Simple Tricks to Make Your Bathroom Look More Expensive
How to introduce themes and features that take your bathroom from meh... to simply marvellous
Creating a fully-functioning and leak-free bathroom can sometimes seem like a feat in itself, but often the practical demands of achieving something that works can lead to rather plain design. However, just one addition could change the whole look of your wash space. Check out these ideas to transform an ordinary bathroom into something a little more special.
Conjure magic with marble
Marble certainly seems to be the material du jour, with majestic slabs on the walls and floors of many expensive-looking bathrooms. You don’t need to cover the whole wall either, this simple marble splashback creates an extravagant impression at a fraction of the cost of a full wall. You could even seek out realistic marble-effect tiles in porcelain or ceramic instead.
Not sure what tiles to go for? Browse these chic designs with contemporary appeal
Marble certainly seems to be the material du jour, with majestic slabs on the walls and floors of many expensive-looking bathrooms. You don’t need to cover the whole wall either, this simple marble splashback creates an extravagant impression at a fraction of the cost of a full wall. You could even seek out realistic marble-effect tiles in porcelain or ceramic instead.
Not sure what tiles to go for? Browse these chic designs with contemporary appeal
Retain period features
Don’t be tempted to throw out period features in your quest for a sleek, modern bathroom. Instead, work with these elements to create something altogether more unique and classic.
This bathroom has eschewed all-over tiling to display beautiful wooden panelling and built-in storage. The sanitary ware is traditional in style, and the Victorian-tiled flooring adds to the understated elegance.
Don’t be tempted to throw out period features in your quest for a sleek, modern bathroom. Instead, work with these elements to create something altogether more unique and classic.
This bathroom has eschewed all-over tiling to display beautiful wooden panelling and built-in storage. The sanitary ware is traditional in style, and the Victorian-tiled flooring adds to the understated elegance.
Employ the Midas touch
Consider taking a step away from chrome for your fixtures and fittings. More bathroom suppliers are offering gold, brass or copper alternatives for taps and showers. These warmer-looking metals seem less clinical and add a luxurious lustre to a space.
Consider taking a step away from chrome for your fixtures and fittings. More bathroom suppliers are offering gold, brass or copper alternatives for taps and showers. These warmer-looking metals seem less clinical and add a luxurious lustre to a space.
Bring in an ornate mirror
Swapping a regular mirror for one with an attractive frame can instantly upgrade a room. The simple yet elegant design of this mirror gives a more considered look to the bathroom.
Swapping a regular mirror for one with an attractive frame can instantly upgrade a room. The simple yet elegant design of this mirror gives a more considered look to the bathroom.
Double up for the luxe effect
One vanity unit and oval mirror in your bathroom? That sounds nice. But two? Now we’re embracing opulence. Doubling up has its practical side – if you share a bathroom, you’ll never have to bicker over the sink or how many shelves of storage you can claim – but it also takes the room from neat to grand. This bathroom has employed some meticulous symmetry to complete the effect, with mirrors, sinks, drawers and wall lights forming a neat reflection.
One vanity unit and oval mirror in your bathroom? That sounds nice. But two? Now we’re embracing opulence. Doubling up has its practical side – if you share a bathroom, you’ll never have to bicker over the sink or how many shelves of storage you can claim – but it also takes the room from neat to grand. This bathroom has employed some meticulous symmetry to complete the effect, with mirrors, sinks, drawers and wall lights forming a neat reflection.
Install luxurious lighting
Nothing elevates the tone of a bathroom like a glittering chandelier. Sparkling crystals that send light bouncing around the room are a brilliant way to bring in some glamour. Large chandeliers, such as the one shown here, are most effective. As always with bathrooms, you need to ensure that you comply with the recommended electrical zone regulations. Source your fittings from a specialist bathroom lighting company, and ask an electrician to install it safely.
Nothing elevates the tone of a bathroom like a glittering chandelier. Sparkling crystals that send light bouncing around the room are a brilliant way to bring in some glamour. Large chandeliers, such as the one shown here, are most effective. As always with bathrooms, you need to ensure that you comply with the recommended electrical zone regulations. Source your fittings from a specialist bathroom lighting company, and ask an electrician to install it safely.
Adorn the walls gallery style
A simply decorated bathroom can look very refined, and sometimes less really is more. However, just one feature can take a room from simple to chic – and hanging some beautiful art on the wall is a great way to do it.
Choose your piece carefully. A canvas might do well in a humid atmosphere, but whatever you display will need to be made from the appropriate materials, and don’t forget to ensure your bathroom is well ventilated.
A simply decorated bathroom can look very refined, and sometimes less really is more. However, just one feature can take a room from simple to chic – and hanging some beautiful art on the wall is a great way to do it.
Choose your piece carefully. A canvas might do well in a humid atmosphere, but whatever you display will need to be made from the appropriate materials, and don’t forget to ensure your bathroom is well ventilated.
Evoke 1920s glamour with striking black and white
Not everyone has acres of space for a luxurious rest room, but small things can come in equally exquisite packaging.
Here, the neat stripes on the walls make this little sink area feel bold despite its size. Use geometric patterns and symmetry in your décor, and boxy Art Deco-style furniture and lighting to recreate this striking effect.
Not everyone has acres of space for a luxurious rest room, but small things can come in equally exquisite packaging.
Here, the neat stripes on the walls make this little sink area feel bold despite its size. Use geometric patterns and symmetry in your décor, and boxy Art Deco-style furniture and lighting to recreate this striking effect.
Pull up a chair
Space to sit in a bathroom can be a wondrous thing – you can dress without hopping around, or sit back and chat to your partner as they bathe. We tend to think of upholstered furniture in a potentially damp environment as rather incongruous or even unwise, but don’t dismiss the idea out of hand. Ample ventilation in the room and suitable fabrics could make an armchair a possibility.
If space is tight, consider whether a neat wooden bench or stool might fit in instead. Alternatively, a window seat makes an excellent perch.
What do you think of these ideas for adding a touch of luxury to your bathroom? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
Space to sit in a bathroom can be a wondrous thing – you can dress without hopping around, or sit back and chat to your partner as they bathe. We tend to think of upholstered furniture in a potentially damp environment as rather incongruous or even unwise, but don’t dismiss the idea out of hand. Ample ventilation in the room and suitable fabrics could make an armchair a possibility.
If space is tight, consider whether a neat wooden bench or stool might fit in instead. Alternatively, a window seat makes an excellent perch.
What do you think of these ideas for adding a touch of luxury to your bathroom? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
If your idea of luxury involves a more minimalist approach, you may want to involve some hidden lighting. Recessed shelving is an ideal place to secrete an LED strip, which creates a glowing wall lamp without any bulbs on display. The effect is subtle yet stylish.
Lighting your bathroom? Follow these expert tips