KAREN HORTE interiors – Apr 2022

TIPS FOR CREATING A 5-STAR HOTEL FEELING IN YOUR BATHROOM

Bathrooms are important. In them, we wash the sleep away each morning and prepare ourselves for bed each evening-and these daily ‘clean and preen’ rituals are more satisfying when they take place in a spa-like space.

Here are six tips for giving your bathroom that ‘5-Star hotel’ feeling.

Replace Bathroom Accessories
The easiest, most inexpensive way to refresh a bathroom is to purchase colour-coordinated accessories. Matching soap dispensers/dishes, toothbrush holders, cups and even tissue boxes are available. Look for items that best match your bathroom’s style!

Add Plants or Flowers
Fresh cut flowers and potted plants add freshness to bathrooms, and they also clean the air. Cut flowers need replacing each week, so if you have a bathroom window that provides enough light for a plant to thrive, then buy a plant and-if possible-pot it in a bowl that matches your bathroom accessories. If your bathroom is small, select a small plant that can sit on the countertop, such as jade or bamboo. If your bathroom is larger, a floor-standing plant that enjoys the steamy, bathroom environment will create a ‘forest bathing’ feeling you may enjoy!

Change ‘Texture’
Bathrooms have hard surfaces-countertops, cabinets, tub bases and tile floors-that don’t always feel relaxing. To create a softer ‘texture’ in your bathroom, the easiest thing to do is to stock it with lots of fluffy, soft towels. Consider investing in floating shelving or open front cabinets to display their luxuriousness, and also think about purchasing a soft but durable bathroom mat that matches your colour scheme. Window coverings or draperies can also add softness and texture to the bathroom, and if you are motivated to do more, a soft-looking, textured ‘accent’ wall can be created using textured wallpaper.

Change Wall Colour
Painting your bathroom walls can produce dramatic results. If you choose to do this, consider that:

Neutral colours keep your bathroom feeling airy and light.
Accent walls can add a touch of elegance.

Your accent wall can simply be a different color than the other walls, or it can be finished with a different material, such as tile, wood, or even stone!

Upgrade Light Fixtures
New light fixtures can change your bathroom’s look from functional to fun. Often, simply changing your ceiling- mounted light can provide a fresh look; however, if you are more adventurous, installing pot lights or a decorative wall sconce-or bright fixtures above the counter where you apply your makeup-can ensure you have the lighting you need.

Counter and Floor Finishes
For counters and floors, use classic materials such as marble and porcelain if you can, as the veining in them gives a sense of movement and space. If such materials are unavailable to you, opt for choices that mimic them. There are some amazing quartz and tile products out there-and even some vinyl flooring that looks like tile!

Relax
Enjoy your newly refreshed bathroom!