No matter the size or layout of your bathroom space, small details can make a world of difference in making it feel special. Erin Williamson Design showcased this idea beautifully by using both decorative and practical finishes together – like their mix of recycled finishes with its unusual window shape!
Rustic wood adds warmth without creating an overwhelming tract-house aesthetic. Try it as accent panels, vanity cabinetry, stools or even ceiling treatments as seen here.
1. Lighting
An ideal bathroom requires bright lighting for grooming and other tasks, while soft pools of light create a cozy ambience for relaxing soaks in the tub or prebedtime showers. To achieve optimal lighting in your bathroom, layer lighting using task light sconces by mirrors; overhead lights to fill up ambient space; and windows providing natural illumination.
Decorated lighting adds the perfect finishing touches, from adorable miniature chandeliers to chic pendant lights. Look for wet-rated flush mounts that are easy to keep clean and dimmable so that brightness levels can be adjusted as necessary; choose bulbs with warm color temperatures for an enjoyable glow.
If your bathroom boasts an eye-catching feature like wallpaper or marble flooring, let it shine with an understated yet eye-catching fixture over the vanity. Here, a streamlined nickel and glass shade fixture adds subtlety without detracting from this stunning floral print wallpaper pattern. For extra luxuriousness, consider one made of crystal or wood for extra texture and detail.
2. Storage
Even the finest bathrooms can look disorganized if they lack sufficient storage solutions. Consider where cleaning products and toiletries should best be stored within your bathroom space.
For those who prefer their bathroom essentials on display, a sleek shelf ladder is an ideal addition. Choose one featuring stunning grainy wood designs for Scandi-country charm or opt for utilitarian chic with charcoal or aged metal components.
Small bathrooms don’t always offer enough extra storage space, so smart designs can make a significant difference. Extending cabinetry from the vanity countertop to the ceiling in this petite bath created a recessed shelf for towels and storage containers – creating additional storage capacity in this modest bathroom space.
Use small upgrades to increase storage without breaking the bank. Lean a skinny bookcase against one wall of your bathroom for easy display while providing essential storage solutions such as candles, house plants and pretty towels. Or opt for slim shelving units instead – they provide the same aesthetic while offering increased functionality by housing items like soap and toothpaste that you use every day!
3. Plumbing
No matter if you are designing a powder room or large primary bathroom, it’s crucial to keep in mind the plumbing layout for both. This should include space for toilet and sink usage as well as tub/shower installations with all their associated fixtures.
Decorative elements, like vanity sinks, can add interest to a utilitarian space. Explore options that suit your design style in terms of shape, size and material; two sink layouts might even work if there are multiple people using your bathroom simultaneously.
Cleaning your bathroom can be a difficult task, but smart storage solutions make it simpler. Look for shallow ledges or built-in nooks which provide opportunities to display bath products or decor such as the one featured here by Mindy Gayer of Mindy Gayer Design Co..
4. Ventilation
Cleaning the bathroom may be one of the least appealing household tasks, yet it remains essential in maintaining your home. An efficiently designed bathroom makes this task less daunting by making cleaning more manageable – as demonstrated in this bathroom by Circle Design Studio.
Building codes stipulate that bathrooms be properly ventilated to prevent odors and moisture build-up that could otherwise produce mold spores and other hazardous indoor air pollutants. Moisture also fosters wood-destroying organisms like fungus and mold, potentially degrading common construction materials like drywall and wood trim over time.
Whenever possible, opt for an opening window rather than a ceiling fan to vent your bathroom. Just make sure it has smooth exterior surfaces as ridged surfaces may promote condensation that causes water back-flow into your fan or walls. If this option is unavailable to you, make sure your ventilation fan has at least 40 CFM capacity.