Interior designers say that these 5 features will transform your bathroom from everyday to elegant

This article discusses five easy and affordable ways to refresh a bathroom's style without undertaking a full remodel. Interior designers Shannon Ggem, Sandra Diaz-Velasco, and Nar Bustamante, all members of the National Kitchen & Bath Association, provide their expertise on these simple upgrades. The first recommendation is to freshen up the walls. For powder rooms, a bold wallpaper choice can make a significant impact. In full bathrooms, durable wallpaper or paint that can withstand moisture and steam is crucial. Wainscoting, beadboard, or picture-frame trim are also suggested to add visual interest and break up plain drywall. The second suggestion involves replacing the mirror frame. Swapping out a bulky, framed mirror for a streamlined, oversized frameless option can make a bathroom feel more spacious and modern. Similarly, outdated medicine cabinets with thick or discolored metallic frames can be replaced with frameless or slim-framed versions for a sleeker look. It is important to ensure that the new mirror or cabinet's dimensions are compatible with the wall space and existing fixtures to avoid covering outlets or clashing with sconce lights. The third tip focuses on updating hardware. This includes drawer pulls, toilet paper holders, towel bars, robe hooks, and faucets. A hardware refresh is described as making a big impact with minimal effort. While pieces don't need to perfectly match, they should complement each other for a cohesive look. Changing the finish of these items or opting for new materials like stone or glass knobs can significantly alter the space's aesthetic. While most hardware swaps only require a screwdriver, faucet replacement is slightly more involved, requiring the water valve to be shut off and adherence to manufacturer instructions. Compatibility with the sink's pre-drilled holes and mounting configurations is also a key consideration. Fourth, the designers emphasize the difference a lighting update can make. This could involve installing new sconces, a light bar, or dramatic pendants. Although electrical work requires precautions, it is presented as a manageable DIY project for beginners. Finally, accessorizing the space is highlighted as one of the easiest ways to upgrade a bathroom's style. This encompasses items such as soap dispensers, trash cans, storage bins, decorative objects, and bath trays. Even changing a shower curtain, its rings, or the rod can contribute to a refreshed look. For optimal results, accessories should coordinate with each other and with existing elements in the bathroom to create a harmonious and stylish environment. #BathroomDesign #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #DIYHomeImprovement #StylishBathroom #BathroomRenovation #DesignTips #HomeRefresh

This article highlights five simple yet impactful bathroom upgrades suggested by interior designers Lauren Saab, Reanna Channer, and Nancy Davilman. These upgrades are designed to enhance the bathroom's aesthetic and functionality without requiring extensive remodeling or construction. The recommendations focus on changes that are easy to implement but deliver significant visual and atmospheric improvements. One key recommendation is to upgrade lighting. Lauren Saab emphasizes that lighting can drastically alter a bathroom's mood. She suggests changing bulbs to a softer tone and installing dimmers to allow for flexible light intensity throughout the day. This simple adjustment can create a more relaxing and inviting atmosphere without the need for a complete lighting overhaul, contributing to a softer ambiance. Another effective upgrade involves switching out hardware and fixtures. Reanna Channer describes these elements as the "jewelry of your bathroom," offering opportunities for personalization. She advises choosing styles and finishes for faucets, shower heads, and cabinet hardware that complement the overall design theme of the bathroom and the rest of the home. Options in gold, silver, or bronze can add an immediate touch of elegance. Thrifting hardware is also presented as a way to introduce unique, character-filled pieces. The third suggested upgrade focuses on the bathroom mirror. The experts agree that replacing a mirror with a larger one can dramatically change the perception of space. A bold, decorative mirror paired with an appropriate light fixture can serve as a focal point. Alternatively, an oversized mirror with a simple or rounded frame can make a small bathroom feel significantly larger and well-designed by bouncing light around the room, enhancing openness. Painting is identified as a versatile tool for a quick refresh. Nancy Davilman recommends painting the vanity to brighten the space or using paint on other bathroom furniture to introduce a pop of color. For a more comprehensive change, painting the walls with a sleek pattern or a bold hue can transform the room's entire look. For those seeking a less permanent solution, wallpaper is offered as a renter-friendly alternative for achieving a similar dramatic effect. Finally, the article suggests upgrading bathroom rugs. Reanna Channer points out that standard bath mats can appear dated and recommends transitioning to a soft area rug or runner with color and pattern. This change can provide a grounding and inviting feel, offering a welcome contrast to the typically cold, hard surfaces of a bathroom. Extending this concept, replacing old towels or shower curtains with softer textures like cotton or silk-cotton blends can further contribute to a spa-like and luxurious ambiance, completing the refreshed look and feel of the bathroom. #BathroomUpgrades #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #DIYHomeImprovement #Lighting #Hardware #Mirrors #Painting #HomeStyling

