25+ Blue bathroom ideas – light blue bathrooms, blue and white bathrooms

Enjoy peace and calm in a beautiful blue bathroom.

25+ Blue bathroom ideas – light blue bathrooms, blue and white bathrooms

Blue in interior design is a colour that never goes out of fashion, merely changes its style. But with the Hamptons style a current staple, adding blue makes a space look trendy, nautical and reminiscent of the ocean – all of the things we love.

Blue is widely known as the colour of calm and relaxation and there are so many different shades and combinations with different colours such as teal, aqua, pastel blue and navy. So to find the right blue, let’s take a look at these blue bathroom ideas for your home.

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1. Mermaid ombre tiles

When I think of blue, I think of the ocean. And when I think of the ocean, I think fish, dolphins and, in a fantastical sense, mermaids. These scale-like tiles are reminiscent of fish scales or a mermaids tail and I love the intention of bringing the ocean inside and to your bath and shower.

blue-bathroom-mermaid-tile
Source: Photo by Christa Grover from Pexels

2. Creative mosaics

Another way you can use blue tiles to deliver a pop of colour into a space is through the bathroom flooring. Even if your bathroom is mostly white, you can make the floor the feature. For instance, square tiles inspired by mosaics. The white details in the tile design can be balanced with a white bathtub, tiled walls, windows, towel and white decor.

3. Navy cabinetry

Another great way to bring blue into your bathroom is through using a bold colour in your cabinetry which creates a statement. This could be DIY project with a few coats of navy and adding some new hardware with the gold handles.

blue-bathroom-navy-gold
Source: Photo by Laurence Katz on Unsplash

4. Blue paint and tile combination

Instead of completing the wall with just paint or all tiles (which can be expensive), this small bathroom uses both. In turn, this creates interest and maximises the space by including a splashback section that protects the walls and is easy to clean and wipe down.

blue-bathroom-paint-and-tile
Source: Photo by Cameron Smith on Unsplash
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5. Tiled bathtub

Tiles can be used in a narrow bathroom to elongate the room by continuing down the wall and over the bathtub. And, varying colours means you can use a variety of complementary colours in the decor.

6. Lobster love

Wallpaper is a quick and cute way to inject some fun into your bathroom. For instance, we spied a wallpaper made up of white lobsters with a navy background that is sure to wow your guests with its nautical theme and innovative execution. But if you love wallpaper, please do yourself a favour by looking at these fantastic bathroom wallpaper ideas.

7. Blue front, white top

A muted navy cabinet is the perfect choice for a neutral bathroom. Pair with beige paint walls, white and grey speckled tiles, silver metallic finishes, white accents and a  blue vase. A dark blue cabinet brings the entire bathroom together.

8. Shower feature tiles

A gorgeous tiled wall really elevates any room of a house and a feature wall in a bathroom is no exception. By adding feature tiles in the shower and teaming it with a clear shower screen, this truly sets the bathroom apart.

blue-bathroom-blue-shower
Source: Photo by Bence Balla-Schottner on Unsplash

9. A feminine touch

I know, floral wallpaper could totally just remind you of your grandmother’s house. But if it’s executed well, it can be really stunning. Instead of small and multiple floral patterns, try going for larger flowers in a limited colour palette to bring some blue and white into your bathroom. If the wallpaper is paired with newer and more modern details, such as a mirror and sink with clean lines, this will contrast perfectly with the floral pattern.

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10. Fit for royalty

If you have a large space to work with, painting the ceilings and walls the same colour gives a cave-like effect that makes your bathroom feel like your very own oasis. And why not make it a regal bathroom fit for royalty? Just add a large chandelier, ornate mirror and marble bathtub.

11. Kids bathroom

Adding a pastel blue is a sweet way to entice your little darlings into the bathroom more often. It might be a simple, light blue shower curtain with a fun print on it, or a blue doormat. While these features are temporary, you can make your blue bathroom more permanent with navy cabinetry that complements the other design choices in the room.

blue-bathroom-main
Source: Photo by Sarah Chai from Pexels

12. Statement wallpaper

A statement wallpaper can be super whimsical, inviting and can bring a bathroom together. I love a quirky design which looks as if it is right out of a fairytale. With the right decor and bathroom fixtures, a statement wallpaper becomes something memorable.

13. Blue and white tiling

Continue your blue and white tiling from the main area of the bathroom, where the vanity and sink is, into the shower room. The same tiles can be used on the walls in each section of the bathroom as well. This creates a beautiful cohesiveness and makes the bathroom feel as if it is bigger and never-ending.

blue-bathroom-dark-blue
Source: Photo by Pixabay on Pexels
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14. Regal blue

The shiny, glazed tile trend looks magnificent when done well. Due to the shiny and reflected nature of the tile, this reminds me of being in a pool or being underwater as it almost gives a ‘wet look’. Regal blue tiling in conjunction with the simple bathroom elements really makes an elegant impression.

15. Textural contrast

When using the same or similar colour, mixing and matching textures, shapes and patterns is the best way to go to ensure contrast. You could even use a 3D brick look tile for the bottom half of a wall with a contrasting textured effect up the top.

16. Baby blue bathroom

If a more subtle and soft look is what you’re after, try using a lighter and more ‘baby’ shade of blue, like this pastel baby blue half wall. This gives the bathroom a really calming and relaxing feel.

blue-bathroom-baby-blue-paint
Source: Photo by Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels

17. Tile design variation

Using tile in a bathroom is definitely something that we have seen done many times, but what about varying the design of your tiles? For instance you might go with a sleek and shiny blue tile for the walls and a beautiful blue and white floral pattern using hexagon tiles for the floor. Varying your tile design can create interest and provides something a little different than your usual plain tile.

18. Oversize tiles

Tiles come in varying sizes and there’s currently a trend towards bold, oversized tile forms. These look amazing as a feature in your bathroom. Navy tiles teamed with white grout is a beautiful and effective way to bring blue and white into your bathroom.

19. Quirky patterns

Quirkily mixing and match pattern play can be a really great method of bringing your bathroom to life in a unique way. It may be through adding muted blue patterned wallpaper, and a light blue patterned lamp shade. Or it may be the addition of intricate blue and white encaustic tile.

blue-bathroom-blue-tile
Source: Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
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20. Urban style

You can achieve a fresh, contemporary bathroom by using light wood, white or gold fixtures and clean lines. You really can’t go wrong with this soft, saturated shade of cornflower blue!

blue-bathroom-touch-of-blue
Source: Photo by Laurence Katz on Unsplash

21. Neutral tones

You don’t necessarily have to always go big and bold to achieve the blue and white trend. By simply using neutral tones, you can ensure your bathroom always looks timeless. Plus, the blue chosen for the tiling in your bathroom should ideally be a neutral-toned blue. White and natural wood in the furniture will complement this subtle blue.

22. Blue feature wall

Here’s another feature wall that adds the perfect amount of blue into a bathroom. A wall treatment is a great way to add interest, texture and pattern to a plain space. How pretty is this teal blue?

blue-bathroom-feature-wall
Source: Photo by Meelika Marzzarella on Unsplash

23. Japanese ink painting vibes

Have you ever considered having a mural painted in your bathroom? It’s an easy way to incorporate blue. And if you love deep inky blues, consider the designs of Japanese inspired ink painting murals, with their relaxing vibes of a zen garden on a perfect Spring day. To recreate the look, opt for dark metallic finishes that are extremely minimalistic and zero fuss so that all eyes can be on your beautiful mural.

24. Basic blue

Going back to basics and simply adding a blue splashback behind your vanity is a super easy update. Why not go for a stunning blue marble basin, paired with black metal details. Don’t forget to add a plant to offset the deep blue and brings life and greenery into the space.

25. Blue basin

A cobalt blue, concrete floating basin seriously looks like a work of art and is giving me Pop Art/Andy Warhol vibes with the bold statement. A mirror framed in the same shade of blue successfully brings this space together in perfectly harmony!

26. Stepping into the ocean

When I think of blue and white, I imagine the sea and all things nautical and you can definitely get that sense when stepping into this Jack and Jill bathroom. And this shade of blue goes so well with marble!

blue-bathroom-classic-blue
Source: Photo by Sam Yink on Unsplash

So as you see, if you’re wanting to undertake a major bathroom renovation or are just in the market to add a splash of paint, there are many different ways you can implement hues of blue in your space. How will you be using blue to make your bathroom feel like the ocean side abode of your dreams?

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24 Elegant Art Deco bathrooms

Create a space that exudes elegance and gives a nod to the old world glamour of yesteryear.

24 Elegant Art Deco bathrooms

When you’re renovating your home, it can be easy to look through the lens of the latest modern design trends. But what about the classics like Mid-Century Modern and Art Deco bathroom design? Well, these are easy to revive with a modern twist with decorative highlights added to your bathroom. So, if you want to create a unique bathroom, it’s well worth taking a look at design styles from other eras to draw fresh inspiration.

For a brief history update, Art Deco originated in France in the 1920s just after World War I, bringing about a refreshing change from the eclectic and revivalist styles that came before it. At its heart, Art Deco design represented modernism in fashion. And on the home styling front, Art Deco products included unique luxury items as well as mass-produced homewares, that used fine craftsmanship and exquisite materials. During the height of the 1920s, Art Deco style epitomised wealth, sophistication, glamour, and faith in social and technological progress.

In today’s day and age, Art Deco style is so much broader and it can be fused with modern house design elements to create a dynamic interior that incorporates a hint of glamour – giving you all of the feelings of yesteryear without looking dated. So, are you looking to bring the glamour of the roaring ’20s to your new bathroom? Let’s look at simple ways to achieve it.

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Source: Photo by Laurence Katz on Unsplash

1. Traditional vanity

Take your bathroom design back in time with a traditional vanity. Once you’ve installed this, consider the other elements that will make your bathroom feel Art Deco. Think a classic mirror, large soaking tub and marble bathroom flooring.

art-deco-bathroom-taps
Source: Photo by Krystal Black on Unsplash

2. Two-piece toilet

While a two-piece toilet isn’t something you see often, it’s the perfect addition to an Art Deco space. Intentionally adding key pieces can inject so much character into even a small space.

3. Retro bathroom mirrors

While a mirror is a practical necessity in every bathroom, there’s no reason why you can’t make it fabulous. And you don’t just have to go for a simple round or rectangular mirror. There are so many great options on the market! The most obvious place to look is at homeware stores, but you can also scour your secondhand shops too. And spice things up a bit by considering something fun like a geometric retro mirror.

art-deco-bathroom-lights
Source: Photo by Lukas Schroeder on Unsplash

4. Create symmetry

One of the major hallmarks of Art Deco design is its symmetrical style. And I think we can all agree that there’s nothing more soothing in design than a little bit of symmetry! This forms the perfect foundation for the rest of the space. If you can squeeze a double vanity with dual basins, mirrors and lighting, then you’ll create a beautiful finish with strong Art Deco flavours.

art-deco-bathroom-symmetry
Source: Photo by Christian Mackie on Unsplash

5. Vintage lighting

Aim for the perfect blend of old and new with a statement piece that truly draws the eye.

art-deco-bathroom-bold-and-gold
Source: Photo by Amira Aboalnaga on Unsplash

6. Patterned tiles

Take your flooring to the next level with interesting black-and-white tiles. What I love about these ones is they aren’t the classic subway tiles. Instead, they’re a mix of different patterns and shapes, which adds a layer of intrigue to a simple bathroom. But no matter what your style and taste, there are plenty of bathroom tile ideas to choose from. Be bold and go for something that speaks to your character – it’s so important to create a space that you truly love!

7. Modern classic

You don’t need to choose between turning back the clock on your design and keeping things in the 21st century. You can always add elements of Art deco style and combine them with more modern elements, like fresh white moulded bathroom cabinetry and a straight-cut rectangular mirror.

8. Parisian vintage

If you want to keep things truly authentic and stick to the heart of Art Deco design, then you should create a Parisian style bathroom. To make it feel truly French, incorporate a claw foot bathtub, classic pedestal sinks, chequered tile bathroom flooring, ornate lighting and intricate decor.

art-deco-bathroom-luxury
Source: Photo by Valeria Boltneva from Pexels

9. Art Deco twist on modern bathroom

Keep things mostly modern with a slight twist on Art Deco style. Go for simple white subway tiles with white grout, a thick piece of marble as a benchtop and add a vintage, old-school mirror.

10. Ornate mirror

I’m a huge fan of fancy mirrors, especially those with detailing on the edging. It really makes it stand out as a feature piece in an Art Deco inspired bathroom.

11. Heavy brass

If you don’t want to completely overhaul your bathroom, you can still change it up by making a few small changes. The most simple one you can make is to swap out your old vanity hardware for some fresh new handles. I love a heavy brass option for both tapware and handles, and it’s really popular right now. You could also go for gold, silver or a rustic brass.

And you can’t go past a clean-cut marble countertop. Swap out your old benchtop for a pre-cut piece of marble with lots of veining. It’ll be the finishing touch on your vanity!

12. Black bathroom tiles

Slick shiny black wall tiles will take your design to the next level while allowing light to bounce around the space. And this can be offset with black and white mosaic floor tiles. Round and geometric shapes tiles add so much personality to a space. Silver hardware around the sink finishes the design off by adding a classic touch.

13. Penny round mosaic tiles

If you’ve decided you want to create a modern Art Deco space in your modern house, then you need to consider every little detail, not just the furniture. The design begins from the ground up, when you choose your flooring. Of course, there are the usual simple white tiles. But if you want to do something different, then you should have a look at mosaic tiles. I really love penny round mosaic tiles and they set an Art Deco tone for your space. From there, you can build the bathroom up with your vanity, hardware, countertop and sinks, mirrors, lighting and decor. Remember to always choose elements that speak to your personality and make it shine.

14. Double-wall design

There are so many options out there when it comes to bathroom design and if you’re anything like me, then you probably find it hard to land on one style. But the good news is that you don’t have to stick to one style. You can go all out and embrace your multi-passionate side by incorporating two designs. One way to to do this is to incorporate two designs in your wall – such as soft pastel paint for the top half and classic rectangular white tiles for the bottom.

blue-bathroom-paint-and-tile
Source: Photo by Cameron Smith on Unsplash

15. Make it different

While black and white is a mainstay of Art Deco design, it doesn’t mean you need to make your walls look exactly like everyone else’s. Consider unusual patterns, such as a scalloped edge, to create interest while remaining elegant in your sophisticated modern Art Deco bathroom.

art-deco-bathroom-more-sculptural-pieces
Source: Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels

16. Vintage wallpaper

If you want to create something that will make a statement as your guests walk through the doors of your new bathroom, then paste your walls with a fancy wallpaper! There are so many quirky and whimsical designs full of vintage flavour that allow you to inject your unique personality into the space. So as you plan your bathroom renovation, think of ways to make it yours. Some key areas to consider are your walls, lighting, mirror and decor.

art-deco-bathroom-wallpaper
Source: Photo by Anne Nygård on Unsplash

17. Pastel Art Deco bathroom

A little bit of pastel can go a long way in making your small bathroom look fresh and pretty. Contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t have to be overly feminine either. You can incorporate pastels by adding in a tea towel, vase, flowers or any other small piece of decor. Remember, when creating your new Art Deco bathroom, it’s the details that will really make it shine!

art-deco-bathroom-sculptural-decor
Source: Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels

18. Mixed materials

Modern bathrooms don’t have to be black and white to embody Art Deco glamour. You can incorporate a mix of elements, including brass, pops of pink, fun prints, rustic bricks and natural greenery to create an inspiring, contemporary space.

19. Earthy Art Deco

Art Deco style is know for being big, bold and beautiful. Achieve a glam look with striking statement tile, a super-sleek floating vanity, faux hardwood floor tile, artworks, and all the modern amenities a homeowner could ever need. It’s all in the details, people.

art-deco-bathroom-over-the-top
Source: Photo by yann maignan on Unsplash

20. Contrasting colours

Art Deco colours are traditionally bold and driven by contrast in colour schemes of silver, black, chrome, yellow, red, cream, green, and beige. And when it comes to solid colours, black-brown and tan are the go-to. So, when you’re designing your Art Deco bathroom, consider how you can incorporate a colour palette using these traditionally Art Deco hues.

21. Black paint

If you want to create a bathroom that’s totally luxe, then you should consider a lick of black paint. It’s amazing how a coat of paint can completely transform a room. Get some help to transform your bathroom colour scheme with a professional painter.

22. Clawfoot bath

I love a good soaking tub. There’s something nothing like enjoying a relaxing bath at the end of a long day at work, right? Adding a good dose of classical opulence and vintage aesthetics, a clawfoot bathtub can instantly transform your bathroom. Combined with shiny silver tapware, a statement tub will take your bathroom from modern design to vintage chic.

23. Classic pedestal sinks

Rewind back a century by installing classic pedestal sinks. The double sink and double mirror/cabinet look will evoke strong Art Deco vibes.

24. Decorative flooring

If you’re not afraid to make a statement with your floors, then consider geometric tiles! These beauties look good with almost anything but they really shine with simple black and white furniture. I love how such a simple addition, like tiles, can make such a huge difference to your bathroom’s overall look.

There you have it, 24 Art Deco ideas that you can use for your next bathroom renovation. Before you go, I’d love to hear from you. Which idea stood out to you the most? Comment and tell me. Plus, if you have any other brilliant Art Deco bathroom ideas, share them too!

34 beautiful bathroom decor ideas

What’s ahead for bathroom decor ideas this year?

34 beautiful bathroom decor ideas

The world of bathroom design is constantly in flux, with new products and new methods regularly being introduced. Thankfully, since nobody really wants to be endlessly renovating their bathroom, bathroom decor trends tend to build up steam over a number of years. So rest assured that what was “in” last year will not suddenly be “out” this year. Sure, new ideas may be added to the mood board, but nobody expects you to rip out all your tile or upgrade the tapware every year.

And many of the bathroom decor ideas I’ve spotted lately suggest that certain trends will actually have healthy longevity—they may even be instant classics. Such as our fascination with coloured and patterned bathroom tile! It seems we can’t get enough of it and it doesn’t look like going out of style any time soon.

So what are some of the most popular decorating ideas I’ve come across while on my hunt to track down the best bathroom looks? I’ve definitely noticed some strong common tendencies out there towards certain colours, methods, materials and finishes. In fact, you’ll continue to see a lot of the following:

  1. Unexpected materials used in unexpected ways
  2. Luxe minimalism
  3. Injecting strong visual interest with statement vanities, tubs or showers
  4. Freestanding and floating everything—sinks, vanities, tubs
  5. Focusing on texture, including wall treatments like tile and wallpaper
  6. Being pattern-forward, especially towards terrazzo
  7. Other wall treatments, like wainscoting or beadboarding
  8. Creating organic and sustainable vignettes to satisfy the pursuit of nature
  9. Warmth in fixtures, and
  10. Black accents are still going strong.

No doubt there’s more, but let’s start by taking a closer look at each of my key bathroom decor trends above.

Using unexpected materials in unexpected ways

There’s nothing that makes a bathroom look more modern than the use of a bold, raw, textured material like cement or natural stone–especially when it’s used in an unusual way. You get instant visual interest, strong textural impact and the rest of the bathroom doesn’t need much in the way of accessorising.

The popularity of cement statement sinks and tubs and other concrete accents in bathrooms continues unabated in 2022. Let’s take a look at a few examples of how it’s being used in unusual ways.

bathroom-decor-ideas-concrete
Source: Photo by Bilal Mansuri on Unsplash

1. Coloured concrete bespoke sinks

While grey is ever-popular, concrete can be any colour. Some manufacturers are making bespoke sinks and tubs in almost any colour you can imagine.

2. Mix it with natural materials

Despite being a manmade material, concrete works very well with natural materials like timber and natural stone tile.

3. Concrete tub

A concrete sink and tub beautifully with a bathroom boasting lots of timber, crisp white walls and dark flagstone paver flooring.

4. Cement vanity

These have been cropping up everywhere, as people opt for this affordable, customisable, low maintenance, and very strong material for their vanities. If you are looking for a rustic, industrial, minimalist and sophisticated vanity then a concrete one will appeal.

5. Textured-surface concrete sink

While people apparently love the classic rough pale grey of concrete, some are going a step further to choose statement sinks or tubs with textural patterned qualities.

6. Concrete backsplash

When incorporating concrete, one good tip I’ve come across is to juxtapose its raw, unrefined aesthetic with lustrous, smooth, warm finishes and fixtures. For example, brass and concrete are a match made in heaven.

Luxe minimalism

This term is being used to describe how bathrooms are being transformed into spa-like mini-retreats in a quest to create the perfect fantasy pamper space, a haven of dreamy introspection and rejuvenation. Again, enter the freestanding white tub, give it a five-star finish with gorgeous tapware, and embed it in a simple, calming colour scheme. Think boutique hotel crossed with an Australian coastal style.

bathroom-decor-luxe-minimalism
Source: Photo by Laurence Katz on Unsplash

7. Stunning lighting

Bathroom lighting is seriously on the radar now, with people eager to add statement lights like chandeliers and plenty of practical task lights. Generally, people are highly focused on the ambience they are creating with their lighting.

8. Exciting tile

Beautiful mosaic tile creates visual interest but the tiles don’t need to be loud, even subtle calming tones can still make an impact.

9. A statement shower

Tiling up a feature wall in the shower is a simple yet stunning way to modernise your bathroom. Don’t forget to go for a luxe rainfall showered.

Also, if there isn’t a window that you can easily open, don’t forget to think about your exhaust fan installation.

bathroom-decor-tiled-shower
Source: Pexels by Pixabay

Creating strong visual interest

No matter what your bathroom decor style, it seems that creating a focal point with a statement vanity, tub or shower is more and more popular. Whether it’s an unusual tub shape, or a new tub material (such as volcanic limestone), people are paring back their decor and choosing more basic palettes to let their statement feature do all the talking.

bathroom-decor-strong-visual-interest
Source: Photo by Bilal Mansuri on Unsplash

10. Matte black tub

A moody, stylish alternative to the white freestanding statement tub is a black one! And if you are looking to design a black and white bathroom, a black bathtub is perfect for you.

Freestanding and floating everything

Floating sinks and vanities are everywhere and the more unusual the shape, the better.

bathroom-decor-freestanding-floating
Source: Photo by Ryan Christodoulou on Unsplash

11. Freestanding tub

If the look of a freestanding tub appeals to you but the idea of cleaning behind them is off-putting, track down a D-shaped piece which will be flush with at least one wall.

12. Floating sink

Having a floating sink is great space saver and the perfect way to create a more airy feeling in your bathroom. The sink seems to stay put as if by magic, and the extra floor room gives the impression of more space.

13. No pulls or handles

Opting to forego cabinet pulls or handles helps maintain the streamlined effect that a floating vanity provides.

bathroom-decor-statement-sinks
Source: Photo by R ARCHITECTURE on Unsplash

Attractive floating vanities are the perfect way to add storage without looking too utilitarian. Love floating timber vanity designs? Find a local bathroom cabinet maker to discuss creating your own.

Incorporating texture

A sustained love of texture is prompting the rise of wall treatments like tile, wallpaper or wainscoting. First let’s take a look at tiles. Phew, where to start? There are just so many varieties to choose from. Although we have a comprehensive round-up of current bathroom tile ideas, I couldn’t help including a few new favourites here as well. High gloss, deeply saturated, full of personality—I just adore tile!  Soft neutrals, muted pastels and nature colours remain popular. But there are certainly those who can pull off bold, jewel colours as well.

bathroom-decor-ideas-tile
Source: Photo by Nathaniel Kohfield on Unsplash

13. Diagonal white subway tile

White subway tile is a classic, of course. But you can add visual interest by stacking it diagonally.

14. Charcoal tile

Stacked charcoal subway tile with subtle colour variances creates a gorgeous texture for your bathroom and grey is such a wonderfully versatile contemporary neutral.

15. Hipper to be square

An alternative to rectangular subway tile, square subway tile is a fresh take. It’s looks beautiful with contrasting grout.

16. Pastel tile trend

One of the colour trends predicted to stay strong is the love for pastel. Perfect for creating a dreamy little bathroom.

17. Dramatic colours

While on the one hand, there’s a trend to a muted colour palette (soft pinks, seagreens, dusty blues), on the other hand there’s also a push towards intense, highly saturated colours, even an intensely black tiled bathroom.

bathroom-decor-patterns
Source: Photo by Christa Grover from Pexels

18. Consider zellige

Both subway and zellige are glossy ceramic tiles that are fired and glazed, but whereas subway tile was born in New York City in 1904, zellige tile was actually born all the way back in 10th century Morocco. Subway tiles are more preferred for their neat, clean lines, whereas perfectly-imperfect zellige tiles are prized for their organic vibe, colour variations and warm earthiness.

bathroom-decor-tile-texture-love
Source: Photo by Castorly Stock from Pexels

19. Get it done right

With so many gorgeous colourful tiling options, how on earth to choose?! But when you do, you can easily get someone to make sure your tiles are perfectly laid. And over time, make the most of your bathroom tile by hiring someone who specialises in cleaning tiles and grout.

Being pattern-forward

It’s plain to see: we’re all obsessed with a pattern. Whether it’s graphic, orderly geo shapes, or exuberant, wild terrazzo, introduce pattern into your bathroom for visual interest and texture.

20. Terrazzo bathroom decor ideas

Terrazzo has been popular in bathroom décor for some years. It’s a composite material that is made of chips of marble, quartz, granite, glass or other materials and mixed with resin and cement. Many bathroom designers are currently experimenting with pattern and colour of terrazzo, including using new resins with organic materials like peppercorns or Himalayan rock salt!

bathroom-decor-terrazzo
Source: Photo by Reuben Mansell on Unsplash

21. Black confetti terrazzo

Sparkly and dynamic, terrazzo adds lots of excitement to a bathroom space. Style it with black fittings, a concrete sink and warm tapware.

22. Terrazzo counter

You can buy terrazzo in tiles or slabs. Slabs can make a wonderful statement vanity—such as one big slab of pewter-coloured granite chip concrete terrazzo.

23. Patterned Moroccan concrete tile

Hand-cut mosaic Moroccan tiles, bursting with colour and pattern, remain popular as ever. Feature stunning patterned Moroccan tiles in a beautiful colour like turquoise to jazz up an otherwise all-white bathroom.

24. Tiled flooring

Patterned floors are not for everyone. But personally I love how a vintage tile vibe makes a plain white bathroom just that little bit more mysterious and unique. Add a Boho touch with vintage tiles, hinting at a love of travel and other cultures.

bathroom-decor-tiled-flooring
Source: Photo by Alex Block on Unsplash

25. Don’t forget to take inspo from kitchen tiles

Don’t forget to consider options beyond the allocated bathroom choices in wall treatments—why not see what you can steal from kitchen design? For instance a gorgeous teal herringbone design spied in a kitchen setting might be just perfect for your bathroom instead.

When you’ve picked the tile for you, there’s a bathroom flooring expert ready to help.

