone-based liquids, as well as toothpaste and cosmetics.

Here’s the breakdown under three categories: Stone, Stone Stand-Ins, and Other Materials.

Stone Bathroom Countertops

Which countertop material offers timeless beauty and appeal, is easy on the environment, requires relatively little maintenance, works hard and will last a lifetime? The answer is easy and gorgeous … natural stone.

• Granite – Prized for its natural beauty and durability, whether it is polished to a high gloss or honed to a pleasing matte finish. Its sparkly, variegated, crystalline structure makes for a lively play of light on its surface. Solid granite is expensive, but granite tiles offer a cheaper option.
• Marble – Much softer and more porous than granite. It sometimes fractures along veining and offers less resistance to stains, scratches, and general wear. To ensure a longer life, seal marble regularly. Costs for both solid pieces and tiles are similar to granite.
• Limestone – More porous than marble. Ranging from light beige to a golden brown color, it is typically given a honed finish. Seal limestone properly and keep acidic substances away from it. Because the density of limestone depends on the variety, some scratch more easily than others.



• Slate – Appeals to homeowners with rustic tastes because of its matte surface and irregular split face. It is dense and nonabsorbent and known for its blue-gray color though it comes in other shades. Because of its low absorption rate and density, slate is highly resistant to stains, bacteria, and heat.
• Soapstone – Has a gray to green color that will darken over time and a silky, soapy feel. Soapstone is highly resistant to acids and water. There is one special consideration for using soapstone: It must be sealed periodically with mineral oil, not a commercial sealant.

Stone Stand-In Countertops

The same elements that make stone beautiful (its natural colors, the variegations in pattern, and its porous structure) create challenges when it comes to using the material in a bathroom. To counteract these natural limitations, stone-base products offer many desirable color options and eliminate maintenance issues.

• Engineered Quartz – Made from quartz bound together with space-age polymers, has an appearance, composition, weight and price that is comparable to granite. Its surface captures the crystalline sparkle and density of granite but is nonporous so it requires no sealing and is less susceptible to stains. Manufacturers claim that it’s tougher than granite and less susceptible to chipping and cracking.
• Enameled Lava Stone – A natural stone that has been glazed with high temperature enamel.  The high heat results in a durable surface with vivid colors and a glasslike sheen. The visible pores of the lava stone and the thin cracks of the enamel create a one-of-a-kind product. The nonporous surface is resistant to water, oils, acids, and other substances.
• Laminated Stone – Made of thin sheets of granite or marble backed by fiberglass and is lighter in weight and more flexible than solid stone.
• Solid-Surfacing – Made entirely of plastic resin composites, comes in a variety of thickness’ and colors, patterns, and natural-material lookalikes. The nonporous material is known for its design flexibility, which allows for the creation of special effect using inlays of contrasting colors. Color runs through a solid-surface countertop material, so nicks aren’t so noticeable. Solid-surfacing resists stains, but is susceptible to scratches and scorches. Minor damage can be sanded out. Costs are similar to granite.

Other Materials for Bathroom Countertops

• Concrete – An increasingly popular countertop option. Concrete countertops (and floors) are hand-toweled in molds, cast and diamond polished for a finish similar to honed granite. If you’re looking for a material that’s truly eco-friendly, the ultimate “green” countertop is Syndecrete, a mixture of fly-ash concrete and recycled bits of glass, plastic and metal.
• Ceramic Tile – Comes in a host of colors, patterns, and textures. Its decorative possibilities are endless. It is moisture resistant and costs vary widely with the complexity of the pattern and the price of the tiles themselves.
• Glass Slabs – Create a dramatic effect in guest bathrooms or other bathrooms that are not used daily. Frosted glass hides scratches and water spots better than clear glass.
• Glass Tile – You can get a great combination of color and refracted light with a glass tile countertop; great in a modern style bathroom decor.
• Laminate – An affordable, durable, low-maintenance surface that offers a tremendous range of colors, patterns, textures and lookalikes. Prolonged exposure to water in some cases dissolves glue lines and causes the subsurface to warp. Better grades of laminate feature color through the material, making scratches and chips less visible. Laminate countertop sections are available in a variety of front edge treatments, with or without backsplashes. Laminate is one of the least expensive countertop options.

Tips for Keeping Your New Sink Countertops Clean

Nothing makes a bathroom look better than shining surfaces, and some surfaces require special care. Here are the best ways to keep a variety of countertops clean:

• Solid Surfacing – Clean with soapy water. Gentle sanding with an abrasive pad or cleanser will remove stains or scratches. Some spray cleaners may discolor the surface, so check with the manufacturer for recommended products.
• Granite – Wipe with a mild dish detergent or sanitize with a solution of diluted bleach as needed. Abrasive cleaners can damage or stain the surface. Reseal every two years.
• Marble, Limestone, Soapstone and Concrete – Make sure your installer applies a food-safe, penetrating sealer. To clean, wipe down with hot, soapy water.
• Laminate – Wipe surface as needed with a damp cloth and a mild liquid detergent. Do not use abrasive cleaners, which can scratch the surface. Use a nylon-bristled brush and mild cleaner to remove stubborn grime.

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Like a unique and dazzling work of art, a new bathroom sink faucet can add a bit of whimsy, set a bold tone or even serve as a central design element in your bathroom décor, giving it designer style and upscale features.

The range of styles and choices has transformed these once strictly utilitarian details into architectural centerpieces.

To give almost any sink a fresh look without spending a fortune, nothing compares with some of the newest designs in faucets.

Add an elegant bowl sink or the modern look of an under-mounted sink, decorative pedestal or vanity and your bathroom will take on a whole new look!

Styles range from barely there wall-mounted faucets to elaborate metal sculptures and come in any number of finishes.

Polished chrome is still the class choice, but other options include satin and polished variations of gold, brass, bronze, nickel and stainless steel. You’ll find dozens of bathroom sink faucet options with simple yet strong lines and sensuous detailing.

Of course, the standards are still available and Rafter Tales can help you discover that these time-honored designs have fresher, ever more unique and stylish looks today. Bathroom faucets are available with plenty of options to work within your personal budget, function and design requirements.

Some bathroom sink faucets have also been upgraded in the technology department and include sensors that detect changes in pressure and temperature when water is being turned on at another faucet in the house. Some even have anti-scald features. Today, aside from serving a much-needed function, bathroom sink faucets also add sparkle and can act as the finishing touch on your bathroom design.

Before You Begin …

Even with finer details like your bathroom sink faucet, there is plenty to consider before making your choice. You need to take a long hard look at what you’re working with. To help you, we’ve narrow it down to four important areas; Space, Budget, Function, Style.

The space and function you are working with will determine the layout, size and type of bathroom sink faucet you can include. Consider the routine of your bathroom sink: Tall, arching profiles won’t interfere with the basin if you’re bathing a baby or washing hair.

Lower spouts, whether straight or curved, offer an increased rush of water but less clearance and typically require a deeper bowl. Your new bathroom sink faucet gives you the chance to correct all those annoying limitations that bathroom design can cause so make the most of this opportunity and consider your needs.

And then there’s style to consider. Although a smaller detail, your bathroom sink faucet influences the way the space will feel. Determining your tastes will help you decide the materials, fittings and artwork in your faucet choice to figure out the style just right for you.

In the bathroom fixtures market today there are endless design options to work within the final factor to consider; your budget. Consider everything carefully and your final result will be both functional and pleasurable; an investment to last as long as your home.

Bathroom Faucet Types

The different types of faucets available for the bathroom can be distinguished by the way the unit’s handles and spouts are arranged. There are four faucet types to choose from:

• Single-handle faucets are most commonly used in the bath. They have one spout and one handle that control the flow of both hot and cold water. They are generally safer and more convenient to use that their two-handled counterparts. With practise you can find the temperature first try. You can also turn the water on with your elbow or wrist when your hands are full or dirty.
• Center-set faucets combine a spout and handle in one unit making them very easy to use. These faucets have either single-handle or double-handle controls. Most are designed for a three-hole basin, with the outside holes spaced 4 inches from center to center. However, some have a single-post design that requires only one hole.



• Wide-spread faucets have hot and cold valves and spouts that are mounted separately. The connection for them is concealed below the sink deck. You can individualize them even more if they are mounted on a countertop next to the sink. For example, you can place the spout on a rear corner and the handles off to one side. They work well for wall-mounted applications or for hard-to-fit high-design sinks and tubs. This type of faucet offers a more traditional look than single-handle faucets and you can combine different style handles and spouts for a custom look.
• Wall-mount faucets are attached to the wall as opposed to the sink or the counter. These faucets are designed for unusually shaped sink, such as antique bowls or other vessels that have been modified for use in the bath.

Bathroom Faucet “Centers”

When shopping for faucets, you’ll need to know about “centers”; the distance between the center of one handle and the center of the other. Faucets mounted on the basin usually have 4-inch centers but can come in 6 or 8 inches. Wall-mounted faucets can come in 4 ½-inch and 6-inch centers. If you are replacing an old faucet, the easiest thing to do is take it with you to purchase a new one.

Bathroom Sink Faucet Forms and Finishes

Faucet finishes vary from the standard chrome and brass to pewter and nickel. There are also combinations of finishes, such as chrome and nickel. Higher-end prices faucets include bisque and ceramic finishes and fine metal overlays of gold or sterling silver for detailing.

The most important aspect to pay attention to when making your decision is the craftsmanship of the product. Solid cast-brass is the best quality and longest lasting. Plastic varieties are cheap but do not perform as well.

You want to find a faucet that is fine plated finished, with no visible seams; good quality means your faucet will last longer and you won’t be disappointed.

Where it is possible, you want to choose a faucet finish that will give your bathroom a unified appearance. There are plenty of color options; even for faucets with a metallic finish.

You’ll find everything from classic polished or satin chrome to brushed nickel with deep bronze tones.

Selecting a painted or enamel finish will really allow you to coordinate your faucets with the rest of your bathroom design scheme.

Bathroom Faucet Finishes

To make the job easier, here is a breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages of each bathroom sink faucet finish:

• Classic chrome gleams beautifully in modern bathrooms. Chrome finishes come polished, brushed or matte. Polished chrome is extremely hard, easily cleaned, and doesn’t oxidize. Brushed or matte chrome on the other hand, has a softer appearance and is as durable as polished chrome. Inexpensive chrome simply sprayed over plastic parts tends to peel, so you want to make sure the faucet you buy is metal.
• Brass finishes will update any bathroom to a classic style, offering a subtle, sophisticated look. Brass fixtures are available in polished, satin, and antique finishes. Look for those with titanium finishes, which resist scratching, fading and corrosion – problems common to faucets in standard brass finishes.
• Baked enamel or epoxy coatings are available in many colors and are easy to clean. However, they’re prone to chipping and fading over time, and some chemicals can damage their color.
• Gold plate come in polished, brushed or matte finishes and has great visual appeal. Quality gold resists tarnish whereas matte finishes hide scratches. These fixtures are expensive, and quality can vary. It is important for the manufacturer to seal the finish or the gold remains vulnerable to damage.
• Nickel is the perfect finish to create an antique bathroom atmosphere. Nickel finishes are available in polished, brushed, or matte finishes, and offers a softer tone than hard chrome. Like gold, these fixtures are expensive and the quality will vary depending on the manufacturer.

