When it comes to decorating a bathroom, there’s now a tantalising choice, from a variety of colour and pattern options to wooden mosaic blocks and neon. Here’s what works…
Make a statement with a mirror
Once a mirror in the bathroom was a design afterthought, installed as part of the cabinet. Today, however, the mirror has become a key part of the bathroom’s look. Here, an enormous round mirror, made bespoke, is used to great effect, the mirror reflecting the planting outside, making the space feel larger and lighter. The hexagonal tiles are a smart alternative to the usual rectangular ones and the contemporary shape is a contrast to the traditional style basins. Above them, round mirrors balance the larger one.
Try colour
From strawberry coloured bathtubs, courtesy of India Mahdavi for Bisazza to Kartell’s tangerine mirror for Laufen, colour is back in the bathroom. For a more understated look, plug into the trend for pastels. In this Art Deco-inspired bathroom, pale pink has been teamed with shades of green, whilst black, seen in the tiles as well as the frames of the shower, adds sophistication and prevents the pastels from feeling overly sweet. The vanity is topped with from Caesarstone White Attica
Decorate with a mural
Decoration in the bathroom used to be restricted to a border of mosaic tiles but now murals that decorate an entire wall are being used to create the perfect vibe whether bright and cheery or something more moody. Pictured is the Collaro bathroom by Villeroy & Boch, from Bathroom Design
Add a touch of gold
The new metallic for the bathroom is brightly polished brass that shines like gold, injecting glamour and a sense of luxury. Like copper, which continues to be popular, polished brass also gives warmth into a scheme, working well against white. Furniture from Ideal Standard
Go simple with graphics
Small rectangular tiles used throughout this bathroom give it a chic and serene mood. The look is understated graphic which works brilliantly with on-trend black matt black fittings
Rev it up with pattern power
Use pattern to create a statement wall or shower. Here, the tiles in this bathroom are a riotous celebration of pattern and give the bathroom a real sense of fun. The wooden shelf, made from one long piece of cut wood, works well with the monochrome scheme
Use real wood
Wood effect tiles in the bathroom have become an effective way of bringing a sense of nature and warmth into the bathroom but real wood can have a place too – just make sure it’s not placed where it will be drenched with water, and the room is well ventilated. These wood cubes – L’Antic colonial mosaic tiles by Porcelanosa at Satariano – have different shades and textures for a stunning statement wall
Think about texture
Adding texture to a bathroom has the same effect as in other rooms of the house, adding visual interest and making the room feel warmer. This bathroom combines a number of textures for a personality-packed space, from the rough white walls contrasted with the smooth floor and steel shelf for the white basins, to the distressed mirror and side table that’s a hunk of stone
Be zen with monochrome
A mostly all-white bathroom is given a design twist with lit storage insets in black. Along with the curves of the tub and the pared back shower (all by Noken at Satariano), the bathroom feels uncluttered and relaxing
Sharpen up with neon
Traditional Maltese tiles by Halmann Vella and old beams are some of the period details in this room, but the use of bright yellow glass ensures the room feels modern 