Many homeowners, finding themselves spending more time at home, are seeking ways to update their living spaces, with bathroom renovations being a popular choice for their manageable scale. For those aiming for enduring style rather than fleeting trends, designers suggest focusing on specific elements that maintain their appeal over time. This approach ensures that design choices remain relevant and satisfying for years to come, avoiding the need for frequent overhauls. An all-white color scheme is a fundamental recommendation for a timeless bathroom. White paint, tiles, countertops, vanities, and textiles create a clean and classic foundation that never goes out of style. Should homeowners desire a splash of color, it can be introduced through easily changeable accessories such as window treatments, towels, or art. For bathrooms with showers, it's advisable to be cautious with wallpaper, as steam can cause peeling. When selecting white paint, it's crucial to test larger samples or painted poster boards in the bathroom's lighting, alongside tile and countertop samples, to ensure harmonious integration. Incorporating mixed metals is another strategy for a lasting design. Instead of committing to a single metal finish, which can quickly become dated, blending two different types of metals offers a more sophisticated and enduring aesthetic. Polished nickel is frequently cited as a timeless choice. When combining metals, such as polished nickel with gold accents, the key is to repeat each metal consistently throughout the space to create a cohesive look. For instance, gold could be used for knobs and a mirror, while nickel appears on faucets and other hardware. Investing in higher-quality metal hardware, particularly for faucets with features like brass fittings and water-efficient technology, can prove to be a cost-effective decision in the long run. Marble countertops, or their engineered alternatives like quartz with a marble appearance, are consistently recommended for their classic elegance. Carrara marble, in particular, is a favored choice. While natural marble is porous and requires semiannual resealing to preserve its appearance, newer faux marble materials offer the same aesthetic with significantly less maintenance, making them ideal for high-traffic bathrooms, such as those used by children. Although solid-slab marble can range from $100 to $200 per square foot, marble-like materials provide a more budget-friendly option at approximately $45 to $75 per square foot. Traditional tile patterns contribute significantly to a bathroom's timeless appeal. White subway tile is a perennially popular choice for showers and baths, renowned for its inability to age. For flooring, classic options include penny tile, available in white or a black-and-white combination, and other enduring patterns like hexagonal and basket-weave tiles. Opting for these tiles in white tones further enhances their longevity compared to bolder colors or patterns. For those who appreciate patterns and colors, a changeable rug can provide visual interest without committing to permanent, potentially dated tile designs. When it comes to grout, white grout with white tile offers a classic look, while charcoal or black grout can provide a more modern contrast. The size of floor tiles can also influence the perception of space, with larger tiles (e.g., 8x8 or 12x24 inches) making a room appear bigger due to fewer grout lines. Smaller tiles (e.g., 1x1 or 2.25x2.25 inches) are well-suited for powder rooms to create a full, repetitious effect, and in showers, they offer the practical benefit of more grout lines for improved slip resistance. A furniture-style vanity is a final recommendation for creating a timeless bathroom. A free-standing, furniture-grade vanity can make the bathroom feel less utilitarian and more like a furnished room. Styles like Shaker doors with undermount sinks are favored for their simplicity and historical roots, devoid of ornate details that can quickly fall out of fashion. While custom vanities are an excellent option when budget permits, white, gray, and limed oak wood are safe, classic choices that will not age. In powder rooms, a simple pedestal sink paired with free-standing cabinets or baskets for storage can maintain a classic and functional aesthetic. #BathroomDesign #TimelessTrends #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #WhitePalette #MixedMetals #MarbleCountertops #TraditionalTile #FurnitureVanity

