While it’s fun to decorate the main living areas of someones home, I really enjoy decorating those often neglected areas such as bathrooms.   I love challenging  my creativity to add style and function to a bathroom and most of all I love turning a bathroom into a space with style!

When it comes to decorating a bathroom I use many of the same design techniques as I do with decorating a living room or home office.  I use color as the foundation of the space; I accessorize with items that will add personality to the space; I use texture and pattern to add visual interest and I make sure the space has a point of view and design theme.

If you’re challenged with what to do with your bathroom,  follow my design tips to get your bathroom looking great!

Think of Your Bathroom Vanity as a Tabletop Surface

When it comes to decorating a bathroom vanity, think of it in the same way you would the top of a console table or side table.

Decorate with glass jars and decorative containers that will allow you to keep daily use items close at hand and then arrange them in a stylish way.  A beautiful tray in silver or glass is ideal for holding glass jar, perfume or pill boxes.

Use jars in different heights to add visual interest and add a plant or small floral arrangement for softness.

Also,  make sure to use hand soap that comes in a pretty bottle or transfer it to a decorative dispenser which you can find at HomeGoods, TJMaxx or Marshals.

Pay Attention to the Details

Little things like decorative soaps, a crystal chandelier, flowers or hand towels are all a great way to add style to your bathroom.

  Add Shelving that adds Style and Storage

A majority of bathrooms lack adequate storage space.  Look around your bathroom and see where you can add open shelving that allows you to display pretties and functional items.

Paint the shelves to add a little color and use decorative brackets for added style.

I love using baskets for storage in the bathroom, both wire and wicker.

This image is a great example of how storage and accessories can be added to a bathroom.    The space over the toilet is often left empty and is ideal for open shelving.

via Focal Point Styling

Use your open shelving to display artwork in addition to bathroom essentials.

 Accessorize the Unexpected Areas

Nine times out of ten, the back of the commode is left unattended.  Adding a decorative touch to this area goes a long way in adding style to your bathroom.

Use a tray to hold toiletries, extra tissue rolls or room spray and make sure to add rubber bumpers to the bottom of the tray so it won’t slide around.

 Dress up your Tub

Decorative shower curtains are a quick and easy way to style your bathroom.

I love this look where two panels are used instead of a single, creating a frame for the tub.

If you can’t find a shower curtain you love, use drapery panels instead.

  A clear liner can be added behind the panels to keep them dry and just like curtains in your home, hang your shower curtain as high as possible to give the bathroom visual height.

Here’s a great tutorial from SAS Interiors on turning a curtain panel into a shower curtain.

Don’t forget the tub surround.

The ledge of the tub is a great place to display decorative elements that will enhance your bathing experience and add ambience to your bathroom.

 Think of Paint as an Accessory

Paint is always the easiest and cheapest way to change the look and feel of a space, even bathrooms.

Add color to your walls….

or be bold and add color to your floors!

Layer from the Floor Up

Rugs are necessary in a bathroom so why not use one that is decorative and exciting

Opt for one larger rug if possible instead of a bunch of smaller rugs scattered around the room.

 Furniture is Fabulous in a bathroom

If space allows, go bold and add a piece of furniture to your bathroom space.  Painted furniture will hold up fine in most bathrooms but if your bathroom doesn’t have a great exhaust system, use outdoor paint which will hold up to in humidity and moisture.

Be Creative with the Lighting

Nothing drowns out the style of a bathroom more than a standard grade bathroom fixture.  Opt for a crystal chandelier or something with color and whimsy to bring your bathroom to life.

 Be Creative with Your Storage

Bathrooms are a great place to be a bit adventurous.

Use hooks in a creative way, up cycle vintage pieces and make your storage a central part of your bathroom decor.

I love this application of baskets hung on metal towel rods!

When decorating your home, don’t leave your bathroom on the to-do.  With just a few decorative touches you can turn your bathroom into a space that really stands out.

all images via Pinterest

Have a design challenge you’d like help tackling?  Check out my in-home design service, my Door-to-Door e-design service or email me for a quote!