Illuminated Mirrors Blog

Biophilic Bathrooms – 2021 Interior Design Trends

Jamie Bell - May 11, 2022

Biophilic Bathrooms

Biophilic design is all about connecting humans with nature and creating interior environments that inspire wellness and wellbeing, so that we can feel and sense health benefits in a more present and grounded way.

For the past two years, we have seen a growing trend in the way in which people use bathrooms as a haven in their homes. – A space in which to de-stress, boost moods and relax.

Biophilic design enhances practical spaces with all things natural, and so in our homes, the bathroom is an obvious candidate for styling in this way.

If you are considering a bathroom inspired by nature and tranquillity, there are some key aspects to consider first.

Materials Matter

Materials that come from, or that are inspired by natural elements, are a great place to start when it comes to designing biophilic bathrooms.

The continuity, blend and subtlety of material usage is one of the key elements in creating a cohesive, organic style. Everything needs to tie in together, without distracting or drawing the eye to any one part of the design.

Some materials to consider as part of biophilic design, include:

Concrete

With more of a masculine and modern edge with a slight nod to the current industrial trends, concrete makes a great option for organically styled bathrooms. The imperfect qualities of this material give it a look that will create a standout bathroom design, particularly for elements like free-standing basins and seamless concrete flooring.

Natural stone

Natural stone is a warm, durable material to opt for, and makes a very hardwearing floor. It has an understated elegance that elevates bathrooms, with many of us now opting for stone slab worktops as a growing trend. It looks fabulous when used as tiles on feature walls, for example in shower enclosures and as other visual accents in bathrooms.

Non-toxic, sustainable materials

Bamboo is quite tolerant of high temperatures, and can take a fair amount of steam too, making it a wise choice for natural looking bathrooms. With a softer, more rustic aesthetic, the introduction of other sustainable materials such as cork and wood will also create an effortless, relaxed look and feel.

Keep in mind these materials throughout the process, including in the selection of worktops, furniture, and accessories too.

Considered colours

Because the aim of biophilic styling is to create a tonal, relaxed, and natural environment, it’s best to avoid strong and dark colours, which tend to draw the eye to specific elements and create bold and more harsh schemes.

Instead, select paler, warmer colours and consider using harmonious and tonal colour palettes.

If white and sand colours are a little too bland for your tastes, inject further interest with textured tiles and towels, or add hues inspired by nature like ocean blue, slate grey and botanical greens.

Muted versions of colours also work well in natural schemes. This is where the colour itself is slightly desaturated or has an addition of grey mixed in to tone it down a little.

Light it up!

Due to the enhanced connection with the outdoors, creating a natural source of light is a key aspect in terms of successful biophilic design.

But not all bathrooms have big windows, so how can you obtain a (false) ‘natural light’ effect if you do not have one?

If space allows, use large mirrors to bounce any light that there is around the room, and reflect the illusion of space. The bigger the better, and when it comes to organic styling, select mirrors with rounded edges for a softer, flowing feel. Place them opposite doors or to the sides of small windows to help reflect light into the room. Mirrors with an illuminated edge will further help provide the impression of more light.

Alternatively, illuminated mirrors or cabinets will help give a brighter glow to an otherwise dark room.

White, polished finishes can help make a bathroom brighter
Select white or neutral tiles, with soft tones to help reflect more light around the room

Accessorise meaningfully

Whilst not the most obvious choice in a bathroom, considering wicker and rattan storage boxes will help obtain a relaxed and homely vibe. When opting for items like these, it is wise to position them on shelving that sits away from the wet areas such as showers and baths

Bamboo accessories such as trays and soap dispensers add a natural element to further support the organic styling.

In bathrooms where children aren’t bathed, a simple bamboo bath rack with a soy wax candle and plant can really help pull an organic scheme together, as well as add a little feeling of wellbeing and luxury.

Textural textiles

Fabrics help soften bathroom spaces, which is an important aspect in terms of Biophilic design.