Wall treatments like wainscoting and beadboarding

There’s been a resurgence of interest in the use of wainscoting and beadboarding to add character to bathroom walls. Wainscoting is typically made from large inset panels, while beadboarding is a type of wainscoting and is made from thin, wooden planks vertically arranged. While the panelling has a traditional flavour, these days they are popping up in bathrooms ranging from Hamptons coastal to French country to modern.

Why is it so popular? Well, this is such an easy and inexpensive way to add colour and personality. And it’s so versatile. You can go up to the mid-wall or all the way up to the ceiling, and modernise it by painting it any colour or mixing it with wallpaper or tile.

bathroom-decor-concrete-sink-beadboarding
Source: Photo by Cameron Smith on Unsplash

26. Hamptons beadboarding

The classic addition to a Hamptons style bathroom, beadboarding in white or a soft shade of blue will add flair to any room.

27. Traditional wainscoting and a claw foot tub

Evoking traditional elegance, wainscoting is often very effectively paired with a clawfoot antique-style bathtub.

28. Wainscoting with copper

Honestly, virtually ‘anything goes’ in bathroom design lately. There’s no right or wrong, so go ahead and pair the traditional vibes of half-wall wainscoting with a contemporary tonal colour scheme and an ultra-modern metallic statement tub if that’s what floats your boat!

If you would like a hand with painting your wainscoting, beadboard or bathroom walls, find an expert to help with your bathroom painting.

Creating organic and sustainable vignettes

Have you heard of “biophilia”? It’s a concept that refers to our modern-day pursuit of a connection with nature and is linked to the rise of the health and wellness culture. It describes our need for immersion in nature and when translated to design, it stimulates a desire for sustainability in design solutions. But rather than just being a hippy-style return to embracing nature, today’s biophilia covers the so-called “engineered environment”, where nature is enhanced by technology, and there’s a preoccupation with our primal needs, circadian rhythms and stimulating all the senses.

OK, but what does all this serious eco-love mean in real terms? Aim to achieve revitalisation through organic elements like air-purifying live plants, layers of timber and eco-friendly, natural soft materials. Then, allow science to become one with nature by adding in smart technology (for lights, sounds, temperature, etc.) to manipulate your sensory experience.

bathroom-decor-organic
Source: Photo by Olena Kamenetska on Unsplash

29. Hand-crafted artisanal elements

Look for unique, one-off and artisanal bathroom furniture. You might also like to incorporate recycled or reclaimed timber furniture. Then add plenty of natural decorative elements like hand-carved wooden bowls or woven hessian baskets, as well as organic, hemp linen or handknitted throws.

bathroom-decor-vanity
Source: Photo by Rene Asmussen from Pexels

30. Natural colours

You’ll find a lot of organic, natural tones in modern eco-loving bathrooms. Think earthy colours like forest greens and teals, sunny yellow, rosepetal, khaki, ocean seafoam, grey-blue violet, indigo, flickering gold.

bathroom-decor-luxe-minimalism
Source: Photo by Ali Moradi on Unsplash

Warmth in fixtures

So brass is sticking around, which is great because we really can’t have our tapware losing its sheen after just a year or two! Instead of moving onto the next shiny new thing, bathware designers have managed to refresh the brass aesthetic by creating a wider range of simple silhouettes and unusual shapes. But as well as brass, other warm coloured metals like copper are looking the goods too.

bathroom-decor-ideas-warmth-fixtures
Source: Photo by Laurence Katz on Unsplash

31. Concrete and brass

Mixing materials is de rigeur for a modern bathroom. So consider mixing concrete elements with timber and tile, then warming everything up with brushed brass tapware.

32. Mixed metallics

Even if you have something like silvery zellige tile and chrome tapware, these days it’s perfectly acceptable to mix metals. So you might, for example, add a gold-toned mirror frame to the mix.

33. Marble and warm fixtures

A generous expanse of white Carrara marble looks beautiful highlighted by warm-toned tapware, showerhead and slimline mirror frame.

Black steel accents

The slim black steel profile isn’t going anywhere either! You’ll continue to see black accents modernising all kinds of bathrooms in all kinds of ways. Think mirrors framed in black, black matte tapware, black accessories.

bathroom-decor-ideas-black-accents
Source: Photo by R ARCHITECTURE on Unsplash

34. Black faucets in a white bathroom

Black fixtures add a necessary touch of definition to an otherwise plain, minimalist white and timber bathroom.

So there’s my take on the bathroom decor themes you’ll continue to see gaining momentum this year. But have I missed something important? Have you spotted any distinct trends during your own ventures into bathroom decor ideas? And have any of the above ideas inspired your bathroom renovation plans?! Drop me a comment below. I’d love to hear your opinion!

And if you enjoyed this blog which featured a lot of modern bathrooms, you may also like to read our article on modern house designs. If you’re looking for more complete redesigns, you might also like to take a look at these bathroom ideas.

Stunning marble bathroom ideas for your home

People all over the world have loved marble bathrooms for thousands of years--and you can see why.

Stunning marble bathroom ideas for your home

Marble has been making a powerful statement in architecture and interiors ever since the dawn of civilisation—there’s simply no denying the everlasting beauty of this natural stone. Let’s take a look at marble bathrooms.

These days quarried in about 32 countries, the market for marble is mainly dominated by Italy, China, India and Spain. You’ll often hear the names Calacatta, Carrara, Travertine and Arabescata used, but there are really hundreds of stunning marbles to choose from, in a kaleidoscope of colours. Being an organic, natural material, no two pieces of marble are the same, and this uniqueness forms part of its allure.

More experimental uses of the stone are appearing in recent years, and people are exploring applications beyond the traditional. Playing with texture, colour and imperfection are all still strong trends.

You can make marble the hero by swathing your space with it (if you can afford it that is!) but marble will also steal the show if you simply invest in a smaller element like a marble feature tile or a stunning marble basin.

Below, I’ve gathered 29 marble bathrooms ideas which will have you wanting to bring the precious stone into your home self-care sanctuary.

1. Enchanting mermaid tiles

Have we had enough of mermaid tile yet? I don’t think so! Ever so pretty here in marble to complement the beautiful marble wash basin. This minimalist bathroom boasts the simplicity, clean lines and soft neutral colour palette that infuses Scandi or coastal bathrooms. But while it’s beautifully pared back, the incorporation of marble also adds a touch of extravagance that lifts it out of the ordinary.

marble basin
Photo © Zephyr & Stone. Design – Zephyr and Stone @zephyr_and_stone. Photography – The Palm Co @the.palm.co. Reproduced with kind permission.

Need help laying a stunning wall of mermaid tile? Find an expert bathroom tiler.

2. Fifty shades of marble

Actually, there are hundreds! Well-known white marbles like Carrara or Statuary or black marbles like Nero Marquina are often desired for bathrooms. They just fit so well into an all-white bathroom and monochrome and dark bathroom aesthetics. But there are plenty of other marble colours to be found, such as beautiful greys, blues and burgundies.

3. In the pink

There’s a huge variety of marble colours to choose from, including a wide range of pinks, from hot pinks to dusty pale roses. Pink creates a soft, elegant ambience and is symbolic of happiness and positivity. And it’s an increasingly popular choice for marble bathrooms. Often quarried in Spain and Portugal, the most common pinks include Rosa Portugues (the pinkest). But there are also more neutral pinkish marbles like Rosa Zarci, Rosa Levante and Rosa Aurora.

4. Sophisticated wine tones

For a stunning powder room, add lots of dramatic flair with a creamy coloured sink with deep purplish veins. For example, Turkish Milas Lilac or Calacatta Viola. Pair with muted wall colours (navy is a great choice) and add warm hardware.

5. Deep, dark and mysterious

If you’ve decided to go for a dark and moody bathroom aesthetic, then one of the black marbles would be perfect as a statement, focal point. When you have dark walls with dark accessories and fixtures, adding black marble as a material is a good way to bring some lightness and texture back in through the veins. Below, a gorgeous dark marble vanity. Only a genuine marble expert can really distinguish between some of the more similar kinds but the designers tell me this is Belvedere marble.

dark marble perfect for dark bathrooms
Photo © Space Exploration Design. Reproduced with kind permission.

After a bespoke vanity? Find a bathroom cabinet maker to help you copy the style you love.

6. Cool stone, warm metals

For a traditional marble bathroom aesthetic, go for a white and grey tiled shower paired with warm-toned hardware. Using warm-toned tapware such as brass, gold or champagne is a great idea when incorporating marble. The warmth of the metal counteracts the innate coolness of the stone. The hardware also stands out much more against the marble, compared with silver finishes.

marble-bathroom-splashback
Source: Photo by Watermark Designs on Unsplash

Installing a new shower? Find the right shower head installation expert to help–and don’t forget the ceiling fan installation as well.

7. True blue

Blue is a colour that has been shown to have a profound impact on us both psychologically and physiologically, inspiring calm serenity and even lowering our blood pressure! A blue bathroom design will create a soothing environment that evokes the ocean. And marble achieves this even more so with its dramatic waves and seascape swirls. You might consider some of the South European blue marbles to achieve such a look.

8. Peaceful patterns

Carrara marble tiles will always look stunning in a bathroom, especially when laid in neat geometric patterns like herringbone or chevron. Here, cool tones in the grey and white flecked tiles and countertop contrast beautifully with the warm tones of the floating timber vanity and the pendant light. The soft lines of the tiles together with the rounded forms create a relaxed, minimalist, contemporary aesthetic. Love this stylish pendant lamp? Check out heaps more bathroom lighting ideas.

marble counter herringbone tiles
Photo © Perini Tiles. Reproduced with kind permission.

9. Dramatic walls

Marble walls really have that wow factor and will transform the simplest space. You might contrast a black marble with white veining in the shower with a white marble/black veined feature wall. Then keep it all unified with marble mosaic flooring.

marble-bathroom-striking-contrast
Source: Photo by Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels

10. Dreamy greens

Another stunning option for coloured marbles is one of the mesmerising Indian green marbles on the market. Green marble differs a bit from other marble in that it has less calcite content and more of the mineral called serpentine, which gives it its brilliant colours. It comes a wide variety of shades, from pale seagreens to intense emeralds, and pairs beautifully with gold toned hardware.

11. Sophisticated and glamorous

Marble bathrooms can evoke the glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Era. So if you love Mid-century Modern, try a classic black marble vanity paired with walnut wood, luxe brass steampunk hardware and exposed bulb pendants.

12. Onyx

A gorgeous alternative to marble is onyx. Onyx is in fact considered a sister stone to marble, due to having the same mineral content. A pink onyx sink, together with matching backsplash, looks striking paired with wall-mounted brass tapware. All you need to add is a bunch of pink flowers. How divine.

13. Marble on tap

Add a subtle tinge of luxury to your bathroom with honed Carrara marble disc taps like these by Wood Melbourne. The taps come on single or double backplates, with backplates either made of timber, marble or brass (either aged, sealed or raw). Described as “a pleasure to turn” because of the tactile nature of the natural materials, they look gorgeous with similarly minimalist gooseneck brass faucets. The makers note a plumber must install their taps to ensure perfection—find a plumber, or you might like to check out typical plumbing costs and mixer installation costs first.

marble disc taps
Photo © Wood Melbourne (@woodmelbourne). Photographer: Lisa Cohen (@Lisacohenphoto). Styling: Beck Simon (@becksimonstylist). Reproduced with kind permission.

14. Mix marble tile with subway tile

Emulate a Victorian design aesthetic by running floor tile hallway up the wall and adding feature tile above it. Statuary marble tile provides a traditional flavour. Meanwhile vertically-stacked subway tile adds a contemporary feel, as does champagne wall-mounted tapware.

Have a marble bathroom featuring generous amounts of tile? Make sure it looks pristine by having a professional clean your tiles cleaned—find out how much grout cleaning costs.

15. Go with the faux

A more economical option than real marble is marble-effect porcelain or ceramic tile. It’s also arguably more environmentally-friendly than real marble, as it doesn’t involve quarrying the land. With digital technology, makers are better able to recreate the characteristic texture and ‘veining’ of real marble. So no-one needs to know you’ve gone faux. A large format marble wall tile looks the goods in a contemporary bathroom.

Source: Photo by R ARCHITECTURE on Unsplash

Love tile? Here are loads more bathroom tile ideas for inspo.

16. Scraps to frame a sink

Keen on the look of a marble bathroom but not so much on the high-end price tag? Marble scrap-yards can be sourced for discarded offcuts of marble that you can use to DIY a backsplash and add loads of character to a plain space. Other savvy home decorators utilise marble remnants to top bathroom cabinets, shelves or vanities for that luxe, refined flavour without breaking the budget.

17. Mesmerising mosaics

It’s becoming more popular to lay Carrara mosaic tile in unique patterns. The flickering colours of hexagonal marble mosaic tiles are just as hypnotising as herringbone and other geometric tile patterns. The stone is also naturally cool and relaxing. And it makes a stunning textured background to modern black taps and, for instance, a contemporary concrete sink.

18. Basins that aren’t basic

For a statement sink, take inspo from the Italian-designed marble drop wash basins on the market. Modern and elegant, they’re typically made from valuable marbles such as Bianco Lasa/Covelano “Machia Vechia” quarried from the Italian Alps. This marble is considered so special because it has such a uniform crystalline grain. And, it has a strong chromatic contrast in its veining, giving it a refined, absolutely classic marble look. Add a striking floor-mounted tap—the result will be minimalist but so lavish at the same time.

19. Inlaid marble

Inlaid marble is created by a painstaking process of fitting together a puzzle of hand-cut and/or engraved tiny marble shapes into pretty patterns. It’s great if you want to create a 1960s op-art aesthetic! And it’s ideal for a dramatic powder room, where you might like to go a bit wilder than in your master bath.

20. The sky’s the limit

A full feature wall of marble isn’t within everyone’s budget, but luckily these days you can get wallpaper that emulates it pretty well. This is basically the adults’ version of sticking little fluorescent stars all over your kids’ bedroom ceiling. Keep the rest of the décor minimal for the full ‘bathing under the stars’ experience. Interested in bathroom wallpaper? Check out our recent article for more bathroom wallpaper ideas.

marble-bathroom-white-marble-wallpaper
Marble mural from Wallsauce. Photo © Wallsauce. Reproduced with kind permission.

21. Warm it up

A classic alternative to white and grey marbles is golden-toned marble like Calacatta Amber. Traditional Carrara and Statuary marbles tend to have a cold feeling that requires warming up through the addition of elements like timber or warm metals. But Calacatta Amber brings its own heat. This kind of marble tends to have a milky-white background with fine, intricate golden veining. It’s often chosen for more traditional bathrooms.

22. All the trimmings

Mix marbles for stunning effect. You might take Carrara marble penny mosaic tile to give a classically chic backdrop to a modern mirror, sink, and light. Then top your vanity with a striking slab of Arabescato marble. Arabescato marble is one of the most luxurious marbles on the market, prized for its stark monochromatic veining.

marble-bathroom-mix-with-tile
Source: Photo by Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels

23. The strange lightness of stone

Having entire walls of marble isn’t for everyone. Some prefer simply a stunning statement marble vanity or a marble countertop on a timber vanity. For an elegant minimalist en-suite, you might feature a breath-taking, timeless Carrara marble vanity and backsplash. Although the material is heavy, white Carrara marble always feels so light and bright.

marble-bathroom-gold-tones
Source: Photo by Nathan Van Egmond on Unsplash

24. The colour purple

One of the more unique marbles is the gorgeous purple Cipollino Ondulato Rosso. It’s been quarried in Northern Italy since antiquity. Streaked, swirled and highly ornamental, the marble was given the name “Cipollino”, meaning little onion in Italian, as its patterns resemble the layers of an onion. It’s a stone you will never tire of gazing at! To enhance a stunning statement purple marble like Cipolllino, consider using violet tones on the walls (tile, paint or panelling).

25. Modern love

Another beautifully coloured marble is the burgundy toned Calacatta Viola. This vivid marble is extracted from the Carrara quarries in Tuscany and is prized for its flowing burgundy veins and pink patches against a timeless creamy white background. It works so well as a classic contrast to contemporary elements like minimalist tapware and pendant lights.

26. Haute stuff

Marble + Chanel are a match made in heaven, both iconically representing timeless but modern beauty and classic, luxurious chic. So it’s no surprise to learn that the late Karl Lagerfeld, erstwhile creative director of the fashion house, had started venturing into furniture design. He created a series of sculptural monochrome pieces made from marble, including mirrors, tables and fountains. The pieces were carved from rare Arabescato Fantastico (white marble with dark grey veining) and black Nero Marquina (which features white veining in paintbrush-like strokes). Coco would most definitely approve. Below, it’s not a Lagerfeld, but it’s in the same spirit:

marble-bathroom-counter-sink
Source: Photo by Kirill on Unsplash

For more monochrome bathrooms, also check out our article on black and white bathrooms.

27. Beautiful beauty boxes

Add sophistication and class to your en-suite with marble accessories such as marble beauty boxes, vanity trays, brush holders and cosmetic containers. A marble makeup station is the perfect way to corral and showcase your favourite products on your vanity. You can go all out and buy real marble accessories, or choose faux marble ones made from acrylic that closely resemble Carrara marble which is both easy on the eye and the wallet.

28. Mini marbles

Introduce just a touch of marble to your bathroom for instant glamour and chic with small marble magnifying mirrors. An elegant update of an everyday functional object that will add sophistication to a plain space.

29. Altrock

Terrazzo is the popular composite man-made material made of marble chips set in concrete or resin—and it’s still going very strong in bathroom (and other interior) design. But now there are even more eco-friendly versions emerging, including London designer Robin Grasby’s “Altrock”, made of 87 percent recycled materials including marble flour (the leftover powder that the marble industry discards as unusable). Grasby creates bespoke products, glittering and pigmented in custom colours, with the “artistically sustainable” material showing up in avant-garde bathrooms in London, Milan and New York. Worth checking out!

As you can see there are so many options when it comes to using marble in your bathroom—you certainly aren’t limited to white Carrara walls, as gorgeous as they are! If you’re searching for more bathroom décor ideas, why not take a look at our articles on general bathroom design ideas, bathroom trends, master bathroom ideas and get some ideas on creative bathroom storage as well. And when you’re ready to press go, hit up an expert bathroom renovator to get the magic happening!

Meanwhile, let me know—which of these marble bathroom ideas is your favourite? I love the dramatic blues and purples myself!

How to grout tiles yourself: Easy DIY for beginners

Add a very handy skill to your DIY repairs repertoire.

How to grout tiles yourself: Easy DIY for beginners

Whether you are starting from scratch with a new home reno or simply adding a feature splashback to your kitchen, sealing your tiles with grout is a vital element of your build. Learning how to grout tiles yourself not only saves you money, but it gives you a handy skill that you’ll call on for upkeep, ensuring your tiles stay as good as new, for as long as possible. 

Grout protects your tiles from dirt and moisture and is actually quite quick and easy to apply. In fact, many people are surprised at how simple and quick this important job can be! You don’t always need the professionals or to say goodbye to your bathroom for a week to achieve a stunning refreshed look.

 

If you need to learn how to tile first before you grout, check out our highly detailed DIY tiling guide!

 

To help, we’ve detailed a simple step-by-step guide that can be used for both how to grout tiles, and how to regrout as well. A professional finish is easy to achieve!

Everything you need to grout tiles

  • Tub of grout
  • Adhesive
  • Squeegee or spreader
  • Sponge 
  • Bucket
  • Cloth

You’ll be able to find a range of different grout types at your local hardware store, so ensuring the project sticks to your budget should be very achievable. It will also be important to grab some grout sealer while you are there for the aftercare of your new grout.

Understanding the different grout options

To help prepare you for that trip to the hardware store, it is essential to have a base-level understanding of the four main types of grout:

  • Cement-based: The most popular option for DIY tile projects, not the most robust grout option but easy to work with
  • Epoxy: A little bit more expensive but very effective for tiles that require need a lot of water resistance, for example, the bathroom 
  • Caulking: Usually available in a tube or caulking gun, and best for tough-to-reach corners
  • Latex-modified sanded cement: Similar to the cement option but with higher levels of water resistance and bonding characteristics 

If you are unsure of what will be best for your project, chat to the staff and let them know exactly what you’ll be doing, they will be able to point you in the right direction!

How to grout tiles – Step-by-step

Step 1: Preparation

If you are working with powdered grout, pour some water into a bucket, then add the grout. Stir and continue to add more crowd until you reach a consistency of whipped up ice cream.

Step 2: Application

Use a squeegee or grout spreader to pick up some grout then force it into the gaps that are between your tiles. You may find it significantly easier to work diagonally at a 45-degree angle when applying the grout, only doing small areas at a time, so your grout doesn’t dry before it is in the right position.

Grout with white tiles
Source: Charles Deluvio

Step 3: Curing

While the grout is still workable, cure and tool it into the joints, wiping off any excess with a damp sponge. Give it about 10 minutes then go over with again with a wet sponge.

Step 4: Sealing

The final step is making sure the joints are waterproof. This is done with a grout sealer that is often applied twice. Just make sure that your tile is dry before applying to ensure the best result. From here you just et the tile sit to dry, then polish it with a cloth.

How to regrout tiles – Step-by-step

Nothing looks better than new white grout, and nothing looks worse than grout that has become mouldy or dirty. If your grout needs a refresh, or you want to get a little experimental by changing its colour, regrouting is the way to go and easier than you think! 

This weekend job will seriously boost the look of your space, and all you need is a grout rake and an off-the-shelf product.

Step 1: Prepping the area

Cover the floor with an old sheet to save clean up time and pop the plug into the bath or sink to avoid grout falling in there and causing a blockage. It’s also a good idea to open windows to ventilate the room and clear out the dust. A safety mask and goggles are a good idea as well.

Step 2: Remove the old grout

Use your grout rake, or an electric grout remover to clear out all of the old grout. Start in the middle of the tile and draw a line with your grout rake with a slow, steady movement. Start with vertical lines, then go horizontal. Give the area a wipe down when you are finished to get rid of any excess dust.

Step 3: Applying the new grout

Mix up about 20 minutes worth of grout to ensure you don’t have an excess amount that will dry before you get to it. Chuck some on your grout spreader and work it into the lines. Run over the tiles with the edge to clear away any excess.

Step 4: Drying

Use a damp tile sponge and clean away any excess grout, then leave it to harden for about half an hour. You can use a grout finisher to tidy any indented lines by running the rounded end along the line with a soft amount of pressure. 

From here, leave it all to dry for a few hours, then take a clean cloth and polish the powdery residue.

Shower with grout
Source: DAVIDCOHEN

How to grout shower tiles

When it comes to handling the grout on your wall tiles, the steps are mostly the same, save some slight differences. The mixing and creation of your grout, with the powder and some water, is the same, but you’ll want to protect your floor from splatters. Lay a drop sheet secured with masking and remove any spaces that may be in-between the tiles.

Spread a generous amount of your grout mix onto the tiles then use your grout tool to work diagonally across the tiles. This helps the mixture get right into the gaps. To really secure your grout, run the flat edge of the tool across the tiles which also helps to remove the excess. Repeat this process until the mixture in the joint begins to set.

Once this is all done, take a damp sponge and wipe diagonally across the tiles leaving a clean joint that is full of grout. Leave the grout to dry completely then buff the tiles with a soft cloth, and your wall tiles will look as good as new! 

Frequently asked questions

How long do you leave grout before wiping?

When you first finish applying your grout, leave it to harden for about half an hour. At this point, you can tidy any indented lines with the rounded end of your grout tool with a soft amount of pressure. 

After you have done that, leave your project to dry for a few hours, before cleaning and polishing. When all this is done, sit back and enjoy your fresh new look!

Can you put new grout over old grout?

This is not recommended as it will be harder to achieve a neat and professional-looking result. Take a bit of extra time and use a grout rake to clear out all of the old grout. 

The best way to do this is by starting in the middle of the tile and drawing a line with the grout rake in a slow and steady movement. Once you have cleared away all of the old grout and excess dust, you are ready to apply the new grout.

Do you need to seal grout?

Yes, it is very important that you seal your grout to ensure it stays water-resistant and offers you a decent amount of longevity. To do this, purchase a grout sealer from your local hardware store and apply it twice or per the instructions on the packaging.

Ensure that your tile is dry before applying the grout sealer to get the best result. This final step is crucial in protecting all of your hard work, so don’t skip it!

Enjoy your easy DIY new bathroom look!

Just like that, you have refreshed the look of your bathroom or kitchen without an exorbitant cost or too much hard work. Fresh grout will make your space look brand new, while also protecting it from moisture and dirt, saving you from a hefty renovation sooner than necessary. 

If you want all of this but the DIY path is not for you, just check out the many Taskers that can handle your regroutingbathroom tiling or tile grout cleaning. You can also get a little help to refresh your splashback, making it into a feature piece or revamp your floor tiling or any tiling in general.

If you have caught the DIY bug, mastered your grouting and are wondering what the next DIY project you can take on around your home is, check out our blogs about kitchen flooringsplashback ideasbathroom tiling ideas and even some great design tips for your front porch! There is no end to the improvements you can do, and it’s time well spent, boosting the look of your home and its value! Get to work!

25+ Beautiful bathroom laundry ideas

Need to optimise your space? Why not combine your laundry and bathroom with these fabulous ideas!

25+ Beautiful bathroom laundry ideas

When bathrooms meet laundries they can really be a match made in heaven and live spaciously ever after…if done right!. When space is a hot commodity, you start to get savvy with how to use what you’ve got. If you’re living in a smaller place, then combining your bathroom and laundry is a great space saver indeed! And if you’ve got a small space to work with, I know it can be pretty daunting trying to fit everything you need in.

When combining a bathroom and laundry there are so many different things you’ll need in the space such as a toilet, shower, vanity, washing machine, dryer and storage. So how do you fit everything in, you ask?! Let’s take a look at bathroom laundry ideas to steal!

1. Hidden away

A hidden laundry bathroom is super simple but super effective. Hiding the appliances away in cabinetry keeps things streamlined and helps your bathroom laundry feel much more like a standard bathroom.

bathroom-laundry-niche
Source: Photo by Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels

2. White, wood and tiles

A white sink area with white cupboards looks gorgeous paired next to the whitewashing machine. Add light wooden cupboards above the washing machine which also continues through to the sink area as a little extra decorative element to keep things looking seamless and continuous. Plus, tiled walls can look great as they are still keeping in the neutral colour scheme but also add a bit of texture to the room at the same time.

3. Lots of storage

If you have a multipurpose space such as a laundry room and bathroom, then lots of storage is definitely a welcomed feature! Having lots of storage in a bathroom laundry means that you have enough room to store your much-needed bathroom and laundry products as well as towels and any other necessities you need. The finish of the cupboard cabinetry can be the same as the cabinetry where the sink is, which really creates a great continuity.

bathroom-laundry-tub
Source: Photo by Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels

4. Narrow space

If you have a narrow bathroom laundry room, it helps to keep everything quite simple and straightforward when you haven’t got much space to work with. That’s why seamless cupboards with no handles work so well. You can keep your toilet and bathroom sink pretty simple as well with storage space behind the mirrored areas.