Bathroom Faucet Brands

To set you in the right direction to achieve the perfect look and performance from your bathroom sink faucet, here are some of the leading brands manufacturing faucets today:

Danze – Within the US, Danze has swiftly become a leading force in manufacturing bath and shower faucets. Danze boasts thousands of products to choose from with plenty of choice in styles and finishes. Danze has a great customer service and warranties to guarantee your satisfaction.

Delta Faucet – Hundreds of faucets and valves come from Delta Faucet Company in a number of brands such as Delta, Brizo and Peerless. Delta Faucet Company is one of the largest faucet manufacturers in the world.

Grohe – Specializing in faucets for both bathrooms and kitchens, Grohe produces products for a range of interior styles. Grohe can offer faucets for everything from a classical style through to the latest sleek, modern designs.

Kohler – For over a century, Kohler have manufactured quality fixtures and fittings for bathrooms and kitchens. Kohler’s 31,000 worldwide associates is testament to the high quality product Kohler produces.

Moen – Has a long reputation for innovation and quality. Moen are experienced in the business as the original producers of the single-handed faucet. The fantastic warranties and toll-free consumer help to assist with all your consumer needs ensured Moen will be offering outstanding products and service for plenty of years to come.

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Bathrooms are the perfect place to play with light and its effects. There are so many elements that can capture light, reflect it, and refract it.

However, not many of us stop to consider the importance of good bathroom lighting.

Although it may be one of the smallest rooms in the home, a bathroom is used regularly throughout the day for very task-oriented activities, so this area needs proper lighting for applying makeup, shaving, styling hair and all your daily hygiene tasks.

A Well Lit Bathroom Shines

Good bathroom lighting will brighten the space, and make a safe, pleasant, efficient and comfortable atmosphere. Plus, the more decorative lighting adds to your bathroom ambience, the more alluring, rather than business-as-usual, your bathroom space will become.

Explore your options in both natural and artificial bathroom lighting to create a functional and unique lighting plan in your new bathroom. Get the balance just right and you have a wondrous result; a bathroom washed in natural light by day, transformed at nigh with soft ambient light, dramatic accent lighting or candlelight to create the perfect romantic retreat.

Natural Bathroom Lighting Options

The best and most effective complement to your bathroom is to make use of natural daylight. Not only does the room look better bathed in warm natural light, but you look better too; imagine drenching yourself in light as you take your morning shower, or looking out at your garden while you soak in a tub of warm water.

Thankfully, modern low-E glass solves the problem of drafty, inefficient windows so you can capture and incorporate your beautiful views without losing costly heat or air-conditioning.

If privacy allows, you may want to use a large window, a bay, or a bank of smaller units adjacent to the bathtub to add luxury to the room. In a contemporary bathroom design, install clean-lined casement windows.

To blend with a tradition bathroom décor, consider an elegant arched window or a standard double-hung unit with muntins (strips of wood or metal that separate and hold glass window panes in place). If your bathroom is adjacent to a patio, deck, hot tub, or private garden, think about including a pair of French or sliding doors.

Your view doesn’t have to be the ocean or snow-capped mountains, a pretty tree or some well-positioned plants can make the indoor view worthwhile. However, if you are too close to neighbors, a skylight, roof window, or glass blocks are a batter way to introduce natural light without compromising privacy or aesthetics.

Artificial Bathroom Lighting Options

No matter how much natural light you have in the bathroom, there are times you will need artificial light to supplement it. Artificial lighting is the easiest way to change a mood and control lighting levels as desired to suit your activities. A simple flick of the switch and your bathroom can change from a bright, busy grooming area to a softly lit, calm and quiet Home Spa getaway.

There are three types of artificial light sources you can consider for your bathroom: task, ambient and accent lighting. But to use them to your best advantage, you need to understand the dramatic options each can offer.

Ambient Bathroom Lighting

Ambient, or general lighting, is illumination that fills an entire room. Simply put its standard general illumination. Besides this, good overall ambient lighting can be used to control contrast, cut glare, and smooth out shadows.

Ceiling light fixtures, including suspended up lights, or wall sconces of all kinds are the main fixtures of choice, plus a portable light or two if your bathroom is big enough. Indirect fluorescent lights are useful, particularly for recessed lighting that reflects light off the ceiling; these may be referred to as “cove” lighting.

Light Dimmers are essential for controlling the level of light according to activity; bright light for grooming, low light for relaxing at the end of the day.

The key to good ambient lighting is making it inconspicuous. It should be merely the backdrop for the rest of the room, not the main feature. It changes the surrounding environment; always providing light but never become obvious.

Some options to provide adequate ambient bathroom lighting include:

Up light sconces attach to the wall. Sconce diffuses, which come in different shapes and sizes, can be open at the bottom, at the top, or both.

Ceiling fixtures are a simple, practical general lighting option. Pendant styles should be at least 80 inches from the floor.
Suspended up lights tend to reduce glare and provide a welcome glow in the bathroom.

Task Lighting in the Bathroom

As the name implies, task lighting is purely functional in purpose. Every bathroom has basic areas to light: the vanity, the mirrors, the bathtub, and the shower interior.

The amount of light you need for each task may vary, so try to match the light source to the activity.

You can mount light fixtures over or on each side of the mirror as task lights for grooming, or you can project a beam of light from a recessed fixture; this will give you the type of vanity lighting movie stars and performers use when putting on makeup. Find plenty of vanity lighting options online or in your local home improvement center.

When lighting a vanity mirror, be sure position the light fixtures to reduce shadows and glare. Make sure any light sources in wet spaces are UL-listed for safe use near water.

The best bathroom task lighting fixtures and sources include:

• Down light sources attached to a wall beside or above a mirror to provide the essential layer of lighting for grooming. The bulbs must be around 150 watts and need at least three lights to distribute shadow-free lighting.
• Makeup mirrors often have their built-in light source that can be switched on for shaving or applying makeup.
• Vertical lights are warm, fluorescent vertical light bars that can serve the same purpose as sconces behind the mirror.

Accent Bathroom Lighting

Often the most forgotten in the bathroom but always the most dramatic, accent lighting gives your bathroom a more stylish look.

Use accent lighting to draw attention to display areas, architectural details or artwork.

These elements are often placed along the room’s perimeter.

Try using decorative candle sconces or beaded-shade lights to provide a relaxing evening atmosphere for soaking in the tub.

An under-cabinet accent light can illuminate a display or serve as a nightlight.

For drama, use spotlights (low voltage halogen for energy-efficiency) or wall washers (recessed can lights and track lights are two options) to emphasize artwork or points of interest.

Consider these bathroom accent lighting options:

• Decorative candle scones often have glass votive shades to protect the wall from flames.
• Small table lamps with beaded shades change the quality of light by tinting it with jewel tones.
• Under-cabinet lights can be installed at the bottom of vanities or cabinets. LED rope lights are perfect under or over cabinets where they are hidden from view but provide nice accent lighting that enhances the finishes and surfaces of your bathroom vanity and cabinets, flooring and decorative trim and moldings.
• Float some decorative votives along with your favorite bath salts and suds in your bath for a bit of dramatic accent lighting to set a more relaxed mood.
• Nightlights provide low light for relaxing in a bath or navigating a darkened room or hallway.

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» View Bathroom Decorating Photo Gallery Page 2

Our Complete Bathroom Decorating Guide shows you everything from designing a small bathroom space to creating an outdoor home spa. Below you will find great ideas for decorating your own bathroom in the Bathroom Decorating Photo Gallery. Click on any image to view a full-size picture.

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Feeling the squeeze in your small bathroom? You’re not alone. Lack of bathroom storage is a problem many people face.

There are steps you can take to increase your storage either in a remodel or your existing space without moving to a home with a bigger bathroom. And clearing your bathroom clutter is worth your time.

A well-ordered bathroom is more conductive to relaxing, bathing and grooming than one that is littered with half-used shampoo bottles and damp towels.

Good storage will bring the clutter under control. Built-in cupboards and vanity units generally provide bathroom storage, but there are also situations where freestanding cabinets, tails, racks and containers are a useful addition or a practical alternative.

Don’t only make it fit, make it beautiful too! The best bathroom storage ideas keep your necessities at hand and add clever decorative elements all on their own.

Bathroom Cabinets and Shelf Units

Bathroom storage should combine open shelves or glazed cabinets for display (like perfumes or bath salts), and closed storage items for those items you would prefer to hide. In bathrooms where space is limited, the traditional bathroom cabinet mounted on the wall above the basin closes off the essentials you don’t want on display.

If the cabinet is glass fronted and doubles as a display, aim to arrange your belongings like decorative still-lives. Combine large things with small, such as stacks of towels with a group of perfume bottles. You can also achieve a sense of transparency by using translucent materials such as frosted glass, colored or frosted acrylic, or sheer fabric.

You might prefer storage trolleys (a cart with casters, a flat top and storage shelves or cabinets built in) which are designed to be manoeuvrable and may be fitted with brakes so they can be parked wherever they are needed. These mobile units range in style from mesh or polished metal trolleys to contemporary wooden designs and rustic painted cupboards.

Freestanding shelves are efficient space savers. Wall space is even more valuable with the popularity of pedestal and wall-mounted sinks without cabinets. Fit narrow shelves in preference to wider ones. They take up less space, look sleek and the contents can be seen at a glance. You can also cut your shelves to fit any space, great for oddly shaped bathrooms.

For bathroom storage shelving and cabinetry, you have choices in many materials:

• Glass shelves must be made from special toughened glass and have polished edges. They are ideal for small bathroom spaces since they allow light to pass through.
• Painted shelves are practical and easy to refresh with a new coat of paint when they begin to look shabby.
• Wire mesh is well suited to shelves, but the mesh will not contain spilt liquids.
• Naturally finished wood shelving can be an attractive option

Towel Racks and Storage

Obviously towel racks are essential for storage in your bathroom, but also for your health. A humid atmosphere makes textiles musty, so a well-placed, ventilated towel rack will keep bad smells at bay. You can choose unheated, heated, or rails made of wood, plastic or metal, and either wall-mounted or floor-standing.

The wall-mounted types take the form of a ring or a single or double straight rail supported on brackets. Keep rings for hand towels handy by the basin. You need at least one bar to accommodate a large wet towel, attach to the back of the door to save extra space.

Floor-standing racks usually have more that one bar to allow several towels to air at once. This is great for a large family with a pile up of towels. We know how teens dump piles of wet towels on each other so they never dry.
Handy racks and holders to store the little essentials

It’s the small amenities in the bathroom, the soaps, sponges, shaving equipment, toothbrushes and toilet rolls that spread the biggest mess. These racks and holders are essential to decrease the clutter and increase the order in your bathroom.

Without a doubt, you will need some wall-mounted holders to keep the soaps, sponges and shampoos within easy reach in the shower. Typically they come in wire baskets or with suction pads for tiled or glass walls.

The bridge-like bath racks are a great investment for a long soak. Along with storing the necessary bathing equipment, you also have a book rest, candleholder and spot for your shaving mirror.

Use the amenities to your display advantage. Create symmetry and order by organizing small, loose items into matching containers. Decanting liquid soaps, shampoos, and bubble bath into clear bottles or putting packaged items into clear containers results in clear presentation, with the added benefit of banishing labels.

Even the laundry basket can be considered in a creative twist. Baskets don’t have to be made of wicker, choose another moisture-resistant, washable material like plywood. Attach a lid, and it can double function as a seat.