Consider sustainably sourced, neutral-coloured towels with textural elements such as waffle, woven or fringing and tassels for a natural, more bohemian scheme.

Layer up different coloured tonal towels and roll a few into a basket for a homely aesthetic.

Drapes and panels help soften the harsh edges of windows. – Use simple wooden knobs as tie backs to assist with ventilation.

Plant life

One major aspect of biophilic design, and one which will immediately transform a bathroom from dull to dreamy, is the addition of a few plants.

En masse they can provide a real sense of bringing the outdoors inside, and they work well to help break hard lines and angles, which bathrooms are notorious for.

They also provide numerous health benefits, including air purification, improving the atmosphere, and enhancing mental health.

Our top tips for styling with plants in a bathroom:

Consider using plants of differing sizes and display them at various levels within the room. – Corners are great for hanging plants like Spider plants and Air plants and help if space is at a premium. Choose macrame style hanging planters to reinforce the natural element.

If space allows, a floor standing plant like a Fiddle leaf fig is a great option for a bathroom.

For pots, avoid strong colours and manufactured materials, choosing wooden, bamboo and concrete options instead, that’ll help blend into the scheme and stand the test of time.

Lastly, have fun! The aim is to end up with a bathroom space which brings you joy and boosts mood and wellbeing.

nvironments that inspire wellness and wellbeing, so that we can feel and sense health benefits in a more present and grounded way.

Bold & Boundless Design – Bathroom Trends of 2021

Jamie Bell - May 11, 2022

Love creating show-stopping rooms for your home? Read on to hear all about little interior tips and tricks that can make a big impact, visually.

This confident trend is all about showing personality and adding style statements in your bathroom to bring wow factor and pizzazz. Being one of the smallest rooms in the home where you spend the least amount of time means that it can pay off to be a little more daring when it comes to decoration. Why not create a bathroom that will turn heads and provide a talking point for guests?

Here are a few ways to embrace the trend of big impact bathrooms that deliver brilliant design as well as functionality. – Sometimes the smallest switches can create the biggest style transformations.

Colour crush

One of the easiest and most impactful ways to add impact to a bathroom design, is with colour. Colour helps ignite emotions and the senses and can transform an interior almost instantly.

So, what are the most effective ways to bring a little hue boost to your bathroom?

Bathroom paint is a cheap and easily changeable way of adding an instant colour hit, whereas colourful tiles provide a solution with greater longevity. Whichever option you select to add colour to your bathroom, the principles on how to use colour are always the same.

When it comes to using colour, creating one colourful feature wall will always provide a pop, and helps create a focal point in a room by drawing the eye.

Alternatively, applying colour to just the bottom half of the bathroom walls can help ground the room but also by sticking with white at the top, the room remains bright and airy. – Perfect for more compact spaces. Choose stronger colour saturations if you want to go bigger and bolder or stick to pastels and more muted tones for a more subtle effect.

Popular bathroom colours for this year include all manner of nature inspired greens such as Olive, Leaf and Eucalyptus. Strong colour choices can still create a calming and restful space when used as part of a harmonious scheme.

Earthy tones are big news this year, particularly when used in combination together. Terracotta, muted pinks, and greige/creams have replaced the classic grey and white coupling that has been so popular in recent years. These warmer colours help create cosier, welcoming, and friendly bathrooms, further supporting the notion of moving away from the cool, clinical design of years gone by.

Deep and dark hues such as navy, peacock and charcoal are also popular and add instant drama to a space. Contrary to popular belief, dark colours can be used successfully in smaller rooms, and particularly so when fully colour drenching the space, resulting in an enveloping of colour. – Get the look by using the same or similar tones across the floor, walls, and ceiling.

For colour confidence that is a little more subtle yet still creates a bold scheme, select strong blue hues as highlights to an otherwise neutral space.

Other than on the walls and floor, an alternative way to attract attention with colour in a bathroom is through the selection of painted furniture.