5. Convenient decor

In a small space, you definitely should utilise convenience over anything else. This small bathroom laundry is super simple with the straightforward white cabinetry with a wooden benchtop. The sink and toilet area can also be finished off with the same wood and white scheme for cohesiveness. Plus if you are a little shorter or have little kids that are always eager to help, then a stool will come in handy as well as a basket for added storage.

Source Mariana Rascão on Unsplash

6. Modern finishes

If you’re ever wondering what theme to go with for your decoration style, then modern is a great way to go! It’s timeless, sleek and will stand the test of time. I love the very clear and clean shower screens in this modern bathroom laundry which helps the room to feel bigger and more open.

bathroom-laundry-marble
Source: Photo by Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels

7. Bi-fold doors

If you have a smaller space where you want to fit a toilet, sink and washing machine in one area and out of sight, bi-fold doors are a great idea for concealing elements. Opting for black doors is a lovely contemporary look – they really pop against a classic white bathroom laundry! Just add some black features like baskets and a hand towel to tie the two in together.

8. Shower curtains

Bathroom laundries should be as much practical as they are aesthetically pleasing. Who wants an impractical space?! Not me! However,  there’s a lot you can do to pretty up your bathroom laundry. For example, a simple floral shower curtain will add detail and interest to a simple white bathroom laundry as well as providing privacy.

Love this vanity mirror? Find help with your vanity mirror installation.

bathroom-laundry-florals
Source: Photo by Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels

9. Small space? No worries!

If you’ve got a small space to work with but still want to combine your bathroom and laundry, I’m here to tell you that it is definitely achievable! It’s all about the space saving elements, like an ironing board tucked into the wall.

bahtroom-laundry-modern
Source: Photo by Emmanuel Ikwuegbu on Unsplash

10. Sleek cabinetry

Sleek matte cabinetry looks stunning in a bathroom. Don’t be afraid to explore darker bathroom fixtures, like these chocolate brown ones. A shiny white vanity top keeps things looking crisp and clean. I like the ledge above the mirror – perfect to display bathroom plants and other decor.

bathroom-laundry-small
Source: Photo by Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels

11. Separate spaces

Even if you’ve combined your bathroom and laundry space, there are still so many ways that you can execute your space so that the different areas look like separate spaces. Ideally, there is a wall between where the toilet and washer and dryer area. You can also elevate the toilet area slightly so that it appears to be an entirely different room.

12. Bold accents

Adding accents to your white spaces creates so much depth and dimension! And this bathroom laundry definitely proves just that. The yellow cabinets are the perfect choice for this space. I love the white panelled walls which go well with the sink along with the wooden accents through the cabinetry where the sink is – not to mention that on-trend basket-shaped light.

Source: Megan (Markham) Bucknall on Unsplash

13. Monochrome space

If you want to create a modern bathroom laundry, then monochrome is definitely the way to go. (If you’re not sure what monochrome means, it’s essentially something that is black and white or varying tones of the two.)  For example, your mostly white sink and laundry area could be separated by an awesome black framed Crittall style partition.

14. Marble finishes

If you’re not quite convinced about adding black detailing to your white bathroom laundries, then you totally don’t have to! A white on white bathroom is so calming with its very limited colour palette of white with hints of grey through the marble stone. The use of marble really is such a great idea as no two spaces will ever look the same due to the unique veining in each piece.

bathroom-laundry-spacesaving-ideas
Source: Photo by Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels

15. Simple space

This bathroom laundry tends to super simple but sometimes that’s all you need! If you’re just starting off, then maybe this is exactly what your bathroom laundry looks like and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. This laundry bathroom literally has the most necessary things like a toilet, vanity and appliances. Easy, understated and uncomplicated.  And I love this steely blue paint. I would suggest adding a rug on the floor and perhaps a cute little print on the wall to spruce things up a bit!

bathroom-laundry-painted
Source: Photo by Curtis Adams from Pexels

16. Floating shelves

It may seem like a little much at the time, but spending that little bit extra on custom shelves and getting a quality product rather than something that’s going to fall apart in a few years is always a good idea if you can do it. And this just looks so luxurious and built to last for years to come. I love the contrast of the hanging white towels amongst the brown wood cabinetry. You can even put adorable, little plants to brighten up this small nook!

hanging shelves
Source: Mariana Rascão on Unsplash

17. Indoor plants

There’s nothing I love more in a home than indoor plants. Not only do bathroom indoor plants look incredible in a home, but they also have so many benefits too. Indoor plants are known to help purify the air which is something I’m sure we could all benefit from at the moment. I love hanging plants and then also a plant that has been perfectly placed on the table.

18. Marble tiling

So often we see marble in a big slab however when it is broken up into small tiled pieces it gives it such an awesome look! I love the texture that a marble tiling can give a bathroom laundry. Plus what an awesome idea to have doors on the area where your ‘laundry’ space is so that you can close it off when you just want a bathroom rather than a laundry bathroom as well.

19. Hexagonal flooring

How awesome is the tiling and flooring in this bathroom laundry!  What a beautiful aqua blue on the walls, and then there’s the pretty monochrome floor tile which somehow doesn’t compete. Gold-toned fittings give this a really deluxe feel.

bathroom-laundry-colourful
Source: Photo by Andrea Davis on Unsplash

20. Storage on wheels

If you are always on the go and like to move things around for convenience, then why not add wheels to it! Wheeled storage can be parked into the cabinetry and sit completely flush with the rest of the instalment, saving space.

21. Custom cabinetry

I know it’s probably cheaper to buy furniture and cabinets that are already made, but ordering custom cabinetry means that your space will look much more put together and thought out. I love custom cabinetry which has been perfectly measured out and built to fit an area perfectly. It means you always have a spot to display decor or store the items you need close by.

bathroom-laundry-nature-tones
Source: Photo by Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels

22. Nudes

Nude shades can bring out the warmth of your laundry room so much more than clinical whites. Plus they complement the warmth of wooden finishes in a bathroom laundry. Sandy, buff tones also work perfectly with the current trend towards an “organic luxe” look for your bathroom laundry.

23. White on white

Love an all-white aesthetic? Well here’s a very white on white laundry bathroom! Pretty much everything is white in this room: from the cabinetry and benchtops to the toilet and washer and dryer. The only decor you really need is a potted plant and a puss!

bathroom-laundry-cat
Source: Photo by Nacho Posse from Pexels

24. Geometric designs

If you’ve got a simple space to work with that has a limited colour palette, then using tiles with a geometric design is such a good way to go. I love geometric Aztec style tiling as it really helps to bring so much pattern and character to a space. Just add a thriving plant and a basket for added storage and you have yourself a beautifully on-trend bathroom laundry!

25. Bright and bold

If you are keen to move beyond the all-white aesthetic bathroom laundry, then consider gorgeous bathroom tiling for your splashback, walls or floors. Tile is such an awesome way to add beautiful colours and pattern to your space. Here, a muted sage green looks beautiful against the timber feature wall behind the toilet.

bathroom-laundry-tiled
Source: Photo by Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels

26. Sliding door

Sliding doors are a great way to hide things that you don’t want other people to see (perhaps the area is untidy or just not that nice to look at like a washer and a dryer). I love how the washer and dryer can just be completely closed off and not easily seen thanks to sliding doors.

27. Mint

Mint is a great colour if you’re looking for a neutral colour palette but want something with a bit of pizzazz. Soft pale mint looks lovely with a white sink area, appliances and flooring.

bathroom-laundry-compact
Source: Photo by Point3D Commercial Imaging Ltd. on Unsplash

28. Light grey walls

If you’re sick of seeing white everywhere, then you might consider a soft light grey for the walls instead. Light grey walls are a great alternative to white and give a very soft look without being too much. Then you can keep the skirtings and ceiling white to match the toilet, appliances and benchtop.

29. Accordion doors

Finally, an alternative to sliding doors is accordion doors. Accordion doors fold into themselves and slide across when you no longer want a certain area on show. This would be great if you are having guests over and want to hide the ‘laundry’ part of your bathroom laundry.

So there we have 25+ bathroom laundry ideas to help you in combining your two spaces! I absolutely love the bathroom laundries that have separated the rooms either with a wall, different tiling or even adding doors to close things away. What ideas will you be trying? Leave them in the comments below!

How to tile a bathroom – DIY

Learn how to tile a bathroom from start to finish

How to tile a bathroom – DIY

If you have ever wanted to re-tile (or tile) your own bathroom but thought it might be too hard as a DIY job – think again! Learning how to tile a bathroom is actually far less daunting than you may realise.

There are many reasons why you may be considering this job. Perhaps you are renovating, building a new home, or your old bathroom just needs a refresh? Whichever it is, learning how to do things yourself gives you complete control over your bathroom’s new look.

The key is preparation and a little bit of practice for your tiling technique. To help, we’ve laid out some handy tips to make sure you stay on the right track with this step-by-step guide. Keep reading to learn how to become a tiling pro! 

Choosing your bathroom tiles before you begin

Before you work through how to tile a bathroom, you’ll need to consider the room’s size and tile type. If you have small bathrooms, you’ll want to avoid large bathroom tiles, as they will create an even smaller feel. From a cleaning point-of-view however, the bigger, the better.

The best options for a bathroom are either porcelain or ceramic (the most affordable tiling choices), with porcelain being more hardwearing than ceramic. For the bathroom wall, you’ll want to find a robust tile that can handle a lot of wear. 

If you are after natural stone, you may need to give the DIY installation a miss, especially if you are a first-timer. Natural stone is porous and absorbent and will need sealing a lot more regularly. If you are short on time, pick a tile that requires less upkeep.

Calculating how many tiles you need

To ensure you do not waste money, you’ll want to figure out how many tiles you require for the whole project before purchasing. Opt for an online calculator that can help you to work out your measurements and the number of tiles you will need. Always double-check your measurements and buy at least 10% more tiles than you think you will need to account for wastage and breakage. 

Having some spares on hand is always a good idea for down the track, in case your style is no longer available in a few years when you may need to replace a broken tile.

After you’re done with the prep work, here’s a handy guide for DIY tiling in general:

how to tile infographic
Source: Airtasker

How to tile a bathroom: A step-by-step guide

Step 1: Preparation

Before you start, you need to prepare your surfaces, ensuring a smooth base. This is the key to a professional-looking result. It’s better to take the time before you begin, as fixing mistakes after tiling a bathroom is expensive. 

The goal is your bathroom is waterproof, stable and smooth. Get rid of any old adhesive, paint, or wallpaper then wash the walls with sugar soap to remove the dirt and grease.

Step 2: Map out your tile plan with a gauge stick

Create your own gauge stick by taking a length of wood that has the size of your tiles marked along with it. This will help to space your tiles correctly. Simply take a tile, align it horizontally against the stick and mark the end of the tile on the stick all way along until you run out of space. It is essential that you include room for a tile spacer in your measurements. Turn the tile vertically, and repeat on a new stick. 

Once that is ready, use a spirit level to find the centre point of your wall, and mark a line vertically across it. This will be the guide point. Take your gauge stick, place it at one end of the wall along the line, and mark each tile’s guidelines on the stick.

This should now give you an idea of where the tiles will sit on the wall.

A white tiled bathroom setting
Bence Balla-Schottner

Step 3: Laying the tiles

Place a tile against the wall in your starting spot. Some prefer to work from the bottom up; others like to start with the centre of the space and work outwards. Whichever you choose remember to add a tile spacer on the connecting side of the tile. 

When you reach the ends, you will likely need to cut the tiles to size for which you’ll need a tile cutter. Mark where the cut needs to be in pencil on the back of the tile, align the mark with the tile cutter and carefully resize the tile.

It helps to tile in rows and apply the adhesive one row at a time before moving on to the next.

Step 4: Applying waterproof tile adhesive

Always use a waterproof adhesive in the bathroom to avoid mould issues down the track. Most adhesives come pre-mixed, ready for easy application with a notched trowel. Spread the adhesive evenly across the whole area.

When it comes to tiling around a bath or shower, place the adhesive directly onto the tile, but in cases of tiling a wide space like a wall, apply the adhesive directly onto the wall.

Step 5: Mixing the grout

When the adhesive is dry, you can begin to grout your tiles. Place the grout in a clean bucket and add some water. Mix until the grout becomes thick and creamy, let it sit for a few minutes, then apply it to the wall.

Use a trowel to place grout onto the sponge, then work it into the wall via the exposed gaps between each tile. Work on a small section at a time and use a different, clean sponge to wipe excess grout if necessary. Wait for the grout to sink into the surface properly before moving onto the next section, which can take around fifteen minutes. 

When you have finished, sponge down the entire surface and add more grout to any area that that needs it. This should be all you need to do to tile your bathroom! Make sure you leave the area to dry completely before you begin to use it.

Patterned tiles in bathroom
Andrea Davis

Frequently asked questions

Where do you start when tiling a bathroom?

There are two options for where to begin when you are tiling a bathroom. Some people opt to work from the bottom of the wall up; others like to start with the centre of the space and work outwards. In some cases, this will be dictated by the section of the bathroom you are tiling. You have options for walls, but when tiling around corners or small sections of showers and baths it can be best to work with the space. Whichever way you choose remember to add a tile spacer on the connecting side of the tile. 

Can I tile my own bathroom?

Yes! Tiling a bathroom yourself is much easier than many people think. The key is preparation and a little bit of practice. Spend some time choosing the right tiles, measuring the space to understand how many you need and preparing the area.

Take time before you begin to start with a clean smooth surface before tiling as fixing mistakes after you have finished can be expensive.  As long as you do not rush or cut any corners, you should be able to create a professional-look for your new bathroom all by yourself.

What do you put under tile in a bathroom?

It is a good idea to use a waterproof adhesive under the tiles in the bathroom to avoid mould issues down the track. Most adhesives come pre-mixed, ready for easy application with a notched trowel. In cases where you are worried that the weight of the tiles will be too much for the wall, you can use an underlayment of cement board to reinforce the wall and create a better grip for the tiles.

Are you ready to DIY your new bathroom?

Once you get started, we’re confident you’ll see just how easy it is to tile a bathroom yourself. Hopefully, the instructions above make it a bit easier, and you’ll soon master a handy new skill!

If you’ve had a read and decided it might be a little out of your skill range, or you simply do not have the time to commit to it, you can still get a newly tiled bathroom! Simply find a tiling expert at a range of bathroom tilingfloor tilingregrouting and screeding jobs. You’ll be able to get a new, beautifully tiled bathroom without having to lift a finger (besides a few clicks).

If you are committed to the DIY route, we have some other helpful articles that can provide the inspiration you need to plan your new bathroom. Check out our blogs for bathroom tile ideas that include bathroom colour options, the modern bathroom look and how to achieve the popular Hamptons bathroom style.

Fingers crossed you find the look you love and follow the steps above to make it a reality on your own. If you do, you’ll end up with a stunning new bathroom that increases your enjoyment of the home and its value. Now get to the fun part of picking your new bathroom look. Happy tiling!

Paint bathroom tiles for an instant refresh

This is perhaps the easiest DIY to change up your bathroom instantly

Paint bathroom tiles for an instant refresh

Thanks to the modern marvels of commercial paint, you now have options when it comes to more manageable ways to re-design your bathroom. Learning how to paint bathroom tile allows you a more cost-efficient way to restore or re-do the look of your tile flooring, walls, and other bathroom surfaces.

That being said, there are some important elements about how to paint bathroom tile that you need to familiarise yourself with before you start. Read on to not only learn how to paint bathroom tile but a few other key tips that will ensure you do a great job.

Deciding on your new look

If your bathroom is starting to date or look a little damaged, learning how to paint bathroom tile is definitely a much cheaper option than having them replaced. The most popular bathroom tile materials are often ceramic, porcelain, natural stones, or quarry tiles, all of which are often sold in a variety of solid colours or patterns. 

If you want something that differs from this to really take control of your bathroom design or make sure your space is updated to suit newer fashions, paint is the key. You can lighten the look, darken it, or apply a pattern to fit any bathroom aesthetic, and best of all, once you know how to paint bathroom tile, you can easily repaint as your tastes change.

When choosing your new colour, it is important to keep in mind that brighter paint colours suit space-limited bathrooms the best. Darker paint is well-suited to larger spaces as it absorbs light, making a small bathroom look more contracted.

Bathroom surfaces that shouldn’t be painted

You can paint the following types of tile: 

  • Ceramic
  • Porcelain
  • Most natural stone
  • Unglazed quarry tile

You should not paint glazed quarry tile as it does not bond well with the paint. Your new paint job will last the longest on surfaces that have low exposure to moisture (which is hard in a bathroom), but the flooring, walls, and backsplashes are all suitable. 

The less suitable spaces can be tiled countertops, tub surrounds, or shower surfaces as they are in contact with a lot of water, therefore may prematurely fade, peel, or blister. If this does occur, it’s not the end of the world. You can just touch-up or re-apply.

Bathroom tiles with a pattern
Bence Balla-Schottner

Matching the paint to the tile material and surface

If you are painting ceramic, porcelain, or unglazed quarry tile, your best bet is either latex or epoxy paint in the pre-mixed or ready-to-mix varieties. Latex paint is generally less toxic and does not have as intense a smell. You can also spend a little bit more money on a mildew-proof variety, which negates the effects of heavy moisture exposure somewhat. 

If you are painting some of the wetter areas like backsplashes, countertops, tub surroundings, and shower surfaces, opt for epoxy paint. Epoxy cures into a harder coat that is more durable and resistant to moisture and everyday wear-and-tear. You can even find an epoxy that is specifically designed for tubs and tiles.

When painting natural stone tiles, an acrylic latex paint that has been specially formulated for interior masonry or stucco is the best play. You will be able to find this paint in a variety of sheens from flat to high-gloss. Just keep in mind that the glossier the finish, the more slippery the tile. Flat and matte sheens provide the most traction, while semi-gloss and high-gloss can create a slip-prone surface, so avoid them on shower floors for safety.

How to paint bathroom tile

There are four or five stages to consider when learning how to paint bathroom tile: 

  1. Surface preparation
  2. Priming
  3. Painting
  4. Pattern application (if applicable)
  5. Sealing

When planning for the time you will spend on the project and how long your bathroom will be out of commission, you need to consider the primers, paints, and sealers’ dry time. All of these will vary depending on the types used. If you are painting a pattern, its complexity will also determine your project time.

Step 1: Surface preparation 

You will need to begin by sanding, vacuuming, and scrubbing the old tile and grout lines to prepare it for the new paint job. This action will remove dirt and grime, giving you a clean canvas to work with.

Step 2: Priming 

This step is essential to ensure your tile is receptive to the paint. It will be best if you use an epoxy or urethane primer if you are painting ceramic or porcelain tiles or a masonry primer for natural stone or unglazed quarry tiles. 

Follow the specific primer’s application instructions and pay careful attention to its dry time. Painting over sticky primer leads to disaster.

Step 3: Painting the bathroom tile 

Once your primer is dry you can use either a roller or large brush to apply large swaths of paint to the tile. If you have more patience, you can brush individual tiles by “cutting in” around the edges. If you do this, however, you’ll need an angled brush to avoid painting the grout lines. 

Your process will depend on whether or not you plan to paint the grout, a large area or just a few accent tiles. The paint can take anywhere around two or more days to dry, during which you’ll need to avoid touching it or using the bathroom – so keep that in mind before you begin.

Step 4: Applying a pattern (optional)

If you decide to paint a pattern, wait for the tiles to be fully-cured, then tape your pre-bought or homemade stencil to the area you want to pattern. Go over the stencil with a roller and wait out the full dry time before removing the stencil.

Step 5: Sealing 

The final step involves the application of a sealer which protects the painted bathroom tile from grime, scuff marks, and scratches. Use a clear sealer of the following type:

  1. Urethane for ceramic or porcelain
  2. Masonry for natural stone or quarry tile

Once again, you’ll need to wait for the full required drying time before you begin to use the bathroom. All up, the project may take your bathroom out of commission anywhere from two days to several days. Make sure you clear everything you need from the bathroom before you start!

Painted bathroom tile maintenance

The best part about your finished painted bathroom tiles is that all they will need to keep clean is a bit of regular sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping. The sealer will help the tiles to retain their colouring and fend off abrasive dirt. You can also lay bathroom mats in high-traffic areas to prevent scuff marks and if some slight damage occurs, simply use a small artist’s paintbrush to re-apply some of the leftover paint and re-seal.

A dark painted bathroom
Buchen WANG

Frequently asked questions

Can you paint shower tile?

Yes, you can! You can paint ceramic, porcelain, most natural stone, and unglazed quarry tile. You should avoid painting glazed quarry tile as it does not bond well with the paint. Your new paint job will last the longest on surfaces that have low exposure to moisture, which is hard in a shower, but if you use an epoxy paint, it will cure into a harder coat that is more durable and resistant to moisture. You can find an epoxy that is specifically designed for shower tiles.

What kind of paint do you use on bathroom tiles?

If you are painting ceramic, porcelain, or unglazed quarry tile, use either a latex or epoxy paint. Latex paint is generally less toxic and does not have as intense a smell. You can also choose a mildew-proof variety for more protection. If you are painting some of the wetter areas, an epoxy cures into a harder coat that is more durable and resistant to moisture. 

How long does tile paint last?

Your tile paint’s longevity will depend on the variety you use and how much traffic the painted area receives. If you get a scuff mark or damage to the paint for some reason, you can simply use a small artist’s paintbrush to re-apply some of the leftover paint to fix it.

Are you ready to give your bathroom a new look?

As you can see, painting your bathroom tile isn’t difficult, but it is time-consuming. This can be a fun and satisfying project to take on, you just need to account for the fact that your bathroom will be out of action for a few days.

If you think the task may take longer than you can afford to give, engage one of our skilled painting taskers, who specialise in bathroom painting. They can save you time and guarantee an excellent result. This may be best if you are considering an intricate pattern!

If you are ready to take the project on yourself, read our bathroom tile ideas blog for some inspiration on colours and designs. We also have a range of articles on specific bathroom colours, how to achieve either a modern or Hamptons-style bathroom look, and a range of shower and bath, or overall bathroom ideas.

How to clean your bathroom so it sparkles

From mould and bleach, to shower scum and window cleaner - here's the best way to clean your bathroom

How to clean your bathroom so it sparkles

There is one area of the house that no one likes to clean, and it also happens to be the area that really needs to be spotless to ensure it does its job; the bathroom! Knowing how to clean bathroom areas correctly ensures you have a healthy space in which to clean yourself!

We know, it’s annoying, but we can all agree that a sparkling clean bathroom is much more enjoyable than a dirty one. Sorting out the showers, bathtubs, toilets and spaces takes a little bit of time, but read on to see our bathroom cleaning checklist of sorts which can help! 

Make the task a little easier and learn how to clean both effectively and efficiently, ensuring you don’t miss anything. Once you know what you are doing and get into the habit of regular cleaning, the task becomes a lot easier!

How to clean bathroom areas to look like new

1. Remove all of the items

An effective clean is certainly not a lazy clean. Make things easier for yourself by emptying the entire bathroom instead of as you go. Shampoos, soaps, toothbrushes, towels and rugs all have to go so you can clean all areas properly. Use this as the point to empty the bathroom trash bin as well.

2. Dusting and sweeping

Use a duster to give an overall clean to begin and focus on corners, light fixtures, vents, and other areas that often get neglected. When you have performed an initial dusting, sweep or vacuum the floors to get the dust balls, hair and other debris. These will only create a bigger mess later when they get wet.

3. Use an all-purpose cleaner on the shower and bathtub

Use an all-purpose cleaner (or dedicated shower cleaner if you prefer) on the shower and bathtub, ensuring you clean the shower track and inside of the door. Allow the cleaner to soak for a little while, and if it has been some time since your last clean, use a harsher acidic cleaner for stubborn grime build-up.

A clean bathroom look
Sidekix Media

4. Clean other surfaces

If using an all-purpose cleaner, you can spray it on to a microfiber cloth and wipe down the other remaining surfaces which may include:

  • Towel racks
  • Shelving and baseboards
  • Doors
  • Blinds and windowsills

Always work in sections and start from the top of the room, left to right, all the way to the floor.

5. Clean the floor

Use a mix of warm water mixed with your all-purpose cleaner or a dedicated floor cleaner to wipe or mop your tiles or concrete. 

6. Go back to the shower and bathtub

The cleaner that you sprayed on your shower and bathtub earlier should have done its job by now. All that is required from you is a light scrub to get rid of the loose dirt and build-up. From here you can wipe the walls, floors and other surfaces one final time if any missed spots reveal themselves.

7. Put your bathroom back together

Pop all of the removed items back into their spots and give them a wipe if necessary. Dust can build up on shampoo bottles and the like very easily, so you don’t want to bring that back into your now clean bathroom. If you have a shower door, wipe it with a little glass cleaner for a streak-free finish.

8. Clean the vanity

It’s good to leave the sink until later in the process as you have likely been washing your microfibre cloth as you go. Spray the all-purpose cleaner on the faucets and surrounding countertops, let it sit, then wipe with a clean cloth. You may find some build-up in your soap dish/area which requires a scrub sponge to loosen. Wipe the mirror with glass cleaner to ensure no streaks.

9. Clean the toilet

The step everyone hates! Squeeze a toilet-specific cleaner under the lip of the bowl then scrub with a toilet brush. Spray the outside of the toilet, including the back parts that no one ever sees with the all-purpose cleaner. Wipe it all down with a clean cloth.

10. Set yourself up for future spot cleans

The above steps tell you how to clean bathroom areas efficiently and effectively, but life will be much easier for you if you keep it tidy between cleans as well. Set yourself up with a few ket things to help ensure this happens:

  • Keep a hand-held vacuum for a daily pick up of hair and other dirt in the bathroom
  • Ensure your drain has a hair catcher to avoid build-up (this can save you serious plumbing issues down the track as well)
  • Squeegee shower walls and glass after each shower
  • Wipe the vanity area regularly

Extra considerations and tips

Here are some extra cleaning points to consider to ensure you get the absolute best result possible from your clean.

Tile grout cleaning

With a tile-lined shower, the grout will benefit considerably from a good weekly scrub:

  • Mix a 3/4 cup of household chlorine bleach with water
  • Use rubber gloves and scrub the mixture on the grout with a stiff brush (avoiding the surrounding surfaces)
  • Let sit for a few minutes, scrub again and rinse

Keep in mind that over time, your grout will wear away and eventually need replacement.

Other bathroom cleaning tips:

Use a disinfectant bathroom cleaner on the bathroom sink and wipe faucet handles with a disinfectant spray or wipe, letting the solution sit on the surface for a little while to kill all of the germs

  • Let the toilet bowl cleaner sit for up to five minutes before scrubbing and use a stiff-bristled toilet brush
  • Remember that the toilet brushes need cleaning as well so spray them with a disinfectant after use
  • Be sure to open the bathroom windows and door while cleaning and turn on the fan if you have one, to avoid cleaning fumes and hurry the drying process
  • For a tougher scrub, look for a cleaning product which contains micro-scrubbers and foaming cleansers that dissolve

Finally, always remember to vacuum the dust that sits on and inside the grill of the bathroom fan. Give the detachable parts of the fan a clean with a soap and water solution, just ensure that you do not wet any of the internal parts. Soak the removable grill in sudsy water for a little while then rinse and dry.

