Step One: Think Thematically
Begin your design process by thinking thematically. Now we don’t mean an over-the-top approach, but rather suggest you reflect on places where you find calm and peace. It’s not surprising that this exercise often yields responses like the ocean or a tropical island. Beach bathroom decor is an obvious fit for bathroom inspiration. Other compatible ideas include spa bathroom decor, zen gardens, and outdoor sanctuaries like flower gardens or nature preserves. The common thread that runs through all of these ideas are natural elements—water, rocks, sunshine, trees. For modern spaces, concentrate on materials already present throughout the rest of your home to create a sense of cohesion. For example, mixing natural woods with metallic elements gives an urban feel to the space.
Step Two: Explore Bathroom Color Ideas
Continue your planning with an exploration of bathroom color ideas. By painting your walls in shades of light blue, green, or even a neutral sand, you can help foster a soothing feeling for your space. However, if the palest of hues seem like too much color on all four walls, consider using one of the hushed tones as an accent over a tub or behind a toilet. If color isn’t your thing, clean whites are not only on trend, but also a perfect backdrop for a relaxing bathroom. Other ways to invoke natural color and texture in a bathroom include tile in both the shower and as a bathtub surround, covering half of the walls in a simple white beadboard while painting an accent color on the upper half of the wall, or designating a feature wall and finishing it with a grasscloth wall covering. If you do use grasscloth covering, it’s important to make sure that your bathroom is properly ventilated and does not retain excess moisture after use.
Step Three: Adjust the Mood
Once you’ve selected paint colors and a theme for your bathroom, it’s time to think about the essential elements that will help enhance your experience in the space and support your overall vision. Multiple light sources—overhead ambient lights and task lighting near the mirrors—will help you adjust the feel of your room based on the time day. Include dimmer switches on all of the lights so that you can control the mood even more. Remember that bathroom mirror placement will also affect the amount of light that the room takes on. If you have a large window and want the room to reflect natural light, place the bathroom mirror across from the window. For bathroom storage, choose furniture pieces that blend with your design scheme. Rattan hampers and natural wood vanities are perfect for tropical themes. For modern spaces, choose shelving and storage furniture that mixes industrial materials, such as metal and concrete.
Step Four: Add Finishing Touches
The finishing touches are where you can really let your vision take hold—be it zen garden or a walk in nature. Use woven fiber baskets to invoke the feeling of nature. Place candles and candle holders on the bathtub surround to emulate a spa experience. Corral a collection of rocks in a clear glass vessel to showcase on a display shelf. When selecting details like the shower curtain, towels, and bath rugs, choose patterns and colors that hint at your overall theme. And if the space allows for it, consider adding a comfortable chair and ottoman for reading and relaxation. Finish the space with plants to bring a natural element inside—faux plants are the perfect low-maintenance addition. After all, your bathroom is now your oasis.
How do you decorate your bathroom? Share your bathroom color ideas with us by using the hashtag #CrateStyle.
