Do you want a bathroom that substitutes for your own island oasis? Or perhaps you want to feel like you’re staying in a luxurious hotel every time you slip into the tub?
Bathrooms no longer need to be all-white and demure; from freestanding baths and waterfall showerheads to contrast splashbacks and feature tapware, there’s a wealth of stylish options that can help you create a space as unique as you are. That said, all that choice can seem quite overwhelming.
That’s why we’ve asked our experienced Interior Design team for their seven-step guide to creating the perfect bathroom.
1. Choose your bathroom theme
There are several trending bathroom interior designs that are not only timeless but will suit any budget. The most difficult part? Choosing one!
We’ve listed a few ideas to help kickstart your creativity.
- Day spa: Clean, fresh and neutral tones, with timber for warmth and a patterned or mosaic tile to add interest.
- Luxe high-end: Create a moody and elegant bathroom style using darker tiles and cabinets, delicately veined white benchtops and brass or copper tapware. Synonymous with sophistication and elegance, the Caroma black matt tapware is a great choice to help elevate your bathroom.
- Classic Hamptons: ‘Go for a white-on-white colour palette, with a touch of grey for a timeless, light and airy feel,’ says Boutique Interior Designer, Nicole Messina. Add traditional tapware and shaker cabinetry for texture. For a more flamboyant take on the Hamptons style, opt for feature tiles that are offset by white cabinetry.
- Outside-in: Perfect for nature enthusiasts, this look makes it easy to feel like you are bathing in amongst a secluded jungle. ‘Select earthy colours, with lots of natural surfaces and textures,’ suggests Boutique Interior Designer, Bec Stephens. ‘The use of timber creates a warm and inviting environment and consider lighter finishes to enhance the relaxed feel of the space.’
2. Be creative with your tile selection
Once you have your style front-of-mind, it’s time to select your tiles. Stick to one tile for both the walls and the floor, say our designers, and consider investing in full length, floor-to-ceiling tiling to make your bathroom feel more luxurious.
Selective use of feature tiles – such as terrazzo or contrasting tiles – can then be used to create interest.
‘Terrazzo tiles have made a comeback and I love them, as long as they are used in the right way. Consider them as a feature for the vanity splashback areas and niches or use a lighter terrazzo tile for both the floor and wall,’ says Bec.
Textured tiles and finishes can also make your bathroom more tactile, enhancing your senses and drawing your eye into the space.
How you lay your tiles will depend on their size and shape but when chosen correctly they can take your bathroom from bland to brilliant. For example, elegant herringbone designs – where rectangular tiles are laid in V-shaped patterns – work beautifully as a vanity feature wall or in your shower recess, creating an illusion of width. Or brickbond laying styles – where each tile overlaps, resulting in offset grout lines – which help to create a greater sense of height and space.
Looking to tile a child’s bathroom or a powder room? ‘I love the playful tile shapes that are currently trending, such as fish scales and penny round tiles,’ suggests Boutique Interior Designer, Sarah Young.
3. Consider the placement of your big-ticket items
When selecting your cabinetry and benchtops consider materials and finishes that not only complement your tile but that are also realistic for you and your family. Matt finishes tend to work well for more traditional designs, while gloss provides your vanity with a sleek and modern look.
‘Timber cabinetry can bring warmth into a colder bathroom, or choose a Calcutta style for a more coastal, contemporary design.’
4. Don’t overlook the toilet (or shower or bath)
Toilet, bath and showerhead designs have come a long way over the past few years.
Freestanding baths are well and truly trending, adding a touch of luxury to any bathroom design, while a large or double showerhead can help you use the space more effectively.
As for arguably the most important facility in your bathroom – the toilet.
‘All Boutique’s toilets are of high quality, so it’s a win-win no matter your budget. But one of my favourite upgrades is the Round Back-to-wall toilet, where the back of the pan sits flush against the wall. It also has a quick release, soft close seat and chrome flush button’.
5. Sprinkle the perfect finishing touches
The form and function of your bathroom relies heavily on your basins and tapware choices.
Bec’s takeaway: Go bold with your tapware. ‘Black tapware, as offered in the Caroma range, adds an edge to a modern industrial look while whole brass is great for high sophistication. We have a great selection in terms of designs – if you’re after more of a modern feel, go for a square edge, or for a softer elegant feel, think of our curved selections,’ she says.
While above counter basins are trending, be sure to consider functionality too. ‘If there are young children in the family, we would recommend an undermount or inset basin so it’s not too high,’ says Sarah.
Again, squarer shapes are perfect for more modern bathrooms, while rounded edges are great for softer, spa-like styles.
6. Integrate clever storage
Having too little storage space can impact the functionality of your bathroom – particularly when designing your dream ensuite. Drawers are more space-efficient than cupboards so it’s worth adding extras. And if space allows, consider wall-to-wall vanities.
‘Particularly for women, bench space is king. So take this into consideration when selecting your basin size and style,’ says Nicole.
Clever additions such as hidden hamper drawers and shower niches are affordable upgrades that make the world of difference to the functionality of a space.
7. Tech it up
Looking to add a touch of high-tech into your everyday? ‘Ask your Boutique Interior Designer about bath spouts that pour like a waterfall and chromotherapy mood lighting to enhance your day spa experience,’ says Nicole.
A great place for inspiration is our wonderful Boutique Instagram community. You can find a lot of interesting ideas and insights from clients sharing their #OurBoutiqueHome build journey.
After more interior design inspiration for your new abode?
We’ve collated some key design ideas to consider to help you create a kitchen that inspires joy years after moving in. Learn what to look for in your dream kitchen here.
Ready to start your journey to find ‘The One’? View our home designs, visit any of our display homes or talk to one of our friendly sales consultants today.
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