A clean bathroom vanity
Christian Mackie

Frequently asked questions

Where do I start to clean the bathroom?

The best way to start an effective bathroom clean is by emptying the entire bathroom before you begin. Shampoos, soaps, toothbrushes, towels and rugs should go so you can clean all areas properly. Next, use a duster to give an overall clean and focus on corners, light fixtures, vents, and other areas that often get neglected. 

When you have performed an initial dusting, sweep or vacuum the floors to get the dust balls, hair and other debris, then you can move onto cleaning the individual sections of the bathroom. Always start at the top of the room and work your way down, moving left to right.

What household items can I use to clean my bathroom?

An easy and effective bathroom cleaner is a mixture of 1 ½ cups of baking soda with ½ cup of warm water and ½ cup of liquid soap. You can also create a mixture of 2 tablespoons of white distilled vinegar, or apple cider vinegar with water. These are natural ways to clean that avoid the use of harsh chemicals.

What is the easiest way to clean a bathroom wall?

If you have painted walls in your bathroom, vacuum them with a soft brush attachment then wipe them down with a dusting agent and electrostatic dusting wipe. If you have walls made of tile you can use the same cleaning solution you are using on the rest fo the bathroom with a clean, microfibre cloth. Always start at the top of the wall and clean downwards.

Your hard work will pay off with a shining clean bathroom!

Once you have used the steps above to create a system that works for your particular bathroom layout, you’ll find each clean even easier. As mentioned, it’s a great idea to perform spot cleans to minimise the intensity of your deeper cleans.

If time is not on your side, your deep cleaning jobs can be handled by a range of skilled taskers who specialise in things like tile grout cleaningmould removalmoppingshower cleaning and more. Save yourself the hassle while ensuring the job is done right!

If you are looking for some other ways to improve your bathroom, we have a selection of blogs that will provide some very helpful information. Read about bathroom tile ideasvarious colour scheme options, and how to achieve the look of a modern or Hamptons-style bathroom. We also have a range of ideas for your shower or bath and a fun little piece that helps you design an outdoor shower for something different! Make the most of your bathroom by giving it a little spruce, and thoroughly enjoy the time you spend within it.

How to unclog a sink the easy way

There is nothing worse than the panic-inducing feeling of a clogged sink...

How to unclog a sink the easy way

An unavoidable fact about life is that sinks will get clogged. Be it the kitchen or the bathroom, your sink will likely give you trouble one day, and it will require more than just the old school plunger to fix. For this reason, learning how to unclog a sink can be a helpful skill.

In some cases, a bathroom clog will be a little harder to deal with when compared to the kitchen. This can be due to soap scum, hair and other grime that goes down the bathroom drain.

There are plenty of methods that you can discover when learning how to unclog a sink. Some are easier than others, and some will handle the more severe bathroom clog better than others. To help, let’s look at our selections for the best most effective methods, so you never find yourself with an overflowing sink again!

How to unclog a sink with natural methods

The following drain unclogging techniques avoid abrasive, poisonous chemicals and use things you likely already have around the home. You can always opt for a supermarket drain cleaner, but if you want to avoid anything too extreme going down the drain, here are the top five ways to unclog a sink naturally:

1. Baking Soda and Vinegar

This classic method is tried and proven when it comes to unclogging drains. Just mix 1/3 of a cup of baking soda in with 1/3 cup of vinegar and wait for it to fizz (which should be immediate). Promptly pour it down the drain and let the fizzing action remove whatever is causing the blockage. Allow the mixture to sit for about an hour, then give it a flush with hot water.

2. Baking Soda and Salt

A slight tweak on the previous combination but just as effective; baking soda and salt. For this method, you just mix 1/2 cup of baking soda and salt then pour it down the drain. Let it do its thing for roughly fifteen minutes then follow it with boiling water. This causes a chemical reaction that should be able to unblock some of the toughest stoppages.

3. Just Boiling Water

Believe it or not, some clogs just need boiling water. This can particularly be the case in bathroom sinks that have a blockage caused by soap scum. If you find that there is still a slow amount of drainage in your sink, this will likely rectify the issue. Fill a kettle with boiling water and pour it into the drain about three or four times over. This will solve this issue if your blockage isn’t too severe.

4. Wet and Dry Vacuum

If you have access to a wet and dry shop vacuum, it will be very effective against stubborn clogs. Create a seal for the hose so you can suction out the blockage. To do this, use the top of a plastic soda bottle or the head of your plunger. Set the vacuum to the highest setting and flick the on the switch. The powerful suction should dislodge the plumbing issue relatively quickly.

5. A Wire Hanger

The least preferable natural option involves a wire hanger. Useful in cases where the previous suggestions above have not worked, sending a wire hanger down the drain should eliminate the clog if it isn’t too far down your pipe. Just be careful not to damage your piping with the hanger as this can cause a bigger, more expensive to rectify the problem.

A cat staring at a tap
Kazuky Akayashi

What to do if the clog remains?

If the natural unclogging methods above do not work, you may have to remove the piping under the sink to clear out the blockage. It’s not as hard as it may seem, however; simply follow these steps:

  1. Turn off the water and position a bucket under the sink to capture any excess water
  2. Get under the sink and locate the stopper. Squeeze the spring clip so you can remove the pivot rod which should allow the stopper to pop up and out of your sink
  3. Once you have loosened the stopper, you should be able to pull it out of the drain. Clean the dirt, hair, and debris with a different sink or water source
  4. At this point, you can use a wire hanger and to hook into the drain and feel for the blockage. twist and move the hanger to get rid of as much of the gunk as you can
  5. You can also use an old toothbrush to clean the interior of the pipe; you may see a fair bit of gunk coming out of the opening where the pivot rod was removed
  6. If the clog seems like it might be located in the P-bend of the pipe, you can unscrew the P-bend section to target the clog
  7. Put everything back together and run hot water down the drain to see if everything is fixed. 

Once you have reassembled the pipe, make sure there are no leaks and that you have tightened everything correctly. This activity is also a good opportunity to keep an eye out for any corrosion on your pipes. If you spot some, you may need some replacement parts to avoid costly problems down the track.

Cleaning the trap

The u-shaped pipe underneath your sink is called “the trap,” and it can often be the section that gets clogged. You can minimise the risk of a clog with some preventative cleaning with a bucket and a plumber’s wrench.

Just place the bucket underneath the trap to catch the water, then loosen the slip nuts which sit at both ends of the pipe. Take the pipe out and empty the water and gunk within it into the bucket.

Much like above, use a wire or old toothbrush to clean the pipe to remove the debris. Run some water through it and then put it back together. By doing this every now and then, you’ll avoid a more severe blockage that may strike at a very inconvenient time.

Woman standing with sink
Evopure CBD

Frequently asked questions

How do you fix a slow draining bathroom sink?

One of the simplest ways to fix a slow leaking sink in a bathroom is with boiling hot water. This easy method is often quite effective in cases where some liquid is still working its way through the clog. Fill a kettle with boiling water and pour it into the drain about three or four times over. 

If this does not work, try mixing 1/3 of a cup of baking soda in with 1/3 cup of vinegar and pouring it down the drain. Let it sit for about an hour, then give it a flush with hot water to see if this rectifies the issue.

How do you unclog a sink naturally?

A natural way to get rid of a clog in your sink is with baking soda and salt. Just mix 1/2 cup of baking soda and salt then pour it down the drain. Allow it to sit for roughly fifteen minutes, then follow it with boiling water. This should be able to unblock some most stoppages. If it does not work, repeat the process with mix 1/3 of a cup of baking soda in with 1/3 cup of vinegar. 

How do you unclog a double kitchen sink?

If you are trying to unclog a double sink drain, you’ll need to target the one drain that both sinks flow into. Each sink has it’s own drain and a shared draining pipe system. If clogged, the drain prevents water from leaving one or both sinks. 

Plug one sink then use a plunger on the other which should cause enough pressure into the one drain to and unclog the sink. If that does not work, mix 1/3 of a cup of baking soda in with 1/3 cup of vinegar and let it sit in the drain for an hour then flush it with boiling hot water. 

Avoiding an uncomfortable situation with a sink that doesn’t drain

Learning how to unclog a drain means you have a quick number of solutions to solve a stressful problem – particularly when you need to get ready to go somewhere and can’t use your bathroom, or your kitchen sink is clogged preventing you from preparing dinner!

If you have tried the simple steps above and you are still facing a sink that won’t drain, it may be time to call in an expert. There are plenty of Taskers who are highly skilled in fixing all kinds of plumbing issues. You can contact an overall general tradesperson, or find someone who specialises in kitchen renovations. You can also find a range of skilled cleaners to help you with whatever mess your plumbing issues may have caused.

If fixing your drain has you wondering what other kitchen or bathroom improvements you can handle yourself, read some of our other helpful articles. We can give you a range of white-design kitchen ideas, some ways to achieve a black kitchen look, and a selection of modern bathroom vanity ideas.

Time spent learning new skills and improving your home is never wasted, so get reading and get to work!

How to tile a shower perfectly

Revamp your shower with new shiny (or matte) tiles with these easy steps

How to tile a shower perfectly

You might be thinking that you need a professional tiler to transform your shower from drab to fab, but actually, with a bit of know-how, it’s a DIY project that anyone can do. So let’s learn how to tile a shower yourself from design and mortar to cutting tiles and applying grout.

Steps to tile a shower

Step 1: Choosing your tile design and layout

Always start with a design plan, so you need to know what

  • Tile colour – will the shower  walls and floor be different
  • Tile type – do you want matte or a shiny finish
  • Tile pattern – classic square or something more modern like a fish scale tile pattern

When you have chosen this, you’ll need to calculate how many tiles you will need. Calculate this by multiplying the width by each wall’s height, then add 10% to allow for breakage and or future repairs.

Pro tip: If opting for a ceramic tile, find boxes with the same dye lot number. When that is not possible, mix tiles from different boxes to minimise how noticeable colour variations will be.

Step 2: Planning the pattern

Start by placing a tile horizontally in the centre along the length of the wall. It can be beneficial to do a dry-fit at this point to ensure you don’t have too small of a tile at the end of your rows. If you do, adjust the layout so that a have wider tile lands on the sides.

Do the same from the top of the wall to assess your vertical pattern. Aim to have a full, uncut tile at the top of your wall so that the cit tiles will sit at the bottom where the shower pan might be out of level.

If you need to cut your tile’s bottom row (which will be very likely), start your installation on the second row. Mark the spot for the second row, ensure it is level, then drill a wood board into the wall to serve as a guide.

Step 3: Applying the mortar

Mix your chosen mortar based on the instructions on the pack to reach a peanut butter-like consistency. Spread the paste over one small section at a time with the notched side of a trowel so that you create a texture. Your tile manufacturer likely lists a recommended trowel notch size to help you decide which trowel will be best to use.

It is important not to spread too much mortar over a large area as you want to avoid it drying before you get to it. Work is small, manageable batches so that the drying time for each tile is sufficient.

Step 4: Cutting the tiles

When the mortar is spread, push the tile firmly into position. When you reach the ends, use a tile cutter to shape as needed, and a tile hole saw to cut any required curves. If you have exposed edges, a bullnose can be used for their cuts.

Ensure tile spacers are placed in between the tiles with consistent gaps and continually check that everything is level throughout the process. Run a small test to ensure the mortar is sticking by pulling a tile off the wall and ensuring every part of the mixture is sticking. If it is not, you’ll need to move to a larger size trowel.

Pro tip: If you are using a bullnose, fill a plastic sandwich bag with the mortar and cut 1/2-inch off the corner. This will make it easier to apply the mortar with a technique similar to a piping cake icing bag.

 

Tiled shower wall
DAVIDCOHEN

Step 5: Tiling the bottom row

When the full row of tiles are in place, remove your wooden guide board and cut the tiles’ bottom row (if necessary) to stick them into place. Be sure to leave a 1/4-inch expansion gap at the very bottom of the section.

Step 6: Application of the grout

Once the mortar for your tiles has dried for 24 hours, remove the spacers and prepare your grout. Mix in small batches and apply but working it into the spaces with a spatular in diagonal motions. It would be best to use unsanded grout to avoid scratching the surface.

Allow the grout to dry then use a wet sponge to wipe away the excess, being careful not to remove grout from the joint. When the grout is completely dry, you can use a grout haze remover to ensure a clean tile face.

Pro tip: Wait a few days of drying then apply a grout sealant and silicone sealant to the corners and edges to ensure your area is waterproofed.

How to tile a shower floor slope

When looking at bathroom tiling yourself, a small slope towards the drain is vital to ensure water:

  1. Measure the length from the drain opening to the furthest wall
  2. Multiply the measurement by 1/4 inch to calculate the slope and place a bubble level from the drain opening to the wall
  3. Ensure the wall’s side of the bubble level matches the calculation of your calculated slope
  4. Place a mark at the appropriate height
  5. Score a line around the floor’s perimeter to show the floor’s slope

When tiling, use the bubble level as a guide. It is also important to verify that the slope does sit above the curb; you will need to lower the drain opening if it does.

How to install a shower drain for tile

If you are installing a compression-style shower drain fitting, which is often the most popular, you’ll need to trim the drainpipe first. The drainpipe should sit about 3/4 to 1 inch below the shower drain lip. Trim the drainpipe with a hacksaw so that the cut is flat and level.

Apply a bead of silicone caulk to the top of the shower drain opening, then place the drain into the opening with the rubber sealing washer over the drain assembly tailpiece that sits under the shower base. There will likely be a mounting nut that you can thread onto the tailpiece then tighten with channel-lock pliers.

Wipe away any excess caulk then position the shower base with the drainpipe extending up. Place the rubber compression gasket into the drain opening, thread the compression nut and tighten. Most compression-style drain fittings come with the tool you will need to tighten the nut. When tightened, the rubber gasket compresses against the drainpipe, creating a watertight seal. Seal the edges with silicone and allow it to cure for a full 24 hours before it gets wet from the shower.

Raquel Navalon Alvarez

Frequently asked questions

How do you prepare a shower wall for tile?

A good base is important when tiling a wall as it will dictate the quality of your tiling result. To ensure the wall is ready:

  1. Find any rough patches or divets
  2. Fill them or sand as necessary to reach a smooth straight surface
  3. When complete, wash the wall with sugar soap to remove any excess grit
  4. Leave to dry completely before you begin tiling

Can I tile my own shower?

Yes! Tiling is a DIY task anyone can do if the right amount of preparation and time is given to the project. The key is making sure you have a quality base to tile, be it walls or floors, and you double-check your measurements and placement positions for your tiles before placing them in their spots. If you take your time and ensure each step is done properly, you should end up with a professional-looking result!

Where do you start when tiling a shower floor?

When tiling a shower floor, it’s a good idea to start in the middle and work outward. Avoid starting on the edge and use a level board which has been screwed in place along the edge. This will create a line that keeps your tiles in place until you reach the edges. It is also vital that you use the proper spacing between your tiles to allow for the grout.

A new look for your shower is just a few steps away!

Now that you have read this article, you have all the necessary steps to tile your new shower! Take your time, double-check measurements and placings, and you should have a completed project that you can be proud of for many years to come.

If the task understandably still seems a little bit advanced, or more time-consuming than you initially planned for, a range of skilled bathroom tiling taskers are just a few clicks away. You can find specialists in floor tilingregroutingscreeding and other general tiling tasks to help you realise your perfect bathroom.

Those with the DIY bug will find a range of other helpful articles for when it comes to designing a new look. Find inspiration for your shower or bath areageneral shower ideas and for a bit of fun, how to create an outdoor shower! Have a little read, improve your skills, and make sure your bathroom is one of the most comfortable areas of your home.

How to unblock a drain in your home

Nothing induces fear like that of a blocked drain - but here's a quick and easy way to get through this situation

How to unblock a drain in your home

You may be doing the dishes or having a shower when you start to notice the drains is getting slower and slower at passing water. There is that empty feeling in your stomach that thinks you may be up for some expensive plumbing work or need to live without a shower for a few days. Learning how to unblock a drain is a great way to rectify the problem cheaply and quickly in some cases.

The issue often means your drain is blocked with something somewhere in the pipes. There are a few troubleshooting methods you can try to fix the issue which may unblock your drain without too much fuss or hassle. We recommend you give these a go as your first port of call before having to call in the professionals.

How to unblock a drain with baking soda and vinegar

An easy one to try, which is effective and also uses two everyday household objects is baking soda and vinegar. These two natural cleaners are perfect for any drain, from the kitchen to the bathroom. Mix 1/3 of a cup of vinegar with 1/3 of a cup of baking soda which will cause an immediate fizz. Pour it straight down the sink and allow it to sit for an hour minimum. The longer you leave it, the better the chance of it working, so you may wish to do this before bed and leave it over-night. When enough time has passed, flush it with some hot water, and hopefully, the blockage is no more.

How to unblock a drain with boiling water

A very simple and quick remedy for some blockages is boiling water. Simply boil the kettle with as much water as it can hold, then carefully and slowly pour it down the drain. It is best if you do this in stages with ten-second gaps between each pour. The boiling water will hopefully dissolve the obstruction, clearing your pipes.

Using salt and baking soda

Much like the vinegar and baking soda idea, salt and baking soda is another standard household implement option that you can try. Mix half a cup of baking soda with half a cup of salt. Pour it down the blocked drain and let it sit for around 10-20 minutes. Follow this with boiling water which, when mixed with the salt and baking soda will create a chemical reaction that may be able to dissolve whatever is blocking your pipes.

How to unblock a drain a plunger

Sometimes it’s the old-school techniques that work the best! Plungers are tried and proven. They will suck up the blockage in the drain however require a bit of strength and persistence. Make sure the plunger covers the entire drain hole to create suction; any gaps will render it useless. It may take a few tries, but many household drains have been saved with this method, so it is definitely worth a shot.

An old sink and pipes
Daniel Fazio

Chemical Cleaners

If the above methods have not been successful, opt for something a little stronger. You’ll be able to find a chemical drain cleaner at the local supermarket or hardware store. You simply pour it down the drain and leave it to sit for whatever length of time is stated on the accompanying instructions. When you are ready, run hot water down the sink to reveal a working, unblocked drain. This is not the safest or most environmentally-friendly option to use, and it is important that you exercise caution and follow the instructions when using chemical cleaning products.

Organic Cleaners

If you would like to opt for a more environmentally friendly option, an organic cleaner may be best. You should be able to find these in the same place as the chemical option. These cleaners use enzymes to eat away blockages, albeit not as powerful as chemical cleaners. If your blockage has been caused by hair, soap or fat, this could be a suitable solution.

Cleaning the pipe

If you are handy with some tools, and pouring things down the drain isn’t working, you can attempt to remove and clean the pipe yourself. This is a more advanced method as it involves taking apart a drainpipe, but it can be a little more simple than you think. 

Use an empty bucket and place it underneath the U-shaped pipe beneath your sink to collect any leaks during the process. Use a wrench and loosen the slip nuts at both ends of the pipe to remove it. Empty the pipe and use an old toothbrush to clean away any build-up. Rinse the pipes with water then reattach.

How to unclog a shower drain

While most of the methods listed above work for both kitchen and shower drains, removing and cleaning the pipes of a shower is not as simple as that of a sink. If the pour-down methods aren’t working, you can try to unclog a shower drain with a plumber’s snake or auger. There are both manual or electric options which involve a power drill.

To do this, insert the snake into the drain as far down as possible until it hits whatever is causing the blockage. Turn the handle to hook the clog and continue to push the snake down the drain. Resistance means clogs so begin turning the handle so the snake can do its thing, breaking up the clog. When the resistance lessens, the drain should be clear. Remove the snake slowly as it may be pulling the blockage up with it and you don’t want it falling back down a replugging the drain. Also, prepare to possibly see something gross. We’ve warned you. 

Run hot water down the drain to make sure everything is back to normal and consider some of these tips to prevent future shower blockages:

  • Use a drain cover or strainer to catch loose hairs
  • Brush your hair before you shower.
  • Pour a full kettle of boiling water down your pipes once a week to dislodge grease and soap before the problem worsens and clogs
  • Never pour dirty mop water or waste down the shower drain 
An outdoor drain
Denis Lesak

How to unblock a sewage drain

The main sewer line can be a serious issue and should be addressed as quickly as possible. Left unattended this can lead to multiple backed-up sinks or toilet waste draining into the tub. The DIY process, which is by far the cheapest and often quickest option is as follows:

  1. Loosen the cap on the drainpipe
  2. Allow the buildup to drain out
  3. Feed an auger cable into the drainpipe
  4. Twist until the clog is clear
  5. Hose down the pipe 
  6. Replace the cap

This simple method obviously requires an auger, and if this does not work, or you cannot locate the source of the blockage, you may need to call a professional. You will be able to purchase an auger for your home from any hardware store.

Frequently asked questions

What do plumbers use to unblock drains?

Plumbers have a number of devices to unblock drains starting with CCTV cameras to pinpoint the location of the blockage. Plumbers often use a snake, which is a long flexible steel rod with cutters, great for stubborn blockages or tree roots.

These do however have limited reach so plumbers may also use powerful hydro-jet devices which send high-pressure forces of water to unblock drains. If the problem is more significant, plumbers may need to replace drainpipes altogether.

What causes a blocked outside drain?

There is a multitude of elements that can block an outdoor drain. These drains are far more susceptible to natural debris like trees, shrubs, dirt and leaves, which is why regular garden maintenance is essential. Sometimes, however, you cannot see the problem, as tree roots grow underneath the earth and search for water which will lead them straight to your drains.

Throughout the wet season, heavy rainfall can also cause water build-up and an overflow of rainwater in gutters and downpipes. Your pipes may not be able to handle this much water, and it can cause issues.

The DIY fix that saves you some dollars

If you are dealing with a blocked drain, we truly hope that one of the above methods has worked and the problem is fixed quickly! If that isn’t the case, you’ll be able to find a range of well-priced taskers who excel in various plumbing services, ready to help get your drains clear and back to working order.

On the other hand, if you have fixed the issue yourself, you are likely feeling like you are on top of the DIY world! Well, there is no need to stop there as we have plenty of other helpful articles to increase your skills around the home, and the condition of the home itself.

From the all-important toilet unblocking to how to keep your drains clean, there is plenty to learn. We even have a piece that will explain how best to remove rust. Keeping your home in top condition is important, and very possible all on your own. Have a read and increase your skillset now.

How to drill into tile without cracking it

Add a mirror, a new railing or whatever else into a tile without any cracks

How to drill into tile without cracking it

A range of home improvement projects will require you to drill into a tile. Tiles are a notoriously tricky surface to drill into without causing any damage. Learning how to drill into tile without cracking it removes the fear of damage and ensures that your improvements do not cause more harm than good!

While tile is a robust option for your home, it cannot handle an unprepared drill on a hammer setting. Tile is expensive and you are likely trying to improve a space, not damage it, so it’s important to ensure care when drilling. There is nothing worse than a DIY project requiring expensive repairs from a professional!

There are some important steps to consider which will ensure that your tiles won’t chip, crack or shatter completely when you take a drill to them. Read on to learn how to drill into tile the right way.

Using the correct drill bit

This is possibly the most important thing to get right when it comes to how to drill into a tile. Drilling safely and with no risk of damage to your tiles comes down to using the right drill bit. There are two types of drill bits that you can use:

  1. Diamond-tipped
  2. Carbide-tipped

Diamond-tipped drill bits are the most preferred choice as they are durable; however, they are more expensive. If you have porcelain tiles with a hard backing, this option will be the best way to avoid cracks.

Carbide-tipped masonry drill bits are made to handle hard-rock surfaces, and while they are not as durable as the diamond-tip, they can be just as effective. This option is best-suited for ceramic tiles with a softer backing.

How to drill into tile

The start is always the hardest part as tiles are purposefully designed to be strongest on the outside. Breaking through the hardened glazed surface is often the part of the drilling process that causes issues such as chipping or cracking. To ensure you avoid this, follow these steps:

  1. Mark an “X” on the spot that needs to be drilled with masking tape which will help to give the drill bit surface traction while also protecting the tile in case the drill bit slips
  2. Confirm the depth required and mark the drill bit to the same depth with masking tape
  3. Ensure that your drill is not on the hammer setting as this will crack your tile
  4. Drill carefully to break through the surface, then continue with a consistent speed until you reach the required depth
  5. Remove the drill slowly to ensure you do not chip the tile during removal

It is very important that before drilling, you confirm that the wall you are drilling through is free from pipes, water or electrical cables. If you are working with tiles, you are likely in the kitchen or bathroom, and you want to guarantee you won’t be causing expensive damage by drilling through a pipe.

A red drill
NeONBRAND

Safety elements to remember

You may find that your drill overheats if you have a think tile and have been drilling for a long period. This can mean bad news for both your drill bit and the tile. To avoid this pause frequently and dip the drill bit into some water to help it cool down.

When you have drilled through the tile, decrease the speed and pressure of your drill and remove it slowly. From here you should be left with a clean and even drilled hole with no harm to the remaining tile around it. Remove the remaining tape and make sure there are no small shards of tile left where you drilled.

How to care for your tile when you finish drilling

Once the appropriate holes are drilled, and the project is complete, you’ll need to consider the cleanup. These tips can be used for ongoing tile maintenance to ensure you get the best out of your tiles for as long as possible. There are a few smart cleaning techniques to keep tiles and grout looking like new. All you need is the right cleaning products and tools with a little spare time.

It’s important to keep a regular eye on your tile for signs of dirt or grime. If left for lengthy periods of time, this can cause more harm than just a dirty look, as the dirt particles can attack your tile surface. A hazy film or dirty grout is usually a good indication that the time has come for a clean. 

The right clean for any type of tile

Tile floors are incredibly durable; however, certain kinds of tile require particular cleaning methods. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are low maintenance; however, slate, marble, granite, and limestone, essentially anything that is more coarse, will require individualised care and specific cleaners.

Here are a few easy cleaning tips to keep your tile in good condition, and always looking its best:

  1. Always begin by cleaning up the loose debris by sweeping or vacuuming your tile floors, or wiping tile walls as this will keep them from getting dull
  2. Choose the right mop or sponge and use mild detergent and clean water 
  3. Be sure to change the water frequently as attempting to clean with dirty water will make more of a mess than you fix
  4. If you find any tile stains or discolouration you’ll need to use a dedicated stain remover; it’s always best if you try to find the right type of cleaner for whatever causes the stain
  5. Dry the tiles to avoid water spots with a lint-free cloth immediately after you are finished cleaning

While cleaning, it is important to keep an eye out for soap residue. If your tiles look hazy after you have finished cleaning, this means there is likely still soap on the surface. This can be removed with a nonabrasive all-purpose cleaner, or you can use a homemade cleaner with fresh lemon juice and water (unless you are cleaning stone tiles).

White tiles with a plant
SOCIAL.CUT

Frequently asked questions

What drill bit do you need for tiles?

