7 Reasons to Give Your Bath Zone a Living Room Vibe
With a few living room-like touches, you can transform your bathroom into a practical, relaxing retreat that’s overflowing with personality
Natasha Saroca
5 February 2015
Houzz Australia Contributor. Natasha is a freelance journalist who began her career working across a number of home design and lifestyle magazines, including BuildHOME and Kitchens & Bathrooms Quarterly. She enjoys writing about design and colour trends, decorating ideas (particularly how to transform rooms with colour and patterns), organisation tips, entertaining ideas and easy updates for the home.
When she’s not creating Ideabooks for Houzz, Natasha can be found writing about all things fashion for Missy Confidential, working on her soon-to-be-launched website – www.asmartsequin.com – or shopping online for new quilt covers, cushions and fashion illustrations (her three current obsessions).
Houzz Australia Contributor. Natasha is a freelance journalist who began her career... More
Desire a bathroom that’s inviting, comfortable, practical and reflects you? Then look to your living space for design and decorating inspiration. Doing so will encourage you to look at your bathroom through new eyes, and think of ways you can adopt living room design ideas to enhance all aspects of your bathing space, as well as address common bathroom problems, too. If you’re a little on the fence about this design approach (perhaps you prefer bath zones that are purely functional and boast a clean, no-frills look), cast your eyes over the 12 beautiful projects below, each of which highlight the reasons why it’s worth looking beyond the bathroom for design inspiration when it is time to tackle your bathroom makeover project.
1. It will encourage you to experiment with wall treatments
Are you bored of your floor-to-ceiling bathroom tiles? Then take design cues from your living zone and ditch wall tiles in favour of wallpaper, timber wall panels or a striking painted feature wall instead. This statement-making ensuite provides a fitting example of just how well this design trick can work when used in the bathroom – take away the bath and toilet, and the space could be easily mistaken for a living room; don’t you think? Notice, too, how the leggy cabinet and artwork hanging on the wall add to the room’s living room vibe.
If you prefer wall tiles as you feel they’re a more practical surface for your bathroom, steer clear of plain wall tiles and opt for patterned, textured or timber-look designs instead, as they can mimic the look of wall treatments commonly used in the living zone but with the practical benefits that tiles offer.
See a ‘Before’ picture of this revamped bathroom
Are you bored of your floor-to-ceiling bathroom tiles? Then take design cues from your living zone and ditch wall tiles in favour of wallpaper, timber wall panels or a striking painted feature wall instead. This statement-making ensuite provides a fitting example of just how well this design trick can work when used in the bathroom – take away the bath and toilet, and the space could be easily mistaken for a living room; don’t you think? Notice, too, how the leggy cabinet and artwork hanging on the wall add to the room’s living room vibe.
If you prefer wall tiles as you feel they’re a more practical surface for your bathroom, steer clear of plain wall tiles and opt for patterned, textured or timber-look designs instead, as they can mimic the look of wall treatments commonly used in the living zone but with the practical benefits that tiles offer.
See a ‘Before’ picture of this revamped bathroom
2. Your bath zone will feel more homely and full of life
Bathrooms can sometimes feel cold and clinical, usually because they often feature a lot of white or other neutral tones; boast lots of reflective surfaces and sharp angles; and are generally free of decorative accents and personal touches. Introducing homewares and other furnishings that you’d usually find in a living area to your bathroom is one way to remedy this problem and infuse your bath zone with warmth and life. Here, a wonderful selection of eclectic decor – from the boat wall accents to the red vintage-style bird cage that sits on the top shelf – injects the bath area with charm, a welcoming air and a hearty dose of visual appeal, too.
The exposed brick wall and open shelving, along with the rustic timber vanity that resembles a well-worn sideboard, gives the zone a decidedly living room-esque feel, too.
See more of this eclectic home
Bathrooms can sometimes feel cold and clinical, usually because they often feature a lot of white or other neutral tones; boast lots of reflective surfaces and sharp angles; and are generally free of decorative accents and personal touches. Introducing homewares and other furnishings that you’d usually find in a living area to your bathroom is one way to remedy this problem and infuse your bath zone with warmth and life. Here, a wonderful selection of eclectic decor – from the boat wall accents to the red vintage-style bird cage that sits on the top shelf – injects the bath area with charm, a welcoming air and a hearty dose of visual appeal, too.