Bold and beautiful vanity units can really enhance a bathroom and create a distinctively styled space. For a DIY update, use matte furniture paint to revamp your units, and source interesting handles to replace standard ones.

Mirror, mirror…

From pill shaped to circular, and demisting technology to colour-changing ambient lighting, mirrors are no longer just for reflections. They are also a sure-fire way of finishing off a bold bathroom scheme with enhanced design.

To create a bold and boundless appeal in your bathroom, look for statement mirrors that have added features and extras to add additional wow factor and update functionality.

Pretty in Print

Surface prints are a brilliant way to create a bold bathroom that oozes both style and personality.

The great thing about using them, is that you can introduce prints in a cost-effective and minimal way if you want to test just a little boldness before committing.

One way of doing this is to select statement patterned tiles to cover just one feature wall, or splashback. Then pull in the colours with towels and accessories to create a cohesive room scheme. Highly patterned tiles have been popular for a few years now, with the trends emerging for 2022 focussed on soft geometrics and all over finishes such as marble, terrazzo, and wood.

Another, more cost-effective way to add print to your bathroom design, is to introduce small bursts of pattern through accessories like towels, window treatments, accessories, and plant pots.

Or for something a little more illustrative, consider selecting statement wallpaper or artwork. When it comes to bold bathroom wallpapers, it’s really a case of anything goes. Big pattern trends for 2022 include jungle/tropical prints, large florals and all over prints featuring animals.

Top Tip! – When using wallpaper in the bathroom, it is best to avoid close proximity to bathing areas, but just in case of any splashes, you can also use a thin layer of decorator’s varnish on top to help prevent stains, water damage, peeling paper and mould growth.

Wonderful windows

Window treatments such as curtains and blinds are often a last-minute consideration, particularly in bathrooms, but a bold roller blind or artfully draped curtain panel can really help frame a bathroom window and add another layer of interest to the room.

If opting for curtains, consider light-weight fabrics that are flowing and hang nicely. From a practical sense, they should be easy to move along the pole to aid fresh air flow into the room.

In recent years, wooden shutters have been popular in the bathroom for a modern finish. Consider bringing strong colours through onto these by painting to tie them in with other accessories in the room such as towels and accessories.

Beautiful basins

This year, ornate and perfectly patterned basins have been gaining popularity as an instant way of creating an outstanding bathroom space by changing just one element of the overall design.

From block-coloured basins, through to those with intricate detailing, a bold basin is a sure-fire way to add instant impact in a bathroom, no matter the size.

For a clean, minimal look, try colour-blocking with a simple basin design in a saturated colour.

For a more maximalist style, choose hand painted basins that create a show stopping focal point. For extra style-stake points, select printed wallpapers to complete the look for an eclectic and bohemian feel.

Pleasing panelling

Adding architectural details such as interesting architrave or panelling can really uplevel a bathroom design.

Traditional panelling painted in a bold hue will create a timeless yet contemporary backdrop for your bathroom suite. Suitable for any home, but especially effective in period properties and country style interiors, classic panelling adds an element of luxury and homeliness.

If the idea of panelling is a little too classic for your own tastes, consider fluted or ridged panels for a more modern aesthetic. Vertical ridges on the wall really help add texture and interest to more clinical spaces such as bathrooms. They also break up substantial amounts of wall space for a more homely feel.

Sustainable Bathroom Design Themes

Jamie Bell - May 18, 2022

Sustainability. – A term that by now we are all familiar with as we look to reduce our negative environmental impact on earth. But how does it translate into designing interiors, and more specifically, how do we create earth-friendly bathroom spaces?

By minimising our energy usage, lowering the number of consumable items that we waste, and seeking out alternative, eco-friendly materials for our interiors, we can become more thoughtful about design. But where do we begin in our quest for seeking the best planet protecting bathrooms?