It is very important that you use the right drill bit when drilling into tiles. This can be the difference between a successful project and a broken tile. There are two types of drill bits that you can use to safely drill into a tile, a diamond-tip and a carbide masonry-tip.

Diamond-tipped drill bits are the most expensive of the two, but they are also the best choice as they are extremely durable. This option is best suited to porcelain tiles with a hard backing and will help you avoid cracks. 

The carbide-tipped masonry drill bits are not as durable as the diamond-tip but are still very effective when it comes to drilling through ceramic tiles that have a softer backing.

What is the best drill bit for ceramic tile?

The best option to drill through a ceramic tile without damaging it is a carbide-tipped masonry drill bit. These drill bits are made to handle hard-rock surfaces and are very effective when drilling through ceramic tiles with a softer backing.

You can also use a diamond-tipped drill bit; however, these are often better suited to porcelain tiles. The diamond-tip is a stronger drill bit, but also more expensive. 

Do you need a hammer drill for tile?

No, in fact, it is strongly recommended that you do not use a hammer drill, and also confirm that the hammer setting on your drill is switched off before drilling through tile.

The standard drill setting will work to breaking through the hardened glazed surface of the tile with a little patience and persistence. A hammer drill will cause chipping or cracking, so to avoid this place masking tape on the area you are drilling to give the drill bit surface traction and protect the tile. Drill carefully to break through the surface, and keep a consistent speed until you reach the required depth for the hole.

Slow and steady wins the non-cracked tile race

The instructions above will help ensure your tiles are free from cracks and chips when drilling into them. Just remember to have patience and exercise care when drilling the hole. That and the right equipment should keep you crack free.

If you a less confident and do not want to risk your tiles, or if you gave it a shot and things went bad, there are plenty of tiling expert taskers who can help. From porcelain tile installation to floor and splashback tiling, there are a plethora of experts ready to help make your wet areas look their absolute best. You can also find plenty of handymen and women who can help with a range of tasks around the home from repairs, to maintenance and renovations.

If you nailed the tile hole drilling and are looking for some more inspiration for new DIY home reno skills, read some of our other articles. We can help with how best to remove a tile floor and a range of other bathroom tile ideas. Have a read and get to work in making your home the very best space it can be!

Bathroom colour schemes and ideas

Transform the look and personality of your bathroom space with colour! We explore the latest bathroom colors

Thinking of renovating your bathroom and moving away from standard whites? Let’s get you some inspo for your bathroom remodel with our ideas for bathroom color schemes to make you swoon.

Coastal blues

Water colours in a bathroom? Groundbreaking. But seriously, the colours of the sea continue to play a strong role in bathroom design. Aim for a layered, coastal-inspired palette, incorporating other beachy colours like sand, seaweed or pale driftwood browns as well.

If you want to incorporate a blue into your bathroom colour scheme, you’re not at all limited to “Classic Blue”! Other highly saturated blues like dark navy or stone blue work really well in bathrooms. Pair them with marble or white, and add warm metal tones in fixtures and accessories.

1. Blue subway tiles

White grout is a classic with coloured subway tile, creating a lot of lovely order and clean lines. Mix it with intricately patterned blue Moroccan tile on the floor and hang some Turkish towels nearby—simple yet striking.

When tiles are the hero of your bathroom, it needs to be spotless. Find out how much it costs to hire someone to do your tile and grout cleaning for you.

bathroom-colours-blue
Source: Photo by Bence Balla-Schottner on Unsplash

2. Pale blue and terrazzo

Mixing black accents with pale blue subway tile stops the pastel colour from looking too youthful. And the texture provided by soft pale grey terrazzo adds lovely depth.

3. Large format blue tiles

According to those in the know, large format tiles have taken off as people explore their options beyond subway or mosaic style designs. The large square shape of the tiles can be repeated in the shapes of the vanity drawers and the basket below. Once again, a pastel sky blue shade can be matured with black and timber accents and contemporary features like a freestanding sink.

4. Sky blue

Evokes the spirit of summer with a powdery sky blue feature wall or peacock blue mermaid tile. Then add a black basin mixer for visual punch.

5. Indigo blue

This sophisticated grey-blue storm colour pairs really well with dark timber and white pops of contrast. The result has a classic aesthetic but you can give it a modern spin thanks to the freestanding sink, herringbone tile and statement wall sconces.

bathroom-colors-navy
Source: Photo by Laurence Katz on Unsplash

6. Navy and faded charcoal

This mid–grey is a match made in heaven with navy tile. Greys like this are typically complementary to all skin tones so are perfect to use near mirrors in the bathroom. A darker charcoal faucet can add a touch of modern flair.

7. Blue mosaic tiles in the shower

Look for a sophisticated and moody ocean blue with a shimmer of metallic to bring your shower to life.

8. Dark hexagon tile

A soft charcoal grey hexagonal tile adds texture to a modern bathroom.

Remodelling your bath and shower? You’ll also be thinking about getting someone to take care of the exhaust fan installation.

Gold

The use of gold metallic decor creates a sense of everday opulence and luxury. Look for a gold tone with a greenish element and a chameleon-like hue-shifting effect.

9. Metallic mosaic tile

Although the use of mosaic tile goes back thousands of years, modern technologies have enabled manufacturers to create all kinds of jewel stone and precious metal effects in an economical and sustainable way. Add iridescent reflective gold mosaic tiles to your bathroom for a touch of majesty—no mining necessary.

10. Concrete and gold

Gold-toned metals warm up a contemporary concrete bathroom that could otherwise lapse into resembling Cell Block H. After all, no matter how much you love cement, no one wants their bathroom to look like the local public amenities. So if you’re going for the bold, contemporary effect of polished concrete, make sure you inject some warm, luxe elements like gold tapware.

bathroom-colors-gold
Source: Photo by Laurence Katz on Unsplash

11. Gold feature backsplash

How about a floor-to-ceiling metallic gold bathtub backsplash? Bathing by candlelight becomes a mesmerising experience with the shimmer of gold metal.

12. Charcoal and gold

Have a statement charcoal bathtub? Accent it beautifully with gold tapware and a little gold table.

13. Gold herringbone tile

Sophisticated and classy, gold herringbone tile creates instant five-star hotel vibes.

Top tip: for a perfect tiling job, maybe avoid the DIY and hire a local tiling expert instead.

14. Subtle gold-toned touches

Even if you want to stick to predominantly white for your bathroom, it’s important not to choose a blinding white. Decorators often choose warm whites with no yellow undertones for walls, saving the high gloss super-whites for doors and trims. And if you’re going for mainly white, enhance it with warm metals in the taps or the shower niche border.

bathroom-colors-gold
Source: Photo by Laurence Katz on Unsplash

Lush forest green

Greens are expressive and calming colours that offer a direct connection to nature.

bathroom-colors-green
Source: Photo by Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels

15. Green basin

You don’t have to go all out and paint your whole bathroom green. Introduce a touch of forest with a gorgeous new sink. It looks especially stunning paired with a timber vanity.

With a timber vanity, always make sure you keep waterproofing needs in mind—you can hire an expert in bathroom waterproofing if you need help.

16. Sea-green herringbone tile

Sea green is such a soothing colour for bathrooms. And herringbone tile is a great way to highlight tiles with tonal variation. This creates even more texture and visual interest.

17. Grass-green tile

The modern bathroom sometimes looks formulaic: black framed round mirror, statement light, twin concrete sinks, floating timber vanity, textured tile. But even bathrooms boasting this style can appear completely unique and original through the clever use of colour. For example, a gorgeous grass green tile contrasted with baby pink sinks and plenty of grey.

Love floating vanities? Find a local bathroom cabinet-maker to transform your bathroom dreams to reality.

bathroom-colors-green
Source: Photo by 43 Clicks North on Unsplash

18. Cloudy green suede

Rather than paint the walls a solid block colour, choose an unusual wall painting technique to add dynamic texture and depth to a plain coloured wall. Consider techniques like sponging or Strié, the French name for the streaking technique that creates a linen-look effect. Or, consider a colour wash.

19. Mint subway tile

An ever-popular modern bathroom look, classic rectangular subway tile isn’t going anywhere in a hurry.  And mint is the perfect serene shade of green, especially with the black accents in the shower and tapware.

20. Emerald hexagonal tiles

With a statement tile, it’s all about the colour and texture. Hexagons satisfy our need for a pattern, while the tonal variations of shimmering tile create depth and texture.

Warm, natural beige

The versatility of neutrals like beige means they will really always be popular. Warm beige is also an important part of the Australian coastal decor style, amongst many beautiful Australian nature colours.

21. Natural palettes

Choose warm neutrals (like beige, tan, chamois or pale oak) and add natural stone like marble, allowing the neutrals to pick up the marble vein. Mix in pale timbers, greenery in natural planters, and organic fibres in your accessories. And keep it all simple and uncluttered for the ultimate in serenity.

bathroom-colours-naturals
Source: Photo by Sanibell BV on Unsplash

22. Grey and natural

Light grey is a lovely crisp neutral that goes well with natural tones. It also pairs really well with marble and other bathroom stones. Consider pale grey flagstone pavers mixed with clean white subway tiles, a pale grey clawfoot tub, and a few bursts of natural colour in the accessories.

Does your bathtub command centre stage? Make sure it’s looking tiptop by having a tradie come and look at a bath resurface.

23. Nature colours

Experts recommend starting with your stone and letting that inform your colour palette. Another tip is to source your natural stone from a local area. Modernise a bathroom featuring gorgeous natural stone with tiny hexagon floor tiles.

luxury-bathroom-neutrals
Source: Photo by Jared Rice on Unsplash

Earthy pink

Shades of pinkish terracottas and pastel roses in matte or satin finishes continue to be popular.

24. Earthy pink walls

If you are thinking of changing the paint in your bathroom, you can always DIY, but for a truly professional job, you can’t go past hiring a specialist local bathroom painter.

bathroom-colors-pink
Source: Photo by Curology on Unsplash

25. Pink, grey and coloured marble

A soft shade of aubergine makes a statement in subway tile, especially when paired with a concrete sink, brass tapware and a gorgeous coloured marble vanity topper.

26. Peach, dove grey and sage

A bathroom background in soft pastels might take in a mix of warm paint colour with cool-toned tiles.

bathroom-colors-earthy-pinks
Source: Photo by KoolShooters from Pexels

27. Pink tile floor

Gorgeous pink tiling can provide a whole lot of texture to a basic, flat white bathroom.

bathroom-colors-pink
Source: Photo by Curology on Unsplash

28. Pink panelling

Dusky pink tones in the textured panelling can make a feature wall a focal point.

29. Mosaic pink mirror tile

There’s nothing like a bit of shimmer and sparkle to make going to the loo a little more interesting, is there?

20. Lavender square subway tiles

Colours like amethyst, violet, lilac and lavender are stunning for a bathroom. Choose a soft, gentle shade of purple like mauve and mix it with plenty of white for a romantic, clean aesthetic. To modernise the colour scheme, choose square subway tile, which has been gradually gaining in popularity over its rectangular cousin.

bathroom-colors-main
Source: Photo by Katja-Anna Krug on Unsplash

Mellow yellows

Some of the yellow bathrooms I came across would probably cross over into the category of warm beiges and other naturals: think sun-drenched ochre, honey, dandelion, straw and flaxen hues. Others were more traditional, bright canary yellows, typically mixed with plenty of white. Although the yellow bathroom isn’t currently trending, it’s a perennial favourite and perfect for creating your bathroom happy place.

21. Yellow ochre and black accents

Love yellow? Why not tile your shower in a vibrant shade instead of plain white. Add black fixtures and the black shower frame for definition and drama.

22. Yellow Moroccan tile

Our love affair with Moroccan patterned tiles just grows by the year. Add mustard-coloured encaustic tiles to an overall white bathroom with mustard-coloured encaustic tiles for a gorgeous and unique look.

23. Yellow and white

Going for a bright sunny yellow bathroom? Mix in bright white accents, plenty of timber and natural materials, and a statement-making tiled floor.

24. Yellow and terrazzo

Can you imagine a pink ceiling working with sunshine yellow subway tiles? It sounds crazy but an intenselysaturated yellow perfectly complements shades of sweet pink.

Unusual bathroom color combinations

And now for something a little different. Mix up your favourite colours for a truly unique bathroom look!

25. Sunshine and lilac

Rustic yet modern, a concrete sink really sings when paired with gold-toned tapware and a dreamy, pale lilac-grey ridged tile.

26. Candy apple

“Pink and green should never be seen, without something in between” goes the saying. So if you’re keen on a clashing colour combo of pink and green, add a touch of gold in the palette. Think forest herringbone subway tile together with a marble-topped vanity, pale pink walls and a pink ceramic sink, then add warm gold fixtures. The result is a playful yet Old School glam aesthetic.

27. Teal and coral

A teal green and coral pink bathroom color scheme is quirky yet calming, and pops of white keep it modern.

28. Seaweed, salmon and black

A muted pastel green and baby pink bathroom may not be to everyone’s taste, but it does successfully evoke tranquillity and it’s unusual enough to make a statement based on colour alone.

29. Burnt ochre with classic blue

Once again the classic modern style – round mirror, statement light, black accent, interesting freestanding sink and unusual tile – is lifted out of the ordinary using an original colour scheme. Consider a pale terracotta sink, a touch of classic blue under the vanity tying in with the blue paint in the doorway, and a soft, calm shade of apricot in a large format tile.

30. Enchantment under the sea

I’ll finish up with my personal favourite of the day. I adore the shade of Aegean blue and the rippling effect caused by textured tiles—using a bathroom with ocean hued tiles would make me feel like a mermaid! The blue looks stunning combined with white subway tile. Mixing metals (chrome in the lighting, gold tones in the mirror, tapware and accessories) can add even more visual excitement.

bathroom-colors-aegean-green
Source: Photo by Lazy_camera_girl on Unsplash

So, there’s my spin on how bathrooms are confidently embracing the newest bathroom color schemes. Which is your favourite? Make sure you let me know in the comments!

Love tile? Make sure you also check out our blog on bathroom tile ideas and also our blog on other bathroom decorating ideas.

Also, if you’re thinking of renovating your bathroom but are worried about the potential costs of plumbing services, get a handle on prices using our price guides for plumbing and tap/faucet installation.

33 Stunning luxury bathroom ideas

Creating a spa-inspired luxury bathroom at home

33 Stunning luxury bathroom ideas

What does luxury mean to you?  Lots of space? Expensive materials? Opulent decor? State of the art digital smart products? A hotel spa vibe? Luxury really means something different to each of us. But the common denominator for a luxury bathroom is that it’s all about turning the space into a place to escape for tranquillity and relaxation.

Creating an idyllic bathroom sanctuary with an atmosphere of calm luxury usually means a minimalist space. It means focusing on a statement tub or statement vanity and sinks. And then adding high-end fixtures and fittings that suggest affluence. Above all, luxury bathrooms dwell on the use of stunning natural materials.

Let’s jump in and take a look at how to evoke the feeling of a wellness retreat or day spa at home with a stunning luxury bathroom.

1. Simplicity

Less really is more. In bathrooms, luxury doesn’t always mean excess. In fact it’s often the lack of visual clutter that spells luxury. And that’s why so many luxury bathrooms feature heavily pared-back styling and a focus on just one luxury feature. This is typically a freestanding tub with wow factor, but a feature vanity or feature tile wall is also popular. The aim is to create a simple, minimal space with clean lines and allow the luxe materials and stylish details to convey sumptuousness.

luxury-bathroom-storage
Source: Photo by Ryan Christodoulou on Unsplash

2. Comfort

One of the most important factors in creating a luxury bathroom is a focus on serious comfort. Start with an ultra-comfy soaker tub. Add comforting elements like underfloor heating and heated towel rails. Stimulate all the senses with scented candles and little organic touches such as flowers or plants.

Finally, make sure everything is within reach when soaking. A ledge above the tub holds everything you could possibly need for your bath while keeping things looking airy and uncluttered.

luxury-bathroom-comfort
Source: Photo by R ARCHITECTURE on Unsplash

3. Spaciousness

Having an expansive, generous space to work with is definitely a hallmark of bathroom luxury. But if you haven’t got quite as much room, you can fake it somewhat by using larger format or slab tiles. These have fewer grout lines and lessen visual clutter which helps to enlarge your space.

luxury-bathroom-spacious
Source: Photo by Vlada Karpovich from Pexels

4. Artisanal

A direct route to conveying luxury is to embrace “impassioned making” and install a stunning artisanal statement tub or basin. Many luxury bathroom brands work in close collaboration with craftspeople and artists to create products rich with personality and passion. Often one artisan works on a product from beginning to end, hand-sanding and hand-finishing and polishing to produce a high quality, authentic product.

luxury-bathroom-artisanal
Source: Photo by Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels

5. Smart

Commanding your shower to start before you even get out of bed. Having it set at precisely your ideal temperature. Changing up the temperature while your hands are full. Instructing your bathroom to play your favourite songs on integrated speakers. Amusing yourself watching the water change colour. Using a sensor-activated, self-cleaning toilet with a seat warmer. The list goes on. Enhancing your bathtime experience is easy with the variety of voice and digital controls, apps and LCD screens on the market today.

As a bonus, smart showers, tubs and toilets are also designed to be extra water-efficient, so they’re a smart investment as well.

6. Sustainable

Sustainability in design is sexy. And so is choosing your bathware from luxury brands that celebrate innovation in their engineering and manufacturing processes and products. Just looking luxe is only half the equation. The best brands conspicuously pursue emission-free, low-impact, environmentally-friendlymethods and materials. While at the same time delivering high quality goods that look the part.

7. Golden

A luxury bathroom certainly does not need to boast a solid gold toilet. But adding some metallic touches is always a sure way to create an opulent atmosphere. One option? A deluxe gold feature wall as a backdrop to your chic freestanding bath.

8. Chiaroscuro

Luxury dark bathrooms often make effective use of the chiaroscuro technique. This is the classic method used by artists like Rembrandt, Caravaggio and da Vinci. With chiaroscuro, it’s all about contrast and balance between light and shadow create the illusion of more light. For instance, a dark and moody colour palette combined with beautiful tiling and a black freestanding tub. The chiaroscuro technique definitely creates a visually stunning minimalist contemporary bathroom.

luxury-bathroom-chiaroscuro
Source: Photo by R ARCHITECTURE on Unsplash

9. Neutral

Luxury bathrooms tend to make use of a neutral colour palette which allows the focus to remain on the opulent materials and textures. Go for all-white or soft nature tones that pick up the colours of your stone, timber or other natural materials. But make sure to add in some plant life for a refreshing green contrast.

luxury-bathroom-neutrals
Source: Photo by Jared Rice on Unsplash

10. Organic

Another feature of modern luxury bathrooms is the incorporation of elements with organic, irregular shapes. This ties in with the wellness trend. There’s the desire to include calming, nature-inspired décor, referencing the planet Earth and its processes. For example, check out the range of elongated, asymmetrical shaped bathware by Rogerseller. I especially like their Carrara marble sink that mimicks the crater shapes caused by volcanoes!

11. Materiality

One of the most obvious things you notice about luxury bathrooms is their emphasis on beautiful materials. Other décor elements are often stripped right back so that the eye can simply take in the stunning materials with little distraction. Go for simple minimalism but with the lavish use of glass, stone, tile and warm metal.

12. Marble

Marble is naturally a luxurious material and especially so when large slabs of the stone are used. If you love marble bathrooms, check out more ideas here.

13. Concrete

Concrete bathrooms work really well for a luxury focus on contemporary innovation. This modern material is now being poured into a huge variety of products including tubs, sinks and vanities. Especially suited to a modern, minimalist bathroom, concrete contrasts beautifully with tile and terrazzo. And its contemporary nature is reflected in the addition of sleek, wall-mounted tapware. Handmade-to-order concrete basins like this one can be made in a wide variety of colours. They instantly convey the so-called industrial-luxe aesthetic.

luxury-bathroom-concrete
Source: Photo by Raquel Navalon Alvarez on Unsplash

14. Tile

Walls of glorious colour and pattern provide a richly textured backdrop to your statement bathware., whether porcelain, ceramic or marble tile.

Love floor tile? Speak to an expert on bathroom flooring or a  bathroom tiler about how to create your dream bathroom floor.

15. Timber clad shower

Luxury bathrooms have an emphasis on real and natural materials. So timber is the perfect choice for creating a luxury spa/sauna atmosphere. Especially it’s ecologically-certified timber or timber finish. That is, using water-based or natural oils and waxes. Make wood the star of the show—even down to timber louvred shutters—with crisp accents added in white and chrome.

16. Timber tub

For a bathroom that’s a heavenly slice of serenity, how about a timber tub? For instance, the ‘Shell’ tub by architect Nina Mair is sculpted from a solid block of walnut using a computer-aided milling machine. The tub is hand-polished and oiled “many times” and looks amazing paired with a copper-piping spout. With its calming organic touches and tactile materials, it’s perfectly designed for a beautifully relaxing soak.

17. Rainfall shower

A large flush-mount ceiling shower together with a rainfall showerhead provides a generous, fully immersive shower experience, as expected from a luxury bathroom. Need expert help with showerhead or exhaust fan installation?

luxury-bathroom-rainfall-shower
Source: Photo by Raquel Navalon Alvarez on Unsplash

18. Antique

It’s a truth universally acknowledged that traditional styling, vintage brassware, clawfoot tub, antique mirrors, furniture and light fittings will culminate to create a classic luxurious atmosphere. You might also like to check out our blog on Art Deco bathrooms.

19. Three dimensional tile

Create a sense of luxurious sophistication by combining moody dark walls with a designer sink with minimalist hardware. Add a cool, avant-garde touch by using concaved mosaic wall tile in a rich colour like bottle green. Increasingly popular in luxury bathrooms, three-dimensional ‘relief’ pattern tiles, or other textured tiles, give depth and interest to your space.

20. Updated fittings

Update tapware for an instant luxe look. Changing up the tapware is a relatively affordable and easy way to add sophistication and glamour.  Matte black tapware instantly spells modernity. But brushed nickel and brass or warm gold-toned fixtures also look classically luxe.

luxury-bathroom-update-fixtures
Source: Photo by Claus Grünstäudl on Unsplash

21. Avant-garde

Love a modern aesthetic and enjoy being at the forefront of experimental design? Then you’ll love the intense colours and unexpectedly-shaped sinks and bathtubs created by the Italian company antoniolupi. Celebrating geometry, form and colour, the tubs and basins are made from a transparent resin, coloured in ten unusual colours. Eye-catching and creative, these unique designs offer a chance to really stand out.

22. Vintage

If you want to create an elegant, glamorous atmosphere in your bathroom, source a fabulous vintage vanity or cabinet and make it the hero. Contrast it with a contemporary basin and mirror. Add some pretty wall sconces and plant-life, and you have a luxurious space with loads of personality and character.

23. Coastal

Since bathrooms contain a lot of cold surfaces, it’s also important to generate a sense of warmth in a luxury bathroom. And this can easily be done by adding timber, potplants and organic woven textiles.

luxury-bathroom-uncluttered
Source: Photo by Steven Ungermann on Unsplash

24. Hotel-luxe

Great Gatsby-style hotels are perfect for inspo in how to achieve the hotel-luxe look. Blend traditional and modern elements for a sense of timeless beauty and the modern-day luxury of five star hotels. Mix old and new décor, such as classic subway tile in a gorgeous unexpected colour, and brass tapware with inviting, clean white marble topped vanity.

25. Bold colour

A luxury bathroom needs to be an Insta-worthy space or else it doesn’t count, right? One way to incorporate loads of personality and style into your bathroom (and your bathroom selfies) is to inject the space with liberal doses of your favourite, vibrant colour.

26. Storage

A luxury bathroom should have plenty of bathroom storage. It may be a huge bank of vanities or perhaps recessed mirror cabinets or open shelving. This frees up floor space and keeps things feeling light and airy. Furniture is ideally floating or wall-mounted to add to sense of spaciousness. Don’t forget a handy built-in ledge!

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Source: Photo by R ARCHITECTURE on Unsplash

27. Plants

Style up your luxury bathroom with an extravagant pendant plant, such as a quirky air plant arrangement. Juxtaposed with neat and tidy contemporary décor, a wildly sprawling collection of plants is a conversation starter with plenty of visual interest.

There are so many varieties of plants that love the hot and humid environment but make sure you get the right one. Here’s our collection of our favourite bathroom plants.

28. Luxury light fittings

Abundant light really makes a bathroom appear luxurious.  Make the most of your natural light, of course, but also plan feature and task lighting that will set the mood and bring a luxe feel. Pendant lights or decorative wall sconces, LED backlighting and undershelf lighting are all options to explore. (And you might like to read our article on bathroom lighting for more ideas).

29. Windows

Luxury bathrooms tend to be infused with abundant light.  Take advantage of all the natural light from a large window (it helps if you also have a heroic view, but even your backyard greenery will do). With the window the focal point in the bathroom, just a few other striking elements are needed. For instance a crystal chandelier, deep soak tub and a few curated objets d’art.

luxury-bathroom-window
Source: Photo by Joanes Andueza on Unsplash

30. Skylight

A luxury bathroom should be bathed in light, both from natural sources and additional task lighting for self-care duties. Adding a skylight is an easy way to create that spa vibe and bring in more natural light (and it also makes night-time bathing that much more magical).

31. Understated

Simple and serene, a subtly luxe bathroom has everything you need and nothing more. Unfussy, honest and functional, it can be styled as an idyllic retreat to unwind and pamper and clear your mind from the distractions of everyday life.

32. Overstated

An over-the-top, bold coloured or patterned bathroom tends to imply luxury for one simple reason: remodelling isn’t exactly cheap. And yet an intense design may tire or date faster, so you’re gambling on potential future remodels. A bold aesthetic suggests an attitude of “I don’t care, I want what I want and hang the costs!” It suggests throwing caution to the winds, being daring and extravagant—just what you’d expect from a luxury homeowner.

33. Fluffy robes

And finally, don’t forget the robes! Keen on the hotel luxe aesthetic for your master bathroom? Reinforce it by hanging two white bathrobes on a rail and keep other décor hotel-style and minimal.

As you can see, luxury is in the eye of the beholder. And it’s not really about ostentatiously showing off–honestly, all that matters is that it feels luxurious to you!

I hope this has given you some inspiration for your bathroom remodel or build. You can always find an expert in bathroom renovation who will be able to guide you further. And don’t forget to view our blogs on general bathroom ideasmaster bathroom ideas and bathroom décor trends.

Already looking for a plumber? You can also view our price guides to find out how much a plumber costs generally, or, for example, how much mixer tap installation costs.

Now over to you – what does luxury mean to you? Let me know in the comments below!

30+ Modern bathroom ideas and designs

Spruce up your home with a fresh, modern bathroom.

30+ Modern bathroom ideas and designs

Having a modern bathroom that is on-trend and stylish while timeless and practical should be the goal when it comes to bathroom renovation. Modern design can be whatever you want it to be. But today, the most on-trend elements include neutral colours, geometric shapes, touches of black, gold and brass and a little bit of decor without too much fuss.

