If my existing bathroom was to win an award, it would be for the “Most Beige Bathroom Of All Time.” I’m sorry to say, but the end is nigh for the assault of peach in our master suite, and 2019 will be the year of the technicolour toilet.
We aren’t far off now from finishing our latest house projects; my lounge and our daughter’s bedroom. They’ve been slow decorating jobs, certainly, mostly done in spare minutes snuck in between school runs and our day jobs, but we’re onto finishing touches now and I’m eager to show you the Before and Afters.
As I sort final faffing, I can’t help but look ahead to what project comes next (later in 2019 no doubt) and I’m thinking it’s just got to be the master bathroom. Our current situation is a wash of salmon/peach/manilla.
It’s pretty blah in my opinion, although we do get compliments on it from visitors proving that this neutral is still a favourite to the masses. For me though, I’m going to need something with a little more punch.
I want drama. I want colour. I want pattern. In the midst of trying to negotiate with a toddler to brush their teeth and contend with potty training, the bathroom can be a tumultuous place for parents when it should be our place of sanctuary.
My theory is, if we fake it, give it a luxurious makeover, then surely our lives will automatically feel that bit more fabulous by association. Right? Well, let’s test the theory at least.
I spoke – in a recent post about “lessons learned from my first bathroom renovation” – just what we want to action this time around, but here are the real moodboard catalysts and the latest in my “10 Colourful…” series. Here are 10 bathrooms getting playful in all the right ways, which will inspire our next big project.
1. Lissi’s Jellyfish
It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly what I like best about this utterly fantastic bathroom. It’s such a perfect execution of the Jellyfish Bloom pattern from the Thibaut Summer House wallpaper collection – and especially so in the Coral colourway against that inky blue. The best thing is, if you strip back the bold design to the bones of this room, it’s just like so many of our own bathrooms, showing just how much of a difference a lick of paint and a brave paper can achieve.
2. Aileen’s Stripes
I did a double take when I first read that these stripes were done with…tape! Sometimes, we don’t want to rip everything out when it comes to makeovers – far too messy – but instead embrace what we’ve got, and I love that this room has taken the vintage tiles and replicated the colour across the doors to give it a real modern edge. (There may still be hope for anyone still living with an avocado bathroom suite!) Having the tape cross both the door and the picture frame makes this budget-friendly makeover look far more high-end in my books, (anyone else see some Memphis Milano inspiration in there?) and I adore it.
3. Nicola’s Jungle
She may have been made Insta-famous from her stunning Made.com Scott sofa in green, but it’s Nicola’s leafy jungle which I love the most! I actually have this very same wallpaper (Feuilles De Luxe from The Loft and Us) in our lounge albeit in the blue colourway, and it’s great to see those banana leaves work just as well in a bathroom. What I admire more about this particular space is the unapologetic use of artwork and textiles (especially the use of a fringed lampshade!). So many of us shy away from personal touches, or soft furnishings in general, when it comes to ‘wet rooms’ making them look clinical and cold. But not this one. This is a tropical space I’d love to dip my toes into.
4. Donna’s Cabaret
The power of a statement wallpaper! They say that if there is any room that you can have a bit of freedom to go bold, it’s the downstairs loo – and ain’t that certainly the case here? Donna photographed her friend Miranda’s home, and was right in noting that this Whimsical Cabaret wallpaper from Cole & Son absolutely transforms the space. Adding a wallpaper with this much detail, means that you pay so much more attention to the narrative of it, rather than focusing on the lack of wiggle room in the space. Really clever.
5. Stalin’s Salmon Grid
I may love the bright and bold, but there is something about a bit of monochrome which can absolutely transform a single colour and give it so much punch. The square grid pattern paired with the salmon walls feels modern yet classic all at the same time. This is a fantastic way for those who are a little hesitant of colour to branch out into something new. And hey, the example below isn’t too far removed from Pantone’s 2019 Colour Of The Year, “Living Coral”, so feel free to take it as inspiration on how best to use it.
6. Sandra’s Sunshine Soak
Hypothesis: Bathtubs don’t need to be white to be luxurious. Proof: See Exhibit A below. One wonderful aspect of bathroom design which has advanced so much more since I last renovated one 6 year ago, is the ability to customise the big ticket items. Go into your local store and you may be offered bright white enamel, full stop. Do a little online digging and there is a world of creative heroes who have had their baths painted in the colour they want to soak in. I adore this yellow below, and especially love Sandra’s use of artwork over tiles in her bathroom. Rarely seen, but beautifully executed to the plant-based surroundings. I’m taking note!
7. Frida Visits Robyn
If you’ve ever wanted to shower with the legend that is Frida Kahlo, turns out it’s as simple as adding to your online checkout thanks to artist Heather Galler and this utterly fantastic creation. Perfectly styled by one of my favourite Instagrammers, Robyn Donaldson, who is Queen of sourcing ice-breaker interiors on a budget. Shower curtains are back.
8. Yellow ALL THE THINGS
This is honestly one of the best bathrooms I’ve ever seen. Totally fearless and I’ve always had a soft spot for extreme colour-blocking. Sure, this won’t be to everyone’s taste for everyday usage – which is why it is so perfectly designed to be an airbnb. I’m 100% going to be visiting at some point in 2019, and you bet I’m going to take every bit of yellow clothing I own for some seriously photo opps. Which colour would you go all in for in the loo?
9. Katie’s Peach Palace
I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Katie’s unbelievable home and each room is decorated fiercely with a warmth that compliments Katie and her family so well. Transformed from its original wash of peach, her style is flawless and this downstairs loo, with a nod to the peach origins through the neon wall feature, is a glimmer of hope for me, that one day our very own peach number can also look this glamorous.
10. The Mirrored Loo of Poland
This one, I found on a recent adventure. Following a family trip to Poland in 2018, we stumbled across a lovely cafe (Fanaberia) in a town called Sopot (which I thorougly recommend and will be featuring soon!). A quick trip to the loo had me pulling out the camera due to the lovely use of the Harlequin Cranes In Flight wallpaper – but then I spotted the mirrored ceiling! Now THAT is a statement for the loo I won’t be forgetting in a hurry. A brilliant talking point to take back from your jollies. Tell me, do you dare put it into action at home?
And those are my favourites! I’ll be covering moodboards of what we have planned for our very own upcoming bathroom renovation, and if I can make it half as fabulous as these lovely lot, I’ll be very happy indeed. So tell me, which is your favourite bathroom you’ve spotted online? And what would you like to see in next month’s “10 Colourful…” series.
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