Take the plunge... think big

How to make a splash with bathroom decor

When it comes to making our rooms work harder, perhaps it’s time to stand back and see the bigger picture in the bathroom. A place where we can escape the day-to-day and take time out for ourselves, this haven also has the potential to be pivotal in our decorative portfolio – but all too often it’s last on our list when it comes to home styling.

“I ask clients to start by looking at the bathroom with their living room eyes,” says Emma Merry, an interior designer on Houzz, the home renovation and design online platform.

“Think of it as a place to relax with luxe touches,” she says.“a space that evokes the feeling of rest and rejuvenation, but you can definitely still have fun with the design.

“We aim to tap into all the senses, such as the tactile elements of natural stone and timbers, or the aromatic scents from natural oil steam diffusers set into purpose-built niches around the bath,” says Merry.

“And finally, the visual impact of statement pieces.”

Many of us have taken a step away from the functional all-white space over the past few years, with homeowners and designers on Houzz making bolder design choices, investing more in their wash space and embracing a more varied palette.

“In 2021, the term ‘blue bathroom’ shot up by 170% in searches and the term ‘pink bathroom’ doubled in popularity, while ‘green tiled bathroom’ saw an increase of more than a third,” says Victoria Harrison, Houzz editor.

“Dark tones are also proving popular, with searches for ‘black shower’ rising significantly.”

Blending function with flair, if you’d like to dip your toe into a more maximalist bathroom design, professionals on Houzz recommend starting with the cloakroom or downstairs toilet (if you have one separate to the main bathroom).

“This smallest room is the perfect place to have some fun,” suggests Harrison.

“Whether you choose a dramatic wallpaper, interesting tiling or a gold ceiling, the options are endless.”