And when it comes to surfaces, thinking anything natural, such as marble, wood and stone – all of which will bring a timeless and modern approach to your bathroom. Plus, you can create added interest by including patterns and colours with creative tiling.

Get inspired for your next bathroom renovation with these ## modern bathroom ideas and designs.

1. White plus greens

A freestanding white bathtub will always make a bathroom look modern and on trend. The indoor plants give this bathroom a natural touch. Indoor plants thrive in a bathroom with the steam from a hot bath or shower.

modern-bathrooms-freestanding-tub
Source: Photo by Steven Ungermann on Unsplash

2. Black tub

Who says bathtubs have to be white? This gorgeous black bath tub looks like it is made of stone and bathing in it would make you feel like you were sitting on a beautifully smooth rock pool with crystal clear water. The wood panelling and timber look flooring add to the sense of luxury of this modern bathroom.

modern-bathrooms-black-tub
Source: Photo by Bilal Mansuri on Unsplash

3. Long vanity

If you have the space, why not have the largest vanity possible. This will provide plenty of room to spread out and enjoy your own space, while allowing you to be close to your partner in the bathroom. It’s especially great if you have a long but narrow bathroom like this. The high ceiling lends itself perfectly to the very stylish wall sconces as well as subtle downlights that give this renovated modern bathroom a lot of ambience.

modern-bathrooms-long-vanity
Source: Photo by Bailey Alexander on Unsplash

4. A place to sit

A place to sit or a place to throw your towel and clothes is a cool feature for any modern bathroom. It gives you somewhere to hang out while leisurely getting ready for the day ahead or relaxing after the day is finished.

5. Concrete all round

This bathroom is the ultimate modern design with clean bold surfaces and an industrial look. The speckled terrazzo concrete feel in the floor and wall tiles is practical and long lasting. The white and grey vanity with black tap fittings is minimal and classy. All this stunning concrete bathroom needs is a pot plant to bring a warm natural feel to this.

modern-bathrooms-concrete
Source: Photo by Alona Gross on Unsplash

6. Marble touches

Modern bathrooms love marble. Whether it’s a beautiful marble bench top, marble flowing through to walls and floors or the a simple marble basin in a neat vanity.

7. Barn doors

This type of door is perfect for a modern farmhouse bathroom. Pair your fabulous freestanding white bathtub with a gorgeous vanity with little timber barn doors. It provides the perfect cosy vintage touch.

8. Straight lines

Nothing says modern more than straight lines when it comes to walls, furniture and edges of a room, and this contemporary bathroom showcases this perfectly. It’s all angles and sharp neat lines, ideal for those who love a streamlined look.

modern-bathrooms-dark
Source: Photo by Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels

9. Pattern on pattern

Opting for a dark patterned tile of the floor can help disguise a little bit of dirt and make your modern bathroom floor quite easy to keep looking clean. You can contrast it with white herringbone tile on the walls or floors. I love when the floor tile continues into the shower and you have a practical wetroom space.

10. Exposed brick

Sometimes when renovating an old room, you can incorporate an old wall to add a feature and keep some of the old charm. An exposed brick feature wall can really set off modern bathroom styling, like round mirrors. It gives the whole look a modern twist with a cottage feel.

11. Pink perfection

Who says modern bathrooms have to be white? This cheeky pink bathroom looks so cute with its white basin on the pink vanity. A brass tap is the perfect finish against the soft pink and whites, and an illuminated mirror adds some glam.

modern-bathrooms-pink
Source: Photo by Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels

12. Clever little nooks

If I was designing a brand new bathroom, I think this little recessed nook is the most clever and practical addition to a modern bathroom. Not only is it a handy spot to keep your bathroom products, it also breaks up a wall adding interest and dimension.

13. Oval mirror

You see a lot of round mirrors in modern bathrooms these days, but an oval mirror is sleek and gives a longer body view. Or you might like to explore other shapes, such as pretty arches. A hexagonal mirror is also quite a different and unique shape from the commonly shaped mirrors of round or rectangle used in most bathrooms.

14. Double vanity

Double vanities are always a fabulous idea if two people are sharing a bathroom. You never have to wait for the basin, or indeed push and shove if you are in a hurry to clean your teeth before rushing out the door.  Liking the double vanity idea but want to see it in a variety of styles? We’ve got that covered with these Jack and Jill bathroom designs.

15. Mermaid luxe

When I was a little girl, I always wanted to grow up to be a mermaid. But what is the adult reality? Pretend to be a mermaid in the privacy of your own bathroom! You could go for classic fish scale tile or a pretty hex, like this.

modern-bathrooms-tiling
Source: Photo by Laurence Katz on Unsplash

16. Shapes and textures

Give your modern bathroom a classy look with a clever use of shapes and textures. For instance it may be dark on one side and light on the other, brought together by a perfectly round mirror and other different shapes of colours and rectangles of varying heights in the benches and shelves.

17. Luxury living

There’s nothing like a view. If I was enjoying a bubble bath in this magnificent freestanding white bathtub, I would certainly have a glass of very expensive French champagne in my hand.  When it comes to design elements, the subtle tones of the marble floor tiles and walls provide the perfect subtle backdrop for this stunning view. If you have any kind of view from your bathroom, it’s a good idea to build in generous storage to keep bathroom accessories out of sight.

modern-bathrooms-floor-mount-faucet
Source: Photo by Olena Kamenetska on Unsplash

18. Feature door

So many modern bathrooms are black and white but you can give your bathroom added charm with a painted feature door which adds a pop of colour as does the greenery in the plants. A dusky pink creates calm and softness against the busy graphic monochrome effect that many modern bathrooms have.

19. Modern lighting

When lighting a dark bathroom, clever light fittings will ensure you light the corners and edges whilst a ceiling light will focus light over your task space at the basin. For example below you have round illuminated mirrors as well as dual pendants for the twin basins. A round shape gives the illusion of infinity and never ending which is always pleasing to the eye.

modern-bathroom-lights-mirrors
Source: Photo by Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels

20. Wooden cabinetry

Bringing a warm wood look into the bathroom gives it a warm, cosy vibe. I love the natural look of wood grain through rustic timber cabinetry. Add a pretty tile wall behind the mirror for an interesting design and to give your cute wooden bathroom space a lot of quirkiness.

21. Warmth and comfort

If you love warmth in a bathroom, notice it is achieved by using wood tones, warm brass or champagne tap fittings and beautiful hanging pendant lights. A pottery vase filled with a spare of dried leaves can easily contribute to the cosy feeling of comfort, as does a thick towelling bathrobe on a hook.

22. Nude bathroom

Nude and white is a safe and timeless choice for any room in the house. It always looks classy and tasteful. If you have an all-white bathroom, bring this colour scheme to life with warm tapware in a modern shape, like this.

modern-bathroom-tapware
Source: Photo by Alfred Kenneally on Unsplash

23. Cosy touches

You can use an antique looking buffet cabinet as a vanity and add a floating white basin with a big white bathtub to bring a lot of character to a modern bathroom.

24. Two-toned modern bathroom

This deep green is a masculine but modern shade which when used with the white creates a futuristic two-toned bathroom. And how cool are these slim metallic pendant lights that are reminiscent of a drop of water?

For some more stunning lights, check out these cool bathroom lighting ideas for your next bathroom renovation.

modern-bathroom-green-tile
Source: Photo by Andrew Neel from Pexels

25. Modern blues

You can spruce up an older style bathroom simply by adding a fresh coat of paint – why not go for blue paint for those modern Hamptons vibes. I also love the addition of a sleek, clean vanity with white twin basins. And the quirky hanging light shades add so much personality to a space.

26. Black on black

Nothing screams classy like black on black for an ultra modern and masculine bathroom. You can however cleverly sneak in a little white to lighten the heaviness of black vanity cupboards. Try adding white in the basins, a small table or some gorgeous white orchid which are so on-trend at the moment.

27. Neutral modern

Not often do you see wooden type cabinetry and drawers under a vanity, but this neutral look gives this bathroom a real earthy feel. Adding timber to a mostly grey and black modern bathroom will give it a much needed dose of warmth.

modern-bathroom-with-plants
Source: Photo by Sven Brandsma on Unsplash

28. White on white

You can never go wrong when you choose an almost all white bathroom. There can always be variations of white between the wall colour and the floor colour, as long as you always stick to all cool-white or all warm-white. Then all you need is a pop of colour from some lush bathroom plants and a Moroccan rug for interest.

modern-bathroom-rug
Source: Photo by Ryan Christodoulou on Unsplash

29. Grey

The floor and walls in this very modern bathroom look stunning in grey. The recessed shelf in the wall is handy for housing bathroom products. And I love the simple rainfall shower head and the black tap fittings in the shower recess. The best thing about grey bathrooms is that you can style with almost any bathroom decor and towels to give it a much needed refresh.

modern-bathrooms-wetroom
Source: Photo by R ARCHITECTURE on Unsplash

30. Clean lines

Make your bathroom ultra modern with a lot of straight, clean, minimal lines. White, grey and black always look good together and I love how these three tones together provide wonderful contrast. For example, pairing a clear shower screen with the black windowed lines adds a dramatic feature to your bathroom, and it can also be matched nicely with a black framed mirror, tap fittings and towel rail.

31. Black, white and wooden

This look is simple yet classic. The black lines around the mirror and the shower are neat and you can never go wrong with a simple square grey tile on a bathroom wall.

Here are some more amazing bathroom tile ideas that will give you more inspiration.

modern-bathrooms-grey-white-black
Source: Photo by R ARCHITECTURE on Unsplash

So, there we have it – 30+ modern bathroom ideas and designs to elevate your next bathroom renovation. My personal favourites are the mermaid tiles or other quirky tiling as well as Japanese style bathrooms that have a luxurious indoor outdoor feel. What were your favourites? I’d love to hear in the comments!

20+ Shower bath ideas for your home

Looking to save space? Then you can't go past a combined shower and bath...

20+ Shower bath ideas for your home

When you hear the words “shower bath” your mind might instantly turn to the old setup that used to grace bathrooms of the ‘70s. But fear not, shower baths have come a long way since then, and they’ve made a return to the renovation scene is creative ways.

Think opulent white round tubs with rainfall showerheads, luxe corner concrete baths with brass hardware and rectangular tubs with a view. These are the shower baths of the 21st century!

While shower baths are a great choice for a master bathroom, especially when used as a wet room, they’re also a smart choice for a guest bathroom. You can have the best of both worlds and save space at the same time (that’s a win in my opinion). Plus, shower baths are especially great for families with little kids, as they provide the option of bathing your little ones or allowing the older kids to shower “like a grown-up”.

Colours

If you are working with a small space, using a limited colour palette is the best way to go. Combine neutrals with pops of colour to create a space that’s both fun, relaxing and timeless.

Tiling

This is where you can really have some fun! Play around with your tile combinations to see what works best for your space. You can use tiles to create a special feature wall or you can simply use them to protect and waterproof your combined shower/bath space. Find the best bathroom waterproofing contractors near you.

Shower and tap faucets

This next tip may seem obvious, but it’s surprising how many people fail to get this part right. Make sure your shower and tap fixtures are in the same style and same metallic finish. This will ensure continuity throughout your bathroom.

Ready to be inspired? Here are 20+ shower bath designs to help you kickstart your next bathroom renovation.

1. Sweet little nook

I love how this bathroom brings a relaxing, cosy feel to my soul. An easy to achieve look with its off-white tiles and champagne tapware. A great way to make your bathroom become a sweet little nook is to create a simple shower bath with little shelves holding candles and little flowers. Get creative with bathroom decor ideas.

shower-bath-ideas-neutrals
Source: Photo by Laurence Katz on Unsplash

2. Floating shelves

With limited space it’s important that everything is accessible in your shower bathroom. For instance have wooden floating shelves within arm’s reach of the bath and filled with all of the essentials. If you’re feeling peckish, why not bring in a cheese platter and a glass of wine to place on the wooden bath tray while having a soak? Or put some cute decor on a bath tray to add style.

3. Black fixtures

I love how these black fixtures pop in contrast with the lighter colours. Black looks fabulous with monochrome marble and this stunning blue vanity. Add simple touches to a bathroom like this one, and you’ve got yourself a clean and chic looking bathroom.

shower-bath-ideas-pop-of-colour
Source: Photo by Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels

4. Framed bath screen

How gorgeous is this framed bath screen? It creates a place to breathe, think and a ponder. It complements a large spaced bathroom yet also opens up the space in a smaller area, creating the illusion that the space is larger than it is. Just add some greenery and décor!

shower-bath-ideas-feature-wall
Source: Photo by Jeremy Bezanger on Unsplash

5. Grey concrete

This bathroom achieves a minimalistic look with its neutral colours and very limited decor. The grey concrete tiling behind the shower bath brings an exclusive look and a touch of boldness. Pair with chrome or black fixtures for an edgy modern look.

shower-bath-ideas-contemporary
Source: Photo by Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels

For similar designs, see these concrete bathrooms and also these industrial bathroom ideas.

6. White on white

This white bathroom with it’s gorgeous white on white subway tiles is a classic New Yorker look! A simple white style is easy to decorate as it matches with everything. Add some greenery or some colourful towels to make the look work!

shower-bath-ideas-plain-white
Source: Photo by Chastity Cortijo on Unsplash

7. On-trend details

For a gorgeous trendy bathroom is that’s oh-so-stunning, make sure your shower bath has plenty of space and opt for natural colouring paired with black faucets. Add a large jute rug to incorporate some lovely beach vibes and a big blanket towel over a hanger for added sophistication. Plus, the modern hanging lights are a great addition.

8. Coastal décor

This is the perfect design style for a coastal bathroom in a beach-side home. The blue and white herringbone tiling shouts a welcoming “a-hoy!”. I recommend adding some boat-themed prints to accentuate the coastal look. Finish off the space with some seashells or starfish decorations and add some aqua or blue toned towels.

shower-bath-ideas-bright
Source: Photo by Christa Grover from Pexels

9. Black and gold

For a classic contemporary design, go for a blend of traditional black and white with some modern gold hardware. Then just add some wall sconce lighting, which look stunning at night against the tiles.

10. Dark and edgy

Talk about an edgy look! To achieve this look, go for dark tones such as light or dark grey and black to add boldness. Follow the example of a wooden wall or piece placed in your bathroom to break up the colours and bring that edgy vibe to life! This bathroom achieves dark and edgy as well as serenity.

shower-bath-ideas-dark
Source: Photo by Victoria Borodinova from Pexels

11. Wooden tub

For something different, go for a tub with a wood-look finish and rainfall showerhead faucet. A marbled floor would bring a chic look and add an extra level of class! Adding a tall in-door plant and some little furnishings on a charcoal coloured table will finish the look with glam!

12. White tub and vintage tapware

Make a statement with dazzling retro facets with the modern spin of a large freestanding white tub. I recommend styling with some scented vanilla candles for a sweet and fresh fragrance.

shower-bath-ideas-vintage
Source: Photo by Tina Witherspoon on Unsplash

13. The perfect guest bathroom

If you are looking for a stunning bathroom for your guests, create a modern look with white walls and grey subway tile contrasted black and white flooring and a wooden vanity. Add a white basin to complement the subway tiles and white walls. For an added thoughtful touch, include a cute table or wooden shelf with some lush bathroom products – you’re welcome!

14. Gold fixtures

These golden fixtures radiate style! With the white tiles and marble, they enhance the look by adding golden brilliance! It’s a good idea to use light colours to accomplish a clean bathroom look, and adding fixtures with a bold colour to create good contrast which makes those staple pieces eye-catching! Use neutral colours surrounded with pieces of decor and you’ve got a bathroom that’s absolutely brilliant.

shower-bath-ideas-gold
Source: Photo by Nathan Van Egmond on Unsplash

15. Simple details

Here’s another white tile finish with a simple glass screen added to finish the shower bath look. This is a great look producing minimalism and simplicity that would be a great style to utilise in your next bathroom renovation.

shower-bath-ideas-grey-white
Source: Photo by Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels

16. Ocean vibes

I love the ocean vibes of a blue bathroom. Tiny blue tiles give the illusion of water, and look amazing married with soft grey tones that really make an ocean blue pop! To complement this style, ensure you put some simple pieces surrounding the bath shower and water basin with neutral colours to really make that blue explode.

17. Navy accents

If you want a bathroom that looks like a modern artwork, this bathroom is certainly pleasing to the eye! The navy colour dwells in a place called relaxation when put together with the off- white shower bath tiles. To lighten the mood, add a lush plant to add to the serenity.

shower-bath-ideas-texture
Source: Photo by Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels

18. Add pop and pattern

A tub is a staple piece in your bathroom. And with the way it’s designed, you can mix up the palette by switching out your shower curtain whenever you choose.

shower-bath-ideas-curtains
Source: Photo by House Method on Unsplash

19. Tropical vibes

If you are desiring a tropical atmosphere try adding some palm tree wallpaper or some greenery! Having a window to let the sun stream in is a definite requirement in bringing your bathroom to its full potential. Add a little pot plant and surrounding simple features and you have yourself a tropical haven! For more ideas, check out these bathroom plants.

20. Vintage rug

If you want a chic bathroom, add a vintage rug with a cute pattern to lift the space. Especially if you have a lot of white tones, adding a pop of colour from a good old vintage rug creates a stylish and effortless look.

21. Shower bath room

I love how this bathroom looks like a trendy little day spa. The gorgeous plants add to the at-home day spa experience whilst the timber accents have a stunning effect on the overall finish.

shower-bath-ideas-timber
Source: Photo by Backbone Visuals on Unsplash

22. Monochromatic mood

Love marble? Then why not go for not one but two shades of the stone! This modern bathroom features plenty of clear glass as well, creating an overall spacious effect. A large mirror like this adds great dimension to the bathroom and creates the illusion of a larger space.

shower-bath-ideas-marble
Source: Photo by Max Vakhtbovych from Pixels

23. Grey subway tiles

I love how this grey look is softened by the white paint and floral wallpaper. The perfect bath shower with plenty of room for a quick shower or a soak in the little corner tub! Add some textiles in a bright colour of your choice to add a pop of colour.

shower-bath-ideas-wallpaper
Source: Photo by Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels

So, there we have it, 20+ shower bath ideas for your next bathroom renovation. Why not explore some more master bathroom ideas? While I hate playing favourites, I’ve got to say that I especially love the bathrooms with the subway tiles as well as the bathrooms that have marble accents (swoon).

Now, it’s your turn. What were your favourite design elements? Would you add a quirky tile or keep things simple and white? Comment and tell me your thoughts!

Wet room bathroom designs you have to see

Upgrade your bathroom with a wet space that's both functional and fabulous.

Wet room bathroom designs you have to see

Over the last few years, wet rooms have slid onto the bathroom renovation scene as the new must-have trend – and it’s easy to see why. Wet rooms not only look amazing but they’re also practical when it comes to cleaning, as you can clean down the whole area without worrying about splashing the rest of your bathroom.

But what exactly is a wet room? Well, I’m glad you asked! A wet room is an open space shower room where all the surfaces are waterproofed so that they can get wet.  Wet rooms can be extremely classy and luxurious whilst being great for a big family with messy kids and pets that like to splash around! It’s a style that definitely needs waterproofing done, but luckily you can easily find a bathroom waterproofing contractor in your local area.

Plus, adding a wet space to your bathroom could add value to your house when it comes time to sell. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your renovation today with these 20+ wet room bathroom ideas.

1. Take advantage of windows

The large windows in this space emphasise the high ceilings in this lovely neutral wet room. I love the modern finishes in the wooden flooring, simple faucet and the simple serenity of this space. I would love to take a tranquil bath in this wet room with all that natural warm light bouncing off my skin.

wet-bathroom-round-tub
Source: Photo by Joanes Andueza on Unsplash

2. Terrazzo tiles

These amazing terrazzo tiles make this space seem like it’s never-ending. With feature tiles like this, pare back all other elements of your wet room. Along with a statement tub, all you really need is a little chair to hold towels and décor!

wet-bathroom-contemporary
Source: Photo by Patrick Langwallner on Unsplash

3. Bold marble wet room bathroom

Some like it bold, and if that’s you then a marble wet room design will be sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests. I love how the grey veining in the marble matches with the dark grey tiling in the flooring.

Need to install a shower head for your new bathroom? Reach out to a showerhead installer today.

wet-bathroom-grey-tones
Source: Photo by Laurence Katz on Unsplash

4. Wooden wet room bathroom

Opting for wooden features for your wet room will give the space a sauna-like feel which brings warmth and tranquility. Timber adds so much texture and softens the room, and there are so many different ways you can do add timber. Check out these wooden bathroom ideas for a bit of inspo!

5. Black accents

This neutral grey wet room is framed perfectly with sleek black hardware and fittings to complement the twin black sinks. The black elements punctuate all the grey expanses, while the focus is allowed to fall on the freestanding tub.

wet-bathroom-contemporary
Source: Photo by R ARCHITECTURE on Unsplash

6. Thriving greenery

Not only does adding greenery into your wet room look good and freshen up the space but it’s also great for your plants. Your plants will in fact thrive in a steamy wet room as you can see by the trailing greenery that’s growing wild up and down these walls. Want to see more, you know you do… here are a few of our favourite bathroom plants.

wet-bathroom-clean
Source: Photo by Jean-Philippe Delberghe on Unsplash

7. Feminine touches

Wet rooms can tend to be masculine spaces, with their typical expanses of tile and stone. But you can bring in feminine touches to your wet room too. It might be the femininity of a pink towel, pink shower products or a pretty flowe arrangement that add a girly element to an otherwise masculine toned bathroom with dark hardware or tiling.

8. White on white wet room

White not only brings so much calm and serenity into a space but it will also make an area look super crisp and clean. How super clean and bright is this white on white bathroom?

wet-bathroom-whites
Source: Photo by Jean van der Meulen from Pexels

9. Add a large mirror

Adding a large full length mirror to your space will not only be helpful for getting ready in the morning, but it will make your wet room seem a lot bigger than it is.

10. Tile variations

This trendy little space is filled with so many cleverly thought out design elements. The all-encompassing marble wall tile create an enveloping sense of continuity while the floor tile both complements and contrasts the marble. Don’t be afraid to consider a combination of tiles. Talk to your bathroom tiler about ways you can utilise different design variations to bring a bit of creativity to your bathroom!

wet-bathroom-colour-pop
Source: Photo by Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels

11. Blue, light and airy

For Hampton’s style home, you might like to add a blue tiled wet room. Blue bathroom tiles can bring so much light and airiness to a bathroom space and add loads of coastal vibes. Keep the tile going throughout the shower and bath spaces and simply place a glass screen in between.

12. Clean and white

Here is another beautiful white bathroom that looks so clean and inviting. Even without windows in this wet room, the light really bounces off the shiny surfaces of the tile which makes the space look so bright and airy. The addition of the wooden stool and some colourful textiles brings warmth and a cosy touch to this space.

wet-bathroom-classic-subway
Source: Photo by Jon’Nathon Stebbe on Unsplash

13. Brass details

Glam up your wet room with brass fittings, in the tapware, lighting or even in a plant pot. Contrast with woven rattan elements and you’ll have a bathroom look that’s bang on trend.

14. Monochrome finishes

If you want to seamlessly connect the various areas of your wet room using the same tiling across the entirety of the flooring, this will do the trick! The dark flooring perfectly matches the dark cabinetry and window frame. Meanwhile the crisp white tub stands out, and matches the white tiled shower wall.

wet-bathroom-dark
Source: Photo by R ARCHITECTURE on Unsplash

15. Stunning skylight

How cool is the ceiling in this wet room? I absolutely love the skylight roof which is a significant feature in this space. The square skylight opens the space up to the outside and brings in so much natural light. The rest of the bathroom is kept very simple with a warm neutral colour palette.

wet-bathroom-skylights
Source: Photo by Vecislavas Popa from Pexels

16. Herringbone tiling

Add interest to a plain wet room with herringbone tiles. If you continue them from the walls to the floor this can cleverly join the bath area with the shower area, making the entire space appear larger. There are so many different colours of herringbone styles and also different ways you can lay them. See these bathroom tile ideas for more inspo.

17. Elegantly divine

How stunning is this elegant wet room? I absolutely love the bold marble tiling that has been used in the wet room area of the bathroom which makes this space seem like it is two rooms in one. Plus, the gold features of the shower, including the towel rack, really gives another level of opulence and elegance to this bathroom.

wet-bathroom-marble
Source: Photo by Laurence Katz on Unsplash

18. Long and narrow wet room

If you have a long and narrow bathroom space, strategic placement of the wet space at the end of the room will make the most of this. Your eyes will be drawn to your bathtub which can be placed centrally in your wet room. Create  the perfect master bathroom to unwind in while sipping a glass of champagne in the tub after a long day in the office!

19. Concrete chic

This wet room is highly contemporary and the elements all come together cohesively thanks to all the concrete. I love the slimline sink and the subtle mirror light.

wet-bathroom-grey
Source: Photo by Bilal Mansuri on Unsplash

20. Wrap around tiling

Wrap-around tiling can be artistic and creative, as well as being so practical in a wet room. It would feel as if you were looking at a piece of art everytime you lay back in this tub after a long day at work. Particularly if you choose a mesmerising, sparkling tile like this one!

wet-bathroom-neutrals
Source: Photo by Jean-Philippe Delberghe on Unsplash

21. Chequer print

This one is for all my quirky and creative people: a chequer print tiled wet room. It really takes the classic black and white bathroom to the next level. Creative tiling is pretty much all you need to make a bathroom look interesting and quirky. Then just add a simple white bath to break up the pattern.

22. Gold tones

Finally, here’s one more wet room featuring unusual tile. I love the patterns that cover the side wall and shower floor. And I like the overall warm gold tones of this space.

wet-bathroom-tiled
Source: Photo by Bilal Mansuri on Unsplash

So there you have it, 20+ wet room bathroom designs that will be sure to add the “wow” factor to your next bathroom renovation! I’m inspired by all of the bathroom designs that incorporate greenery – I love the colour this adds to the space. What about you? Which designs did you like the best? Comment and let me know.

18 Jack and Jill bathroom ideas

How to set up a bathroom that can serve two people at the same time

18 Jack and Jill bathroom ideas

The essence of a Jack and Jill bathroom is that it’s a shared space featuring both communal and individual elements. It’s often called a ‘his and hers ensuite’. A truly genuine Jack and Jill arrangement is when a bathroom has two entrances and serves two bedrooms. And a his-and-hers ensuite simply serves two members of a couple sharing one bedroom.

Both are typically set up with a single toilet and bath/shower area, but with two separate sinks (or a double-sized shared sink with two taps), two mirrors (or a double-sized one) and often two sets of storage.

jack-and-jill-bathroom-luxe
Source: Photo by Jean-Philippe Delberghe on Unsplash

Why two sinks? Simply because bathroom users will more often need to share the space while carrying out frequent self-care tasks like toothbrushing, shaving and hairstyling. However, having a double shower can be very practical as well to allow two people to shower at once, plus they always look aestheticallysymmetrical.

