Infusing Vital Spaces with Creative Spark: A Fresh Look at Bathroom Design

Let's talk bathrooms, one of the hardest working spaces in our homes. I'm here to share how, with a touch of imagination and the right interior designer, you can transform your bathroom from a purely functional room into a joyful and restorative space that is as inspiring as it is practical. In this article, we'll dive into my approach to bathroom design and how we infuse spirited practicality into these essential spaces.

1. Colours That Sing: Adding Personality & Vitality

Who says bathrooms have to be neutral in colour? Let's bring your personality into play! Think soothing pastels for a retro or spa-like vibe or go bold with deep, jewel tones for that 'wow' factor. Consider injecting colour into your fixtures such as taps, toilets, vanities and basins, just like we did here at Clontarf House. This is a wonderfully innovative way to make the space uniquely yours.

2. ONE-OF-A-KIND Fixtures: Jewellery for Your Bathroom

When it comes to bathroom fixtures, functionality is just the starting point. – Selecting the right fixture is like adding the perfect accessory to your outfit.  It elevates the design to another level. Imagine unique taps in a playful shape and standout sink designs in an engaging colour or stunning finish to catch your eye and engage your emotions.

Widen your horizons and delve into the exciting world of finishes and styles, from coloured options to various materials and quirky shapes. Our aim when selecting? To make sure these fixtures don't just look good, but also perform smoothly and stand the test of time.

3. Creative Surfaces: Elevated wall & floor finishes

At The Space Within, we love innovative and unique materials and, when it comes to bathrooms, we look beyond tiles and standard finishes.  In our bathroom designs, it's about more than just tiles for your surfaces. In our recent Clontarf Project, we went beyond traditional tiling in the family bathroom, incorporating innovative waterproof wallpaper throughout the space to bring a more decorative and immersive feel to the room. And, in the ensuite, we eschewed 2-pac polyurethane for the vanity and introduced a wonderfully tactile furniture linoleum in a deep navy.

Other options include materials like microcement and tadelakt, known for their modern appeal, to introduce unique textures. Or play with wall treatments by combining tiling with paint or panelling, (outside wet areas, of course!). This blending of materials adds depth and character to your space transforming it from ordinary to extraordinary.

4. Inventive Storage: Beyond the Vanity

Storage is often overlooked but is a critical element of a highly functional bathroom and the possibilities for sophisticated storage extend past the vanity and shaving cabinet. In homes like our Drummoyne Project, we've positioned storage and shaving cabinets to the side, keeping the main vanity area uncluttered, spacious and functional.

Our South Coogee Project took it a step further with separate cabinets for discreet storage, maintaining a fresh, streamlined look. For the South Coogee powder room, we designed an extended nib wall to house an in-wall cistern, creating efficient and concealed storage.

These creative storage solutions elevate both functionality and style, demonstrating that bathroom storage can be practical and chic.

5. Everyday Luxury: Bring Spa Vibes Home

Your bathroom can be as luxurious as your favourite spa retreat or high-end hotel. Think beyond the obligatory plush towels, enveloping bathrobe and lush soaps to top-notch rain or thermostatic showers, deep soaking tubs and smart toilets to transform your bathroom into a private retreat. Plan early and think about the comfort of heated floors on chilly mornings and the feel of warmed towels after a blissful shower or bath.

6. Biophilia: Connecting with Nature

We believe connecting with nature is one of the most energising and restorative things we can do so we strive to imbibe all of our designs with elements of the natural world.  One of our favourite ways to do this in bathrooms is to bring in that natural light! Large windows and skylights infuse your bathroom with natural light and connect you to the outdoors. They also offer a great ventilation source!

But it doesn’t stop there. Introduce plants, thriving in the newfound light and transforming your bathroom into a lush oasis.

Explore colours found in nature, whether that be the greyed greens of eucalyptus or the deep blue of the sea, and incorporate materials like timber and natural stone to create a harmonious outdoor connection. These elements bring warmth and authenticity to your space.

By embracing nature, your bathroom becomes not just functional, but a restorative, organic retreat.

7. Gallery Space: Add Art for a truly Personal Room

Beyond the usual decor items of towels, soap dispensers and candles, let's delve into the world of art in your bathroom.  While the damp environment is a consideration, there are plenty of options to explore with humidity-resistant materials across sculpture, paintings, ceramics, and more. 

Introducing artworks add a unique touch to your space, infusing character and individuality to your bathroom in a very unexpected way.

These artistic additions not only enhance aesthetics but also create a personalised haven. By thoughtfully selecting art pieces that can withstand the bathroom environment, your space evolves into a gallery of creativity and self-expression.

8. Enlightening Design: Functional and Polished Lighting

Getting the lighting right in your bathroom is critical for practical reasons like makeup application and shaving but it isn't just about visibility; it's also a core decorative element in bathroom design. Decorative sconces and/or pendants framing your mirror is a tried and true design statement.  But also consider that the correct LED installation not only provides functional lighting for bathing and dressing, it can also create a decorative glow that highlights your carefully chosen materials and finishes in your bathroom. And, can be hidden under the vanity for a subtle night light.

We believe in equipping every lighting fixture with a dimmer to provide versatility for setting the mood, whether you need an energising start to your day or a relaxing evening. Lighting plays a pivotal role in bathroom design, contributing to both aesthetics and functionality.

So, there you have it! Bathrooms don't have to be mundane and solely functional. With a touch of imagination and the expertise of a skilled interior designer like me, we can redefine your bathroom into a space that's both imaginative and practical. Whether it's through colour, fixtures, storage solutions, or the beauty of nature, there are countless ways to breathe new life into this essential room.

Ready to Transform Your bathroom? 

Together, we can create a bathroom that not only supports your daily routine but reflects your unique personality. Don't settle for the ordinary; let's infuse some imaginative flair into your space!

Live, beyond ordinary.
Donna