Bathrooms as Personal Retreats
Bathrooms are revered as personal sanctuaries, offering a blend of elegance, cleanliness, and individuality in their design and decor. The manner in which you conceive and adorn your bathroom can yield a soothing, stylish ambiance that resonates with your unique preferences and needs.

1.Vintage Rug as an Interior Accent
Incorporating a vintage rug into your bathroom renovation is the suggestion of home design expert Elsie Larson, co-founder of A Beautiful Mess. Rather than confining oneself to a meager bath mat, Larson recommends introducing a larger, colorful, printed rug, a decision that serves to anchor the frequently transient bathroom space, imparting a more substantial and inviting ambiance. For further inspiration, explore these 16 cost-effective bathroom enhancements that deliver a significant impact.
2.Botanical Elements for Bathroom Warmth
Larson advises the introduction of greenery, be it real or artificial, along with strategically placed baskets, to infuse brightness and warmth into the bathroom. Given the proximity to multiple water sources, the task of nurturing these verdant companions is conveniently accommodated. Explore our list of 10 indoor plants that are notoriously resilient.
3.Illuminating the Vanity Space
Noa Santos, the founder of Homepolish, emphasizes the significance of the vanity area within the bathroom. When executed meticulously, an aesthetically pleasing vanity contributes not only to the visual appeal but also enhances the individual’s appearance. Santos underscores the role of proper lighting in this context, stressing the importance of employing multiple light sources to reduce the occurrence of unsightly shadows and bestow a soft, flattering glow upon the face. For additional inspiration, peruse our collection of 12 remarkable bathroom vanity transformations.
4.Diverse Grout Colors for Enhanced Aesthetics
Designer Noa Santos expresses a penchant for the use of non-white grout in bathroom design. Santos contends that unless meticulous cleaning or regular professional cleaning services are part of the routine, the adoption of non-white grout is a prudent choice. Opting to match the shade of gray in the bathroom tiles or selecting a contrasting color can be aesthetically pleasing and practically advantageous. The maintenance of white grout can pose challenges, leading to more significant maintenance efforts than anticipated. For insights on replacing discolored grout in your bathroom, refer to our informative guide.
5.Floating Shower Bench for Versatile Functionality
Designer Todd Noe, founder of NOEdesignCo., advocates the incorporation of a floating shower bench. This modern bench, securely affixed to the shower wall, enhances the open, walk-in shower concept while providing a versatile space for storage, seated activities, or a convenient resting spot for tasks such as shaving.
6.Rainfall Showerhead for a Luxurious Shower Experience
Another favored bathroom feature by Todd Noe is the rainfall showerhead. This luxurious option stands as an indulgent departure from conventional showerheads, being directly mounted overhead, emulating the sensation of a gentle rainfall shower. For an expanded selection, explore these shower kits designed to enhance your shower experience.
7.Distinctive Tile Selection for Bathroom Character
Interior designer Emilie Baltorinic, hailing from Living Spaces, extols the use of distinctive tiles as a transformative element in bathroom design. She regards it as an ideal means to infuse color and personality into a bathroom. For professional insights on improving bathroom tile installation, consult these expert tips.
8.Efficient Bathroom Storage Solutions
Baltorinic underscores the importance of ample storage within a bathroom, advocating for the discreet placement of personal items in drawers or cabinets. This approach not only contributes to a clean and minimalist aesthetic but also ensures a clutter-free ambiance. One practical approach is to choose a vanity with space beneath it, accommodating both attractive and functional baskets. Explore these 20 bathroom storage strategies for further inspiration.
9.Harmonized Hardware Selection
Emilie Baltorinic provides a valuable design recommendation regarding the selection of knobs, pulls, and faucets in the bathroom. She suggests aligning these hardware elements with the design of the light fixtures, as it contributes to a harmonious and unified appearance within the space. For detailed instructions on securely mounting a bathroom towel bar, please refer to the following resource.
10.Exploring Unconventional Aesthetics
Kate Arends, the designer and founder of the lifestyle brand Wit & Delight, shares her enthusiasm for the creative possibilities inherent in bathroom design, particularly in the realm of finishes. She appreciates the tactile sensations of various finishes, envisioning how tile textures might feel beneath one’s feet, how paint colors can evoke feelings of serenity or vitality, and the tactile experience of premium materials as they meet your hands while turning on the shower.
Arends advocates for the exploration of nontraditional finishes. She holds an affinity for Delta Champagne Bronze finishes, a preference she incorporated into her renovated basement bathroom. In another instance, she opted for a Matte Black finish, achieving a juxtaposition of high contrast and a contemporary yet relaxed ambiance within the bathroom.
Notably, Arends was one of five home design experts selected for the inaugural Delta Design Trust, a panel comprising celebrated design authorities aimed at injecting distinctive perspectives into the home design domain. The following section outlines guidelines for remodeling a compact bathroom.