Double Up Your Furnishings as Storage Units

In most bathrooms, furnishings are limited to the essentials, but if you add a chair the atmosphere immediately becomes more relaxed and inviting. In a large, well-ventilated bathroom decorated in traditional or country style, an upholstered armchair brings comfort and a touch of luxury, but in a smaller space, light, moisture-resistant wicker or loom is a better choice. Bathrooms that are too small for a chair may still have room for a stool or folding café chair.

The extra surfaces and storage provided by a small table, chest of drawers or small cupboards are not, essential in a bathroom, but if you are aiming for a softer, more lived-in look, they are a worthwhile addition.

A small table or cabinet drawn alongside the tub makes a suitable place to put your book, a drink and the radio while you indulge in a relaxing bath, and a chest of drawers with a mirror hung above it will visually open the room.

Unify Your Bathroom with Color

Whatever storage solutions you choose for your bathroom, for them to be effective they must give the bathroom an overall feeling of calm and order. Repeating your bathroom scheme in your storage will work to unite the room and give and overall sense of calm and order:

One trick to unifying storage vessels with a bathroom’s design scheme is to keep everything pale or white. White storage makes a space look neat and fresh, and integrates especially well if the moldings and fixtures in the room are also white.
If white isn’t your style, polished metal containers (silver, nickel and stainless steel are always elegant) reflect the palette of the room, while clear or translucent containers let the colors of the provisions inside shine through.

A Few More Bathroom Storage Tips

• Hang things on the walls, build in storage, or add a piece of furniture. An effective storage scheme usually combines all three approaches, but you’ll want to consider the amount of available floor space; the placement of fixtures, doors, and windows; and the style of the room.
• Remember the common-sense rule; always store objects near where you plan to use them.
• Using wall space for storage has become more important with the popularity of pedestal and wall-mounted sinks, which eliminate the cabinets normally found under the sink. One often unused wall space is the area above the toilet.
• Consider bolting a shallow cabinet to the studs here (be sure it’s above the head level of a seated person). You can also purchase shelving that fits over the tank of the toilet and provides storage space for towels, shampoos, and the like.
• If there’s space beside the toilet, a wall-mounted cabinet can screen the toilet somewhat from the rest of the room without taking up as much space as a floor-mounted cabinet. Or use this space for towel rods or hooks.
• When you add a cabinet to a wall, use open shelves to showcase decorative items like perfume or bath salt bottles, and enclosed shelves and drawers to hide workaday items.
• For a coordinated, well-planned look, built-ins can’t be beat. If you have limited floor space, look for places to recess storage; for example, there might be room for niches between wall studs. You may also be able to borrow space from an adjacent garage or guest bedroom to provide more bath storage.
• Niches inserted between the studs in the shower wall or above the tub are especially helpful. If built-ins are not possible, consider units specifically designed to suspend from the showerhead or affix to the wall. Racks on corner poles are another option for the shower.
• A tall freestanding cabinet set alongside the sink or toilet may allow you to put a large wall mirror above the sink, visually opening the room.
• Baskets, boxes, or other covered containers work well on counters or open shelves.
• A row of hooks or hooks with multiple arms will accommodate more towels than a single towel rod. Towel bars that swing back against the wall and stacking units attached to the wall are other space savers. But you’ll probably want at least one rod or bar for letting a wet towel dry out-for instance, on the back of the door.
• If you think about what you need for your bathroom storage, and think of the ways to create the additional storage space, you are certain to come up with some great looking (and functional) bathroom storage ideas!

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Does your bathroom look like it came from the “Brady Bunch” TV set? Bathroom décor is one of the easiest and relatively inexpensive ways to spruce up your home. If your shower curtain was purchased in 1968, the bath rugs in 1972 and the guest towels haven’t been updated in the past ten years, its time for a change!

If your budget includes updating faucets and sinks, start there! No need to rush into accents when there’s work to be done!

But if all you are after is a trip to your local bedding and bath store and 10 minutes to toss together your new look, then obviously fixtures aren’t in the plan! If you need to do a little bathroom maintenance, try checking out our tips and step-by-step instructions on Shower and Bathtub Caulking.

Getting Started on Redecorating Your Bathroom

Whether you’re planning an entire bathroom remodel, decorating a bathroom for the first time or just need to update an older bathroom, you’ve come to the right place. Rafter Tales has assembled the most comprehensive and authoritative set of content on bathroom design, décor and remodeling possible for you. Read on to explore hundreds of tips and ideas you can use in your new bathroom design!

Bathroom Fixtures and Cabinets

With thousands of bathroom hardware and fixture options available, how do you select faucets, shower heads and other fixtures that will fit your new bathroom design? We’ve got all kinds of great ideas for you in these complete bathroom fixtures, cabinetry and vanity guides:

• Shower Faucet Buyer’s Guide
• Bathroom Sink Faucet Buyers Guide
• Choosing Bathroom Vanities and Cabinets
• Comparing Bathroom Cabinet Features

Choosing a Bathroom Décor Theme

Themes and variations play an important role in any interior design; bathrooms are no different although understating a room theme is especially important in the bathroom, since function is so critical and space is often limited.

Read our full story on Tuscan Bathroom Design if your tastes run toward the Italian country look. Or, if you like contemporary style, you’ll find what you’re seeking in our story on Contemporary Bathroom Design. Or consider Decorating Your Bathroom in Vintage Style.

If you prefer something a bit more down home, read our Rustic Bathroom Design and Cottage Country Style Bathroom articles for some ideas on making your bathroom cozy.

If you live near the sea or love the serenity of cool tones and water themes, have a look at our pieces on Nautical Decor Themes and Beach Décor to transform your bathroom into an indoor oasis.

Bring nature indoors with the ideas and pictures in our Botanical Bathroom Design story on how to give your bathroom the feeling of a garden of paradise.

Going Upscale in Your Bathroom

We cover Elegant Bathroom Design if you want something a bit more traditional, rich and ornate in bathroom décor.

And if you want to do a really special bathroom theme, check out our feature, Designing a Spa Bathroom and transform your bathroom in to a home spa or take it even further and learn more in our Outdoor Home Spas and Bathrooms and Outdoor Showers and Spa Tubs feature stories.

No matter what you’re looking for in bathroom design and decorating, we’ve got some great tips, ideas, pictures and videos to get your going and come back to as your project unfolds and you need to come “back to the well”!

» View Bathroom Decorating Photo Gallery Page 1

» View Bathroom Decorating Photo Gallery Page 2

An older house is a treasure to be protected and very often features design elements that you will want to preserve.

A vintage bathroom, for example, features classic elements that hearken back to a simpler time, such as pedestal sinks, graceful chrome fittings and substantial moldings and millwork.

But, although you might want to preserve the vintage look of your bathroom, you’ll certainly want to update all the fixtures and amenities. Luckily you can have the best of both worlds.

Vintage Bathroom Décor Basics

Recent years have seen a great revival in ‘traditional’ bathrooms that evoke the stately, rather masculine style of the Edwardian and Victorian eras, when bathrooms were sumptuously, if rather cumbersomely, decorated. Think capacious claw foot bath tubs, polished brass fittings, freestanding vanities, masculine deep rich colors, heavy rugs and elaborate curtaining.

A vintage style bathroom design aims to feel warm and well lived-in. The graceful detailed finishing touches add an ornate decadence that never loses its timeless appeal.

Vintage Bathroom Color Schemes and Materials

The vintage bathroom design tends toward masculine themes with rich, deep colors, and plenty of dark polished wood set off by heavy rugs and elaborate curtaining.

Wood paneling is a popular choice of wall cover for vintage style bathrooms as it is ideal for concealing the less-than-perfect surfaces often found in an older house. Tongue-and-groove boards are widely available from DIY stores and are easy to install and can be painted in any color to suit your personal design.

Faux paneling, either throughout the room or just below a chair rail, can be painted in, while wallpapers inspired by archive print collections can lend an authentic touch.

Window treatments in faded, tea-stained linens, old chintzes, silks and damasks can be hung on heavy wooden poles with decorative finials, or enhanced by pelmets finished with lavish fringes and tassels.

Vintage Bathtub Styles

For any bathroom that aims to evoke vintage charm, the centrepiece of a large, cast-iron roll-top tub with decorative ball-and-claw feet and polished brass taps in a necessity.

These large, cast-iron bathtubs originated in the nineteenth century but many bathroom dealers now offer authentic looking, lightweight reproductions. If you prefer not to purchase a roll-top tub, alternatively, a standard bath can be set into a marble surround with side panels of glossy, dark-stained wood, evoking the mahogany fixtures of times gone by.

Whatever its size and shape, however, the bath should always be a cast-iron one; this bathroom design looks back to the days well before the invention of acrylic.

Retro Bathroom Design Fixtures and Fittings

Original fittings have come back into vogue and architectural salvage firms are flourishing as home decorators scour the country for old brass taps, basins, roll-top baths and commodes. While these are invariably beautiful to look at but they need careful restoration to function properly and a lot of time and effort is required to keep them looking good.

Luckily for all those who have little time to seek out the genuine article, manufacturers have been quick to respond to demand and most bathroom showrooms and catalogues now offer well-designed and authentic-looking traditional ranges.

Basins are usually capacious affairs, either freestanding complete with matching pedestal, or built into a marble of mahogany surround. Many custom and semi-custom cabinetry collections include unfitted vanities so shop around. Faucets should be pillar-style with handles rather than modern levels or mixture controls.

Toilets can have wooden seats and high-level cisterns with pull-chains. Finish the pipes, chains and taps in a gleaming brass finish or gold plating to add that feeling of vintage opulence.

Vintage Bathroom Design Accessories

It is the small details that will really make your vintage bathroom theme work. This is especially true if you are trying to create a vintage look in a new bathroom space. The small touches will mellow into a soft patina over time, and give a newly remodeled bathroom some antique appeal.

When choosing your accessories, the key is to evoke a well-lived in, aged atmosphere. Ornaments, photographs and books reflecting your interests could be arranged on every possible surface. Glass-fronted prints and paintings hung on every wall would look equally at home in the vintage bathroom design.

Furniture can feature prominently. A large mahogany chest of drawers topped with a dressing-table mirror or perhaps a set of silver-backed brushes to provide storage for linen of clothes. Space permitting, you might also install a wardrobe, a linen press or an upholstered ottoman.

Any occasional furniture will give the bathroom a comfier, lived-in look. Even a simple wooden chain and table can provide a contrast in the gleaming brass and marble style to highlight the ornate vintage design of the bathroom.

Vintage and Retro Bathroom Decorating Tips

Here are some final tips to add the perfect finishing touches to your opulent vintage bathroom design:

• Mounting accessories on the wall via shelf brackets will help to keep your vanity space clear of clutter.
• Little ceramic bowls decorated with light pink and yellow flowers are typical of this era and also add accents of a brighter color.
• A chandelier would be an opulent and romantic lighting device.
• Add a gleaming brass or chunky chrome bath rack and hang monogrammed linen hand towels on it to continue the detailed old-fashioned theme.
• Further old-fashioned glamour can be added with a gilt frame in the mirror. This also reflects the fine craftsmanship typical of homes built in this era.
• Think the small but untypical details to scatter throughout the room: an old shaving brush and bowl, bath oils and aftershaves, with collections of glass bottles for scent.

» Go Back to The Complete Bathroom Decorating Guide

Everyone has his or her own idea of what country means, though many would be hard pressed to put it into words.

Whimsical, airy designs that hearken back to simpler times, romantic touches that bring a smile to our faces, sunlit spaces that warm our hearts, all of these things lend charm to any room.

