Bathroom not working - need help with finishing touches

5 years ago

I put a new bathroom into my house a few years ago on a fairly tight budget. It was before I really knew my own taste or had much decorating experience. It has resulted in a bland room which I don’t enjoy being in. I have added photos from all angles (obviously there is some kid clutter but that is temporary).

I can’t change much since it was done so recently. The suite is all fine enough. i originally chose the larger tiles so there would be less grout lines and I liked the way they were laid which reminded me a little of Japanese style with the stacked rectangles. I put in the green tiles which are actually very shimmery and watery looking in real life, but have a multi coloured effect when light shines onto them, which I hadn’t planned on. I painted the wall a mid grey this year from a beigey colour to try to give It some contrast and depth. It does look better but the room still isn’t working.

I now know that I actually like different textures and materials, I like contrasts and I like to add curves. I wish there was one ‘special’ thing in the room. I originally thought those green tiles would be the special thing, but it didn’t work and it’s a bit naff. I like the linen blind so don’t want to change that. The huge mirror above the toilet is necessary storage so I can’t change that. In an ideal world, i would change the flooring to something like a small marble penny tile but my husband isn’t happy for any more money to be spent here and he likes the practicality of the vinyl So it has to stay.

I don’t know how to get the feel I would like with this as a base. I can’t add an attractive light next to the mirrored cabinet as there isn’t room. The bath/shower area will pretty much have to stay as it is, I had planned to decant bath stuff into the Amber containers to make it more attractive. The glass vase on the shelf is too big for the faux eucalyptus I had in there. The pot with the plant in was a short term measure and I will change it for something maybe plain white. None of the accessories on the windowsill have exactly been put there intentionally, they’ve just been left there not quite working. I like the marble accessories but they have No impact dotted around (toothbrush holder, soap pump and container on windowsill). I particularly hate the wall with the towel storage and towel radiator on it. They’re both the same awkward height and it looks horrible. I’d love to put a picture or two on the wall there and maybe have a small display area in the corner but it won’t work with the towel storage. I could possibly change that for something smaller so that I could put a picture or a group of pictures with the smallest ending up a bit over the radiator? The height of it seems all wrong.

How can can I make this room look more luxurious and special with only accessories? Help!

Featured Answer

Sandra Marshall

5 years ago

Hi.
Don't despair, it's really not too bad. I think the grey walls are a mistake though, but paint is cheap. I think you have a really good base for some of the green/tropical/ Scandi with plants bathrooms that are around. Walls could be white or green, or with a wallpaper, add some hanging plants and 1 or 2 others, and green towels, and maybe some prints on the walls. Green and white looks clean without being clinical, unless it's that hospital green, don't have that.
I'm not clever enough to gather the photos together, but there are loads on here. I don't like anything really themed but I do love a bit of nature in the bathroom, and, natural wood.

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Comments (34)

Jade Byng
Original Author
5 years ago
Thanks Sandra, i know it’s not too bad but it’s really not what I’d go for if I was to do it now. I was originally going for that minimal Scandinavian white plant look when I did the bathroom but I don’t like it now and it always felt cold and horrible. I’m not sure about the grey either. I think it’s the grey with the floor together I’m less sure of though. My husband will kill me, we only repainted it again this summer I know I want to add prints but I really don’t know where I could put them with the existing stuff so im Hoping to get some specific advice on how to place them and how to style things. I would definitely be open to changing the towel storage because the two things the same size next to each other looks wrong. I don’t think I really want anymore green in here either. I prefer the look of all white towels but my husband won’t let me replace our tatty old wrong colour ones. Sounds like my big problem is husband thwarting my plans
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Hi, Thanks for all the replies so far! @honeymummy thanks I think you are right about the mustard - I was going to buy some mustard towels but went for white in the end! Still could be good to have one or two. The plant should survive it loves humidity and there's a small east facing window :) @carolina thanks! Great advice on where to place art. I think I'll hold off on a shelving unit at the moment as I don't really need the storage yet. That little diver hook is great. I guess two hooks near the shower makes more practical sense. I was originally thinking of something like this but it would have to be on the other wall sitting on the step but unfortunately not as practical as you couldn't just grab a towel coming out of the shower. I think I've found two art prints for the wall opposite the toilet: They've got a fun nautical vibe (although that octopus is a little bit creepy!). Not sure what would look good on the toilet wall but something big and maybe with more colour. @KK1000 A stool would be great but the bathroom is too small sadly. I think a shelf under the mirror may eventually be needed but I'm not sure about extending it wider than the wash stand? @fran11home: thanks! I should have taken a photo of the light it is just a ceiling lamp with three spotlights. It would be nice to have something a bit more interesting. I don't really want to re-wire at the moment so can't have lights either side of the mirror. They would look good though! I should have done that before plastering and painting. It seems the black toilet seat is 50/50 I was thinking it's a bit more traditional and would match the shower but white also looks fine. Thanks again!
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PRO
Léa+Box Interiors
5 years ago
Hi sparklybloom

I think the colour of the wall is actually draining the room and I think you should reconsider painting it another colour. Perhaps a darker green or pick up the green from the tiles or white. You could also make a feature of the bare wall next to the toilet. See attached some examples of bamboo print wallpaper which are lovely and pick up on your Japanese-ness. There are loads of prints to choose from.

