Bathrooms are no longer just functional spaces to clean and groom. They are becoming sanctuaries, a place to relax and unwind at the end of a long day. Or if you are able to, take time out in the middle of the day to enjoy this space and create self-care. Traditionally trends have often considered a bathroom space to be minimal, light and hard, mainly recreating a clinical, Swedish spa like environment. As consumers we perhaps have been over diligent taking into consideration excess moisture and steam, but the average household haven't converted their bathrooms into a sauna! so let's not overthink what’s not possible and and open our minds to what is possible. Create a unique and stylish bathroom by incorporating some colour, texture antique pieces, for function and decor.
There are no hard and fast rules. The key is to choose pieces that you love and that reflect your personal style but more so pieces that are easy and suitable everyone using the space. With a little creativity, you can create a bathroom that is both stylish and functional.
Wet
Antiques can add a touch of glamour and sophistication to your bathroom. A Victoria clawfoot bathtub is a classic piece that can add a touch of luxury as the focus piece in the room. If you're looking for something a little more unique, consider a free standing sink, coloured ceramics, a vintage shower head or Victorian style mixer shower set.
Simple beveled antique mirrors on the walls, as many as you like, to reflect all the amazing work you will put into you bathroom styling.
The handcrafted wall paper collection from Farrow & Ball has a thick layer of pigment paint that gives a tactile finish that can appear to look wet. This seasons patterns look out for Purnon with an 18th century crested heron motif.
Yes this is a functional room used, several times a day and needs to be easily cleaned and clutter out of the way.
Warm
Traditional bathroom decor can be quite cold so lets opt for modern and warm athletics. We know good lighting is essential and the colour tone of your light can be warm and golden not cold or clinical.
We have added 3 warm tones to the colour pallet. Dusty Rose, Golden Bronze, Brown Slate. The colder colours still have warm tones Pigeon Grey and Stone Blue. Dusty Rose to lift the room and add personally.
Thick pile towels in dynamic patterns and colours. don't be afraid to experiment here.
Candles glass free moulded bottle designs by Askew candles which specialise in beeswax candle. purifying long, clean burn with zero waste. Also PurScents refillable warm tone glass with rapeseed and coconut wax with natural essential oils.
Metallic
Time for some dramaaaaaa, metals like copper, and brass can add warmth and brighten a bathroom especially if natural light is limited. Keep the metals brushed or matt to keep it modern and classy A vintage deep copper bathtub. Gilded crystal lights and fixtures can be a real statement piece. Complement with gilded silver top vanity jars and bottles neatly clusters on shelf with, cotton bus, bath salts, cotton pads.
Japanese
Oriental culture is a sophisticated way to add personality into your bathroom.
Add some Japanese antiques as a touch of serenity and don’t be afraid to add ceramics into this space. An Imari or Satsuma saucer as a soap dish, as a candle holder or to hold rolled face cloths. A wooden tub rack or a bamboo bath mat can create a cultured spa-like atmosphere.
Be bold with a wallpapered feature wall. Farrow & Ball has a fab selection of Japanese inspired handcrafted papers including a metallic ‘Bamboo’ and Art Nouveau oversize graphic ‘Lotus’
Victorian
Victorian antiques can add luxury to your bathroom decor. A chandelier or a stained glass window can be real atmospheric move. Think traditional and have some engraved or hand painted glass, silver and ceramic storage pieces for your bulk refill supplies. Keep them tidy and secure in a wooden rack or open top box.
A wall or floor feature of Victorian tiles is s decorative and effective way to bring artistic history into your bathroom. Due to limit numbers you may have to mix your antiques tiles with new tiles which can also be very effective.
Here are some tips for incorporating antiques into your bathroom:
- With a little planning, consider the scale of the space.
- Choose pieces that reflect your personal style. Yes function is important but confirm style first.
- Choose a colour pallet 4 to 5 with a highlight many paint and tile shops can help you with this.
- Don't be afraid to mix and match different eras, or to add patterns.
- Use antiques for storage and decor to add personality to your bathroom vanity jars or a collection of apothecary jars can add a touch of charm.
So go ahead and start antiquing! You might be surprised at the unique and beautiful pieces you will start considering just for your bathroom.