The article explores five glamorous bathroom design ideas for homeowners looking to elevate their spaces. With 2023 prompting many to consider home overhauls, bathroom renovations are a popular choice. The featured designs embrace a maximalist aesthetic, incorporating bold elements and unique touches to transform ordinary bathrooms into luxurious retreats. The first design highlights an all-pink powder room, suggesting that covering every available inch of the space in a rich, rosy hue can create significant drama. Designer Robin DeCapua emphasizes that pinks and magentas are currently on-trend, particularly those with lavender undertones, making them suitable for historic homes like Craftsman, Victorian, or Tudor styles. This approach aims to make the powder room a focal point, utilizing color to define its character. Another trend discussed is the continuous floor tile, where the same tile pattern extends from the main bathroom area into the shower. This design, exemplified by Heidi Caillier Design, creates a cohesive and visually expansive feel. DeCapua notes that this method contributes to a sense of a peaceful retreat within the primary en suite, with large-scale patterned tiles adding life and energy to the space. The third idea introduces a tropical shower tree within a wet room. This concept integrates nature into the bathroom, specifically placing an oversized tropical plant next to the shower. Courtney Wollersheim of FLOOR360 explains that wet rooms, which combine a shower and bathtub in a single large space, benefit from the softening effect of large plants. The humidity and steam from a shower provide an ideal environment for tropical plants, especially when natural light is available through a window or skylight. An extra-large mirror is presented as a way to make any bathroom feel bigger and more inviting. Trush Design's example shows an off-centered, oversized mirror that reflects more light, while a round shape helps break up the angular lines often found in contemporary bathroom designs. Wollersheim suggests that this element transforms private areas into boldly designed and uplifting retreats. Finally, the article features the luxurious stone basin tub. A basin tub made of natural stone, such as one designed by Katrin Mood, is described as an extraordinary centerpiece. Wollersheim views such a piece as the pinnacle of luxury, combining both form and function to create a sculptural element within a glamorous primary bathroom. These design choices collectively aim to inspire homeowners to embrace more elaborate and personalized aesthetics in their bathroom renovations. #BathroomDesign #GlamorousDecor #HomeImprovement #InteriorDesign #MaximalistStyle #LuxuryBathroom #TrendingDecor

The article discusses seven bathroom design trends that design experts anticipate will be phased out by 2026, advocating for timelessness, functionality, and classic elements in bathroom design. Jessica Bandstra, owner and head of design at Dogwood Proper, emphasizes thoughtful design choices that offer beauty, function, and longevity, ensuring a space remains inviting for years. Katie Lindquist, Principal Designer at Katie Lindquist Interiors, suggests that bathrooms should feel like “little jewels”—personal, polished, and durable. She advises investing in structural elements and layering in personalized touches to create a timeless retreat rather than a trendy one. One trend on the decline is LED mood lighting. Lindquist notes that bathrooms are not nightclubs and lighting should flatter a person's reflection, not cast colored glows. She recommends a layered lighting approach using natural light, overhead fixtures, and sconces, with small rechargeable lamps for added ambiance without complex electrical work. Wet rooms, once a popular design choice, are also losing favor. While visually appealing, Bandstra highlights concerns about moisture and safety, particularly for long-term homes and aging residents. The shift is towards more traditional layouts with free-standing tubs and enclosed showers, offering a cozier and more private feel. Sterile surfaces are being replaced by warmer, natural materials like wood. Shannon Cassell, owner and lead designer for Shannon Cassell Interiors, explains that wood tones soften cold tiles and mirrors offer an opportunity to inject personality into the space, being easily swappable. Wired shelving and farmhouse-inspired signs are also considered outdated, with Cassell noting their swift exit from traditional aesthetics unless in an actual farmhouse setting. Feature shower niches, while practical for holding toiletries, are no longer seen as a stylistic focal point. Bandstra suggests tucking these items out of sight to allow the tile work to take center stage, as shampoo bottles rarely enhance the aesthetic appeal of an intricate tile design. Regarding tile applications, predictable patterns are giving way to more creative uses of classic materials. While subway tile remains a classic, designers are recommending new scales and layouts, such as stacked, oversized, or herringbone patterns, to refresh its appearance. Zellige tiles are gaining popularity for their handcrafted charm, texture, and warm, natural colors, offering a neutral yet characterful backdrop. Conversely, overly loud or kaleidoscopic tiles are falling out of favor. Lindquist advises against tile patterns that quickly date a bathroom, instead advocating for natural materials like limestone, classic marble, or soft ceramics. These provide a subtle base that allows for bolder statements in wallpaper, paint, or fixtures. Tile “rugs” are also becoming obsolete, though a subtle touch can be added by using contrasting tile to line the room's perimeter. Open shelving for towels, while a good idea in theory, often results in untidy displays. Lindquist suggests built-in cabinetry or paneled storage to hide clutter, leaving open spaces for a few artful touches, or using fabric-backed wire cabinet doors for warmth, texture, and privacy. #BathroomTrends #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DesignTips #TimelessDesign #BathroomRemodel #HomeImprovement