The bathroom, much like the bedroom, is a zone of the home and recuperation. We typically begin and end our day in the bathroom, and visit it often throughout. Spending so much time in one space, even in small increments, offers design opportunities. It’s a space place we go daily to practice self care, to be alone, tend to our physical needs, and refresh ourselves. Whether you are tired, stressed out or sick, the bathroom offers the hope of a hot soak or steam, and products to wind down. For some the bathroom is a place of refuge where you may seek solitude in a bathroom to collect yourself.

It’s easy to rush through life, from one task to the next. When we do this, we treat our homes as a staging ground for our activities and careers. And, to be fair, you should expect function from your home. But your home is also a sacred space, to be enjoyed and celebrated. And the bathroom is a very particular sort of sacred space.

Accessorize for maximum satisfaction

Think about some of the bathrooms you’ve really enjoyed. For instance, when I go to restaurants, my impression of the bathroom usually influences my overall opinion of the place. If there are soft lighting, fresh flowers, candles, fragrance, cloth hand towels and charming wallpaper, I have a better experience. My little trip away from the table is its own adventure. I even report my findings to my dinner companions.

Creating this oasis effect in your own home is possible with the right touches. Even if you’re not in the mood for a complete overhaul of the room, there’s still a lot you can accomplish with accessories. These include soap dishes, candles, artwork, plants or flower arrangements, bath trays, baskets and gorgeous beauty products. 

If you want to take it further, glass shelving, mirrors, fans, towel racks, different lighting, and new fixtures will all infuse character and utility into the room. And of course a new coat of paint or style of wallpaper will be absolutely transformative (internal link).

What do you value most in a bathroom?

If you love taking baths, then focus attention on that process. This includes both your bathtub accessories and also the area around the tub. Placing plants nearby produces a calming effect, as you soak away next to something natural. If you like music while you relax, consider a sound system for the bathroom to create a more immersive experience.

If you have a window, you might want curtains or a window treatment of some kind. On warmer days, it’s so refreshing to have fresh air blow into a bathroom, and to see a delicate curtain billowing in the breeze. Linen and cotton can produce this subtle effect.

Do you have a lengthy beauty regimen? If so, does your current bathroom setup support your needs? Your storage choices and counter display should provide you with the space and the convenience to put yourself together in spectacular fashion. We come once again to the idea of designing for your habits (internal link). Consider using decorative trays to separate products on your counter, and rolling carts for storage that can be left in the closet when not in use. And make sure that you have a great mirror so you can do your best work.

Lighting and color

Just like the bedroom, lighting makes a big difference. Having a combination of ambient and task lighting will make your various bathroom activities more enjoyable. You don’t have to redo the wiring to add some new lighting to your bathroom. I mean, if you have the ambition, and you know what you’re doing (or know someone who does), go for it! But you can also augment your lighting with a lamp, aromatherapy lights, or emphasizing natural light, when possible. 

Your window treatments draw attention to the light source, and anything you place in the window sets it off as well. It can be a plant, a glass vase or ornament that diffuses the light, or even a subtle wind chime that jingles gently in the breeze. These visual and audial cues inevitably link themselves to the light, because of their complementary relationship.

Feature your products

Apothecary style bottles with subtle and complex fragrances always add to the ambiance. It can be soap, lotion, bath products, scented sprays or any other product that is as beautiful to look at as it is luxurious to use. Keep the less photogenic (but still useful) products stored when not in use. Well curated products tell your story and add an interactive touch to an already lovely room. 

Consider keeping fresh flowers or live plants in the bathroom as an homage to nature. Or, if that’s not practical for you, dried flowers or faux plants will do the trick nicely (Allstate Floral has incredible faux plants that pass for the real thing). And don’t forget to light the candles regularly. There’s nothing sadder than a great candle that has been relegated to just an ornament. Or one that only gets lit when guests are over. 

Give yourself a bathroom that envelops you in its comforting aura, and that supports your needs fully. Give yourself a bathroom that you hate to have to leave in the morning, and that you look forward to returning in the evening.