"Guidelines for Bathroom Design 2025: A Comprehensive List"
Get your bathroom groove on with these 25 design rules! From the sunlit scene of Malibu to the cozy glow of your morning routine, we've got the lowdown on how to transform your bathroom into a sanctuary of style. Follow these designer hacks, and you'll be lounging in a luxe loo fit for a king (or queen)!
Roll with the Natural Light
Pay attention to the sun's path and capture those golden rays! Says designer Brigette Romanek: "Take note of where the windows are and where the light hits. A skylight-filled bathroom allowed me to experiment with bottle green, enhancing the connection to nature." So, consider your surroundings first!
Turn Up the Flattery
Flattering colors bring out your best features, even in the bathroom mirror! "Pink creates a warm glow for most people," says Zoe Feldman, designer extraordinaire. "It evokes a muddier, candlelight feel during the day." So go ahead, get your pink on!
Keep it White...But in moderation!
Even bold palettes need a bit of cream-colored neutrality to maintain balance. Designer Natasha Lyon warns against white tiles as a one-size-fits-all solution, but appreciates a white accent placed just right: "Olay Dead Flat by Farrow and Ball on the ceiling offers a soft touch, making the space feel warm and inviting."
Tone Down the White
stereotypical bright white is outdated! Opt for warmer whites with subtle yellow or red undertones. Designer Molly Kidd notes, "Six years ago, I might have used a brilliant white, but now a creamier hue is more my style."
Let There Be Brass!
Say goodbye to chrome and hello to warm, inviting brass! Brass finishes elevate the bathroom, adding a touch of luxury and character. "Aged brass is the warmest metal," says co-founder of Moniomi, Monica Santayana.
Dance with Grout Color
Why stick to boring ol' white grout? Choose a hue that complements the rest of your design. Designer Natasha Lyon suggests antique white grout to minimize harshness and adds, "Camouflage the lightbulb in glass tubes or opal cases for a softer glow."
Embrace a Little Coolness
Chrome can add the perfect contrast to warm colors in the bathroom! Just remember, a little goes a long way. "In some spaces, a chrome shower and towel rail can be more modern and less overwhelming than brass," says Natasha Lyon.
Turn on the PIR Sensors
Automate your bathroom with passive infrared sensors! Says designer Lucy Barlow, "A low-level light will come on when you hit the loo at night – no more stumbling!"
Lighting Control is Key
Two switches are better than one! "For a successful bathroom, you need two light settings: functional for makeup and a lower, decorative setting to promote relaxation," says co-founder of Barlow and Barlow, Lucy Barlow.
Hide the Bulb
"Conceal the bulb in a glass tube or case with opaque or fluted glass," advises Lucy Barlow. "This transformation creates a prettier, softer ambiance in the bathroom."
Mix Those Finishes!
To prevent a functional bathroom from looking too industrial, play with contrasting surfaces. Natasha Lyon declares, "Mixing finishes is essential to creating a visually appealing atmosphere."
Go for Low-Maintenance Materials
Designer Noa Santos suggests opting for materials like Tadelakt in the shower area to reduce cleaning time and maintenance costs.
Strip Down the Detailing
Minimalism is key for spa-like serenity! "By cutting out extra details," says Natasha Lyon, designers create "a seamless, quieter bathroom."
Let the Bulb Burn Warm
"Artificial light must always be warm," says Studiopepe co-founder Arianna Lelli Mami. "No harsh blue tones!"
Strike it Rich
Deep veining in the vanity or shower brings a touch of drama – a focal point that contrasts beautifully with surrounding earthy shades. Samantha Birtles of Studio Se Dea agrees: "Deep veining contributes texture and movement, enhancing the visual balance."
Art Rules, Baby!
Display your passion for the arts with a bathroom art Gallery! Minne Kemp shares her secrets: "I always have art hanging in the bathroom – find a photograph or illustration that speaks to you."
Decorative Screens Do Double Duty
"Screens can be both functional and beautiful," says Linda Boronkay. "They offer visual interest and create a sense of privacy."
Tuck Away Storage for a Clutter-Free Zen Space
Na Li of Holloway Li insists, "Hidden storage makes the bathroom seem more substantial and enables a tranquil, restful setting."
DIY or Die (Try)!
According to Enass Mahmoud of Studio Enass, "A bathroom should feel like a sanctuary – and doesn't have to break the bank!" Invest in beautiful tiles, marble sinks, or other statement pieces, and save on other elements.
Bring on the Ridged Tiles
"Ridged tiles add subtle texture, creating a feeling of softness," says Emma Perkin of Emil Eve. "Play with contrasting materials to balance hard and soft elements."
Stand Out with Patterned Tiles
Designer Emily Henderson emphasizes, "Consider adding patterned tiles – think bold, geometric shapes – for a design pop that serves as a conversation starter."
Now that you know the 25 design rules for a fabulous bathroom, it's time to unleash your inner diva and create a luxe loo like never before!
- Incorporate the natural light in your bathroom design by considering sun's path and incorporating skylights to enhance the connection with nature, similar to designer Brigette Romanek's approach.
- Choose flattering colors for your bathroom, such as pink, that create a warm glow and a candlelight feel during the day, following Zoe Feldman's advice.
- To maintain balance in your color palette, use cream-colored neutrals like Natasha Lyon's recommendation with Olay Dead Flat by Farrow and Ball on the ceiling.
- Opt for warmer whites with subtle undertones, as suggested by Molly Kidd, instead of the stereotypical bright white for a more contemporary look.
- Elevate your bathroom's aesthetic with brass finishes, adding a touch of luxury and character, as Monica Santayana from Moniomi suggests.
