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Bathrooms are often an afterthought when decorating and/or renovating. Really, though, they should be a top priority, given they’re the first place we visit upon waking and the last we visit before bed. So what are some of the best ways to make them warm and welcoming? Vogue spoke to the experts to find out.
Color is everything
While it’s common to opt for simpler colors in bathrooms, being more daring can really pay off. “Treat the bathroom as you would any other room in the house and use a color that you love,” suggests Dominic Myland, CEO of Mylands. “Try a sample on the wall first and take note of what it looks like in different lights throughout the day.” Earthy hues often look great, while neutral tones can be contrasted with statement woodwork to add depth and dimension.
Play with fabrics
“The bathroom is one room in the house which I always think should feel lavish,” says Gemma Moulton, founder of CC Moulton. “In spite of the impracticalities, I love the idea of a thick pile carpet and using lots of fabrics. I would always use a blind and café curtain to offer privacy, but also soften the acoustics of what can be quite a hard and sterile space.” Don’t be afraid to layer and contrast different textures and colors when it comes to bath mats, towels, and window dressing, either (just ensure curtains aren’t too long in areas prone to dampness).
Baina is one brand that delivers pattern, color, and supreme comfort in one fell swoop. “We’ve purposefully designed the line for curation, so the bathroom can be an extension of one’s personal aesthetic; it can really help set the mood and ambiance of the space,” adds Anna Fahey, co-founder of the brand. The chequerboard design is one of their bestsellers.
Add art
“Whether you’re renting or renovating, art can be a great way to add color, warmth, and texture to your bathroom and prevent it from becoming a sterile place,” advises Georgia Spray, founder of online art emporium, Partnership Editions. She’s a big fan of utilizing photographs in the bathroom. Not only can they quickly whisk you away to another world, but they’re also a great way to recreate the effect of a window, making them perfect for bathrooms without a natural light source.
You don’t have to stop at framed pictures, either. “Plates, ceramics, and sculpture can work wonderfully in a bathroom,” she says. “I am renovating my own house and plan to have a set of Freyja Lee’s sconces in there to create a lovely light when bathing, while Noe Kuremoto’s sculptures look amazing on ledges and in niches, too.” She recommends keeping how you want to feel in a space top of mind; if it’s all about relaxation, opt for a calming and contemplative piece, for example.
“On a conservation level, be aware that bathrooms aren’t the best environment for artworks given that they are damp and steamy spaces. Don’t hang a work too close to a shower or above a towel rail as this can warp the frame and picture,” she notes. As well as Partnership Editions, online antiques dealers (such as Passé The Store and McIntosh Light) are great places for finding unique pieces.
Use different materials
Marble, wood, tiles, fabrics… As evidenced by interior designer Rachel Chudley’s bathroom (above), it really is the more the merrier when it comes to materials. Remember that tiles don’t have to be bright, white, and uniform. In fact, opting for those with a natural, reclaimed effect is an easy way to add character and warmth. “Choose a tile that adds immediate softness via its shape and shade,” recommends Grazziella Wilson, head of creative at Ca’Pietra. “Think taupe, warm terracotta, and chocolate colors.”
The brand’s Arabesque line evokes traditional Spanish tiles, making them an ideal choice for those who want their space to look lived-in and cool. Meanwhile, “natural terracotta—with all its crumbling imperfections—also immediately adds warmth,” adds Wilson. If natural materials aren’t for you, look to porcelain or ceramic iterations that come in multi-tonal shades, so each tile isn’t exactly the same. You can also seek out second-hand tiles and wood for a softer finish, too; Retrouvius and eBay are great sources, as well as your local reclamation yard.
Contrast old with new
Marrying second-hand furniture or hardware with newer wares is a brilliant way to add character and intrigue to your bathroom. Fourth-generation antiques dealer, Will Green, recommends finding an expert who specializes in refurbished old brassware (such as taps and shower heads) because “the designs are often really interesting and they are such high quality”.
Other elements to consider include opting for old floor-standing towel rails “which are often nicely worn” and adding an antique chair somewhere. “You can use it either as a seat or clothes horse,” says Green. “Early 19th-century decorated ‘fancy’ chairs with a caned seat and upholstered squab often work well – they’re light in design and not too obstructive.” Antique rugs lend a sense of warmth and idiosyncrasy to a room, while period mirrors that feature foxed glass can often work beautifully, too. “Venetian and Swedish mirror-cut glass are particularly wonderful.”