Project Reveal: Classic and Fresh Master Bathroom Update
Sometimes a bathroom doesn’t necessarily need a full gut remodel. Perhaps the prior homeowner did a renovation a few years ago, or maybe you have a newly built home but it’s pretty builder basic. New construction homes that are not custom often lack the detail and finish that really give a home personality and style. My bathroom fell into this category. I could see it had so much more potential to be a really lovely, fresh, and elegant space that I’d want to get ready in every morning and end my day in. A few strategic and choiceful updates will give your bathroom new life and make it a space you really love.
Read on for how I gave a builder basic bathroom a fresh and timeless update.
SELECTING THE WALLPAPER
I decided wallpaper was going to be the design feature in this bathroom, so it was important to choose one that I loved and wouldn’t get tired of. Wallpaper feels like a pretty big commitment, but it can be a beautiful statement. Today, there are so many beautiful, modern, and timeless wallpaper patterns and colors to choose from.
Based on the look I was going for I focused on small repeat patterns that were classic but not too busy in a light and neutral color palette. This is the wallpaper I chose:
Gray and white wallpaper ideas
ADDRESSING THE NICHES
The niches over the bathtub are pretty large, and I thought they looked unfinished when just left empty and painted. So I tiled them with marble hexagon tile. To really complete the niches I installed custom glass shelves to provide a place for personalized decor and pretty bath items, making it a lot more functional than it was before.
Similar marble hexagon mosaic tile. This chevron white marble mosaic, mini chevron marble mosaic, or linear marble mosaic would have looked great too.
Custom glass shelves are from here.
These are similar Stainless Steel Glass Shelf Brackets.
CHOOSING THE BATHROOM HARDWARE
Replacing bathroom hardware like towel bars and rings and, in my case, adding more bathroom hardware like robe hooks is an easy update to achieve a different style or complement the rest of the updates and provide much needed function. I wanted hardware that looked classic and timeless, but still current.
I liked the design of the Pottery Barn Pearson Hardware & Fixture Collection. It has a classic style, but the square base and straighter lines makes it more modern and masculine which balances out the feminine features of the bathroom.
Classic Bathroom Hardware Styles
CHANGING OUT LIGHT FIXTURES
Another element of any room to shine some light on is the light fixtures! Adequate lighting and the right lighting fixtures can make a big impact in a space. Lighting can create ambience and be a design feature.
Modern Classic Bathroom Vanity Lights
How to Decorate and Style a Bathroom
Lastly, styling the bathroom is as important for a finished look as other rooms in the house. In my newly updated bathroom I didn’t want to get bath accessories that looked like bath accessories. I wanted the decor to be personalized and not matchy-matchy just like how I would decorate other rooms in my house. Except all the stores would have you believe that you really need the bar soap dish, the liquid soap dispenser, the tissue box holder, and the toothbrush holder to match your shower curtain and bath mat. No, we don’t want that.
Instead, I thought about my bathroom the way I would think about my living room or bedroom.
Tip 1
To create a cohesive look I stuck to a neutral and light color palette of silver, white, and watery blues. I brought in silver frames with photos for a personal touch. I used sea-inspired, blue glass vases and soaps for a calm and spa-like feel.
Tip 2
I paid attention to the materials and texture of the décor. The glass shelves and accessories keep it light and airy, reflect light, and let the marble tiles show through. White towels add softness to a space with a lot of hard and cold materials. Glass jars display pretty bathroom items and keep them tidy.
Tip 3
I brought in a natural touch with flowers like orchids and peonies, taking into consideration the type of flower and how it adds to the design. Orchids are luxurious and glamorous flowers. They also last a long time, especially in the humid bathroom environment. The peonies feel feminine and soft with their layers of petals. The white is consistent with the color palette. These ones in particular are low maintenance because they are faux!
The Reveal: A classic and fresh master bathroom update
Finally, what you’re here to see are the before and after photos!
Before:
Beige walls and a lack of style or personality.
After:
All the elements pulled together into a fresh, modern, classic master bathroom!
For all of the after photos visit the portfolio page.
Interior Design and Photography: Eggshell Home
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Happy Decorating!
Rosanna
Post updated September 2020
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