If you think this is the right look for you, there are several ways you can bring this delightful sense of comfort and charm to your bathroom.

A Breath of Fresh Country Air

Luxury and indulgence are present in the typical country-style bathroom, but in the uncomplicated form of thick, laundry-roughened towels, lavender scented bath water and a window with a green and pleasant view.

Whether it is designed to complement a rose-covered cottage or as an escapist retreat from urban reality, the country look always works well in a bathroom setting. Easily created, involving inexpensive materials and simple techniques, the effect is pretty, fresh and appealing.

Country Bathroom Décor

Many bathrooms of traditional country homes have been converted from spare bedrooms, and often have enough space to allow a more imaginative layout than is possible in a modern bathroom. If they are retained, built-in cupboards, window seats, alcoves and other features of the original room add character.

The classic country look is perhaps best associated with sprigged floral wallpapers and flowery fabrics, which, together with accessories such as dried flowers, are readily available and have timeless appeal. The country style implies a certain nostalgia and fittings usually follow a traditional theme; large, old-fashioned washstands with brass legs; cast-iron bathtubs with ball-and-claw feet; high level toilet cisterns worked by pull-chains; wooden toilet seats and towel rails.

Country Bathroom Design Color Schemes

Pale hues and pristine whites are great choices for creating an idyllic escape. These crisp colors bring a sense of freshness to the space and help to open it up. Adding custom moldings and beadboard call to mind turn-of-the-century cottages and beach houses. For an extra touch of whimsy, add white tiles painted with delicate flowers. Crisp, fresh, white backgrounds also set the perfect background to set off the natural matting and materials.

Stenciling allows a decorative motif, perhaps taken from the curtain fabric, to be repeated on walls, cupboard doors, floors and the sides of the bathtub.

Variations on the gingham theme, with one-color or multi-color checks, work just as well in a country-style bathroom as in a classic country kitchen. Try this with simple and uncomplicated curtain treatments with gingham fabric hung from a painted wooden pole or tied with bows on to a wrought-iron one.

Country Bathroom Design Materials

The materials should further evoke a rustic feel. Think ceramic tiles and painted wood are good choices for wall and floor coverings in this traditional setting. Plain white or cream rectangular wall tiles hung brick-fashion have a retro look, but square tiles taken to eye level and edged with a narrow black border or a patchwork of patterned Victorian tiles would work well.

Tiles and timber are also ideal for flooring. For a traditional look, create a checkered effect with black and white tiles or scrub the floorboards and leave them bare. Natural matting or terracotta tiles on floor also work with the country cottage style.

Cupboards and shelves in rustic pine (sanded and sealed rather than painted) with doors and windows to match, evoking the wooden beams of old country cottages.

Choose a weathered finish coupled with nickel-plated fixtures for the pieces lends understated personality.

Country Cottage Bathroom Fixtures

Suitable reclaimed and reproduction fittings come in a variety of shapes, but if your aim is to create a bathroom that is visually embedded in its surroundings, choose only those that match the status of the building.

Victorian or Edwardian sanitary-ware, perhaps with floral decoration, is an appropriate choice for larger country houses, while in a modest country cottage simple fixtures in designs from the 1920s or 1930s would be more suitable.
Victorian basins and toilets were often decorated with fresh blue floral designs and though the originals are much sought after and difficult to obtain, reproduction models are easily available (but will not accurately replicate the deep, inky, indigo blue that makes the original patterns unique).

The dominant feature in a country should be the bath. A roll-top tub has the right vintage look and is impressive enough to stand in the centre of a large bathroom. In a smaller space, a standard bath placed along a wall and boxed in with tongue-and-groove paneling has a suitably nostalgic feel.

Think fixtures that impart a nostalgic feel to your bathroom; large, old-fashioned washstands with brass legs; high-level toilet cisterns worked by pull-chains; wooden toilet seats and towel rails.

Antique fairs and sale rooms are the places to look for old bathroom fixtures, cupboards or chests of drawers for storage. Before you buy, check carefully for cracks and chips, which cannot be successfully repaired.

Choose fittings for visual appeal. A console washbasin with decorative ceramic or metal legs is a pretty alternative to an urban vanity unit.

Reproduction baths and basins take on an authentic look when fitted with antique taps.

Country Style Bathroom Accessories

Creating the style and atmosphere of the country bathroom need not be complicated or expensive. The smallest details have big impact to make your room feel quaint and nostalgic. Here are some helpful country cottage bathroom decorating ideas:

• Wicker baskets, filled with soaps and potpourri, add an inviting touch.
• Old enamel pots labeled for ‘soap’ and ‘sand’ reinforce the traditional look.
• Personal touches, like an antique brush and hand mirror, coupled with a glass perfume tray, add old-fashioned appeal to the grooming area.
• A country look relies on natural materials and textures as well as colors. A bamboo rack makes a perfect finishing touch, and a woven laundry basket and stone candleholder will also reinforce this look.
• A large wall map above the bath hints romantically at distant shores.
• Framed postcards introduce a touch of nostalgia.
• Choose accessories that add character as well as color. For a lived-in feel, include items that have seen better days such as an old mirror or distressed medicine cabinet.
• Ceramic jugs, enamel mugs and other finds from bric-a-brac stalls make bathroom accessories with the right period charm.
• Pale, printed cotton curtains, a snowy linen blind or white-painted shutters all filter the light and give privacy.

» Go Back to The Complete Bathroom Decorating Guide

A bathroom is by nature a wet, humid space. Use the room’s temperate atmosphere to create a glorious garden setting. Plants are the perfect natural accessories, and many thrive in this environment. If you’ve got a green thumb, the bathroom is a perfect place to put it into use.

A Garden in My Bathroom; Are You For Real?

Yes! Suppose you’re a city dweller or you live in a space where a full-scale garden seems to be out of the question. Plants aren’t much of an option except for a window box or a few seedlings on the sill. But if the desire to cultivate remains, it can provide inspiration for how to design and use your bathroom.

Be creative. You needn’t look far for a chance to use your imagination, and to find ways around your garden limitations. No matter what size your bathroom is, you’ve got the conditions necessary to create an indoor tropical paradise.

There’s a daily shower, for instance. There are regular clouds of steamy heat and frequent occurrences of the dew point in a space that’s humid by nature. There’s high intensity lighting, which you can calibrate to suit your horticultural needs. For all intents and purposes, you can essentially have a greenhouse in your home.

Botanical Bathroom Color Scheme

Earthy colors like sunny gold walls, terracotta floors, and green glass tiles are unusual for the bathroom, where palettes tend towards white, water colors or the peaches and roses that reflect prettily on the skin.

Strong colors can give a bathroom distinction. A garden palette suits a botanical bathroom, especially one graced by natural light. If you choose unconventional colors, keep it simple. Dark tones are good for the floor, while lighter and/or saturated hues work better for the walls.

Botanical Bathroom Materials

Have fun with the materials you choose for your garden bathroom. Think about using earthier textures for your bathroom’s surfaces, such as the Mexican terra-cotta paving tiles on the floor (commonly called Saltillo tile).

Mix and match materials; integrally colored plaster walls with glass and stone containers will create a sensually sophisticated and visually pleasing composition.

Some excellent choices for this theme include:

Terra Cotta – Meaning “baked earth”, terra cotta is used to make tiles that are usually hard-fired (whether glazed or not) for architectural uses like floors. Because terra-cotta is somewhat soft, tiles should be glazed after installation and periodically refinished.

Stucco Veneziano – In Venice in the 1500s, builders added marble dust to lime plaster to create walls that looked like marble without its weight. What came to be known as Venetian plaster is applied in multiple thin coats. Today it is often acrylic based.

Glass Mosaic Tiles – Available in a wide range of colors and degrees of transparency and opacity, glass mosaic tiles add a special, liquid quality to bathroom surfaces. Leafy-green square tiles lining a shower enclosure would beautifully echo the bathroom’s green plants.

Botanical Bathroom Design Fixtures

How far should you go with the garden theme? A high ceiling in your bathroom could accommodate a small tree while in a smaller space you might consider using her topiaries. Keep the rest of the bathroom interior simple, to contrast with this lush greenery.

Choose a toilet and bathtub that epitomize a contemporary, sculptural aesthetic. A modern, sculptural toilet would be one with the profile of a chair with an unusually tall tank that creates a backrest, in a pure form. A wide, rounded sink suggests the whirls and spirals of flowing water. For a luxurious treat, choose an elegant high-sided bathtub with depth for soaking.

Fixtures in matching porcelain-smooth finish would provide a visual and textural contrast with plaster walls, tiled floors and hemp rugs. Keep the plumbing concealed and over-the-sink cabinets recessed into the wall so as not to interrupt the room’s sleek surfaces.

Botanical Bathroom Accessories

• Accessorizing a garden bathroom provides interesting decorative challenges. What’s suitable for use as a plant stand? Take the challenge, and be creative, here are some imaginative ideas to get you started:
• Consider repurposing a wall shelf, like a mahogany wood one as a plant stand. Mahogany is a durable choice for bathroom furniture.
• Crisp white towelling and fixtures will serve to bring each hue and surface into focus.
• A moss “bath mat” is a witty accent.
• A garden trellis, commonly used for arranging trailing greens like ivy, makes a striking wall display and functions as a holder for rolled towels and reading material.
• And most importantly for this bathroom theme, the moisture loving plants suited for these conditions to serve as the main accessory:
• Moisture-loving citrus trees such as, lemon, lime, and orange, all of which have fragrant blossoms that release a delicious, tantalizing perfume.
• Water Hyacinth and Jatropha are other species that are well suited to bathroom horticulture.
• Also many varieties of Orchids and Bromeliads do well in a garden-themed bathroom.

» Go Back to The Complete Bathroom Decorating Guide

The visionaries of the contemporary look were in search of simplicity to counter the complexity of modern life. And they turned to natural materials, naked and unadorned, developing a visual aesthetic based on simple lines, understated motifs and emphasis on form and functional practicality.

Streamlined, organized, crisp and clean, a contemporary design eschews fussy touches in favor of sleek lines and gleaming surface. This style of bathroom design is just perfect for smaller spaces since it often relies on a combination of natural materials such as wood, metal, stone and glass, for a feeling of openness and light.

The Right Contemporary Look

Achieving the right look with a contemporary design can be tricky. Strong lines and simple forms can only go so far: Too much glass and metal, and too little personality, can create a space that’s cold and uncomfortable. But when contemporary is done right, there’s nothing as exciting.

Though the look is definitely cutting edge, there’s nothing stark or forbidding about it; on the contrary, the light-filled bathroom feels warm and inviting. And this design doesn’t have to be all or nothing. There are varying degrees to a contemporary bathroom. You can, and should, tailor your bathroom design to suit your style and personality.

Contemporary Bathroom Color Schemes

One of the most recent developments in contemporary bathrooms is the bolder use of color. Previously, color was limited to a natural palette based on the raw materials used for the décor (monochromatic clean lines and sharp contrasts.

White floors and tiled walls were common, but gradually mosaic tiles were added to give gentle contrast, using a cheaper surface material than stone or timber and available in shimmering, watery pastels that complement the natural tones.

More intense colors have followed in the form of synthetic surfaces and glass tiles. Glass tiles are available in slip-resistant varieties for floors as well as walls.

