I was wondering, why is it do you think that bathrooms tend to get a bit neglected? There seems quite often a disconnect between the amount of time and energy spent on sourcing fixtures and hardware and the time spent on the decorative stuff. Designing a bathroom is a matter of mixing function with the practical stuff BUT also combining style. My top tip would be to decorate this room as you would say your living room and forgot for a bit its a bathroom. A bathroom, shower room whatever you want to call it should blend in beautifully with the rest of your space – yes it will feel different but it should be a gentle transition if that makes any sense, not some cold sterile space that lacks personality.
One of the reasons the decorative pleasures get ignored in this room I reckon is in part because we tend to decorate bathrooms with stuff we buy at specailaity stores . Ditch them and instead hit favourite stores to find items that house toothbrushes, or cool plates to put a collection of bottles and handwashes on. Baskets are fab for towels or rubbish bins as they add warmth and texture to what can be a quite sterile room. Also think about including actual furniture, chairs, stools, tables, benches, add art, flowers (stuff) as it will warm up the space no end.
Below an image from Livingetc of a bathroom in a bedroom. It works because the owners have blended the bathroom beautifully into scheme, hanging a beautiful chandelier in the space, echoing the palette – its that gentle transitional thing I was banging on about a second ago.
Off to Bikram which I hate hate hate and hate again.
so pretty! I would love having a bathtub in my bedroom one day.
you make me laugh…i can’t believe you still hate bikram after all this time…you must be noticing some positive results in mind body and spirit!!x
No positive results as yet as not going enough – I can only manage to squeeze in a couple a week x
The chandelier and mirror are beautiful – I’m imagining leisurely soaks in here!
Hi Abigail,
Still loving the blog, and with you on the hate for Bikram. Think of the body you’ll have though!
Sorry not connected to this post, but wanted to ask your advice on fireplaces. I have a wood burner in my living room (I prefer the look of an open fire but husband got his own way, but that’s beside the point) and I’m struggling to imagine which surround will look best? I love the ornate ones you have in your house, but do they go with a traditional-style burner? I’m not sure if it looks strange? Should I opt for something very simple? Or nothing at all??? It’s such a focal point, I don’t want to get it wrong…
Any advice would be most welcome!
Thank you
x
Tough one, because its such a visually strong piece I would opt for either something super simple in wood or plaster or nothing. Probably nothing at all I would say if that helps at all
Thank you, confirms my thoughts. Big help! X
down with bikram!!!!
Abigail, you have echoed my feelings completely about bathrooms. I am currently considering redesigning my bathroom, which is very small with a separate w.c. We will knock down the wall and add a bid mirror to add the illusion of space. I had been considering a border of downpipe paint or Hague blue on the wall around the mirror bit am afraid if
I mix this with white tiles it will look too stark. Have you any ideas of how I could soften the scheme and add some warmth. Thanks
I wouldn’t worry to much about the contrast I have a dark bathroom with big white tub in the middle and it looks cool. If you could skim a rug on the floor (preferrably patterned) add an orchid or small bunch of flowers, sweet little accessories that you would put in any other room that will help soften no end. Down pipe and Hague blue equally beautiful I’m slightly more of a DP fan but love them both
Thanks Abigail. I feel a lot more reassured now. Along one wall I am having the sink and toilet which will be enclosed with some storage. The bath will be on the opposite wall. The floor will be wood. Do you think I should use wood to enclose the sink/toilet or go for a white unit. Space is very tight so not enough space for lovely free standing units unfortunately.
Personally I think I would probably go white to tie it in
Many thanks Abigail. You are very generous with your time and thoughts. There aren’t many talented people around like you who give their advice freely. Any chance of you doing a master class in Dublin?
Hi Paula, funnily enough we were having a conversation about doing a class in Dublin this week. Will keep you posted just trying to free a day up this year to do it, which sounds so simple but with a pretty crazy schedule its proving a little difficult. its on the cards though
Fantastic. That’d be my Christmas pressie sorted!