IN THE DETAIL

QI’d like my bathroom to have a bit of personality. What decorative touches can I use to add character?

AUsing artwork to create a gallery wall like Emma’s is an easy way to inject character. Choose the largest wall space and opt for one big statement piece or a collection of smaller ones. Grouped pictures can be hung randomly or in a grid formation, but keep some overall cohesion. For example, they could be different sizes with similar frames, or they could be the same size but displaying art in different colours – greens and blues work well, as do black-and-white images in a monochrome scheme. Even with an extractor, condensation can build up behind glass, so don’t hang anything too valuable. Canvas prints are a good option.

As bathrooms are usually small spaces, consider using a bold wallpaper. Half-height tiling with wallpaper above will look fantastic. Or pick a feature wall for impact that isn’t overpowering. If you have a good extractor, standard wallpaper is fine if it’s not in an area where it will get splashed easily. Otherwise, opt for a durable vinyl design.

Large mirrors help a space look bigger, but if you hang a mirror above the basin, ensure it isn’t wider than the vanity unit, as this can look disproportionate. And think about lighting regulations. As a rule, fittings near a water source need to be rated IP44 or IP65, which means they’re specially designed for bathrooms. Standard light fittings can be used in areas considered ‘zone 2’ (at least 60cm from the outside of the bath, shower or basin).

Finally, small furniture items can add interest – try an accent chair, neat side table or shelving. If you like a homely feel, vintage pieces suit bathrooms well, or if you prefer contemporary styles, include different textures, such as marble shelves or a velvet stool.