How to make your bathroom more interesting.

How’s it going this week? This post is coming a little later in the week than usual but I have been on installs, attending end-of-the-year school activities, and getting ready for upcoming travel. Spring can be such an active of time after the slowness of winter but the warmer weather and longer days make me come alive. Speaking of, I am excited to do a mini series of ideas for making your spaces more interesting, whether you are renovating, renting, or just want a little style refresh. Perhaps these tips can offer you some ideas for quick changes that can make your spaces come to life! Let’s start with the bathroom.

Statement lighting.

With a little investment, statement lighting is one of the easiest ways to transform your bathroom. I love thinking outside the box of what traditional bathroom lighting is “supposed” to look like as it often feels a little obvious and somewhat sterile. Be aware of whether lights are damp-rated (suitable for bathroom humidity, etc) but know that you can get away with dry rated lighting in sink areas that aren’t exposed to humidity.

I used a multi-light pendant (similar) in an offset location for this glamourous mountain house bathroom. Photo: Justin March

We chose living room sconces in our vanity area (not exposed to the wet room) to make it feel softer and more like a living space. No standard bathroom lighting here! Photo: Emily Green

When looking for unique lighting for your bathroom, expand your search beyond “bathroom” lighting. Look at outdoor lighting, vintage lighting, and decorative lighting you might see in a living room or kitchen.

I love the idea of using this outdoor pendant over the tub.

These sconces placed on the side of a mirror are interesting yet still offer nice light.

This ceiling mount fixture adds texture, shape, and personality in place of a boring standard bathroom light.

Always add vintage.

This is my adage for basically anything design related (including interiors and fashion) - but these unique items add so much personality and patina to a room and transcend trends. Replacing a boring bathroom mirror with a vintage is one of the easiest and quickest ways to add personality with their unique shapes and materials. for great prices so are some of the ea. and rugs are the easiest pieces for a bathroom.

I bought this vintage mirror (great similar option here) for our bathroom renovation in our 1939 bungalow. We mixed it with a modern stone sink and white subway tile for a classic look. The wallpaper is from Nickey Kehoe.

I absolutely LOVE this unique mirror option even in its small scale - would be perfect in a tiny powder room.

I don’t think this mirror is true vintage but it is very affordable and is perfect for that vintage modern look.

I love the warmth and texture of this vintage rattan mirror. Great size too!

If you have a little extra room, adding a vintage chair, glass-front cabinet for towel storage, or a desk as a vanity are fun ways to make your bathroom stand out.

My clients painted a vintage vanity the same color as the wall for a creative place to do makeup. We paired it with a vintage rug. Photo: Brad and Jen

I’ve been eyeing art deco chairs from Josef Hoffmann like this one for my vanity. I love the detail!

This small vintage oushak rug is more interesting than a cotton bath mat from the big box stores.

Love the pop of color in this Turkish mat, currently on sale!

Include art.

When decorating, bathrooms are often overlooked spaces. Adding art is fun and unexpected and in a space this small you can try art with personality and whimsy that maybe you wouldn’t use in more visited rooms of the house.

This vintage daisy art is so charming. Would be a fun contrast to a modern bathroom.

This modern abstract of flowers from artist (and friend) Angela Allen is stunning.

Love the color and texture of this painting.

Try a combination of statement lighting, including something vintage like a mirror, rug, or chair and hanging artwork and your bathroom will be anything but boring!

XX
Carly