With all things eco-friendly in mind, we have pulled together some of our top tips for styling a bathroom sustainably:

Materials matter

The great news is that earth-conscious materials such as metal, porcelain and glass are often naturally go-to bathroom material selections. They also happen to be eco-friendly options for tiles, ceramicware and décor, so when it comes to the details of the bathroom elements, there is a wide variety of planet-friendly product to choose from.

When it comes to selecting sustainably sourced accessories, refill metal or glass bottles with your favourite (eco-friendly) soap. Not only do glass or metal bottles always look great in the style stakes, but they are also more durable than materials like plastic, which means less frequent requirements to replace, and in turn lower rates of raw material usage.

Bamboo is a great sustainable material as it grows quickly and can be made into all kinds of different items. From cotton buds and bath racks to towels and toothbrushes, bamboo makes a good, hard-wearing option for bathroom accessories. And if the time does come to replace? Bamboo is a fully compostable material!

Natural worktops such as stone and granite will last longer than acrylic or laminate, which by default makes the natural elements a far more planet friendly option for bathrooms.

When it comes to dressing windows, organic linen is a great eco-friendly option which will also offer a relaxed, cosy vibe to a bathroom interior.

Embrace mother nature

When choosing colour options for a sustainable bathroom theme, be inspired by the earth, sea, and sky. Muted and earthy palettes such as Terracotta, Clay, Apricot, Leaf green, Seafoam, Concrete and Olive green are all hues that work beautifully together or when paired with off white or beige.

To bring nature inspired colours into your bathroom, you could choose rustic, handmade tiles in these tones or to switch the palettes more frequently in the future, you could try neutral walls and flooring for more of a blank canvas, and instead pull the earthy tones simply through accessories such as towels, soap dispensers and artwork.

For a warm, slightly rustic, and raw effect, consider colour washing with these hues onto wood materials or dying fabrics with natural pigment dyes.

Positive paint

If you are looking for paint for your bathroom, seek out eco-friendly paint brands with low toxin levels, and use paint brushes and rollers that are made from sustainably sourced materials.

Rustically worn

The key to achieving an effortless and organic thrown-together look in sustainable bathrooms, is to embrace imperfection.

Shopping from preloved sites and shops means that you are helping prevent unwanted furniture reach landfill. Whilst the practical elements such as toilets, basins and showers are probably best to buy new, mixing them with retro or vintage items such as cupboards, artwork and shelves that have a slightly worn patina to them will add to the eco-friendly style overall and will create an authentic and original design. Bathroom furniture made from reclaimed wood has been growing in popularity in recent years for its more natural, imperfect qualities.

Mix and match items for an eclectic style. – As a general rule of thumb, if the colour palette is subtle or quite restricted, then you can mix styles within this to create a unique look and feel.

Reuse, recycle and refurbish

An alternative to buying second-hand, is to look around your own home or on marketplace sites for household items. Think outside of the box by giving new life to those items through repurposing them to create interesting bathroom elements.

For example, old metal buckets make fabulous planters, second hand wooden ladders can be hung from ceilings and used to hang botanicals and greenery, and vintage A-frame or lean-to ladders make great towel hanging rails. If you are into a little DIY, then Mid-century sideboards can make fabulous basin vanity units.

Upcycling also means that less new raw materials are being used. The addition of a splash of paint to some tiles can really give something a new lease of life. Tester pots and wallpaper samples are great ways of upcycling with items that might already be in your home.

Another benefit of upcycling things yourself means that you will get a unique and personal result; one which no other bathroom will have!

You can also consider what you will do with some of your old bathroom elements. Before you discard, consider refurbishment schemes such as ours where we strip out old components from mirrors to refurbish and reuse, therefore helping to reduce landfill.

Waste less water

From a practical perspective, cutting down your water consumption will make a significant difference when it comes to creating a sustainable bathroom that not only looks great but also does good too.

When doing your research, look for low-flow shower heads and dual flush toilets, which will save on spending as well as water usage.