Contemporary Bathroom Materials

As with most design schemes, the right result can be achieve with a feel, and an eye, for the right materials and design elements. Naturally textured elements like slate floor tiles and mosaic tiles provide a welcome contrast to smooth wall tiles and a wide expanse of mirror above the sinks. Playful lines, adding a curve to the silhouette of the bathtub or shower, inject a sense of humor and soften the look of the bathroom.

Surfaces that have the right aesthetic credentials for the contemporary look include natural materials such as hardwood and stone, and products such as brick, metal and concrete. Glass and modern man-made surfacing materials such as Corian and Lucite and the scope of contemporary style broadens out to a wide range of contemporary materials and surfaces.

Contemporary Bathroom Design Fittings

The emphasis is on design with a capital ‘D’ and the effects are invariably dramatic. Think state-of-the-art fittings, encased in sleek, sophisticated materials such as chrome, stainless steel, sand-blasted or acid-etched glass.

In the contemporary bathroom, fittings are striking to look at but always supremely functional. Many modern furniture designers have turned their hand to bathroom design, reinterpreting the standard shapes of basins, baths and taps in dramatic and highly individual ways. Some of these pieces are unique, designed to order; others more accessible and can be found at good bathroom showrooms.

Think along the lines of:

• Large, focal-point bathtubs made from stone, resin or timber.
• Countertop basins in ceramic, glass, steel or stone.
• Deceptively simple taps and wall-mounted lavatories.
• Or alternatively, standard fittings can be given a contemporary feel by clever use of the materials around them; a basic bathtub can be transformed with side panels of brushed steel and up-to-the-minute mixer taps with high-tech controls.
• A standard under-counter basin could be sunk into a glass worktop for a streamlined effect. Even small details like chrome cupboard door handles.

Contemporary Bathroom Accessories

The contemporary bathroom design focuses on calm and order, so any accessories should complement this. However, that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on adding your personal touch completely. Try some of these ideas for size:

• Hanging a single vibrant picture can send shock waves through the polite elegance of a dark monochromatic scheme.
• A glitzy mosaic border in a mirror would echo the floor tiles.
• A garden chair, small slated stool and rope pots, introduce character and woven, natural textures.
• Plants, pebbles and a fiber mat all contribute more natural texture.
• A large mirror spanning the width of the wall would give the room a greater sense of space.
• Chrome, nickel or stainless accessories can add further metallic shine.
• A mirror arranged geometrically with glass shelves and lamp, makes an attractive wall feature.

Final Winning Tips to pull off Contemporary Design

Remember contemporary design is all about simple, clean lines for modern elegance. Here are essential rules to ensure you pull off the contemporary bathroom design in your home:

• If you need to partition the space in a bathroom, use glass bricks of panel, clear or frosted, to allow light to flood through.
• Remember that wood, stone and concrete all need to be sealed to make them water-resistant.
• Introduce color in the form of mosaic, glass tiles or synthetic surfacing materials.
• Sanitary fittings, taps and showers in simple shapes and wall-mounted lavatories with concealed cisterns all add to the streamlined look.
• If you have a budget, a custom-made countertop with an integral washbasin is a sophisticated alternative to under-mounted bowels.
• Keep it clean! Contemporary bathrooms often feature a lot of gleaming surfaces, such as faucets, countertops, light fixtures and knobs. Keeping a bathroom like this sparkling is the key to making the room seem bigger and cleaner.

Lack of space is so common in a bathroom that it barely registers as a design challenge, but now that bathing is an act of self-indulgence as much as a daily routine, the room itself must reflect its dual role.

A well-planned layout, careful use of color and some ingenious design tricks will stretch the limits of a compact room, making it seem comfortable but never cramped.

Space Planning in the Small Bathroom

Take advantage of and emphasize any architectural details available. Wainscoting, crown molding, paneled doors, coved or angled ceilings, even interesting wall paneling or baseboards can give the room more distinction. Subtle variations of form, pattern and color can help connect your small bathroom to the style and feeling of adjoining spaces, naturally giving the sense of a larger space with visual cues and refrains.

If the room doesn’t offer much, add moldings and a wainscot (even a painted wainscot) and put in very architectural mirror, tailored draperies, or bolder framing for the window. Decorative trim work will add style and elegance in the small bathroom and can be cost effective since so little materials are required.

Steer away from overdone themes; every detail, image, or color has more presence in a small bathroom and each element must be carefully considered. The sailboats and shells and wavy patterns can become tiresome over time and with close proximity; in a small space less is always more! On the other hand, you can use seasonal accessories, fresh or silk flower arrangements and decorative items to help freshen the look of your small bathroom periodically.

If two washbasins can be squeezed in, it is a plus during the morning rush hour. But double sinks are not an absolute requirement when space is tight. It’s best to have more countertop space than trying to squeeze in an extra sink. A bigger countertop will also make the room seem larger.

In a tight space, it is best to round off countertops and smooth off any surfaces you may be bumping into. Shower door handles, if any, should be flush with the door. Put towel bars and robe hooks where they won’t collide with your body.

Small Bathroom Color Schemes

A mixture of pale colors, clear glass and reflective surfaces can create an illusion of space in a small bathroom. Cool, light colors such as pale blue, lilac and aqua seem to recede, making a room seem larger.

Try decorating the bathroom entirely in one single color or shades of the same color for a monotone color palette. Continuity adds to a calm, relaxed atmosphere and bathing is all about relaxation and the restorative powers of water, which is why Mediterranean blue, sea green or aqua make great bathroom colors.

If you prefer warmer tones, go with subtler shades of yellow, beige or off whites with brighter highlights in red, orange or gold. Avoid too much of the bright stuff or you may feel crowded in a smaller bathroom as though you’re in a carnival funhouse.

Fixtures for the Small Bathroom

With improved plumbing and specially designed fixtures there is no reason why compactness should preclude efficiency and elegance. The way fixtures are arranged within the bathroom will affect how spacious it seems.

As well as making a floor plan, it is worth drawing an evaluation of each wall so you can take the height and bulk of the fixtures into account as well as the ground space they occupy. It is tempting to find room for all the fixtures on your wish list but sometimes the layout works better, and the room feels more open, if you compromise by having an over-bath shower instead of a separate shower enclosure or install a large shower instead of a bathtub.

A less crowded room will feel relaxed, look better and be more convenient to use; keep it light, open and airy as much as possible. Light, air circulation and accessibility are the keys to effective small bathroom design.

Adding Scale to a Small Bathroom

Visual devices to make a small bathroom seem bigger include allowing light to flow through the space by choosing a frameless shower enclosure glazed with clear toughened glass; or even abandoning enclosures and partitions altogether in favor of a wet-room where all surfaces are waterproofed.

You can effortlessly make your bathroom appear more spacious with these ideas:

• Wall-mounted fittings make the floor area appear larger, and cabinets or vanity units that are on raised legs have a less bulky look.
• In a tall, narrow space, the perceived height can be reduced by tiling the walls to a level that stops short of the ceiling.
• To reduce the apparent length of a long, narrow room, the bathtub can be placed across its width at one end and an open shower area across it at the other.
• Arranging the fixtures along one wall between them will give an impression of space at the centre of the room, which can be accentuated by putting mirrors on opposite sides of the room and hanging a lamp centrally over the area.
• To give a more streamlined look, replace hinged doors with sliding pocket doors. Unlike track-mounted doors, which slide over the wall they open into, pocket doors are fitted in double-thickness walls and, when open, disappear into the space between the leaves of a wall.
• Long, lined curtains can be bulky. Generally, avoid real wood blinds, which may warp and crack in the humid conditions of a small bathroom space. Use easy-to-clean materials that do not tend to absorb moisture and lead to mildewing. Plastic is a great thing in a small bathroom!
• If you have a tub/shower combo unit, use a curved shower rod to make your shower more accessible and roomy.
• Visually ‘open out’ the space with mirrored panels and/or framed mirrors. Mirrors are important not only for function, but for giving a small space a more expansive feel, allowing light and pattern to repeat and virtually enlarge the room.
• Accent your decorative scheme with well-planned lighting inset into the ceiling and/or above the basin. Good overall ambient light is important, along with careful placement of specific task lighting in shower and vanity areas.
• Scale up rather that down: large pictures or objects make a room look more spacious, while costly materials such as marble, polished wood and brass are more affordable in small quantities and add a touch of luxury. One of the big advantages you have in designing the small bathroom is being able to splurge on materials without super-inflating your budget!

Storage for the Small Bathroom

In a compact space, cupboards and drawers are preferable to open shelves because they allow you to reduce the amount of clutter on view and make use of otherwise dead areas under the basin, in alcoves and behind any panels you many have to conceal plumbing and pipe work. Follow these leads when planning your small bathroom design:

• If you have a vanity, add generous drawers and added roll-outs where possible.
• Recess cabinets and storage niches between the studs in the wall; cut outs for soap and shampoo in the shower enclosure are a must.
• Use the back of the door or any available space to mount bars for hanging towels, robes and clothing.
• Place a towel rack above the bath, and perhaps at one side of the shower away from the spray. A nice towel heater will be warm and comfy when the weather gets colder.
• Install wall shelves about the counter. Install a wall cabinet out of the way to hold toiletries, hand towels and brushes. Think of how to make use of every nook and cranny where you might conveniently store something and/or hide bathroom paraphernalia from view.

There are three different “levels” of bathroom cabinet. As with anything else, the more control you want over the look of your cabinetry, the more it is going to cost!

Pre-Manufactured Bathroom Cabinets

Stock, pre-manufactured, modular units are the most reasonably priced cabinetry for the bathroom, but they are less adaptable than custom or semi-custom units. You’ll have to combine stock parts of a modular system to fit your space, so some units might not fit, you could end up with a few extra units that will need to be bridged with fillers.

Luckily any designer or architect assisting you with your project will have no problem overcoming this obstacle. And unlike custom of semi-custom cabinets, stock units arrive quickly.

Semi-Custom Bathroom Cabinets

The next level of cost is semi-custom cabinets. These are almost as flexible as custom cabinets but are available at a midrange price point. Made mainly of stock components, these units also have added custom features; a good cabinet installer can assemble the pieces for a truly custom look.

Custom Bathroom Cabinets

The most expensive option is cabinetry that is custom designed and built to fit your room. Though most commonly used in kitchens, custom cabinetry can add extra elegance to your bathroom. However, these days with master bathrooms getting larger and taking a more prominent place in the custom high end home market, the ultimate designer bathroom will have cabinets crafted with the same quality and appearance as fine home furnishings. The sky is the limit if you have the budget to go all out with your custom bathroom cabinetry.

Bathroom Cabinet Style and Substance

If you want a sleek look, you’ll probably be drawn to frameless, or Euro-style bathroom cabinets. The doors on frameless units are flush with the outer edge of the cabinet boxes, creating a smooth, contemporary appearance. The construction is ideal for laminates and veneers.

To warm up a contemporary bathroom, consider a wood veneer like maple. If you want to really dazzle your friends, pick a brightly hued laminate. Since the design and color of laminates come from a photographic image that is then bonded to other layers, the choices are quite diverse.

No matter what type of cabinetry you ultimately select, make sure you examine each of the units for signs of quality craftsmanship. For superior durability, interconnected joints, such as dovetails, hold together without nails. The next best options are connections that have a structural bridge: doweled of biscuit joints. Simple butt or lap joints may work themselves loose over time, especially if they’re stapled.

