Bathroom redecorating ideas

The bathroom is a home's most utilitarian room, but it doesn't need to be bland. Most bathrooms are designed for functionality, leaving bare walls and open spaces available for artistic expression. With coordinating accessories, an attractive color palette, and a splash of creativity, it is easy to design a bathroom theme to complement any lifestyle.

Bathroom Themes: General Notes

The first consideration for any theme is longevity. While trendy themes such as popular movies, favorite celebrities, and short-lived hobbies are appealing, especially for a child's bathroom, when those interests fade it would be necessary to redecorate. If you are unsure about a theme but want to experiment, use neutral base colors such as soft shades of cream, blue, green, or yellow. These colors easily coordinate with future redecoration if necessary.

Bathroom redecorating is a sound investment for increasing a home's value, but it must be done correctly. Choose washable paints and wallpapers that can withstand higher temperatures and humidity, and insure that fixture seals are intact to safeguard against water damage. Test artwork or wall hangings for colorfastness before use. Because colors change with different lighting, test paint shades in artificial light before committing to a radical change, and remember that dark shades are more likely to highlight grease marks from shampoos, conditioners, and soaps.

Do not over decorate a bathroom. Stores sell coordinating accessories for every possible bathroom need, including trash cans, cups, toothbrush holders, soap dishes, shower curtain hooks, rugs, bathmats, towels, miniature soaps, appliques, and more. If one accessory, such as the shower curtain, has a busy pattern with many colors and shapes, recreating that theme on the walls, towels, and other accessories will be overwhelming and wear out quickly. Instead, choose solid colors from the theme for coordinating items and let the busy piece become a focal point.

Bathroom Themes: Classic Ideas

For most people, the bathroom is a private oasis of relaxation and solitude. To create a sense of tranquility, a gentle, classic theme is best. Simple, crisp colors with minimal accessories give a sense of light and space to the room. To accomplish this, white walls make a startling contrast to granite or marble countertops, and white towels and accessories continue the motif. White also implies cleanliness, a much desired bathroom quality. For a family bathroom, however, white may be an impractical choice.

To create a simple, clean theme without excessive white, concentrate on the room's light. A stained glass or glass brick window adds natural light while protecting privacy, and multiple mirrors expand the room's limited space. Studio lighting - oversized, round bulbs - brighten the room with a contemporary feel.

Any solid color palette creates a contemporary theme suitable for a family or guest bathroom. Choose towels, washcloths, and accessories in complementary shades of the same color, such as blue, green, or yellow. The range of shades creates an immediate theme with minimal decorative skill. If the walls and fixtures are light colors, using darker accessories creates a dramatic contrast, while medium tones feel more welcoming.

Wallpaper borders can be added to any bathroom to coordinate with a theme. For a solid color theme, choose a border with minimal decoration or it may seem out of place. A marble pattern, clouds, or other subtle design works well with solid color schemes. The border can be placed at eye level as a focal point, or higher on the wall for a more spacious feel.

Adding plants to a bathroom is another way to add texture and visual interest that coordinates with any theme. Choose plants that thrive in low light and high humidity, such as spiders or ferns, but never add plants to a bathroom without natural light. Keep them trimmed and groomed for a fresh, sophisticated accent to classic decor.

Bathroom Themes: Artistic Expressions

For personalization and artistic themes, a bathroom has no limits. Water themes are the most popular and the choices are endless: fish, seashells, underwater scenery, dolphins, whales, sailing, fishing, and more. Start with basic aquatic colors such as teal, blue, and green, preferably in light, soothing shades. Light brown shades for the floor, cabinets, and shelving simulate sand, while a white ceiling is reminiscent of clouds or foam. Water-themed accessories are available in many stores, or you can easily create your own with simple painting techniques such as sponging. A shell-shaped sink is the perfect accompaniment to a seascape bathroom, and glass or plastic bulbs can be attached to the walls to add bubbly accents.

An elegant theme is to create a personal spa. Neutral, relaxing colors set the mood, while choosing darker shades or warm colors emphasizes the cozy atmosphere. Abundant candles offer gentle lighting, and scented candles are available for rejuvenation, relaxation, or spiritual balance. Be sure to incorporate extra-large fluffy towels, luxurious spa robes, and the appropriate tools including lotions, loofahs, and bubble bath to create a decadent retreat.

Any theme can be expressed in a bathroom. Sports, hobbies, and professions offer different accessories and decorative accents including wallpaper borders, artwork, and novelty items that can be incorporated into a bathroom. For a unified look, select a major piece as the focal point and coordinate accessories such as cups, soap dishes, towels, rugs, and shower curtains with its major colors. Just as with a child's bathroom, however, be certain that the theme is one you won't mind for several years before you commit to redecorating.

A nostalgic theme that is gaining popularity is the rubber duck. A variety of these classic bath toys are available, and arraying a flock on shelves, the tub's deck, and along the sink rekindles youthful delight. A pale yellow shower curtain, orange towels, and other duck accessories complete the retro theme.

Bathrooms can be open and inviting, warm and relaxing, or kooky and fun depending on the theme. From a home spa to a tropical island to a rubber duck sanctuary, any amateur decorator can create a theme with appropriate accessories, coordinating colors, and a suitable idea. The bathroom may be a home's smallest room, but decorating it uses the most imagination.

Bathroom decorating ideas
Bathroom color ideas