Do your research

When looking for bathroom fixtures and fittings, consider investing in items where the designers and brands are explicit about where their materials come from and how their products are manufactured. Look for information about their manufacturing methods and locations so that you can make informed and empowered decisions about the items you buy.

Seek out brands that repurpose or reuse packaging, and those that are always striving to use recycled (and recyclable) materials, too.

Made in Britain

Brands that not only design, but that also manufacture their products on homegrown soil are automatically reducing their carbon footprint.

All our mirrors are manufactured in Britain, as it helps us to have visibility over our manufacturing processes and complete control over quality and product lifecycles. In keeping the entire process local, we dramatically reduce the carbon footprint of our products, and in turn this has a positive impact on the planet.

Beautiful Botanicals

To complete a sustainable bathroom scheme, one way to add a further layer of eco-friendliness, is to introduce living botanicals.

Plants can clean the air by removing toxins that we breathe into it, which makes them a great option for enhancing a sustainably styled bathroom. As well as purifying, they also provide an array of other benefits including better mental health and help to create a natural, comfy bathroom scheme. Visually, they provide serene, spa vibes, which would fit right at home in a sustainably styled space.

Changing the way in which we approach bathroom design from the beginning is key, as is a holistic and open approach. – By making mindful, simple swaps that can have dramatically positive effects on caring for our planet, it helps us to create conscious, durable, and timeless bathrooms with the serenity that we are all seeking more of.

Should I buy a bathroom mirror or bathroom mirror cabinet?

Jamie Bell - May 18, 2022

A bathroom mirror does so much more than just reflect, it helps brighten an interior and breathes style and sophistication into spaces too.

If you have wall space above your wash basin or vanity unit, the chances are that you are considering either a mirror or a mirrored cabinet to complete the fresh look. Since both mirrors and cabinets compete for the same wall space, the question of which to select comes up fairly frequently when it comes to designing a bathroom interior.

Bathroom Mirror Cabinet with LED dot formation lighting

Whilst there are several obvious benefits to both options, we have pulled together some factors to consider when it comes to deciding whether to go for a mirror or mirrored cabinet, to help aid your own decision-making process.

How big is the bathroom?

Firstly, consider the room size. It may seem obvious, but smaller rooms more frequently require smaller mirrors or units, and for smaller bathrooms and en suites, often a slimline mirror is best suited to the space. Slimline mirrors provide bathrooms with a sleek and fluid look, which translates into both modern and traditional schemes, dependent upon the styling. Be sure to research slimline mirrors that offer other functionalities if this is high on your list of priorities.

Slimline bathroom mirror with a bevelled edge

For larger bathrooms, alternatively, mirrored bathroom cabinets offer the versatility of providing ample storage space to help keep spaces clutter-free and clean. For bathrooms with double basins, selecting two cabinets or mirrors will create symmetry and visual balance in the room.

Where will the mirror or cabinet be hung?

The wall on which the cabinet or mirror will be hung, needs to be big enough, and for cabinets, there should be ample space either side of the doors to avoid collisions with other items. For example, it is best to avoid positioning cabinets in the corners of rooms to enable the doors to fully open.

You may also want to consider that cabinets and basins are often located opposite a bathroom door. This helps to avoid the side of a cabinet being the most prominent feature in a room, which can often feel barrier-like from an interior aesthetics perspective.

When it comes to selecting the size of the cabinet or mirror, take note of furniture proportions within the room. As a rule of thumb, the mirror or cabinet shouldn’t be wider than the piece of furniture or basin that it sits above, to help create a streamlined aesthetic. Note that any misalignment will be more noticeable with straight edged mirrors and cabinets, so lining up with either the basin or vanity unit below, is key to a pulled together design.

Bespoke mirrors that are made to order based on your own space requirements and exacting dimensions, are great for trickier spaces, such as bathrooms within the attic eaves.

Do you require storage?

