Little Luxuries That Lift Your Bathroom in a Big Way
Make your bathroom a five-star space with these indulgent ideas and simple styling tips
Louise O'Bryan
18 February 2017
Houzz Contributor with over 15 years as an interiors writer, stylist and content producer for digital and print media. Specialising in house tours, room renovations and decorating solutions, my previous clients include Inside Out (Aus), Ideal Home, The Times weekend supplement and Sainsbury's magazine. I never tire from the thrill of discovering a jaw-dropping, inspirational home to feature and having an insight into other people's spaces. Call me curious or just nosey!
Houzz Contributor with over 15 years as an interiors writer, stylist and content... More
It’s that feeling of sheer indulgence when you step into a stunning hotel bathroom and find a vanity laden with indulgent treats. Or that immediate sense of relaxation as you enter a boutique spa and breathe in the beautiful aroma. Channel these emotions into your bathroom and you too can create a luxurious retreat in which to pamper yourself.
The secret is to create accessible storage to hide away those everyday essentials that aren’t so pretty (toothbrushes, shampoo bottles, dental floss) and then introduce decadent touches that can be left out on show. Take note of these easy-to-implement ideas and take your bathroom experience to a whole new level of luxury.
The secret is to create accessible storage to hide away those everyday essentials that aren’t so pretty (toothbrushes, shampoo bottles, dental floss) and then introduce decadent touches that can be left out on show. Take note of these easy-to-implement ideas and take your bathroom experience to a whole new level of luxury.
Spot to sit
The addition of a comfortable chair by the tub for a parent supervising bath time is a total luxury, but a chair can also provide somewhere to perch while the bath fills or when your partner is having a soak and you’d like to have a chat. Whether it’s a basic stool, an upholstered armchair or something in between, a place to sit in the bathroom can be positively life changing.
The addition of a comfortable chair by the tub for a parent supervising bath time is a total luxury, but a chair can also provide somewhere to perch while the bath fills or when your partner is having a soak and you’d like to have a chat. Whether it’s a basic stool, an upholstered armchair or something in between, a place to sit in the bathroom can be positively life changing.
Elegant rug
Forget mismatched bath mats. Hunt out a graceful runner or rug that will add a refined finish to your space. A patterned design will lift a neutral space as well as providing a cosy spot for bare feet. Ensure you lay a non-slip underlay to prevent any accidents on tiled floors.
Forget mismatched bath mats. Hunt out a graceful runner or rug that will add a refined finish to your space. A patterned design will lift a neutral space as well as providing a cosy spot for bare feet. Ensure you lay a non-slip underlay to prevent any accidents on tiled floors.
Lovely light fitting
You will need an electrician for this one, but a beautiful pendant installed in place of an ordinary downlight can take a bathroom from bland to beautiful. Go for glitz and glamour in the form of a chandelier, or tone it down with an on-trend pendant that ties in with your scheme. If you don’t want to go that far, consider adding flameless candles in a cluster to set the mood.
Browse more contemporary bathroom photos
You will need an electrician for this one, but a beautiful pendant installed in place of an ordinary downlight can take a bathroom from bland to beautiful. Go for glitz and glamour in the form of a chandelier, or tone it down with an on-trend pendant that ties in with your scheme. If you don’t want to go that far, consider adding flameless candles in a cluster to set the mood.
Browse more contemporary bathroom photos
Bath caddy
While you’re soaking in the tub, or even taking a shower, a bath bridge or caddy is a handy way to keep all your toiletries in one spot (no more balancing bottles precariously around the edge), or to set the scene for relaxation. Light some aromatic candles, add plenty of bubble bath, then lie back and unwind.
While you’re soaking in the tub, or even taking a shower, a bath bridge or caddy is a handy way to keep all your toiletries in one spot (no more balancing bottles precariously around the edge), or to set the scene for relaxation. Light some aromatic candles, add plenty of bubble bath, then lie back and unwind.
