Designing a bathroom is more than just selecting fixtures and tiles, it’s about creating a relaxing haven. It’s a part of your home that should be both functional and beautiful. But with specific requirements for furniture choices and often limited space, are there certain decor styles that work best in bathrooms? We’ll explore how to achieve different decorative styles in your bathroom. Understanding stylistic differences can help you craft a space that resonates with your taste, enhances your daily routine, and even adds value to your home.
Your bathroom in context
It’s pretty rare to re-design all of the rooms in a home at the same time. Home aesthetics tend to be more organic, with kitchens and bathroom refits taking place when budgets allow. So how important is it for your bathroom decor to remain in keeping with the rest of your home style? If your kitchen is a country farmhouse style, for example, is it OK to have a contemporary minimalist bathroom? How about the different bathrooms within a home: should your downstairs closet match your main bathroom? Clearly, it’s your home and frankly you can do what you like aesthetically, since the most important thing is that you’re happy and comfortable in your space. However, design decisions work across a whole living space, so maintaining an awareness of how your decor feels as you move around your home is incredibly important.
Defining decor styles
It’s true that you don’t have to play by all the rules within design decisions, and it’s great to mix and match. But understanding the parameters of different aesthetics and trends is really helpful when communicating your ideas to your bathroom designer.
Minimalist
The minimalist style is all about simplicity and function. Think clean lines, uncluttered spaces, and a neutral colour palette. In a minimalist bathroom, every element serves a purpose, to make a calm, clutter-free environment. Make sure there’s sufficient hidden storage to maintain this style.
Spa
There’s a specific type of opulence which lends itself to spa-like aesthetic styles. Natural materials like wood and stone, calming colours, and optimised space all evoke an atmosphere of tranquillity. Choose features that offer indulgence, like a rainfall shower and a deep-soaking bath.
Traditional
A traditional bathroom design is elegant and timeless, with more ornate features, warm colour schemes, and antique or antique inspired fixtures. Freestanding furniture and added details are key with this decor style.
Contemporary
Clear, straight lines, geometric shapes, and a monochrome colour palette come together in contemporary bathrooms. Look for statement pieces in fixtures and fittings like pendant lights, lit recesses, and bold mirrors.
Luxury
A luxury bathroom is the ultimate escape within your home. This style is all about high quality materials and bespoke furniture. Include smart technology like integrated audio and mood lighting to really indulge the senses.
Retro
This decor style is a chance to have some fun. Depending on which era you want to nod back to you might incorporate bold patterns, bright colours, and vintage-inspired fixtures. Whether you’re drawn to the glamour of the 1920s, the chic mid-century modern look, or the groovy feel of the 1970s, a retro bathroom celebrates the best of bygone times with a modern twist.
Neutral foundations
No matter the style you prefer, it’s often a wise decision to start with a neutral base. Tones such as whites, greys, and beiges make it straightforward to alter the look of your bathroom. Similarly, unfussy bathroom furniture can be the ideal foundation for any number of design concepts. Even if you prefer to mix and match!
Once you have an elegant and timeless base concept in place, you can add the accessories that will build a more defined aesthetic style.
Luxury
- Add a chandelier or decorative pendant lighting for a touch of elegance.
- Use plush towels in deep rich colours like navy, purple or burgundy.
- Source ornate bathroom accessories like soap dispensers, cups, and scent diffusers.
Minimalist
- Limit visible accessories by ensuring that you’ve included enough storage in the bathroom layout.
- Choose simple designs for items like soap dishes and tissue boxes.
- Opt for floating, wall-mounted furniture to continue the clean lines throughout your space.
Spa
- Incorporate multiple levels of lighting to create an indulgent ambiance.
- Prioritise the senses, remembering scents, lights, and touch.
- Combine textures like glossy tiles, deep soft towels, and natural stone.
Traditional
- Ornately framed mirrors or picture frames give an immediately vintage feel.
- Look for antique inspired vanity trays to hold your most-used items.
- Create a feature wall with elegant patterned wallpaper.
Contemporary
- You can create non-imposing geometric lines through either vertical or diagonal tile positioning.
- Accessorise with modern art or hand crafted artisan features.
- Invest in high-quality, high-gloss accessories for a polished, contemporary look.
Retro
- Source unique, period-specific items from pre-loved shops or online marketplaces.
- Vintage prints are ideal wall accessories.
- Bold colours like red and blue are great for towels and bath mats.
Choosing a decor style for your bathroom is, of course, personal, but should also be considered. It’s a decision that will depend on your taste, your home’s overall design, and the space you have available. Remember, the key to a successful bathroom design is balance. Ensure that every element you include, from fixtures to accessories, works together harmoniously to create a space that is both beautiful and practical.
By understanding the concepts behind different design styles, you can create a space that you’ll love for years to come. At Stone & Chrome, our expert designers can help you to build the most elegant foundation for any overall decor style.