It’s important to prioritise whichever option works best from a practical perspective. For example, consider whether you need the mirror to be multifunctional or simply just a mirror?

If storage is high up in terms of importance, it may be worth looking at cabinets with shelves for storage of toiletries and accessories, to keep other surfaces clutter-free.

Bathroom mirror cabinets can give your bathroom much needed additional storage.

Once you have established whether you’re in need of storage, plan the items that will be housed in the cabinet, so that you have an idea of height requirements for your shelving. The ability to move shelving up and down is often overlooked, yet adjustable shelves enable you to tailor and flex your storage to your own requirements.

Multifunctional mirrors and cabinets

Before deciding, consider whether you need any other functions for example, shaver sockets, audio, or digital clocks. All equally handy features to have permanently in the bathroom without having to bring in extra elements that may become water damaged, such as mobile phones and external speakers.

Bathroom cabinets with heated demisting doors that never steam-up

Consider cabinets with built in demisters – this is especially helpful in shower rooms with no or small windows – it can be frustrating having to constantly wipe misted-up mirrors!

Add a little glow up

Many mirrors and cabinets come with lights pre-built in, which can be useful when it comes to seeing detail.

Keep in mind any mood lighting that you would like. Colour changing lights can create a bold design with a little spa-like luxury, with ambient lighting helping create can provide a calm and serene space.

Opting for a light that runs all around the edge of the cabinet or mirror will help frame it, and projects a balanced glow around the room.

Dot style mirrors create a more subtle glow, whilst bar lighting helps create a stronger illumination in one area.

If considering a cabinet, look for those with lights underneath to project an ambient soft light. This will help brighten any darkness created by the bottom of the cupboards and the countertop.

Materials matter

When researching your new bathroom cabinet or mirror, ensure to check the materials from which it is made. High-grade aluminium offers enhanced quality and won’t ever rust – pretty important in a bathroom!

Plan your overall styling aesthetic

Are you more interested in modern and minimal or do you quite like stylish, statement pieces? If you prefer a simpler look and feel for example, mirrors will provide a more sleek and seamless result whereas a cabinet will make more of a statement as it protrudes further into the room.

Mirrors can easily be tied into an interior scheme and furniture styling. For example, for a natural, more effortless look, select organic shapes with soft edges such as rounded or pebble shaped mirrors. For rooms that are more symmetrical, or that are designed around harder lines, straight edged mirrors are likely to work better stylistically.

If you are still wondering which option would be best for your own home, here is a little round up of the advantages of both:

Final Conclusions…

Why we love bathroom mirrors:

They don’t intrude into the room and only use up a small amount of wall space as there isn’t much depth to them (consider slimline options for more compact bathrooms).
There are a wide variety of mirror sizes and shapes available, so they can effortlessly tie into an existing interior scheme.
Mirrors can make smaller rooms appear bigger by reflecting light around the room.
They can draw attention to a specific space and create a focal point in boxy rooms, particularly when selecting shaped mirrors.

Why we love cabinets:

Mirrored bathroom cabinets are handy for rooms that lack storage and can hide away all the clutter that we don’t want anyone else to see, offering a clean and sleek appearance.
They visually help balance a row of bathroom furniture underneath, creating a symmetrical room.
You can tie the cabinet finish in with the materials in the rest of the room to make a cohesive interior scheme.
They provide the best of both worlds, without compromise, reflection, and storage!

Breathe new life into your bathroom on a budget (DIY): Top tips to rejuvenate your space on a budget.

Jamie Bell - April 21, 2022

When it comes to bathroom interiors, planning a revamp can often feel a little daunting. Creating a new bathroom can seem like a specialist job perhaps best left to the experts, however there are many ways that you can add DIY touches that will have maximum impact, for a minimal outlay. What is true, is that sometimes the smallest DIY swaps can often make the biggest design difference.

Before making any changes, consider updating your bathroom with sustainable, responsibly sourced materials that are easily recyclable in the future. – Materials such as wood, glass and metal are readily accessible and recyclable for when the time comes to update your look again in the future.