An elegant trolley, styled with flowers and your favourite bath products is another elegant way to make products accessible when you’re in the tub. It can be wheeled within arm’s reach when it’s time for a soak, then tucked against a wall at other times.
Tip: If you don’t have the space for a trolley, a simple vintage stool by the tub will provide a surface for bath products or a candle, and ramp up the charm factor too.
Luxe but achievable bathroom additions
Tip: If you don’t have the space for a trolley, a simple vintage stool by the tub will provide a surface for bath products or a candle, and ramp up the charm factor too.
Luxe but achievable bathroom additions
Hotel-worthy display
Hotels have a signature style that every room must adhere to, with the basin area displaying the same arrangement of accessories each day. Try to recreate this luxurious look by clearing away clutter into drawers or cupboards, and only displaying a few choice toiletries beside the basin.
Tip: A smart tray for your bottles will help the arrangement feel consistent, just like in a hotel bathroom.
Hotels have a signature style that every room must adhere to, with the basin area displaying the same arrangement of accessories each day. Try to recreate this luxurious look by clearing away clutter into drawers or cupboards, and only displaying a few choice toiletries beside the basin.
Tip: A smart tray for your bottles will help the arrangement feel consistent, just like in a hotel bathroom.
Think back to gorgeous hotel rooms you’ve stayed in and you are likely to remember pristine, spotless spaces in a light, neutral palette. Recapturing the essence of this relaxing look in your own bathroom is simple. Remove all coloured bottles and either decant shampoos and soaps into simple white or frosted glass containers, or replace with an indulgent range of lovely matching products.
Tip: Create a dramatic statement in a bathroom by adding toiletries and towels that match the fittings. This harmonious look works especially well in bathrooms with black, gold or copper fittings.
See more black and white bathrooms
Tip: Create a dramatic statement in a bathroom by adding toiletries and towels that match the fittings. This harmonious look works especially well in bathrooms with black, gold or copper fittings.
See more black and white bathrooms
Dreamy accessories
Romantic, feminine touches can be just what a bathroom needs if it’s looking a little cold or lacklustre. Floaty swathes of fabric around the shower and over the window will soften the space, while ornate accessories such as candelabras and Art Deco-style mirrors will bring in a touch of glamour.
Romantic, feminine touches can be just what a bathroom needs if it’s looking a little cold or lacklustre. Floaty swathes of fabric around the shower and over the window will soften the space, while ornate accessories such as candelabras and Art Deco-style mirrors will bring in a touch of glamour.
Perfectly rolled towels
Your choice of towels and how you display them will have a big impact on the look and feel of your bathroom. Ratty, faded towels obviously won’t have the same luxurious presence as sumptuous fluffy white ones. Similarly, towels hastily hung on hooks or scrunched over heated rails won’t look as chic as neatly folded or rolled ones. It’s simply a matter of adopting a new habit.
Your choice of towels and how you display them will have a big impact on the look and feel of your bathroom. Ratty, faded towels obviously won’t have the same luxurious presence as sumptuous fluffy white ones. Similarly, towels hastily hung on hooks or scrunched over heated rails won’t look as chic as neatly folded or rolled ones. It’s simply a matter of adopting a new habit.
If your bathroom lacks shelving, consider adding a basket of rolled-up towels. The effect will be a little more casual, but still luxurious.
TELL US
What little luxuries have you added to your bathroom to make it feel extra special? Share them with us in the Comments below.
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Read more bathroom stories
TELL US
What little luxuries have you added to your bathroom to make it feel extra special? Share them with us in the Comments below.
MORE
Read more bathroom stories
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One of the things that was added to this bathroom renovation was a concealed laundry basket. The bathroom was beautiful but anyone that has kids will know that clothes end up on the floor. This stainless steel laundry basket lifts out so makes for an easy trip to the laundry AND the bathroom stay beautiful (most of the time!). Here is a link with more info...
I agree, we can all take inspiration from this
beautiful collection of bathroom that are luxurious but still warm and inviting!