6 min read
Your bathroom or powder room should be a serene and comforting spot for your guests and family. Whether you’re doing a complete remodel or working with what you have, it’s easy to update the look and feel of any size bathroom with these smart and simple large and small bathroom decor ideas.
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large bathroom decor ideas
With more space, you have more opportunities to showcase your personal style and create a dream bathroom you'll love. Lucky you! The following large bathroom decorating ideas will help you take full advantage of every square foot and create a beautiful design that fully utilizes your space.
1. bring the drama with bold lighting
Light fixtures, like chandeliers or pendant lights, can add a wow factor to a large bathroom. When hung in the center of the room, they also create a beautiful focal point that draws the eye up, which can make a large bathroom seem even bigger. We recommend pairing them with a set of wall sconces placed on each side of the mirror close to eye level. This will illuminate your face from both sides and above to eliminate shadows.
2. add personality with your favorite art
Wall art is a great way to dress up your bathroom because it lets you show your personality without making permanent changes. For a cohesive designer look, choose art that color coordinates with your shower curtain and mirror. In terms of choosing a design theme, coastal photography will create a sense of calm for a spa-like retreat, while a black and white print or abstract art will bring sleekness and bold style to your bathroom. No matter the theme, opt for artwork that is behind glass so it’s protected from moisture.
3. coordinate the textiles for a polished look
Our favorite approach to bathroom textiles is for everything to either match or color coordinate. Keeping print and pattern to a minimum is key. Why? Patterned bathroom textiles create visual clutter, which can distract from your overall bathroom design and make your bathroom feel smaller. First, choose whether you want a warm or cool color scheme. Then pick one main color for your shower curtain and bath towels and one accent color for your hand towels and bath mat.
4. use plants to create a spa-like vibe
Plants have a calming effect on us, and what better place to feel calm and relaxed than in your bathroom? We love the look of oversized botanicals displayed in a beautiful vase. For a classic and refined feel, place floral stems in your vase. If you want the trending sculptural look, go with bare branches. Their lack of leaves and buds draws your eye to their unique silhouette.
5. create visual interest through texture
The best bathroom designs are all about mixing natural materials with beautiful textures that bring visual depth to the room. Think: marble countertops, stone floor tiles, wooden vanities. Even better, natural materials are highly durable and often have a timeless quality that can outlast trends.
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top decorating ideas for small bathrooms
Even if space is at a premium, there are plenty of ways to infuse your bathroom with style and sophistication—ultimately making it feel more spacious. A small bathroom can be a bit of a design challenge, but with a few small bathroom decorating ideas, you can create a relaxing retreat no matter the square footage.
1. make it a cozy & moody oasis
Smaller bathrooms naturally have a cozy feel. Embrace the limited space and create a moody atmosphere with dark paint colors or wallpaper. These richer shades exude sophistication, transforming your small bathroom into a luxurious escape from the everyday.
2. give the illusion that it’s larger
If you want your small bathroom to feel larger, keep your walls airy. Light paint colors such as white or gray make the room look more open and spacious. The same is true for brighter wallpapers. Whether you choose a textural wallpaper or a patterned one, keep the colors bright to create the illusion of more space.
3. find creative ways to maximize storage
You have to get creative with space planning when you’re designing a bathroom with minimal square footage. Try installing floating shelves which help create storage space without taking up floor space. If you have a pedestal sink, a floating shelf can be a makeshift vanity shelf, as well. Floating shelves can also hold frames, candles and jewelry. A shelving tower you can fill with storage totes, boxes, baskets or bowls is also a great option.
4. add some softness with curtains
If you have windows in your bathroom, add softness with curtains that complement the wall color. Don’t add in too much color or pattern to your small bathroom through curtains. This can quickly overwhelm the petite space. Instead, focus on adding depth with textural neutral curtains that frame the view from your windows.
5. keep your art proportionate to the space
If you want to add some art to your walls, try a triptych of picture frames instead of one large piece of artwork. This has a big impact on a smaller bathroom without taking up a lot of wall space.
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powder room ideas for any design style
Powder rooms offer unique design opportunities. They don't need to be as functional as your main bathroom and are easy to update due to their petite size. Plus, since guests use them most often, you have the chance to really impress. By leveraging these aspects, you can transform your powder room into a stylish and memorable space.
1. focus on the feel
The first thing to ask yourself when designing a powder room is how you want you and your guests to feel when in the room. Does a day at the beach sound relaxing and calm? Opt for a coastal look with natural elements like wood and stone. Want to feel energized and refreshed? Be bold with strong lines, patterns and contrasting colors.
2. find your signature shade
Painted walls can significantly influence the mood of a space. If you're unsure what color to pick, look at your favorite outfit in your closet. The colors you enjoy wearing are often your favorites. Using these shades in your powder room will make the space feel personal as well.
3. create a lighting scheme
You want to ensure you have both functional task lighting and ambient lighting in your powder room. Start by evenly lighting the room with a chandelier or pendant light. We recommend putting all overhead lighting on a dimmer so you can control the powder room's mood throughout the day. Next, add matching sconces on either side of your mirror. Placing the sconces at eye level effectively eliminates shadows, making tasks like shaving and checking your reflection easier.
4. layer in textural towels
Since powder rooms don’t have bathtubs, you only need hand towels. Seize the opportunity to add a pop of color that complements your decorating scheme. Look for an option made from organic Turkish cotton for a plush and luxurious feel.
5. make it an aromatic experience
Lavender, eucalyptus, or citrus-scented candles and diffusers will set a relaxing mood in your powder room. Placement is key: situate them near the sink so you and your guests can enjoy the lovely scent while washing hands or checking reflections. Bonus tip: start burning candles 45 minutes before guests arrive to fully envelop the powder room in a beautiful aroma.