Bathroom Vanity Tips and Ideas

If you’re looking for more tips on bathroom cabinetry and vanities, here are some more ideas to consider:

• Without bathroom vanities, bathrooms would be not much more that a toilet, sink and a tub. So when you select a bathroom vanity, be sure to consider the aesthetic value as well as the practicality and durability of the bathroom vanity.
• There are numerous things to consider when choosing bathroom vanities. Of course, not everything should be style-related. Other considerations include your budget, durability, and the space of your bathroom.
• When selecting the right bathroom vanity, you should think first about the size of the bathroom. For a small bathroom, consider an over the toilet cabinet. This kind of cabinet will provide extra storage while only occupying space that was never intended to be of use.
• A bathroom vanity may be created to use as a medicine cabinet, or even a recessed cabinet. Take note, though, that these things come in varying sizes and styles. Be sure to choose the one that both suit the bathroom and your personal taste.
• You should carefully consider the things you need to store in the bathroom vanity and the size of your bathroom. This will guide you as to what size to get and what styles are available.
• Do not as well trap yourself on the storage options of bathroom vanities. Rather place ample amount of attention to such points like the height of the sink. Oftentimes this point is overlooked, but the height of the sink can definitely make a big difference in your daily bathroom rituals.
• Usually, bathroom sinks reach about 30 inches. However, manufacturers nowadays are beginning to see the benefits of creating taller sinks, about 36 inches instead. Having a taller sink makes it much easier to prepare in the morning, for both men and women, especially for those who are in the hurry to go to school or work.
• Think about the items that you use in the bathroom; if nobody uses the bathroom but you then you might as well pick a bathroom vanity which can store all your needs, from towels to medicine, soap, shampoo and other bath supplies. However, if you have other housemates, select a bathroom vanity that can store their especial needs as well.
• After you have gone through the size of the vanity and the size of your bathroom, then you proceed to the aesthetic of your vanity. Bathroom vanities are available in different types of wood. Good options are bathroom vanities made of oak, walnut, maple, and cherry. Also, look for lacquer that will help to showcase the grains in those wood types.
• There are a wide range of bathroom vanities that you can choose from. You may opt to consider having an open shelved vanity which is comprised of recessed shelves, corner shelves or surface mounted shelves.
• Another alternative is an over the toilet vanity. This is suitable for almost anyone who is looking for more storage from a limited amount of space. Also try a closet type of vanity, which is good for linen baskets and can be a built in or a freestanding furniture piece.
• Consider the style of vanity and/or cabinets that you already have; a face frame vanity is one that provides a formal and traditional look to the bathroom. By this, a cabinet box can be used. It hence features framed panel doors with hidden hinges.
• Consider as well a frameless vanity cabinet attuned to the European style; modern bathroom vanities often incorporate hidden hinges which are easily adjustable.
• When shopping for bathroom cabinets, examine the drawers, looking for glides that open all the way quietly and smoothly while keeping the drawer horizontal even when fully extended.
  

In most cases, the bathroom is the smallest room in the house; especially if you happen to own an older home in which there may be little space to expand a bathroom or add another. Paradoxically, it generally serves as a depository for lots and lots of stuff, so keeping things in order can be a challenge.

From makeup to shaving supplies to toothbrushes, the bathroom houses the products we buy and pamper ourselves and create a spa experience in our humble bath. So where can we store all our goodies, as well as toilet paper and cleaning supplies?

A new vanity or bathroom cabinets may be the answer to freshen and rejuvenate your bathroom without breaking the budget too badly.

Choosing a Bathroom Vanity or Cabinets

When you start designing your bathroom, you’ll find the cabinetry will become one of the most predominant elements of space. The style, material and finish will determine the look of your bathroom. And, in al likelihood, the cabinetry will be your biggest expense. Therefore, you’ll want to know all of your options before you make any decisions.

Remember that whatever material you choose, look inside the vanity as well. Many of today’s units include such features as one- and two-tier drawer organizers; pull-out towel holders; pull-out and tilt-out laundry bins; wire baskets in various sizes and depths; revolving shelves; and under-counter tip-out tray systems.

And of course no bathroom vanity will be complete with out adequate lighting and mirrors; a full-size mirror over your vanity is a must, but you can also add a small counter top mirror for added ease of use when putting on makeup, etc.

To figure out what look is right for you, you’ll need to focus on what you like and dislike. To do this, flip through magazines, study design books and visit bathroom showrooms to find your favorite style.

Following Bathroom Vanity Trends

Over the last few years, three strong trends have emerged in bathroom décor and, accordingly, cabinet design and bathroom storage options. Here are a few trends to consider if you’re updating your bathroom cabinets and vanity:

The Spa Bath – With our desire to take a break from the fast pace of our daily lives, a spa-like bathroom theme offers a calming refuge. Pale colors, natural materials and lots of white all contribute to this cool, comforting atmosphere.

Try, for example, a light maple vanity topped with a glass counter surrounded by white walls. These elements may be just what you need to transform your bathroom into a sybaritic retreat.

Bathroom Vanities More Like Furniture – Recently there has been a return to historic styles of bathrooms equipped with furniture rather than built-in cabinets. You can achieve this look in a vanity cabinet by adding furniture legs or bun feet, relief carvings on door panels and natural stone on countertops.

Period Vanities - You may find a Victorian- or mission-style cabinet to match the architectural style of your house and transform it into a vanity. But if you choose this route, you should be sure the cabinet has proper cut-outs to accommodate plumbing and fittings. You’ll also want to measure carefully to make sure the piece will fit through your doors.

The Hip Hotel Bathroom Look – Why not have a bathroom that will make you feel like you are staying in a trendy boutique hotel? To outfit your chic bathroom, select a metal vanity with, say, a curved front cabinet and an above-counter sink set on a glass or stone countertop. A taller, 36-inch counter will give you more the look of a luxury resort or hotel bathroom.

Choosing Bathroom Vanity Materials

The materials you choose for your vanity will affect not only its appearance but also its durability and price; it makes sense to stick to the basics. You can quickly and easily change the look of your bathroom with different towels, wall color and hardware, but you make eventually tire of a purple countertop. What looks avant-garde and hip today may look quickly out of date.

In terms of small bathroom cabinets, there are many good options. Here are a few tips to remember when you go out cabinet shopping:

• If you want durability, wood cabinets may be the answer. These can be painted if they are properly primed and finished with a good sealer to protect against humidity.
• Plastic laminates, which are less costly than woods, probably won’t last as long as wood but may still outlive you.
• For an industrial look, consider metal. It provides a sleek look but will require specialized cleaning care.
• Surprisingly, few cabinets today are made of solid wood. Top-of-the-line cabinets often have sold wood doors (though veneers or high-pressure laminates also can be superior quality), but not solid wood cabinet boxes, which have a tendency to warp and twist.
• Painted cabinetry is often constructed of a close-resistant thermofoil process. The majority of cabinets are constructed of plywood or composite-board boxes covered with wood veneers. Some manufacturers also offer metal cabinets, usually formulated with steel doors and composite-board boxes.
• Finishes to consider include the popular new glazes, anything distressed and soft color washes for a farmhouse look.

Most high-end homes today feature two sizeable bathrooms with plenty of space for two. These bathrooms might also include luxurious amenities like double vanities, a separate shower and oversize bathtub and an enclosed toilet.

These larger rooms offer a great opportunity to add a touch of panache to your home. An elegant bathroom is a feast for the eyes and a joy to the soul. But a sophisticated look doesn’t have to be over-the-top; understated elegance can be achieved in a myriad of ways.

Elegant Bathroom Décor

To start, choose darker colors for the walls then add marble surfaces and gilded fixtures. How much further you want to take your elegant bathroom design starts from there. Simple touches like crown molding and elegant lighting can transform any bathroom.

Ornate custom cabinetry, elaborate window treatments and luxurious wallpaper take the look a step further.

Finally, luxury options like an oversize soaking tub, featuring an array of bath salts and bubbles, complete the elegant picture.

Elegant Bathroom Color Scheme

White and brown can be the essence of the elegant bathroom’s color palette. Surface materials like the cool white of a Carrara marble sink deck and a warm white in an oval bathtub, are interesting variations on white.

Dark brown tones as found in knotty hickory floors, hickory-stained window trims, and cherry vanity tops perfectly balance the lighter side of this color palette. Gilt accents would complete this color scheme.

Elegant Bathroom Materials

Achieve a time-honored ambiance with luxurious materials, fabrics and wallpaper. Woods like cherry and mahogany interject warmth, while marble or limestone afford texture. These materials are perfect for the elegant bathroom scheme:

Knotted Hickory – The size and frequency of the knots in this hard wood influence how formal it looks. A satin trim on the window would match a hickory floor.

Carrara Marble – Polished crystallized limestone from this Italian city comes in many hues including blue, green, purple, and white.

Cherry – The vanity cabinetry could be made from the dark, hard wood of cherry trees, which belong to the rose family.

If you have a passion for texture, in the elegant bathroom design you should indulge in it. Choreograph the décor of your bathroom using a wealth of rich patterns and materials layered over different surfaces.

A stimulating variety of textures in the bathroom wakes up and delights the body, the eye, and the mind. The trick is to bring the smooth surfaces and the silkiness of water into harmony with a range of other complementary or contrasting textures. To help your imagination, these are broken up into categories of ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ here:

Soft Materials and Fabrics

Loop Cotton – Naturally absorbent cotton rugs come in a range of surface textures, including loop, cut-loop, and velvet. The may need a pad underneath for stability.

Polyester – A sturdy synthetic fiber, polyester is often blended with wool or cotton to increase the durability of rugs. Polyester is water-resistant and washable.

Elegant Bathroom Flooring

Ceramic Tile – Made of fired clay, ceramic tile comes in a range of shapes, colors, patterns, and sizes. Tile is installed with sanded grout, which also comes in various colors and increases traction.

Stone – Alabaster, granite, marble and slate are beautiful and traditional, but they can be slick. Tumbled, honed, and hewn finishes can help increase traction.

Soft Furnishings

Cotton Twill – A tight diagonal weave makes twill a hardwearing and easy-care option for the bathroom.

Terry Cloth – The classic bathroom textile, cotton terry has a soft and highly absorbent uncut looped weave.

Linen – Woven from the fibers of the flax plant, linen is more absorbant and stronger than cotton. It has a pleasingly soothing touch.

Hard Furnishings and Fixtures

Wood – Whether painted or natural, sealed wood is a durable option for bathroom cabinetry and furniture.

Porcelain – The classic material for bathtubs, sinks, and toilets, nonporous ceramic adds sheen and is easy to clean.

Chrome – A hard metallic element that takes a high polish, chrome plating is used to prevent corrosion.

Elegant Bathroom Fixtures

Furnish your bathroom with handsome pieces. Transform a gracious piece of furniture into a vanity by hollowing out a spot for the sink and proper plumbing. Or if you need more counter space, look for a vanity with room for two that has distinctive furniture-like details. Finish off the look with attractive hardware.

Elegant Bathroom Lighting

Lighting will set the mood in your elegant bathroom design. Some bathrooms are equipped with large or numerous windows that flood their interiors with lots of daylight. If your bathroom isn’t quite so generous, try adding dramatic romantic lighting. Intriguing light fixtures draw attention and create luminous points of interest. They also give a space more presence.

Find bulbs that approximate the intensity and color of the light at your favorite time of day, and then use them with dimmers so that you can increase or decrease the level of light. Experiment by using bulbs of different wattages to create lighting contrast. Lower-watt bulbs produce a softer cast of light than brighter, high-wattage bulbs.

Be creative with the light fixtures. Just by changing the number of watts, the color, or the wash of light in a bathroom, you can create a variety of moods.

