4 Simple Rules for Decorating Your Bathroom

I don’t know who needs to hear this, but your bathroom is a lot more than where you shower and brush your teeth. With the right decorating tactics, it can also double as a soothing, at-home spa — you know, somewhere you actually want to spend time.

The problem: Though decorating a bathroom might seem straightforward — all you need is a mirror, tiles, and pretty towels — it’s easy to get wrong. To help, a handful of designers share their biggest dos (and don’ts) for beautifying your space.

When it comes to decorating your bathroom, designer Sherica Maynard encourages you to go big or go home. “Larger-scale wall tiles give the bathroom a more modern look, and make the bathroom a lot easier to clean,” she says. But, why stop with your tiles? Maynard also recommends leveling up your bathroom accent pieces. In particular, she loves the look of a large-scale mirror that goes from the counter backsplash all the way up to the crown moulding. “This definitely makes the bathroom look a lot bigger without the distraction of vanity lights,” she adds.

There’s a reason shower-tub combinations are so popular in bathrooms; they’re a space-efficient way to get the best of both worlds. But, if you’re blessed with a lot of square footage, Maynard recommends keeping them separate entities. “Don’t enclose the tub within the shower,” she says. “These are two major focal points in a bathroom and should be able to shine on their own.” As this space proves, a corner shower and tub will give you permission to lather and lounge — respectively — and look oh-so luxurious in the process.

Just because bathrooms are notorious for their soothing, spa-like vibes doesn’t mean they have to be devoid of any personality. In fact, this smaller space is the perfect place to unleash your bold streak.

“Don’t be afraid to incorporate color,” says Zandy Gammons, co-owner of the Warehouse Interiors. ” We’re always encouraging our clients to take a chance with color, whether it’s an unexpected painted ceiling, colorful cabinets, [or] even hardware.”

But, why stop at those painted accents? Gammons gives you full permission to amp up your pattern play. “Lots of folks think wallpaper needs to be avoided in bathrooms, which is not the case — as long as there’s proper ventilation, ” she says.

As a design enthusiast, you want your bathroom to look just as good as any room of the house. But, even if you incorporate large-scale accents, pops of color, and a standalone shower, it’s important to stay well within your budget — especially when it comes to those smaller details.

“Be careful not to blow your entire budget on tile in bathrooms,” Gammons says. “It’s easy to get caught up in beautiful, expensive marble, but there are so many other elements that can add a level of luxury to the space. We love interesting lighting options, artistic hardware and custom cabinetry. You can’t entertain these other important details if your whole budget goes to tile!”

Looking to decorate your bathroom on a budget? Check out these nine genius ways to fake your way to a renovation.