When it comes to kitting out your dream bathroom there’s a number of different elements to think about: from functionality, to use of space, and of course, your bathroom decor.
While bathroom trends tend to come and go, the golden rules of creating the perfect bathroom are to focus on creating a zen space that works for you and your family. Functionality and a clever layout are key to ensuring you’ll make the most of your bathroom – especially if its a particularly compact one.
Ensure that your bathroom renovation stays on track by planning well in advance and preparing for any unexpected delays and costs by working closely with your suppliers and building team – it’s all in the details.
To get you started, here are 6 of our favourite bathroom decor ideas to try.
BATHROOM DECOR IDEAS
Colour wash
COLOUR WASH
Both an homage and a modern makeover, this sanctuary-like bathroom by Katie Lockhart Studio in New Zealand references the home’s mid-century history while bringing it into the now with thoughtful design and bespoke details.
The Heath Ceramics tiles, undoubtedly the room’s hero, are beautifully complemented by the richly coloured Iroko timber joinery by designer Grant Bailey.
More contemporary touches are the Flos ‘Mini Glo-Ball’ wall light and matt white Dornbracht basin mixer. Green has never looked so good.
Wall light
Observatory Lighting Artemide replica Castore class wall light, $189, Temple & Webster
Sometimes simple design can be the most beautiful, and this near-spherical frosted wall light is living proof. Coming in at 14cm, it’s the perfect size to light your vanity or doorway.
White wall taps
Cross assembly taps and spout set in White, $324.80, ABI Interiors
A minimalist take on classic tapware, the White Cross Assembly taps and spout prove that your hardware can be just as much of a design feature as your tiles, towels and vanity. If white isn’t for you (and your space), select from one of six other finishes.
Three-piece suite
THREE-PIECE SUITE
Utilising rugged and raw materials specifically chosen to weather with age, the bathroom of TRIAS studio’s Three Piece House in Newcastle, north of Sydney, is both robust and elegant.
Featuring a material mix that includes brass and Acapulco terracotta tiles, Italian terrazzo flooring and Opulence ceramic wall tiles in Flake White (all from Surface Gallery), the crafted space is perfectly suited to its coastal site and is a celebration of ‘less is best’ design.
“It will age beautifully and develop a story and patina over time,” says Jennifer McMaster of TRIAS.
Aesop handwash
Aesop Resurrection Aromatique hand wash 500ml, $49, Adore Beauty
Having become a bit of a cult brand for both their aesthetic and natural formulas, it’s never a surprise to spy Aēsop products in a designer bathroom. The Resurrection hand wash has been crafted with scents of citrus, woody and herbs, providing a way to indulge in the every day.
Linen hand towel
Linen tea towel in Grey Stripe, $14.95, Mama and Tochter
Known for its soft, natural textures, linen adds an effortless and relaxed vibe to a space, the bathroom being no exception. Light and luxurious, the more you use and wash this hand towel, the better it will get.
Liveable luxury
LIVEABLE LUXURY
Perfectly pared back and minimal in its sensibility, the bathroom of Conrad Architects’ Hornsby Residence in Victoria’s Malvern is a study in quiet design.
Deliberately restrained, the home’s simple and stylish palette centres on the use of marble and oak, and this continues into the ensuite, with accents of black adding a touch of drama to the otherwise crisp, calm space.
Sheer white curtains and walls devoid of tiles allow the space to flow seamlessly from the bedroom beyond, while the grand proportions lend a sense of luxury and timelessness.
Line drawing print
A La Mode Studio Feminine Lines II canvas wall art, from $179 (usually $209), Temple & Webster
Minimalist and understated, this artistic rendition of the female form arrives in a quality frame, ready to hang (or stand upon your vanity, as in the bathroom above).
Vase
Iittala Alvar Aalto collection 27cm glass vase, $419, Myer
With its curved, architectural silhouette, Iitala’s Alvar Aalto collection vase is a timeless piece that will add instant style to your bathroom vanity. Pop in your favourite fresh cut flowers and you’re set!
Little mix
LITTLE MIX
It’s not always easy to create that coveted lived-in feeling in a new build, but the texture-rich bathroom of the Denman Prospect Residence in Canberra’s Molonglo Valley has it in spades.
Designed by Studio Black Interiors, the ensuite effortlessly and dramatically combines the blue-green glazed porcelain Iris Aguamarina wall tiles from Rivoland Tiles with warm timber and accents of black and brass. A crisp-white stone vanity top provides just the right amount of visual breathing space.
Executed with subtlety, the small room mixes materials and textures in a shining example of how a little bit of daring can go a long way.
Teak stool
SLH House Fauzi hourglass reclaimed teak wood side table, $349, Temple & Webster
Crafted from reclaimed teak, the beauty of this side table/stool lies in its natural variations. Heavy and solid, this stool makes the perfect base to store your favourite soaps and washcloths bath-side while you lie back and relax.
Waffle towel
Aura Home waffle bath towel in White, $24.98 (usually $49.95), Myer
Who doesn’t love a waffle weave? Made from sustainably sourced cotton, this classic design will never go out of style. If you’re looking to inject colour into your wet room, you can choose from eight other colours.
Wall-to-wall art
WALL-TO-WALL ART
Let’s face it, wallpaper and wet areas haven’t always gone hand-in-hand, but thankfully there is now a range of purpose-designed wallcoverings suitable for bathrooms, kitchens and spas.
Wet System decorative wallpapers by Italian company Wall&Decò are watertight and suitable for surfaces such as cement, plasterboard, concrete, glass and ceramic tiles.
Best of all, the collection includes hundreds of gorgeous patterns and designs (including Inner Forest) to suit any interior. Practical and so very pretty.
Shower head
Kobi curved hand shower in Brushed Gunmetal, $79.90, ABI Interiors
Functional and high quality, the direct projection from this hand shower ensures effective water usage and minimal overspray. Available in eight finishes, including Brushed Gunmetal, the options are practically endless.
Soap dispenser holder
Shelf with double soap dispenser holder 40cm in Black, $119.90, Designstuff
With a sleek, powder-coated stainless steel, this double soap dispenser holder is both design- and function-led, providing plenty of room for your favourite soap and moisturiser with enough space for bar soap or a washcloth.
Photography: Mindi Cooke | Styling: Rihanne Contreras
Forest sanctuary
FOREST SANCTUARY
Located in the hinterland region of Byron Bay, this open-to-the-elements bathroom was designed by residing couple Lee-Anne and Lee, who run design and consulting firm Healthy Abode, specialising in non-toxic living.
Despite being sustainable first and foremost, Lee-Ann and Lee have not skimped on design, creating a tactile palette of warm neutrals via materials and clever combinations of tile and grout.
A seamless connection to the home’s yard which is skirted by forest-like surrounds provides complete privacy.
Bath mat
Coast to Coast Home Dune Alex cotton & rute rug, $34.95, Temple & Webster
Jute rugs make for the perfect addition to any home that is coastal or has a focus on natural textures and materials. A cotton/jute blend, the Dune Alex rug will make a practical addition to your bathroom.
Razor
The Design Gift Shop Mühle Chrome shaving razor, $119.90, Hardtofind
Move toward sustainability with this reusable razor by German brand Mühle. A much more aesthetic addition to your bathroom than the plastic supermarket-bought alternative, this razor is made from high-quality metal-working (chrome-plating) with a fine engraved finish.
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