Elegant Bathroom Lighting Tips

• Try different lampshades for different qualities of light: colored silk softens and tints light; paper and linen provide a gentle, milky glow.
• Create a radiant atmosphere around the bathtub with candlelight hung low overhead and mixed with fairy lights at one side.
• Interject romance with an antique or reproduction chandelier.
• Candelabra on the floor, below the level of the face, cast light upward for a glamorous effect.

Finishing Touches on your Elegant Bathroom Design

These little tips will help you complete your recipe for elegance:

• Be decadent. Add plenty of mirrors, perhaps ones with ornate gold frames.
• Use antique crystal and silver perfume bottles, mix with contemporary containers and a silver vanity set.
• Faceted glass votive holders add sparkle to your bathroom’s warm glow.
• Framed artwork and soft light from a table lamp and draperies over the bathtub are all unexpected touches of elegance in the bathroom.

Final Elegant Bathroom Design Tip

Go Mad for Moldings! Every interior decorator knows that adding decorative molding and trim gives a bathroom a finished and polished look.

However, placing beautiful wood moldings in high humidity spots like bathrooms is usually avoided because heat and water can cause wood to decay.

Now there is a solution; Urethane millwork moldings are resistant to wood’s common problems such as decay, termites and sun damage.

Choose from more than 300 molding designs, including Neoclassical and a Victoria-inspired version.

Moldings can be used to great effect in the bathroom around windows, shower stalls and baths or as center rails to break up walls.

» Go Back to The Complete Bathroom Decorating Guide

An outdoor shower is convenient if you spend much time outdoors, especially if you live near the beach or like to enjoy swimming in the pool or other outdoor activities. Soak in your spa tub after a workout, shower before you go back inside and save time versus having to use an indoor shower. It’s like living at a luxury spa resort!

Designing Your Outdoor Shower

There are no special materials required for an outdoor shower, so the costs and considerations are very similar. One aspect that will require careful planning to get right is the drainage. It is imperative to protect the environment and to maintain the beautiful natural elements to preserve that picturesque view.

Connect your drainage system up with a well-engineered septic or dry-well system, such as a French drain, to protect the soil from hot water and shampoo chemicals. You might also want to consider switching to eco-friendly showering products to protect vegetation.

As with outdoor bathtubs, rules don’t exist when it comes to choosing the materials for the shower itself. Recycling items in unusual ways works great in this setting, as recycling is all about preserving nature, as well as preserving the damage to your pocket. Most importantly, whatever you use must be able to stand up to the harsh natural elements, such as salt, sand, sun and rainstorms.

Use materials that are mildew and rot resistant, such as lumber that has been pressure-treated, synthetic decking or stone. Tile is a bad option for an outdoor shower. Be sure to check that any areas adjoining the house are tightly sealed off! You don’t want any showers being shared inside.

Finally consider the usage of your shower and you’ll appreciate the multi-functioning of it later down the track.

A luxurious drenching “rain” showerhead would be appreciated by guests. These offer a wider area of spray than conventional showerheads and are mounted overhead rather than in front. If it is fitted in an open area, guests would also feel more comfortable with some privacy in the form of a screen, perhaps made from bamboo or pergola vines.

Outdoor Spa and Jacuzzi Area

What could be better than a rejuvenating soaking space that features the best of bath, lounge and spa, all under the stars? When installing a spa or Jacuzzi in your outdoor space, the focus should be on living, relaxing and conversation rather than function. In Japan, the tradition of enjoying communal soaks in deep, steaming tubs has been practiced for centuries. Today, home baths are growing larger and more luxurious as people strive to bring the delights of the spa experience into their daily lives.

Ideally, the spa space is in a separate area from the general living, so this outdoor setting is ideal to experience therapeutic bathing. The key is to make the tub spa tub the focal point of the space and construct a spa environment around it, so that it can be enjoyed alone or with guests.

You might like the simple, sophisticated design of a Japanese soaking hot tub, or in a more limited space install a whirlpool, traditional hot tub, or a double-ended soaking tub. Add the addition of seating – such as a built-in bench – and make the spa a comfortable gathering space.

Like all bathing spaces, spa baths need water-resistant materials. Natural woods, such as teak, cedar, mahogany, and redwood are sensible choices to stand up against outdoor conditions. However, make sure they are properly sealed.

Make the spa area the ultimate haven by surrounding it with an array of textures and accessories. Accessorize with sponges, smooth stones, or some tropical plants. Bring in a woven outdoor rug for stimulating texture under bare feet. Revel in the pure harmony or natural materials and soothing water.

Think of an especially memorable visit to a spa, or even a well-appointed hotel, and try to re-create the aspects of that environment. Bring in some aromatherapy candles, piles of exceptionally fluffy pillows (that you could store in a galvanized, metal box), or a tubside tray to hold a cup of tea. The details that linger are most often simple and sublime.

Outdoor Fixtures and Accessories for Baths, Showers and Spas

Fixtures are vessels, and like containers of any kind they come in a variety of materials, shapes, styles, sizes, colors and finishes. In an outdoor design, you have the ultimate opportunity to stretch the rules as the bathroom accessories tend to be scant in this setting. Experiment with these details to add some personality as you please.

Installing bathroom fixtures outdoors transforms the everyday bathing experience, so don’t feel compelled to choose ordinary ones.

Most indoors showers have concealed plumbing: valves and water-delivery pipes are behind a wall, and only the shower head and valve trims are visible.

For an outdoor shower, the plumbing can be designed to be on display. You can make a highlight of the plumbing system by polishing the metal finish and featuring ceramic lever handles.

When it comes to accessories, you can be wonderfully clever. Take an everyday object, meant for another use, that you love and you’re able to adapt creatively and use it in place of a standard fixture.

Humor, creativity, and a flash of the unexpected will transform your bathing space. For your outdoor bathroom design, remember small details count as much as large ones

Be inventive; you’ll want to use your re-modelled bath everyday.

Accessorizing Your Outdoor Spa

• Here are some tips to get your imagination started when finding accessories to add the perfect touch to your outdoor bath:
• Find an antique curtain rod and mount it on an outdoor wall for use as a towel bar.
• Attach an antique frame to a mirror to give it a fresh look and incorporate indoor elements to the outdoors.
• A vintage carpenter’s tool caddy is perfect as a wooden tray for bathing accessories.
• Galvanized and enameled graniteware buckets make novel vehicles for shower supplies.
• Dangle a cluster of camp lights by the bathtub to shed warm light for night-time bathing.
• Hang white tie-top curtains and make a screen of plants to provide a measure of privacy.
• Create the necessary bathroom fixtures out of unexpected forms; use potted flowers to stand in for walls. A wooden chair can replace a bathroom vanity. Hang a mirror and hooks on the wall, scatter some candles and you have transformed an outdoor space into a romantic, relaxing vanity area.

» Go Back to Outdoor Home Spas and Bathrooms

» Go Back to The Complete Bathroom Decorating Guide

Nothing could be more relaxing and luxurious than bathing outdoors at home. If you’ve every thought about designing an outdoor home spa, this article will show you how!

Outdoor Bathing?

No, we aren’t talking about a porta-potty and a sun shower here! For those who love going to spas, the obsession with having a home spa takes hold with a passion. Once you’ve had a home spa, you’ll wonder how you lived without it, especially if you live in a place where being outdoors is a fabric of lifestyle in the warmer climes!

And while we’ve already presented ideas on Designing a Spa Bathroom, the ultimate home luxury is a true outdoor home Spa. Read on to learn how you can create your own spa heaven right at home, whether you have $50,000 to spend or only a few hundred dollars to spend.

In this two part series, Rosalind Croad will tell you why you want an outdoor bathroom and spa and how to go about planning and designing yours!

The Home Spa Advantage

An outdoor bathing setting can be so much more than just a shower set up for a quick rinse. Traditionally, an outdoor bath has been just a spigot tapped into existing pipes for economy. Today’s sophisticated outdoor bathroom design incorporates custom fittings.

Reconsider the basic stall of metal or wood. You can use indoor goods, from linen curtains to mirrors, to outdoor advantage. For domestic bliss, there’s nothing quite like a luxury spa fitted outdoors, your own personal slice of heaven under the stars.

Outdoor baths, spas and showers are a vacation-home luxury that conjures the spirit of summer and pleasant evenings spent outdoors. Remodel your bathroom with a sunny view and enjoy a novel way to bathe and soak up your garden view with a new outdoor spa/bathroom design.

But Why Would I Want To Bathe Outside?

An outdoor bath is one of life’s finer pleasures. You can be creative with the fixtures you choose and how you install them. Suppose, for example, that you want to construct a completely open-air room, one with both bath tub and shower. You could use conventional fixtures and faucetry, but an exterior setting presents a fine opportunity to try something unusual and more in tune with a garden location for your bathroom design.

The outdoor bathing setting allows you to indulge your imagination and create an open-air room with exposed plumbing and out-of-the-ordinary fixtures made from everyday objects.

Outdoor Bathroom Materials

The materials you use for your outdoor bathing oasis must be resistant enough to stand up to the harsh outdoor conditions. You should make use of materials that can stand the setting but have natural earthly groundings that will be at home in the outside location.

Galvanized metal is created with a thin layer of another metal (usually zinc) over it to create a protective seal. This will prevent corrosion making it an excellent option for an outdoor bathtub. The distinctive mottled finish of galvanized metal can add a raw, industrial feel or texture to your bathtub.

Porcelain and acrylic also are excellent options for an outdoor bathtub. Natural rock and stone are probably the most commonly used material for outdoor spa surrounds, shower stalls and surrounding areas.

When wood is used outdoors it will inevitably age in a variety of ways. Some woods, like cedar, turn a silvery gray with exposure to the outdoor elements. Painted wood can fade and peel. To create wood that simulates the patina of age without the wait, you may want to consider pressure washing or sandblasting it.

Linen is a fantastic material to make use of in your outdoor setting. It is both natural and sturdy. Linen is woven of yarns that are spun from the durable fibers of the flax plant. It is twice as strong as cotton, yet softens with washing. An ideal summer weight fabric, lightweight linen makes perfect outdoor curtains, providing privacy while still allowing sunlight to shine through.

Outdoor Bathroom Color Schemes

You needn’t go far to incorporate the colors of nature into an outdoor bath; they’re there waiting for you.
Faded painted colors on background walls, especially an almost Tuscan pink, will add soft, earthy notes. For hot climates and summer homes, white and blue is a classic combination.

In the outdoor setting, without walls to paint, make use of the bathroom accessories to add color splashes and complement the gorgeous natural features. A white linen shower curtain will pick up the white of the flowers; blue towels will mirror the blue of the sky.

Blue also is a color that fades well when exposed to the elements. Fresh green in a range of hues will round out an outdoor plant-filled palette. Adequate seating will make your outdoor spa comfortable; a place you want to spend time relaxing with family and close friends. Use cushions and pillows to pull the color scheme and mood of your outdoor spa decor together.

Outdoor Bathing Privacy

Of course, planning your outdoor spa and bathing space must include how you will create privacy and seclusion so that you can truly enjoy that outdoor bathing experience. Plants and landscaping should be placed where you can enjoy their natural beauty and benefit from their cover.

Put up a privacy screen or use a trellis or open-air structure around your outdoor tub and grow vining plants or hanging container plants.