So, where do you begin when you want to quickly refresh your bathroom yourself, without spending lots of time or money?

Here are some of our top tips on how to style up a beautiful bathroom on a budget:

1. Update your hardware, fixtures, and fittings

Simply swapping your taps, shower heads and even small details like cupboard handles for a different finish will dramatically update the style of a bathroom without the need for a full fit out. Consider water saving shower heads and taps that are not only better for the environment, but that will also be easier on the wallet too in the long run.

Sanitary ware/ceramic ware such as toilets, baths and basin will rarely date if they’re white, so investing a little on smaller elements such as new taps and other fixtures instead, can really help elevate a bathroom interior and will easily change up the look.

Current trends for fixtures and fittings include matte black hardware, and brushed brass taps, which also provide an industrial look but with a little elegance thrown in too. Brushed brass as opposite to polished, is more forgiving in that it won’t show fingerprints as readily, so it’s a win-win for both the style and cleaning stakes too!

2. Pick up a paintbrush

Repainting just one or two walls can go a long way when it comes to refreshing a bathroom.

Though commonly an afterthought when it comes to interior design, because they’re smaller and used in shorter doses when compared with living spaces and bedrooms, bathrooms are the rooms in the home that can take more trend led styles and colour updates. – They’re the place to be a little bolder in the style stakes!

Top tips when it comes to painting walls in bathrooms:

For eco-friendly paints, try looking for natural bathroom paint with no VOC’s. These paint types are better for the environment and help improve the air quality too.

It can be a more difficult task to find the right tiles for your bathroom, so if you’re changing those too, source the tiles first and then choose the paint colour afterwards, to complement.

For a striking effect, opt for a painted complementary or triadic colour palette (this is where the colours contrast for a bold, poppy scheme).

Or for a more muted look and feel, choose an analogous palette by selecting colours that sit adjacent to one another on the colour wheel. Tonal designs work by selecting various shades of the same colour for a more cohesive look.

For a bold style, consider painting the walls the same colour/a few shades lighter or darker than your tiles or cupboards, for a colour drench effect. This type of colour blocking is currently very popular and creates a striking, monochromatic scheme.

In terms of the paint itself, we’d recommend opting for kitchen and bathroom paint, as this will help prevent mildew and mould from forming. It will also be more durable and can be easily wiped clean without removing the colour from the wall.

3. Give your tiles a glow up

If you have a vast expanse of tiles in your bathroom, but don’t want the upheaval or the associated costs of having to retile, one option for a quick and inexpensive revamp is to use tile paint.

Before painting, ensure that your tiles are both clean and dry, and sand them so that the paint applies better. Using primer underneath will help the painted tiles last longer, and if your grout lines aren’t looking tip top, try using a grout pen for a quick refresh!

If you do enjoy a little tiling, seek out tiles made from recyclable materials such as metal for an industrial look, ceramic for a more natural, modern look or glass for high end sophistication.

Tiling just a splashback with more unusual tiles can quite quickly renew a bathroom space with a little colour or texture. When tiling a smaller space, smaller or mosaic tiles work well, and you can often find statement options for added impact.

4. Consider aqua panels

An easy-to-install alternative to tiles are aqua boards. These provide waterproof décor for walls with a seamless look and feel. Popular finishes are marble, sandstone, quartz, and terrazzo finishes, and they’re a great, quick, and cost-effective way of covering large spaces.

5. Add drama with a focal feature wall

If a little theatre is your interior objective, then it’s worth looking into wallpaper to draw the eye, create drama and a talking point, too!

Often more affordable than tiles and with illustrative designs that you can’t always find on aqua panels, we are seeing the trend for more wallpaper in bathrooms of late, where any print goes, from ditsy to jungle.

Whilst some may be quizzical about using wallpaper in a bathroom, it’s generally acknowledged that a wallpaper will be happily at home in a well-ventilated bathroom.