The exposed brick wall and open shelving, along with the rustic timber vanity that resembles a well-worn sideboard, gives the zone a decidedly living room-esque feel, too.
See more of this eclectic home
It’s not unusual to spy a photo gallery wall in a living room, so why don’t you create one in your bathroom, too? This feature wall idea is an ideal solution for any bathroom that feels lifeless, but especially compact bath areas where you’re limited when it comes choosing design elements or decor that can work in the small space. The gallery wall in this bathroom not only adds a touch of personality to the otherwise unadorned space, but injects it with visual interest, too.
3. It makes you look beyond standard bathroom storage
Medicine cabinets and vanities are fairly standard inclusions in any bathroom, but if you find that your space under-performs in terms of available storage, we suggest raiding your living zone (or even your kitchen, dining area or bedroom) to find a possible solution. In this master bath, an antique storage unit takes pride of place in the room and has been charged with the task of providing additional space to stow towels and other bath-time essentials. Photos and decorative accents are also scattered across the shelves to give the set-up a bespoke, personalised touch.
Medicine cabinets and vanities are fairly standard inclusions in any bathroom, but if you find that your space under-performs in terms of available storage, we suggest raiding your living zone (or even your kitchen, dining area or bedroom) to find a possible solution. In this master bath, an antique storage unit takes pride of place in the room and has been charged with the task of providing additional space to stow towels and other bath-time essentials. Photos and decorative accents are also scattered across the shelves to give the set-up a bespoke, personalised touch.
Open shelving and other living room storage options like credenzas also double as stylish and practical bathroom storage solutions, as you can see here. Bookcases, glass-door cabinets and sideboards are a few other suitable options.
Open shelving in the bathroom is not for everyone, as they do require a little extra effort come cleaning day to wipe up dust and moisture that may have settled on the surface. But if you are happy to spend a bit more time maintaining your shelving, ignore the critics and incorporate some in your bath zone!
See more of this storage-savvy bathroom
Open shelving in the bathroom is not for everyone, as they do require a little extra effort come cleaning day to wipe up dust and moisture that may have settled on the surface. But if you are happy to spend a bit more time maintaining your shelving, ignore the critics and incorporate some in your bath zone!
See more of this storage-savvy bathroom
If space is at a premium in your bathroom and you don’t have room to accommodate multiple storage units, why not convert an old, well-loved piece of furniture into a vanity instead? We love the vintage cabinet that takes a starring role in this contemporary bath zone – notice how it adds a touch of charm, character and visual appeal to the clean, simple scheme.
4. It will enhance your bathroom’s soothing, relaxing vibe …
Want to make your bath area feel infinitely more peaceful and inviting? Introducing soft furnishings that are usually found in the living zone to your bathroom is one way to do just that. Think rugs, upholstered chairs and ottomans, and breezy curtains – these soft, cosy additions will help balance the sleek finishes and angular lines that are prominent in many bathrooms. Just be sure to choose pieces made from material that’s resistant to moisture, or remember to waterproof the furnishings before moving them into your bathroom.
See more of this airy, inviting bathroom
Want to make your bath area feel infinitely more peaceful and inviting? Introducing soft furnishings that are usually found in the living zone to your bathroom is one way to do just that. Think rugs, upholstered chairs and ottomans, and breezy curtains – these soft, cosy additions will help balance the sleek finishes and angular lines that are prominent in many bathrooms. Just be sure to choose pieces made from material that’s resistant to moisture, or remember to waterproof the furnishings before moving them into your bathroom.