Placement of your tub or shower in the least conspicuous area of your yard will help further increase privacy. Be sure to plan ahead for lighting too; some overall ambient lighting will be needed, but add some low voltage accent lights to feature your outdoor bathroom in low light for increased privacy at night.

Outdoor Bath Tubs

In general, bathtubs are virtually rooms unto themselves. This holds even more truth when installing a hot tub or bathtub outdoors. As it is the focal point in an outdoor design, the bathtub needs careful consideration to get the right one for you.

Essentially a bathtub is just a large waterproof vessel. An outdoor bathroom setting allows you to be imaginative with anything that could serve this purpose. For example, you could use a galvanized bin from a feed and farm supply outlet, set up a plumbing system and convert it into a rustic bathtub that is sure to be unique.

It helps to understand what different forms are made for, how the choice of materials might affect them, and what the environment requires. If you use metal, is it galvanized or otherwise rustproof? Copper, for example, commonly used for tubs in the nineteenth century, is a great conductor of heat but corrodes unless it is sealed or lined with tin.

If you want to explore unusual fixtures, think function first; your shoulders should fit well under the rim and legs extended. Sure, outdoor bathtubs are custom designed and there are no rules, but whatever installation you choose, try the tub out first; there’s no better way to ensure the performance of your bathtub than sitting in it.

» Continue to “Outdoor Showers and Spa Tubs”

» Go Back to The Complete Bathroom Decorating Guide

There are probably as many ideas of what constitutes a well-styled bathroom as there are people who use them. How to discover what is right for you?

Start with the basics. Far from being boring or run-of-the-mill, a simple, scaled-down look can be truly beautiful, conveying a sense of lightness, cleanliness and serenity. A pared-down bathroom naturally promotes relaxation, which makes it the perfect design style for the bathroom.

Simple pleasures are often the most satisfying; the clean sweep of painted white wainscoting, well-placed windows with stylish trim work and walls the perfect shade of periwinkle blue, warm summer tones or cool blue tones illustrate the axiom “less is more”. The uncomplicated simple bathroom easily integrates a subtle color scheme, plain bathroom fixtures, materials, and accents with style.

Space Planning for the Simple Bathroom Design

The size and shape of each space often will suggest a particular style of bathroom décor. The secret to a classic, integrated bathroom is the easy way it combines function (all the elements needed for grooming and cleanliness) and subtle touches of ornament (the little extras). Simple bathroom design uses every working element such as the bathtub, the sink, the shower, and the fittings, weaving each together as part of an overall decorative and functional cohesive bathroom design meant to be understated and clean.

The attractive features of this bathroom design, its openness and light touch, result from such practical considerations as a generous bathtub, beautifully finished faucets, well-placed mirrors, and easy-to-clean finishes. In the simple bathroom, these few carefully planned elements create a design whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.

Separating the bathroom’s functional areas will allow more than one person to use the space at a time. Painting the wainscoting, moldings, and doorframes white will neatly integrate the room with its fixtures. Over-sink medicine cabinets can be recessed to flush with the walls.

Bring light into the simple bathroom with large windows if feasible or augment the natural light with overhead light fixtures, a lamp on the vanity for accent and plenty of task lighting in areas such as the shower or tub, over the vanity mirror, etc.

Simple Bathroom Design Fixtures

Fixtures in the simple bathroom should be humble and unadorned. For instance, instead of including a separate bathtub and shower, you might opt for an all-in-one unit lined with white, square ceramic tiles. A frameless shower door also conjures openness, which is ideal for smaller rooms.

However, simple doesn’t necessarily mean spare. Every function can be assigned its own area. Walls and doors can define distinct spaces for showering, bathing, grooming, and so on.

Separating functions into individual areas in this way is also a clever visual strategy that helps users. An enclosed shower and screened toilet not only leave the main room open and uncluttered, but also allow more than one person at a time to use the space.

Simple Bathroom Design Color Schemes

To further enhance tranquility and a sense of harmony, enlist a monochromatic scheme, from tiles to fixtures to accessories like towels and window treatments.

There may be no combination more classic, or more pleasing, than blue and white in the bathroom. Blue is the color of sky and water, and a primary color long associated with peace and serenity.

Broad expanses of white make tighter spaces seem larger, while white trim defines architectural elements clearly against the walls. Bath towels in bright, clear lilac would complement the cool color palette. 

Simple Bathroom Design Materials

With surfaces in the simple bathroom design, humble and unadorned is key. These are some classic choices ideal for any simple bathroom scheme:

Wainscoting – Wood paneling on the lower part of a bathroom’s walls is traditional tongue-and-groove technique.

Hexagonal Tiles – Multisided ceramic tiles, often white with black accents, were commonly used on bathroom floors around the turn of the last century.

Plaster – This durable, sound-absorbent wall material can be easily painted, stenciled, or wallpapered.

Simple Bathroom Design Storage

A simple design relies heavily on order, so you’ll want to keep clutter at bay, and out of sight. Some good storage ideas for a simple bathroom include stashing supplies in an unobtrusive vanity or a sleek medicine cabinet that is built flush to the wall. This won’t interrupt the flow of space.

An across-the-tub caddy, which can extend to fit the width you need, conveniently holds soap, washcloths and more, and it’s a great item to have around if you’re a fan of long baths. You can use it to hold you favorite book while you soak.

Simple Bathroom Design Accessories

A place for everything, and a few well-placed details, will make a, bathroom feel open and not austere. The clean finishes, the period details, and the profiles of the molding all work together to set the tone and elements of your decorative details.

For example, an antique-style extra long bathtub with nickel feet would set the tone for a vintage touch. These details can extend to hexagonal floor tiles and black tile accents, a scheme common in bathrooms of the early twentieth century. Period reproduction faucets can add further detail. While extra-long towel bars add a contemporary touch to bring the simple design up to date.

Tips to Achieving the Simple Bathroom Look

Here are some sweet finishing touches to add small, uncluttered details to your simple bathroom design:

• Add apothecary bottles. These attractive clear bottles bring clear color to the décor and are great for decanting bath oils.
• Pop a sprig of fresh lavender in an apothecary bottle and set it on a bathtub side chest.
• Lidded apothecary jars offer elegant storage for bath soaps, cotton balls, even old photographs. Create and arrangement with several jars of the same size or mix sizes and styles.
• Wall-mounted glass vases bring delicate floral accent to the room and a spray of color to the wall. The same vases could hold toothbrushes and toothpaste or other bath necessities.
• A frameless mirror has a clean profile that seems to float against the wall and make a room appear more spacious and open. Allow sufficient clearance between mirror edges and fixtures for easy maintenance.

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How do you outfit the perfect guest bathroom? There are etiquette lists galore for hosts and hostesses, but you can add lots of little luxuries without reading a word.

It’s easy to make guests feel cared for; be generous, and be practical. You needn’t put in a spa. Just remember to follow the golden rule and provide visitors with the same design elements that you enjoy having in your own bathroom.

In a guest bathroom, accessories are the essence of the art of hospitality. Include large towels and keep new toothbrushes and other provisions close at hand so that they won’t have to go looking for a thing.

Provide each visitor with a robe. Cut fresh flowers for a fragrant greeting. Use the little things to make your guests feel as if they’re not only welcome, but absolutely at home.

Basics and Necessities for your Guest Bathroom

The best situation for guests is an en suite arrangement. Even if the guest bathroom is down the hall, however, you can still decorate with travelers in mind.

There’s something especially friendly about a room that mixes vintage design elements with contemporary accessories, like a Demilune table crossed with a white cottage bench.

Small gestures make a big difference. Put out fruit and fresh flowers; both are classic signs of hospitality. Grooming supplies, obviously, should be included: soaps, shampoos, lotions and creams, thick towels, and a plush robe go a long way toward making your guests feel cared for.

A marble-topped vanity or luxurious pedestal sink will give your guest bath an added touch of style, making it more unique and comfortable. Use artwork, trim work such as wainscoting, crown molding, etc. to complete the look you’re trying to achieve.

Seasonal Accessorizing in your Guest Bathroom

Supplies and amenities are what set apart the upscale spa from run-of-the-mill hotel rooms, so why not afford your guests the comforts of being home even when they might not have remembered toothpaste or shampoo?

Once you’ve provided the basics, think about what else your guests might like to have during their stay. If you’re hosting during the summer, sun block, lip gloss and flip-flops would be perfect. In cold seasons, have lip balm and moisturizers handy to soothe the effects of dry winter air. Local travel guides and maps are always welcome.

Accessories and Amenities for the Guest Bath

It’s nice to be able to add some special flourishes to a guest bathroom that go beyond the norm. Whatever amenities you include, think about decorative effect as well as function. Some people go for contrast; others like the serenity of monochrome materials.

If you’ve got white spaces and want to add some color and texture, bath beads and salts are a useful and attractive way of providing that note. They come in all sorts of containers, from colored bottles to attractive paper wrappers. Consider matching sets of refillable containers for wet and dry items. A great idea is stoppered jars that look like nineteenth-century pharmacy glass containers, but they’re clear plastic, and unbreakable.

Guest Bathroom Color Options

The focus of the guest bathroom should be on creating a refreshing and rejuvenating experience for your visitors. Even subtle and neutral color choices can have a great impact.

You can add visual depth to a white bathroom by juxtaposing different shades, finishes, and shapes. Perhaps, white-painted moldings with a gloss finish, with the wainscoting of the walls in a satin finish. You could offset vertical paneling with horizontal white subway tiles around the fixtures. White hexagonal tiles could easily add more geometric interest. Creamy tan of linen curtains and plush terry cloth towels would broaden the range of neutrals.

Even with a pale palette you can enliven the bathroom with carefully calculated splashes of texture and hue. Top this off with small accents of greenery in glass vases to freshen the space.

Guest Bathroom Materials Options

These are some classic choices of materials for a timeless, classic and malleable guest bathroom design:

Subway Tiles – These rectangular tiles, usually white, take their name from their resemblance to the tiles used on the walls of New York’s subway stations. They’re a classic choice for a shower surround, where they can add great horizontal accent and are easy to maintain.

Wainscoting – Originally installed to prevent damage to walls, wainscoting usually refers to wooden panels or boards that cover the lower portion of an interior wall. It also describes the wood facing of an interior wall (paneling). White-painted wainscoting can add subtle texture t your guest bathroom design.

Nickel – This malleable, corrosion-resistant, white-silver metal was the finish choice for luxury bathrooms in the early twentieth century. The matte finish of a nickel-trimmed shelf over your guest bathroom sink would contrast beautifully with polished chrome faucets.

Finishing touches for your Guest Bathroom

It’s the smallest details that count in designing your guest bathroom. By providing thoughtful finishing touching accessories you will make your guests feel as comfortable in your home as they do in their own.

After your guest bathroom is well-stocked with the staples, finish off with some of these great accessory tips:

• Treat guests to aromatherapy delights such as candles, tub teas, and bath crystals.
• You might also scent the bathroom with fresh flowers and herbs that promote well-being. Mint and citrus are said to be energizing, lavender has been used for centuries to relax the mind, rose in calming, and rosemary is uplifting.
• Low stools are always handy for the bath, both as extra seating (even in a shower if they are made of waterproof material) and as an occasional side table for putting objects within reach of the bathtub.
• A generous supply of bottled water is a thoughtful touch for overnight guests.
• A stack of fresh towels makes the simplest bathroom seem elegant. For a guest bathroom, choose the most luxurious towels you can find.
• Travel maps and a basket of sun hats are thoughtful amenities for summer guests.

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