It looks nicely symmetrical and feels luxurious to double up on everything. But you can also have some shared elements such as a communal storage space in the middle for toiletries.

With a his-and-hers ensuite, you may be worried about a lack of space. But I’ve found plenty of bathroom designs which pack a whole lot into a limited square footage.

Below are 18 ideas for Jack and Jill bathrooms and his-and-hers ensuites. They’ll give you some ideas on how others have set up a bathroom specifically designed to be shared. You can also find more inspo in our article on master bathroom ideas.

1. Twice as nice

When you’re designing an en-suite, take advantage of the doubling up of symmetrical elements. For example, by incorporating two sets of stunning fixtures that truly deserve to be celebrated. For example, a matching pair of hob-mounted gooseneck spouts with a minimalist profile look even more beautiful in tandem.

jack-and-jill-bathroom-coastal
Source: Photo by Rene Asmussen from Pexels

2. Twin pedestals in glam bathroom

Simple, classic white pedestal sinks keep a space light and airy and allow the focus to fall on other elements, like the mirrors or wall sconces.

3. Modern ensuite

When you have two mirrors, three lights typically work best– one on either side of mirrors and one in the middle – to provide even light for both users. A popular contemporary look: sleek minimalism with neat soft grey wall tile, boxy mirrors to complement a simple rectangular vanity, streamlined wall-mounted fixtures and unobtrusive spotlight wall sconces.

jack-and-jill-bathroom-symmetry
Source: Photo by Sam Yink on Unsplash

Have beautiful tile in your bathroom? You can get an expert to give it a thorough clean. Find out how much tile and grout cleaning costs.

4. Conceal clutter

As well as choosing a soothing colour palete and a streamlined contemporary setup, you can ensure everything looks seamless by concealing your powerpoints in the cabinetry, perhaps with a custom vanity. If you like the idea of a custom vanity, why not speak to an expert bathroom cabinet maker?

jack-and-jill-bathroom-whites
Source: Photo by Sanibell BV on Unsplash

5. Ensuite with double shower

Make your en-suite highly functional for a couple by featuring two rainfall showerheads as well as a high-pressure handheld showerhead on a riser rail. Add a long inset ledge to allow enough space for both users’ self-care products.

For more shower ideas, you can also see our recent article on bathroom shower ideas. And if you need someone to help with updating your shower get the right help with professional showerhead installation.

6. A shared sink

A shared double-sized sink is perfect for tight spaces. You can install two mirrors to demarcate the space for each user. And triple wall sconces will ensure an even distribution of light at eye level for both mirrors.

7. Unify the space

The classic en-suite setup boasts plenty of symmetry. The two users’ spaces are often almost mirror images except for central shared drawers of a vanity. Each space can be further defined by its own small potplant while a larger, statement vase in the middle can serve to unify the two spaces.

jack-and-jill-bathroom-modern
Source: Photo by Steven Ungermann on Unsplash

Here are some other bathroom vanity ideas for your inspo.

8. Double duty bench seat

Create a Jack and Jill arrangement by installing a comfy bench seat in between two vanities. Give each person their own towel rail–it will soon become obvious who the culprit is who always leaves their towel on the floor!

9. Twin stools

If two vanities or sinks aren’t enough to signal that it’s a shared space, make it really obvious with the addition of two small stools.

10. Double concrete basins

Stunning concrete basins are popular for contemporary his and hers en-suites and two give you a double dose of style. Complement concrete freestanding basins with pretty wall tile and brass wall-mounted taps.

jack-and-jill-shared-vanity
Source: Photo by Sanibell BV on Unsplash

If you love concrete bathroom décor, make sure you take a look at our recent article on concrete bathrooms.

11. Modern monochrome

Go for stylish simplicity in your en-suite, with spacious white cabinetry and sleek chrome handles and tapware. Keep mirrors and lights equally understated.

jack-and-jill-bathroom
Source: Photo by Jean van der Meulen from Pexels

You can also check out plenty more contemporary bathrooms here.

12. Navy and marble

A classic traditional en-suite look features the timeless combo of navy and marble. Add a contemporary mix of metals (eg. chrome taps and faucets, brass hardware on the cabinet, gold-toned mirror frames, black metal lights).

jack-and-jill-bathroom-shared-mirror
Source: Photo by Sidekix Media on Unsplash

If you love blue tones in a bathroom, be sure to look at our article on blue bathrooms for more inspo.

13. Simple kids’ Jack and Jill bathroom

When you’re designing a Jack and Jill bathroom specifically for the kids, try to go for something that can grow with them rather than something that looks too childish. An all-white aesthetic is bright, airy and cheery, and suits all ages.

14. Tiny but functional

Go for a sweet little en-suite or Jack and Jill arrangement with classic white pedestal sinks. Keep everything else symmetrical as well: cute light fittings, simple mirrors and towel holders. But add a single woven basket for towels to help unify the space.

15. Hotel glam

Glam it up with an en-suite that’s absolutely saturated in marble and gold. Think metallic basins with slim gooseneck faucets and a gorgeous ceiling-hung metallic, geometric mirrors. Just add loads of fluffy white towels for five-star hotel vibes.

jack-and-jill-bathroom-marble
Source: Photo by Christian Mackie on Unsplash

16. Storage

Ensure there’s plenty of room for everything in your ideal Jack and Jill setup. Adding a wooden ledge is clever. It will be fairly unobtrusive but can manage to hold not only leaning mirrors but even vases or other decorative elements.

jack-and-jill-bathroom-farmhouse
Source: Photo by Taylor Beach on Unsplash

17. Sharing a small space

Want to set up a shared bathroom for your little Jack and Jill but have limited space and can’t double up on vanities? Consider a double trough sink with two sets of taps and faucets. So that the littlies can reach the sink and see themselves in the twin mirrors, add a sturdy wooden bench.

18. Shared mirror

A smaller his and hers ensuite might feature a shared vanity featuring two sinks and a shared but oversized mirror. When you only have one mirror, you can get away with just two wall sconces on either side. But you will probably need to add more ambient overhead light to ensure there are no strange sideways shadows at face level.

jack-and-jill-bathroom-contemporary
Source: Photo by Petr Magera on Unsplash

For more bathroom lighting ideas, you might also like to see our recent article on bathroom lighting options.

As you can see, designing a “his and hers” en-suite or a multi-user “Jack and Jill” bathroom gives you the chance to have double the fun. It allows you to bring in twice the elements you love while creating a super functional space.

There are plenty of free Jack and Jill bathroom layout design plans available online. So you can easily explore the possible configurations and find what works for you. Or you might like to speak to an expert in bathroom renovation about your ideas and how to achieve them.

Do you have a Jack and Jill bathroom in your home? Why not let me know what works for you in the comments!

25+ Wonderful white bathroom ideas

Design a bright, character-filled space that will always be in style.

25+ Wonderful white bathroom ideas

There’s no denying that white homes bring so much peace and calm to your space. It’s extremely well known that incorporating white in your bathrooms instantly makes it appear larger than it really is, making it a great bathroom renovation trick before listing for sale. Plus, it’s a classic choice that will always be in fashion. And for those of you who don’t like a completely white bathroom, you can always add other textures and details to bring character and colour to your space.To save you hunting around the internet for ideas, we’ve done the research for you… So, what are you waiting for? Check out these # white bathrooms for some inspiration!

1. Modern white bathroom

What a beautiful, breezy bathroom. The white tiling, walls, ceiling and cabinetry go beautifully with the contemporary white bathtub. And I love the woven rug bringing a dose of warmth and comfort to the space. I also love the simple addition of lush green bathroom plants to add freshness and life to your basic white bathroom.

white-bathroom-with-rug
Source: Photo by Ryan Christodoulou on Unsplash

2. White cabinetry

Classic white cabinetry is always a good idea – especially if you already have white walls and other decor items to complement them. You might like to go for cabinetry with white cupboards and drawers, but with a tabletop with a wooden finish. This works well as having a white countertop can look dirty quickly and the wood element will also give a space a dividing texture between all the white elements.

3. Modern coastal white bathroom

I could just imagine this bathroom sitting pretty in a coastal cottage by the sea. The shiny off-white tiles on the walls are the perfect option for a splashback finish, and they’d be really easy to clean. Plus, the light cream bath tiling goes perfectly with the white accents of the bathroom as well as the timber details and brushed brass fixtures.

white-bathroom-neutrals
Source: Photo by Laurence Katz on Unsplash

4. Bright and basic

A white basic theme in a small space can make all the difference to the overall appearance of your bathroom. You can make your white finishes appear more interesting through using different shaped tiles on the walls and the floors. Or, opting for smaller tiles on the floor and larger on the walls in the shower space ensures a lovely contrast too.

5. Beautiful simplicity

This bathroom is simple and minimal, yet strikingly beautiful. The large white bathtub looks so inviting and the double-size sink is so practical. Plus, the addition of chrome fixtures adds interest to this contemporary bathroom.

white-bathroom-with-plants
Source: Photo by Steven Ungermann on Unsplash

6. Small white bathroom

When working with a small space for a bathroom, using mostly white will always make it look bigger. The white vanity has maximised the storage area with the large drawers. And the round mirror reflects the rest of the bathroom without bringing attention to the toilet.

white-bathroom-with-retro-flair
Source: Photo by Raquel Navalon Alvarez on Unsplash

7. Warm additions

If an all-white bathroom isn’t really your thing, adding some other finishes such as wood will bring warmth and colour into your space. For instance I love a wood finish cabinetry when it’s perfectly paired with a round mirror, gold fixtures and a vintage rug.

Want a unique vanity in your space? Contact a cabinet maker to find out your options.

8. Clawfoot tub

Here is an amazing vintage style rolltop bath with opulent claw feet, adding lots of interest to a simple white bathroom. You could enhance the vintage details of this bathroom with details such as a freestanding tap fixture and a marble-topped side table for bath décor.

white-bathroom-antique-tub
Source: Photo by Tina Witherspoon on Unsplash

9. Futuristic whites

The curves in this very futuristic bathroom blend well with each other, from the arched mirror to the curve designs in the floor tiling. I love the quirky addition of the vintage wooden chair and the oversized banana leaf plant, giving this space lots of character.

white-bathroom-character
Source: Photo by Juan Domenech on Unsplash

10. Black and white

Black and white is classic and never goes out of style. Having black trimmings in a white bathroom really makes the features stand out. And you can introduce monochrome elements in the flooring too, with an interesting black and white tile pattern.

11. All things white and gold

How luxuriously stunning is this classic bathroom? Plain white cabinetry is glammed up with a marble countertop and the vintage style gold bathroom fixtures are an elegant touch.

white-bathroom-with-gold
Source: Photo by Nathan Van Egmond on Unsplash

12. Crisp and clean

A barn door is such a welcoming touch to a crisp and clean bathroom. You could even match your cupboard doors to the barn doors to tie the whole thing together. Barn doors are a classic farmhouse bathroom idea!

13. Thoughtful touches

We see so many rectangular and square mirrors, so adding a round mirror to your bathroom will automatically give it a freshen up. Here, the modern mirror contrasts well with the classic marble tile and the contemporary sink and tap. And even if you have a mostly white bathroom, you can still add a pop of colour like this bottle green mini vanity.

white-bathroom-with-colour-pop
Source: Photo by Tile Merchant Ireland on Unsplash

14. Backlit quartz

Without direct access to a window, a space can look and feel a little dull but backlit quartz really brightens up the space and brings some much needed light into the area. A fixture such as this would work really well if it had different dimmer options as you could do your makeup on a brighter setting and dim it down in the evening for a more relaxing atmosphere.

15. Gold details

A splash of gold to an all white bathroom gives it a very posh and classy look. I love opulent gold tiles in the shower area and a gold hanging pendant light over the basin area. The addition of a wooden stool in the shower gives a perfect spot to sit and adds a grounding element to this a gold and white statement bathroom.

16. Bath with a view

This bathtub looks oh so serene sitting next to that wide window. I can just imagine relaxing in this tub after a long day whilst looking over that magnificent view of trees in the background. I love the ovoid shape of this bathtub that gives it an interesting look–it definitely doesn’t look like just a regular tub.

white-bathroom-contemporary
Source: Photo by Rene Asmussen from Pexels

17. Stylish monochrome

This monochromatic bathroom is a stylish solution for a smaller space. The black details are carried through in details like the graphic shower curtain, but you could also add more of a monochrome touch by using black grout with your white tile!

white-bathroom-monochrome-touches
Source: Photo by Brandon Cormier on Unsplash

Here are more ideas for beautiful black and white bathrooms.

18. Herringbone feature

A herringbone feature wall provides a lovely backdrop to a standard white bathtub. And if you have exciting tile, or even a fabulous light fitting, then keep other elements functional and simple so they don’t detract from your features.

19. Bright, white and clean

All white with classic subway tile certainly makes this bathroom look bright, white and clean. I love the option of having a fixed rainfall showerhead or a handheld one on a riser. And the clear shower screen gives the room overall flow and airiness.

white-bathroom-white-and-gold
Source: Photo by Raquel Navalon Alvarez on Unsplash

20. Vintage rug runner

A gorgeous floor rug adds colour and a cosy feel to any white bathroom. Pick up the rug colours in Turkish towels and other woven bathroom décor. Add a cute wooden stool, gold fittings for drawers and taps and you have a chic and characterful space.

21. Marble walls and floors

Love marble in a white bathroom? Opt for a pale veined white stone and keep all your other elements pared back. This double sized shower has all the mod cons, including a very handy wall niche!

white-bathroom-marble
Source: Photo by Laurence Katz on Unsplash

22. Off-whites

I love how an off white tile has been used in this space which matches up with the bathtub cladding. The soft muted beige tones go well with the white cabinetry and walls. I like the addition of open shelving to hold your bathroom décor. Speak to a cabinet maker if you’re needing a custom cabinet to fit in a space like this!

white-bathroom-with-greenery
Source: Photo by Laurence Katz on Unsplash

23. All the essentials

Here’s a simple classic white family bathroom. The extensive tiling ensures everything is easy to clean, while the black and white tiling adds a touch of character.

white-bathroom-patterned-tiles
Source: Photo by Cristi Ursea on Unsplash

24. Tile variations

Don’t be afraid to use different tiles to create division between different areas. For instance the tiles in your shower recess might be a white brick-like formation whilst the floor tiles are small squares with grey tones. It’s OK to bend the rules, as long as the overall effect is still pleasing to the eye!

25. A place to soak

A beautiful big white bathtub really stands out as the centrepiece in a pristine white Hamptons bathroom. With all white floors and walls, add contrast with a dark wooden towel rack ladder and a wooden tree trunk stool to give this style of bathroom a real lift.

26. Architectural detail

The sleek classy look of this bathroom gives the feeling of calm and pristine cleanliness. The fabulous freestanding tub is the standout feature here and it’s put on perfect display against the black window and black blinds.

white-bathroom-contrast
Source: Photo by Jean-Philippe Delberghe on Unsplash

27. Add flowers

Finally, dried flowers are very on-trend right now, so adding them to your decor will immediately lift any space from plain to chic. You could go for the brown tones of something like pampas or colourful natives. Or just go for a tiny bunch of simple blooms from your garden!

white-bathroom-flowers
Source: Photo by Noah Blaine Clark on Unsplash

Looking for other ways to pretty up your space? Check out these bathroom decor ideas.

So there we have it – 25+ fabulously clean and crisp white bathrooms ideas! I especially love the bathrooms with the large windows that let lots of light in… and I love an amazing clawfoot tub! Which bathroom was your favourite? Comment below and tell me which styles you’re going to incorporate into your space!

Outdoor shower ideas for your home

Get back to nature by showering under the stars!

Outdoor shower ideas for your home

Outdoor showers remind me of being at the beach or on holiday. And why not bring the relaxation of the beach or holiday to your own backyard?! You could use your outdoor shower to wash off after the pool, a long day at the beach or even a cheeky shower in the great outdoors underneath the stars. And the beauty of outdoor showers is that they’re super easy to DIY and a very functional backyard addition.

From rustic to luxurious and extravagant to simple, there are so many different options when it comes to outdoor showers. Check out these 20+ breathtaking outdoor shower scenes to get your creative juices flowing!

1. Framed with frangipanis

Fancy a shower after a dip in the pool without walking wet footprints through the house? This outdoor shower feature looks classy and almost looks like a doorway into another area of the garden.

The dark brown wood is a beautiful contrast against the concrete walls whilst the boxed frangipani gardens give the shower area privacy and framing.

outdoor-showers-flowers
Source: Photo by Denis Zalevskiy on Unsplash

2. Foraged beachy vibes

The use of raw untreated timber in your outdoor shower area will give off a rustic and very outdoor vibe. Adding decorative shells or foraged driftwood helps create a beachside feel. Wandering off a sandy beach and rinsing off in your extension of nature would make you feel alive and refreshed.

3. Rocky wall

Adding a rock wall makes every outdoor shower space feel rustic and atmospheric. You could even add in a timber ledge like this for a pretty freestanding sink and bath décor.

outdoor-showers-sink
Source: Photo by Khoa Tran on Unsplash

4. Straight from the pool

Most people prefer to shower in private (even if still wearing their bathers). So to be able to hide behind a private slatted wooden screen is perfect for those who are a little shower shy. The run-off from the shower can flow straight onto the pebbles and the ground which would water the soil underneath.

5. Practical aspects

If you are creating a shower this close to your house and outdoor furniture, ensure that all surfaces are waterproof and there is plenty of drainage. Adding a recessed shelf in the wall next to the shower is also a great idea, to house shower gel and shampoo, so once out of the pool you can be showered and ready for the rest of your day! Position your shelf at a good height and position for using bathroom products. Also, adding towel hooks is an easy, convenient and user-friendly touch.

6. Shower or bath?

I’m loving that this outdoor bathroom is virtually a room without a roof. All surfaces are weather-proof so it wouldn’t matter if the heavens opened as it would all dry on its own, anyway. Plus, it would be so easy to keep clean with a quick wipe of the bathtub and mop of the tiled floor. The hidden showerhead next to the palm brings a resort feel to this beautiful outdoor room.

outdoor-showers-courtyard
Source: Photo by Jared Rice on Unsplash

See also these amazing outdoor bathroom ideas.

7. Feminine touches

Want to create a pretty area to have an outdoor shower in? Think rose gold showerhead and pipes and add in Turkish towels in blush pink hues. A curtained off area is a brilliant idea as a changing room so you don’t have to go inside to get dressed. You could also add a cute white ladder, that’s practical and on-trend for use as a towel rail.

8. Boho outdoor shower

A Boho styled outdoor shower is simple, classy and oh so on-trend. Go for a rainfall shower head, add a cute little wooden stool with lush towels and some outdoor cushions or woven baskets.

9. Open-air shower

An outdoor shower that flows through from an indoor bathroom is a great idea for busy people who just need a quick shower whilst others may be using the main bathroom. And if your shower has the luxury of both hot and cold water, you won’t have to brace yourself for a cold shower.

10. Privacy screen

There’s nothing better than beach shack vibes for your cool outdoor shower.  From a rainfall shower head to wash off the salt and sand to a slatted wooden privacy screen,  an outdoor shower is the perfect add on to a beachside holiday home. You can even add potted plants to give even more privacy and interest to this your outdoor shower area.

outdoor-showers-privacy-fence
Source: Photo by Taryn Elliott

11. Magnificent mosaics

Adding a mosaic tiled feature wall adds interest and an artistic look to an outdoor shower area. Surround it with wooden decking for a gorgeous effect.

12. Surfboard shower

This is the coolest and most inventive use of a surfboard ever! The board is the perfect height for an outdoor shower and how clever to use it as an outdoor shower. You’ll find the perfect second hand surfboard on your local marketplace or on Gumtree.

outdoor-showers-with-surfboard
Source: Photo by Mario Scheibl on Unsplash

13. Palm perfection

Nothing screams tropical-like perfectly placed palms. Whether this is a beach house or a family home with a pool, a palm is an outdoor shower must-have to include in your alfresco space. Set against a white standalone wall with a bronze shower head, pipe attachment and beautiful slate area to stand on whilst showering and you’ll be adding a very classy feature to your modern backyard.

14. Watch your step

This formal outdoor shower area reminds me of a floating raft in the middle of a moat-like barrier between the castle garden and the castle wall. Whilst standing on the floating raft under the panel shower head, one would need to be alert to avoid falling into the moat! What a very classy and unobtrusive outdoor shower.

outdoor-showers-tiled
Source: Photo by Helen Varetska on Unsplash

Need some smart flooring ideas for your outdoor shower space? Call on a bathroom flooring expert!

15. Blue and white tiling

Create a tropical holiday vignette for your outdoor shower with pretty tiling in a blue and white colour palette. Feature dual hot and cold taps and a large rainfall shower head for those spa vibes!

16. Add lots of climbing plants

Trailing plants and other greenery really add to the outdoor feel for your shower space as well as providing more privacy, so add as many lush plants as you can.

17. Timber courtyard

A neat lined and organised timber-heavy outdoor shower room reminds me of a Japanese onsen—just add a simple handheld shower option and stool to sit on whilst showering. A bush view creates a feeling of peace and calm so make the most of yours if you have one! It’s the perfect place to meditate, bathe and let go of all the stresses of a busy life on the outside world.

Here are some other wooden bathroom ideas if you love this look.

outdoor-showers-rustic
Source: Photo by Roberto Nickson on Unsplash

18. Greenery wall outdoor shower

Why not nourish your climbing ivy vine with lots of water from your outdoor shower? Gorgeous vines can completely take over your space, giving the shower area complete privacy with a green living wall.

19. Brass details

Brass shower fittings and tap always look chic and classy, especially for an outdoor shower.

Brass fittings are consistent with natural colours so they look perfect against outdoor features near your shower, like a tree trunk or a rustic timber floor.

20. Feature the pipes

A modern open courtyard shower room is fresh and airy with lots of clean lines. And if you feature your shower pipes, you’ll have an interesting industrial look (a plumber could help you create such a look).

21. Vine backdrop

This shower attached to the outside fence blends so well with the surroundings, so much so that you have to look twice to see the shower itself! With it being a copper colour, it is almost camouflaged by the plants here. I love the creeping vine on the fence which provides a pretty backdrop for this shower area!

outdoor-showers-covered
Source: Photo by Mel Elías on Unsplash

22. Cosy touches

Make your outdoor shower cosy as well as practical with a mix of vintage décor and furniture. For example, charming touches like jugs with flowers, or an antique sewing table repurposed as an outdoor vanity. A tiled floor also adds a lot of character, so get in contact with a bathroom tiler to see what they can create for you!

23. Go big

A rainfall shower head is the most popular choice for an outdoor shower as it gives the illusion of showering in the rain and being outdoors. So opt for a lovely big rainfall shower head if you want to make the most of your outdoor showering experience.

outdoor-showers-in-sunlight
Source: Photo by Chandler Cruttenden on Unsplash

There you have it, 20+ outdoor shower ideas for your next weekend DIY project! I especially loving outdoor showers that incorporate surfboards and outdoor spaces that are covered in greenery. What were your favourites? What elements will you be adding to your outdoor shower space? Let me know below!

30+ Scandi bathroom design and ideas

It's chic, it's versatile and it's clutter free...

30+ Scandi bathroom design and ideas

If you’re looking for a bathroom style that is classic, minimalist and totally on-trend, then Scandinavian style is for you. Characterised by simplicity and functionality, Scandinavian bathroom design has been a popular choice for bathrooms across the five Nordic countries of Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Iceland since the early 20th century.

But over the last few years, it’s really taken the rest of the world by storm. And it’s easy to see why. The simple style is so versatile, making it the perfect choice for any space – be it large or small. And it combines the best of the design world, using hand-crafted textures and materials and light and bright touches to create a calming effect.

So, if you’re looking to create a space that oozes style and lacks clutter (oh yes!), then dive into #+ amazing Scandinavian bathroom designs and ideas.

1. Warm tones

Create a cosy Scandi feel by designing your bathroom in warm tones. You can do this by using timber, adding rattan baskets for storage and decorating with dried flowers, candles and other little pieces of decor.

scandi-bathroom-warm-tones
Source: Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

2. Timber

With Scandinavian style, the more timber the better. So think about how you can incorporate it with a feature wall, vanity or décor, even if it’s just a simple wooden stool.

scandi-bathroom
Source: Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels

3. Timber shelving

Storage is a must in any bathroom. But just because you’ve got to have it, doesn’t mean it needs to look daggy. Take inspiration from this bathroom design. The timber looks fab especially with the decorative branch. There are so many other ways to incorporate timber into your bathroom–here are some wooden bathroom ideas.

scandi-bathroom-decor
Source: Photo by Darren Richardson on Unsplash

4. Neutral tones

You can create a modern Scandi bathroom by using different textures and finishings in a variety of neutral tones. For instance, you might have a timber vanity, a concrete sink, champagne tapware and plenty of white tile.

5. Light timber vanity

If this isn’t classic Scandinavian style, then I don’t know what is. When it comes to choosing your vanity, you can’t go past light timber. It’s easy on the eyes, looks beautiful and is versatile with so many textures and colours.

Scandi-bathroom-pale-timber
Source: Photo by Rene Asmussen from Pexels

6. Exposed brick

Take your modern Scandi bathroom to the industrial side by incorporating edgy details. If you have a brick wall, leave it exposed to add some rawness and industrial bathroom vibes. This can create a beautiful feature in an otherwise very simple, neutral bathroom.

7. Vertical subway tiles

While subway tiles have been the go-to for a long time, you’ll be happy to know there are alternatives to the traditional horizontal pattern, such as laying them vertically! Don’t forget to consider other colours than white—for instance, grey vertical tiles might just be the right choice for you, especially if you love a grey bathroom.

8. Different textures

Just because you choose a Scandinavian style bathroom doesn’t mean you need to stick to one style of plain tile. Have a little bit of fun and combine different textures, colours and shapes. You might like one style of tiling around your tub, contrasted with a different sort of tile for your flooring and walls.

9. Black accents

If you want to go ultra-chic, then black is a must in your Scandinavian bathroom. I love modern black tapware and a black framed shower screen. Or, you might like to go dark by painting your bathroom walls. If you want to soften out this look, use simple white or light grey tiles paired with white and a touch of timber.

scandi-bathroom-dark-with-timber
Source: Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

10. Blank canvas

Create a serene, modern Scandi space by keeping things simple with white and grey tiles.  Tiny tiles make a striking feature wall and they look great with a clean light timber vanity topped with a marble slab. With very small tiles, you’ll definitely want to get a tile grout cleaner though.

11. Natural marble

Make your Scandi bathroom look luxurious by installing marble elements. A marble vanity countertop always has me swooning – it’s sleek, luxe and stunning.

12. Handy hooks

The little details can make the biggest difference. Little hooks like this are a simple addition to your space that will prove handy for hanging up scrubbing brushes and even a hessian bag full of toilet paper.

scandi-bathroom-hooks
Source: Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels

13. Feature wall

Feature walls don’t just have to be in the living room, they can be in the bathroom too. So if you have an exposed brick wall or if you have a blank wall, make the most of it by turning it into a stunning feature.