You can opt for vinyl wall coverings, designed to be used in more humid spaces, or finish your wallpapering off with a layer or two of decorator’s varnish to keep it splashproof. We’d also recommend only papering in areas unlikely to see major splashing!

Cladding is another way of adding interest to bathroom walls inexpensively. There are so many ready-made panelled boards available in local DIY stores, so it’s really a case of picking your favourite, attaching it to the wall, and painting in situ.

Particularly suited to period and country style properties, half panelled bathroom walls can really give an instant sense of grandeur and will enhance any traditional bathroom.

6. Light it up

In recent years we’ve seen a surge in the use of ambient lighting in bathrooms, as we spend more time there for rest and relaxation.

Elements such as wall sconces and illuminated mirrors help add hints of mood lighting and luxury, as well as elevate the overall bathroom design. Clever lighting can draw attention to certain aspects of the bathroom and detract from others.

Other accessories such as scented candles help add a serene, calming glow to the bathroom for a spot of R&R in the evening. When sourcing eco-friendly candles for your bathroom, opt for natural soy/coconut wax with wooden wicks, and choose colours that help tie your whole scheme together.

7. Add beauty with botanicals

Whether real or artificial, plants are a very easy way to add some oomph to the bathroom space.

Real plants are best for enhancing the air quality in the room and they also love the humidity of bathroom spaces but opting for artificial can be more environmentally friendly in the long run and are also more budget friendly.

The key to positioning plants in bathrooms, is in creating interesting groupings that vary in height, and draw the eye around the room.

Use trailing plants in hanging planters and position them in corners for high level impact. This type of plant can also be used on the tops of shelves too.

If opting for the real deal, some of the best plants for bathrooms include:

Ferns: They love low light and moisture, and can mostly tolerate cooler rooms – they also make for fabulous trailing plants

Spider plants: Again, they love humid environments, and look amazing when hung up

Snake plants: Can cope with fluctuating temperatures and are easy to keep and grow. They’re also great air purifiers!

Fiddle leaf fig plants are a great option for those with a little extra space in the bathroom. They look great positioned on a little wooden stool, or even directly on the floor in a corner. They love warm, damp rooms so bathrooms are perfect for them!

For a sustainable planter option, consider a macrame hanging planter to add interest and texture to a nature inspired space.

8. Introduce tactile textiles

Sprucing up your towels in a bathroom can add a soft elegance to what can otherwise be a bit of clinical space. A basket of rolled up towels is a welcoming touch that’ll help to create a warm interior.

With the rise of eco-friendly manufacturing methods, you can source sustainable towels that are great looking as well as being good for the environment. For a natural aesthetic, seek out organic cotton waffle towels in earthy, muted tones.

Hammam towels with GOTS certified organic cotton are also great for bathrooms with a rustic/artisanal vibe and you can find options with different patterns to add more interest.

If wall space allows a simple wooden rack with hanging storage baskets/pegs for towels is a great way of fusing storage with an interesting feature.

9. Accessorise to moderise

Little finishing touches like towel colours, soap dishes and dispensers can really help lift a bathroom scheme and can completely change the overall look and feel of a space quickly and cost-effectively. It’s also a great way to consider styling sustainably.

Gold accessories help give a feeling of luxe and grandeur and reflect the popular boutique hotel vibe that is currently in vogue. As well as traditional bathroom accessories, candlesticks and diffusers in charcoal grey and gold also help add a sophisticated touch. Consider selecting materials that can be recycled in the future.

Colourful glass bottles and accessories can help add a pop of colour for a bold look and feel. Mix teal, emerald and amber for a tropical, summery style and add palm leaves for a more authentic decorative touch.

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Bamboo wood dispensers, trays and shelves are inexpensive and work well for schemes inspired by nature. Wood tones can sit happily alongside earthy hues and botanicals for a more subtle, raw, and rustic scheme.