See more of this airy, inviting bathroom
5. … plus, it’ll make your space more practical, too
While bringing soft furnishings into your bathroom will help transform the space into a relaxing bathing area and chill-out zone, these additions provide plenty of practical benefits, too. For example, upholstered seating provides a comfy spot for you to sit while you’re waiting for your tub to fill up, or for elderly people or those with mobility issues to rest while they get dressed or do other bathroom tasks. Curtains can provide privacy (a must if your bathroom has large windows that face out onto your street or outdoor entertaining areas) and protection from harsh sunlight, while rugs can double as generous-sized floor mats that provide extra cosiness underfoot.
While bringing soft furnishings into your bathroom will help transform the space into a relaxing bathing area and chill-out zone, these additions provide plenty of practical benefits, too. For example, upholstered seating provides a comfy spot for you to sit while you’re waiting for your tub to fill up, or for elderly people or those with mobility issues to rest while they get dressed or do other bathroom tasks. Curtains can provide privacy (a must if your bathroom has large windows that face out onto your street or outdoor entertaining areas) and protection from harsh sunlight, while rugs can double as generous-sized floor mats that provide extra cosiness underfoot.
6. It gives you an excuse to bring entertainment into the bathroom
If you spend a lot of time getting ready every morning in the bathroom or relaxing in the tub or shower at night, you might like to consider introducing some entertainment (like the waterproof TV pictured here) into the space. After all, who wouldn’t love catching up with their favourite TV show or the nightly news while soaking in the tub? If a luxe, high-tech addition like this isn’t for you, why not sit a radio or docking station on your vanity to keep you entertained while you bathe instead?
If you spend a lot of time getting ready every morning in the bathroom or relaxing in the tub or shower at night, you might like to consider introducing some entertainment (like the waterproof TV pictured here) into the space. After all, who wouldn’t love catching up with their favourite TV show or the nightly news while soaking in the tub? If a luxe, high-tech addition like this isn’t for you, why not sit a radio or docking station on your vanity to keep you entertained while you bathe instead?
Are you a book lover? Personally, I’m not really a fan of reading in the bathroom (let’s not get started on reading while doing your business on the toilet…), but if it’s your thing, the bookshelf-inspired set-up pictured here might pique your interest.
7. You can create a space that ties in beautifully with the rest of your home
Drawing inspiration from your living room when revamping your bathroom has more benefits than simply making the space more relaxing, personal and practical. It will also make your bath zone feel and look like an extension of your living space and surrounding areas, and ensure that it reflects the unique character and charm that’s at the heart of your home.
This elegant bathroom provides a fitting example; design elements used in the space – such as the ikat-patterned ottoman; factory style light; shag rug-like floor mat; and crystal chandelier – echo features used in the home’s living room and other spots around the house. The result is a dwelling with a cohesive, harmonious and bespoke look that flows from room to room.
See more of this renovated home
Drawing inspiration from your living room when revamping your bathroom has more benefits than simply making the space more relaxing, personal and practical. It will also make your bath zone feel and look like an extension of your living space and surrounding areas, and ensure that it reflects the unique character and charm that’s at the heart of your home.
This elegant bathroom provides a fitting example; design elements used in the space – such as the ikat-patterned ottoman; factory style light; shag rug-like floor mat; and crystal chandelier – echo features used in the home’s living room and other spots around the house. The result is a dwelling with a cohesive, harmonious and bespoke look that flows from room to room.
See more of this renovated home
TELL US
Do you like the idea of giving your bathroom a living room vibe? If so, how would you do this in your home? We’d love to hear your thoughts and suggestions, so share them in the Comments.
MORE
Think Like a Designer: 5 Steps to a Well-Planned New Bathroom
How to be Bold (and Beautiful!) in the Bathroom
Do you like the idea of giving your bathroom a living room vibe? If so, how would you do this in your home? We’d love to hear your thoughts and suggestions, so share them in the Comments.
MORE
Think Like a Designer: 5 Steps to a Well-Planned New Bathroom
How to be Bold (and Beautiful!) in the Bathroom
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We definitely like this idea! Check out our version:
Living Room Vibes in the Bathroom w/ IAO
these are certainly not your average bathrooms! how about we come back to earth andshow us some great bathrooms on a smaller scale.
You could also bring in a musical instrument to help soothe those quiet moments. :P