14. Double vanity

If you’re planning to share your bathroom with someone else, then it’s well worth investing in a double vanity. Of course, it’s important that you have enough space to do this – so this is best suited to a medium or large-sized master bathroom. If you’re going Scandi style, choose a vanity that’s white or timber. Or, take cues from this one and choose one that’s both!

scandi-bathroom-double-vanity
Source: Photo by Point3D Commercial Imaging Ltd. on Unsplash

15. Plants galore

You can’t create a Scandinavian space without some greenery. I love my indoor bathroom plants. The combination of water and steam keep them healthy all year round! Plus, plants look stunning against timber, white and other neutrals. And they’ll add all the life you need in your new bathroom.

Here are some other amazing examples of just how great bathroom plants can really add to a space.

scandi-bathroom-plants
Source: Photo by Beazy on Unsplash

16. Gold shower head

Gone are the days of plastic white shower heads that get really gross really quickly… When you’re considering what to include in your new bathroom, consider all of the new, modern options. My favourite is brass or gold – and it looks so stunning. But best of all, it’ll work in almost any space, and you can combine it with white, timber and grey for the perfect Scandi finish.

scandi-bathroom-white-gold
Source: Photo by Raquel Navalon Alvarez on Unsplash

17. Black and white

Forget colours and strip back your bathroom design to black and white. A black and white bathroom design is classic yet contemporary at the same time, so you can be sure it’ll look great in years to come.

18. Cool tones

Make your bathroom into a natural oasis by using shades of grey, blue and green. You can do this by decorating with house plants, adding a towel over your bath and by hanging a pretty print on your wall.

scandi-bathroom-greys
Source: Photo by R ARCHITECTURE on Unsplash

19. Timber and stone

When designing your bathroom, it can be tempting to stick to one kind of material for the sake of simplicity. But why not have some fun by combining textures, colours and patterns? For instance, you might have timber panels on a wall, stone tiles through the wet space and brass tapware.

20. Handy storage

When it comes to bathroom design, there’s nothing more frustrating than having no storage. Ever tried squeezing all of your makeup and toiletries into one tiny drawer or stashing it all under the sink? Doesn’t work so well… Save yourself the hassle and install a nice large storage unit. You’ll have room for everything!

Having the right cupboards and vanities is everything in a bathroom, so make sure that you check out these bathroom storage ideas to get the right solution for your home.

21. Timber bathroom

In my world, there’s no such thing as too much timber… even when it comes to bathrooms! This bathroom design is a little less classic Scandinavian and a little more rainforest retreat – and I’m here for it. Add in some plants and you’ve got a peaceful oasis to retreat to at the end of the day.

Source: Photo by Maria Orlova from Pexels

22. All black

Lover of all things contemporary and sleek? Me too. And when it comes to modern Scandinavian style, aim for gorgeous clean lines and minimalist design—two signature aspects of this style. But you can bring in trendy black too, for instance with a large black vanity, black lighting, tapware and mirror frames.

23. Tiles galore

Can you really have too many tiles? Personally, I feel that the more tiles you have, the better. So think about how you can add interest to your bathroom with tiles. You could consider white subway tiles with white or grey grout, large square mosaic tiles, or even tiny colourful tiles – the choice is yours.

scandi-bathroom-clean-lines
Source: Photo by Kim Schouten on Unsplash

24. Simple

Sometimes less is more – and that’s the case for this tiny bathroom. Small square 3D tiles combined with a soaker tub and spa-inspired décor creates a clean, polished Scandi look.

scandi-bathroom-decor
Source: Photo by Castorly Stock from Pexels

25. Brass accents

There aren’t many design details I love more than brass. It’s beautiful, subtle and rustic all at once. And it’s so easy to incorporate into your bathroom. You can simply switch out old taps for brass taps or add lights with brass fixtures to your wall. Or, if you want an easy addition to your bathroom, simply hang a brass mirror – beautiful!

26. Natural textiles

Scandinavian bathrooms are simple and understated, so aim for textiles in soft, neutral, natural tones. The more organic the look, the better. Enhance the natural feels with a lush potplant!

scandi-bathroom-hang-towels
Source: Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels

27. Concrete and marble

If you love a mix of textures, think about contrasting concrete and marble. It’s simple, yet so stylish. Marble elements in a bathroom are always stunning, and concrete bathroom walls and ceilings are beautiful and smooth.

28. Calming green

Add some tranquillity to your bathroom by placing some potted plants by your bath or shower. These beauties will not only look great but they’ll also help to keep your air fresh. And you’ll hardly have to look after them – the steam from the bath and shower will do that work for you!

scandi-bathroom-timber-and-white
Source: Photo by Rene Asmussen from Pexels

29. Hanging lights

It’s true that bathroom lights can often be a little boring… But they don’t have to be! Why not install a pod or two of industrial bathroom hanging lights. These lights add so much character to a space, standing out beautifully against stark white walls.

30. Grey tiles

I honestly believe that your choice of tiles can completely transform your bathroom. Make the wrong pick and you could be in big trouble. If you’re creating a Scandi-style space, then grey tiles are a good option. And the best thing is that they come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, so they’re versatile for any space!

dark-scandi-bathroom
Source: Photo by Michael C on Unsplash

There you have it, 30+ Scandinavian bathroom designs and ideas that’ll have you scouring all the online stores for your perfect pieces!

Before you go, I’d love to hear from you. Which bathroom design is your favourite? I’m personally obsessed with the last one – that all-black vanity and hardware looks so sleek and high-end. But I’m also a sucker for a light and bright white bathroom filled with plants – so natural and relaxing!

Comment and tell me your favourite. And – if you have any other handy bathroom ideas, share them too!

40 Grey bathroom ideas

Switch out plain old white for cool, sleek grey!

40 Grey bathroom ideas

We’ve all seen an abundance of white bathrooms, but what about stepping a little outside of your comfort zone and introducing some grey into your space? As a neutral and monochromatic colour, grey is timeless, calming and classy. Plus, bathrooms are often a place for relaxation and rejuvenation, so it really helps when your surroundings reflect the same calmness that you wish to feel. Not only is grey stylish but it also can help provide a relaxing space to get ready for the day or to unwind after a long day (fancy a bath, anyone?).

And the best thing about grey is that it’s just so versatile. You can use it in so many different areas of your bathroom – consider the following…

Grey bathroom tiling

If you’re looking to drastically change your bathroom, placing grey tiles on the floors or walls will give a different look to your bathroom and make it feel brand new.

Grey bathroom cabinetry

If your cabinetry is old and you’re in the market to replace what you have, by all means, change it. But if you’re just wanting a refresh, a fresh coat of grey paint will definitely do the trick!

Bathroom decor

By simply adding small decor items to your space, you can enhance contrast and bring depth into your bathroom – this is really important to break up the grey.

1. Mirror finish

Adding mirror finishes is such a clever way to incorporate some greys into your space. Just take inspiration from this classic bathroom. Plus, it also includes beautiful design elements like grey tiling on the floors and up the walls and grey paint and silver metallic finishes. This bathroom is all kinds of classy with the golden lighting whilst the large freestanding bathtub looks so inviting and relaxing.

gray bathroom with freestanding bathtub
Source: Photographee.eu via Shutterstock

2. Modern neutrals

A grey bathroom is inviting and homely when coupled with modern finishes and a neutral colour palette. The walls and floor can be tiled with a textured stone grey which can compliment the starkness of a white bath or slick white cabinetry. And to offset the neutrals, you can style and freshen up your bathroom with some pink flowers and greenery in the corner!

3. Mermaid vibes

It’s no secret that I absolutely love fish scale tiles. They remind me of the most beautiful mermaids tail. And what better place to feel like a mermaid than your very own bathroom?! The marbled finish of the tiles adds texture and interest to the already captivating nature of the tile pattern.

Honestly, these tiles are the best and there are so many different colour schemes that you can do with mermaid tiles. To see what I’m talking about, here are some stunning bathroom tile ideas that you need to see.

4. Contemporary vanity

A grey bathroom can beautifully combine whites, blacks and greys altogether in a sophisticated, contemporary look. Having black cabinetry can perfectly set off a white benchtop and sink. The clever use of different patterned grey tiling on the walls is perfect in a modern house that wants to bring in a little art deco with curved mirrors and wall sconces.

5. Hamptons opulence

If there’s one place in the world that I’m dreaming of visiting, it’s the Hamptons. And this beautiful Hampton’s bathroom is really giving me major wanderlust! I love how opulent and lavish this bathroom is with dark brown cabinetry, grey walls and marble floors.

This is a place that I’d happily spend an afternoon or two relaxing with a good book and a candle burning.

grey bathroom hamptons style
Source: Artazum via Shutterstock

This look is timeless and works in almost any location around the world because it’s extremely versatile. You can go ultra-glam Hamptons or just pair it back. See all the different variations of Hamptons bathroom design to find the right fit for your home.

6. Shiny tiles

Shiny tiles are something we often see used in pools so using them in a bathroom really gives a wet look and the feeling of being underwater. The shiny grey tiles can be used as a feature in your bathroom and it’s just divine! A floating white vanity along with little white lampshades make a grey bathroom look seamless.

7. Wonderful wallpaper

Another great way to bring some grey into a bathroom is by choosing a patterned wallpaper and then matching your other surfaces to your wallpaper. The classic pattern of a grey and white wallpaper looks great with grey cabinetry, a white countertop, and silver metallic finishes. What a lovely place to brush your teeth and get ready in the morning!

There are no limits with bathroom wallpaper, do one wall or wrap it all around. Use it to make a standout guest powder room or to add a little bit of extra something to your master bathroom suite. But no matter what application you go with, you shouldn’t do the actual installation yourself because there is glue and trying to line up designs. Instead, leave it up to a professional wallpaper installer to do the tricky stuff.

8. Big grey tub

My eyes are immediately drawn to the big grey tub which is the feature of this modern bathroom. The width and depth of this huge bathtub is one that you could put the kids and dog in as well as just stretching out and relaxing by yourself after a long day. The unique pattern of the walls along with the simplicity of the floor work beautifully with the grandeur of the bathtub.

grey bathtub in big bathroom
Source: ImageFlow via Shutterstock

9. Ring light mirror

Installing a ring light is a great way to bring some natural light into your vanity area, so you can easily do your makeup! A ring light works so well in an inner-city apartment as it injects light on a grey and dreary day. Speak to an electrician to make sure you get all the safety aspects right when you’re in the installation phase of fitting your mirror.

10. Grey stone tiles

A grey stone tiled finish is urban, modern and minimalistic. And black details such as the taps, handles, sink, cabinetry and decor items give a dark and moody feel that enhances the overall contemporary feel. The element of a skylight can bring in oodles of natural light into the otherwise dark bathroom.

11. A cosy space

A good designer can utilise a small space fitting in the essentials. The bathtub and toilet can be framed by a grey planked half wall which separates the two areas. And timber can break up the whites and greys which works really well especially with a timber slab across the bathtub!

12. Moroccan tiles

Moroccan tiling is something that really makes my heart sing. This pattern is reminiscent of flower petals which brings a feminine touch however still has a hint of masculinity with the grey tones throughout.

Talking to a professional bathroom tiler if you want these beautiful tiles installed. Look for someone who can look after regrouting if you need that too!

13. Simple greys

This bathroom is pretty simple, however, the use of grey has given it a classy finish. The same tone of grey has been used for the walls, whilst the mirror reflects more of those spectacular greys around the room. The white toilet and sink have brightened up the space and the wooden cabinet brings some life into the overall bathroom atmosphere.

simple grey bathroom
Source: Dariusz Jarzabek via Shutterstock

14. Grey feature wall

A grey feature wall that continues through to the flooring can work really well. You can even install a cutout shelf in the wall which is the perfect home for a little plant. Get two jobs done at once by watering your plant while you’re in the shower! Having a large floor to ceiling window also bring lots of natural light into the space which makes the shower area light, bright and airy.

15. Farmhouse comfort

farmhouse bathroom is welcoming and calming with warm grey tones and family-friendly practicality. I love the way ‘wet look’ shiny tiles can be used in the shower room which visually separates the two areas. However, the same tiling can continue from the main bathroom area through to the shower recess which seemingly brings the two areas together.

16. Clean and bright

A beautiful design in a minimalistic space can certainly maximise a narrow bathroom space. Slick grey walls and grainy grey countertops work in perfect harmony together. Adding a glass shower screen can make a grey bathroom seem bigger and more open, especially with the bright light coming from a skylight above the shower.

17. Grey cabinetry

A homely space can utilise grey successfully through darker grey cabinetry, lighter grey walls and fuzzy grey bath mats which brings warmth and cosiness into the bathroom.

Having a clock in the bathroom is also a great idea as you can keep an eye on the time as you get ready for the day or a special dinner date.

18. Apartment living

Usually, in an apartment, you have limited space to work with and this bathroom has definitely made the most of the tight space. Combining your shower and bathtub gives you both options without comprising any space. The wooden cabinets and sink area is sleek and stylish and freshens up the abundance of neutrals.

Source: bezikus via Shutterstock

19. Concrete jungle

Using concrete in a bathroom does sound a little odd but it all makes sense. Even though the walls and floors have been finished with concrete, there is tranquility about a concrete bathroom that almost feels like a tropical outdoor shower with a large shower head.

20. Pearl grey limestone

Grey limestone has the most beautiful pearlescent details coming through the natural characteristics of the stone. As the light is bouncing off the shiny surfaces, this brightens up a room beautifully especially with the contrast of black cabinetry and other dark details.

21. Homely master

A master bathroom should be all things cool, calm and collected. Subtle light grey cabinetry can be paired perfectly with the grey veining in white marbled tiles. The rest of your master bathroom can be mainly white which creates a calm and homely atmosphere and an overall colour palette that is timeless and will last the test of time.

22. Herringbone details

Wow, I just love the grey herringbone details of this floor that add a little something extra to the bathroom area. The other elements that have been used have a slight texture running through them which also creates interest. Using light silver finishes along with a grey towel will tie your grey intention together, whilst using decor items like touches of wood will bring in a natural element.

grey bathroom herringbone tiles
Source: ImageFlow via Shutterstock

23. Marble coordination

Coordinating the tones of grey through marble finishes with the other features of your bathroom help to tie everything together. The same tones from the marble can be represented in the cabinetry, silver finishes, and striped shower curtain. And the pop of yellow in the floral arrangement can really bring a happy feel to the greyscale colour palette!

24. Patterned shower

Heavily patterned shower tiles work well with surfaces that are in block colours. Random and almost ‘out of place’ elements such as a blue towel, greenery, and a brown stool can give your bathroom more of a family-friendly feel. As we all know in a real family bathroom, things don’t stay matching and uniform for very long.

25. Feminine touch

Elegant spaces can incorporate a feminine touch with the use of grey and white oversized floral wallpaper. Without bringing this touch of femininity in, any space would appear rather masculine with bold choices in grey cabinetry and large marbled tiling.

26. Charcoal grey

Charcoal grey plays a huge part in the composition of this bathroom. The design choices in this space remind me of a locker room, gym or even a spa bathroom with a minimalistic and practical approach. I particularly love the choice of a double sink which give a lovely luxe hotel vibe.

grey charcoal bathroom
Source: ImageFlow via Shutterstock

27. Grey warmth

The use of grey in a bathroom can be warmed up with warm coloured LED lights and timber finishes. Having built-in shelves is extremely useful as everyone in the family can have a shelf each or you could even categorise your shelves by putting face products on one, and hair products on the other.

28. Small space

A small space can be made to appear larger with the addition of a large mirror that opens up the bathroom. Timber shelving fixtures is a great idea as you could use these for storage or displaying your favourite decor pieces. An open rectangular vanity also coincides with the shelving as it houses the towels.

29. Light grey and airy

Having light grey finishes in your bathroom can give an airy and open space feel. Installing some greenery can add to the airiness of the space and brings a pop of colour into the room.

30. Tranquil greys

A tranquil and divine bathroom can be achieved with the use of various greys on the walls and floor. Plus, dark grey contrasts well against timber finishes. Timber finishes remind me of a sauna, so this bathroom design really creates a warm and relaxing space!

31. A place by the window

What a fabulous airy bathroom with amazing natural light coming through the windows! A touch of timber and wooden elements bring in a minimalist vibe to the whole space. The light grey floor tiling also works well with the textures and patterns of the wall.

grey bathroom near window
Source: ImageFlow via Shutterstock

32. Relaxation in simplicity

Clean, bold lines can give a functional bathroom a tidy, no-nonsense look. A recess in the wall gives a perfect spot to shelve bathroom products, whilst larger wall tiles are easy to keep clean. And a darker grey tone means the tiles will look as good as new for years to come!

33. Grey floors and walls

Grey on grey is a classic, timeless design. Add in other elements like a floating wooden and white vanity, highlighted by a modern hanging bulb light. Clever lighting under the cabinet can also lighten up dark grey tiles!

34. Grey with greenery

Hardy succulents and hanging vines really make a bathroom come alive. They love the moisture and steaminess and bathroom plants seem to thrive in this environment. Installing shelves provide extra space to add plants and other pieces of decor to a small basic bathroom.

35. On trend details

This Bali inspired bathroom has teemed the unique grey floor with a lovely wooden feature wall. The wooden bench doubles as storage space, whilst the burst of greenery from the plant is an amazing addition to this bold grey bathroom.

grey bathroom with wooden feature wall
Source: ImageFlow via Shutterstock

36. Urban greys

A sleek bathroom features lots of clean, strong lines and soft greys that almost seem white. Mirrored cupboard doors also have a dual purpose. The only downside is that fingermarks can be annoying over time – so keep it sparkling clean!

37. Grey tones

The brown tones in this marble benchtop and the tiled mirrored wall provide a perfect privacy partition for the bath area behind. This vanity shows you can fit two basins into a small area. Plus, I just love the contrast of the black lighting fixtures!

grey bathroom classic design
Source: Rade Kovac via Shutterstock

38. Silver finishes

Silver and grey pair perfectly together to create a very stylish and functional bathroom. Using shelves to display minimal knickknacks bring a personal touch! And installing lights over silver-framed mirrors give a clear vision for gazing at yourself.

39. Subtle grey

With greys so subtle, a bathroom can look almost white… But don’t be fooled – having lightly speckled grey flooring give the design a lovely definition. While your room may be small and cosy, you can use clever sleek fittings to make it look larger than it really is.

light grey bathroom near window
Source: ImageFlow via Shutterstock

40. Speckled walls

A speckled wall behind a lovely round mirror gives a subtle softness against stark blacks. Include a white vase, flowers, and a white fluffy towel to add a beautiful homely touch!

Whether you’re looking to bring some calm into your bathroom, trend up your space, or go for a full bathroom renovation, grey is the colour to use! My favourites are the different tiling options like the fish scale, herringbone and Moroccan styles. What are your favourite ways to incorporate grey? Let me know below!

And if you’re a bit of a grey fan in home design, take a look at these grey living room ideas and grey kitchen ideas.

20+ Wooden bathroom ideas and designs

Make your bathroom cosy, warm and inviting!

20+ Wooden bathroom ideas and designs

Warmth, cosiness and comfort are just three of the feelings that wooden bathrooms can bring to your home. Being a natural material, wooden surfaces are eco-friendly, timeless and will look great for years to come. Most people would shy away from using wood in a bathroom,  however if it’s looked after properly with oil-based sealants and waterproofing, wood can be a great choice. Utilising wood in your bathroom can also add a lot of character, especially if you preserve and feature the natural grains and textures of the wood.

When I initially thought of using wood in a bathroom, I thought of hardwood floors… However, timber can be added throughout nearly all aspects, including your walls, ceilings, basins, bathtubs and cabinetry. Check out these trendy wooden designs that will surely give your boring bathroom lots of personality and pizzazz!

1. Wooden all around

What better place to kick off all these wooden bathrooms than with a bathroom that literally has wood all the way around. The same grain of timber has been used on the walls, ceiling and cabinetry. The floor has been tiled with grey tiles to contrast with all the timber.

Want some fabulous grey tiles like these? Get in touch with a bathroom tiler.

wooden-bathroom-wooden-walls
Source: Photo by Bilal Mansuri on Unsplash

2. Small space

This small bathroom incorporates a large chest of wooden drawers that bring warmth to the space. When you’re trying to design for a small space, the most valuable element is plentiful storage opportunities. So, having a chest of drawers that has lots of different compartments will keep your bathroom clean and uncluttered.

Here are some more handy bathroom storage ideas.

wooden rustic bathroom
Source: Photo by Taylor Beach on Unsplash

3. Exposed natural edging

If I was to ever have the opportunity to remodel my vanity I would definitely use an exposed wooden plank for my sink area. I just love how with exposed planks, the surface looks like it has literally just been sliced from a tree and placed in the space.

4. Feminine meets urban

This sweet bathroom is the epitome of feminine touches meets urban fixtures. The wooden accessories, soft dried flowers and cute apothecary style bottles and the chunky wooden mirror all add a bit more interest to this space. And a contemporary sink and tapware brings in that urban and trendy edge.

wooden-bathroom-wooden-mirror-frame
Source: Photo by Monstera from Pexels

5. Branching out

For something a little different that truly embraces the wooden bathroom trend, how about using a literal tree trunk not only as a stand for your sink but also to hold toilet paper rolls, or even hang a mirror or light from it?

6. Light and bright

This gorgeous light and bright bathroom has plenty of contemporary character with the geo metal light fitting, round black-framed mirror and organic oval sink. I also love the subtle textured tiling in this bathroom. Meanwhile the timber vanity adds warmth and cosiness. Don’t forget to add a touch of greenery!

wooden-bathroom-timber-vanity
Source: Photo by Jose Aponte on Unsplash

7. Trunk for a sink

If you love the idea of incorporating wooden elements in their most natural form, you could look into unusual wooden log sinks which are both creative and functional. It’s something you could discuss with a cabinetmaker to create a unique bespoke vanity!

Also, you might like to check out this article for more interesting vanity ideas.

8. Barrel charm

Another quirky idea is to convert a whiskey barrel to a sink! Something like a barrel sink would perfect for a guest bathroom which connects to a man cave.

9. Rustic touches

Not only does this bathroom feature a beautiful wooden ceiling, but check out that incredible tiled wall. Olde wordle charm in abundance in this bathroom with its farmhouse sink and deep soaking tub. I like how timber Venetians have been added to tie in with the timber ceiling.

Victorian-wooden-bathroom
Source: Photo by Josh Duke on Unsplash

10. Shower room

Have a shower room? They’re ideal if you have kids who can splash around and get the whole room wet without getting scolded! And if you opt for wooden floorboards, they’ll provide a non-slip surface whilst having slick white tiled walls will allow water to easily drip down.

11. Elegant guest bathroom

This elegant guest bathroom is both trendy and inviting. I love the combination of light wooden walls contrasted with all the black elements in the space. And I also love how black fixtures have been incorporated—and how about that awesome black toilet (who ever thought you’d call a toilet awesome!).

wooden-bathroom-walls
Source: Photo by Bilal Mansuri on Unsplash

12. Family comfort with luxurious touches

This family bathroom has everything you need for all your loved ones with added luxurious touches. Wood tiling has been used on the floor, with the linear pattern repeated in the grey wall tiles. How great is the niche? And I like how wooden stools have been incorporated to enhance the warmth of the timber flooring.

wooden-bathroom-wooden-floor
Source: Photo by Nathaniel Kohfield on Unsplash

13. Log ceiling feature

Adding wooden logs to cover your ceiling space is so clever and such a creative feature of a bathroom. You can then complement the logs with wooden flooring or furniture and timber accessories.

14. Weathered and Boho

This bathroom has so much character with the weathered and rustic Boho features. The wooden cabinetry adds a weathered look throughout the space, while the timber marries well with the other natural materials in the space, from the woven rug to the pampas in the vase.

wooden-bathroom-Boho
Source: Photo by Cindy Fogg on Unsplash

15. Exposed shelving

Exposed shelving is so beautiful and on-trend. You could go for rustic planks of wood that look like they’ve just been carved off a tree. Or, opt for wood that’s more refine and neatened up.

When it comes to shelves like these, don’t forget to get some help with your custom shelving.

wooden-bathroom-floating-shelves
Source: Photo by Nando García on Unsplash

16. Terracotta tones

Wondering what colour scheme works best with timber? Consider terracotta tones. It might be in the tone of your wooden cabinetry, or a rattan mirror frame, or décor items like vases or baskets. These tones would definitely wow your guests – they’re so in fashion right now!

17. Vanity frame

An easy way to bring in wooden elements is through your vanity frame, shelving, stools for holding towels, or if you are lucky, even glorious exposed beams in the roofing. For some more vanity inspo, see these bathroom vanity ideas.

18. Trendy details

Simple yet trendy – this bathroom has all the essential features like a mirror, a place to wash, a rack to hang your hand towel and storage in the floating vanity. It’s really interesting to use two different tones of wood, such as this classic wood plus white look. But you could also play around with using combinations of other timbers as well.

wooden-bathroom-with-wood-accents
Source: Photo by Sven Brandsma on Unsplash

19. Wooden mirror frame

I absolutely love the wooden details in this bathroom. They are not too much, but just enough. The unusual panelled wooden frame on the mirror goes really well with the timber accent in the vanity.

wooden wall panelling
Source: Photo by Backbone Visuals on Unsplash

20. Outdoor tub time

If you’ve ever considered creating an outdoor bathroom, this is your sign to just do it! You could opt for a charming vintage tub with clawed feet which will look amazing in any garden setting. You could also create a timber privacy screen—even better if it has room to hang your plant friends off it!

Love the idea of an outdoor bathroom? To get your creative juices flowing, check out these  outdoor bathroom ideas!

21. Dark and wooden

If you love a dark bathroom, you can use timber elements to your advantage to warm things up and prevent them looking gloomy. Here, it’s blonde wood detailing on the ceiling and door frame and the simple rectangular timber vanity.

wooden-bathroom-dark
Source: Photo by julie aagaard from Pixels

22. Barn door

I just love a barn door moment. Putting a barn door in any room will cleverly make the most of y our space, leaving room for all the other features you want to include. Consider a fabulous barn door made of different coloured planks of wood. It makes for a creative, fun feature in a farmhouse bathroom.

23. Urban living

This beautiful urban bathroom is symmetrical and minimal with quite clinical and angular surfaces, but the wooden vanity and flooring bring warmth and a sense of comfort to the area. Adding wooden canisters to the vanity completes the look.

wooden-bathroom-wooden-flooring
Source: Photo by Filios Sazeides on Unsplash

24. Little details

Finally, even if you don’t want to switch out your larger elements for timber ones, you can still get in on the wooden bathroom trend by incorporating a few select small pieces of beautiful timber in the décor. For instance, a slatted timber bath rack or floor mat.

wooden-bathroom-accessories
Source: Photo by Castorly Stock from Pexels

So there we have it, 24 wooden bathroom ideas for your next bathroom renovation! My personal favourite is definitely the exposed wooden vanities where the wood looks as if it has been freshly cut off a tree. What about you? What are your favourite ways to incorporate wood in your bathroom? I’d love to hear below!