Also, you do need to clear the space. Firstly, put the toothbrushes away. Not only is it unhygienic but it looks untidy. This also goes for all of the shampoo and shower gel bottles. Streamline the number you need on display and put the others away - get them out when you need them (yes, it is possible...I actually do this in my home). Or, as you suggested, decant them into the amber bottles and arrange these nicely.

I know you like the linen blind but it looks heavy and I would suggest a white wooden venetian or shutters or, if you paint the walls white, you could look for some bamboo print fabric and have a new blind made.

The shelves with the towels either needs to go or buy some more baskets and put the towels in there. If you are going to have any items on show they have to be immaculately folded and placed at all times. I like the aloe vera (?) on the window sill but you are right, the other items shouldn't be there. A bonsai tree would be nice and perhaps one or two Japanese type objects would look nice - maybe on top of the towel shelves???? A wooden or bamboo "bath mat" could work well, too.

It may be the photos or the grey walls but the lighting in the room doesn't look quite right. However, as you don't want to spend too much I think that ditching the grey, adding some bright and interesting wall paper and removing anything that is not necessary will lift the room.

I hope this gives you some direction.
Jade Byng thanked Léa+Box Interiors
Jade Byng
Original Author
5 years ago
Oh dear, this is all confirming that I should repaint. My husband will definitely not be on board with this. I’ll have to surprise him with it one day :D I can’t see any paint colour making me happy though Because I just don’t like the bathroom that much. The idea of a bamboo blind is interesting. I don’t tend to like much pattern So I will have a think about that one. I‘m not sure about the rest because I think it might feel a bit themed which I don’t like - I’d prefer an eclectic but harmonious mix. I’m just not skilled enough to be able to pull it together. Do you think a bluey grey would work? Like a smokey blue kind of colour? I feel like it might make the flooring look more orange.
Jade Byng
Original Author
5 years ago
I did originally plan to paint it white but my husband was not on board with it and said he found it too stark. That’s where the horrible yellowy beige colour came from which I hated. How can I add softness if it is white? I want it to feel comforting and sophisticated as much as possible and white with the tiles and the suite doesn’t seem like it will feel that way.
Jade Byng
Original Author
5 years ago
The issue with the lighting may be that we only have led spotlights but the one above the toilet has broken so it is more shaded in that area. Should look better once it is replaced. Wish I had managed to incorporate some nice lighting for baths.
verdigrisjane
5 years ago
A darker colour on the painted walls would immediately take away the coldness you don’t like and fluffy towels would give some texture. You have the bare bones of a nice bathroom.
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kikiamack
5 years ago
This picture shows a fairly ordinary white bath area with a few green tiles like yours. They’ve used a pale watery green paint colour to pick out the tiles. The wooden accessory and the stripes on the towels just add something. If you’re crafty I wonder if you could put a contrast green stripe at the bottom of your blind. You could also get some wooden or bamboo accessories and add some baskets to hold some of the generic toiletries. Also consider swapping out the dark wood unit for a lighter wood. Some of the chains or somewhere like the Futon Company will probably have something. There’s loads of wall mounted planters and baskets around at the moment so you could add some real or faux plants.
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Jade Byng thanked kikiamack
Sonia
5 years ago
I like your bathroom. I changed my bathroom 3 years ago, but like you, if I was to change it today I would probably do it very differently. Mine is a shower room with white tiles and green/blue/aqua mosaics. I also have a vinyl floor which is so practical. What I did to improve mine (white walls) is paint the walls jade white, then add a colourful geometric Roman blind, a huge mosaic mirror and a picture. It has really made a difference. I’ve also added a faux trio of cacti in a lovely green pot on the window sill.

So, I would suggest painting the walls green, similar or darker than the mosaics, tidying up any clutter (I know it’s not easy with little uns) and putting up some nice artwork to cosy it up. Painting is so easy and as long as you take your time and be careful it will worth it. Show that man of yours that you can do it! Here’s some pics to inspire you, and look at the artwork!
Jade Byng thanked Sonia
Juliet Docherty
5 years ago
I would definitely repaint the walls as the grey isn't helping. A mid toned green that works with the tile would look much better. I would also replace the blind with a wide slatted wooden one and duplicate the wood in some shelves for towels for above the radiator.
Jade Byng thanked Juliet Docherty
Jade Byng
Original Author
5 years ago
Do you think shelves above the radiator would work for towel storage? The radiator is taller than it looks in that photo so it is a weird height. I assume the shelves would need to be fairly deep to hold towels and I could imagine banging myself on them getting to the toilet.

I hadn’t considered a green paint and perhaps I should have. I have little greene celadon in my toddlers room opposite and I absolutely love it, though it is more Between blue and green. I’m a bit scared to put colour on the wall because I don’t know whether it will flow well with the rest of the house. Kitchen walls are white, living room is ammonite but the hall and landing which this leads off I am planning to paint pale pink. I don’t know whether it will look a bit weird and wishy washy. I like the colours and the artwork on the walls in the photos you’ve posted. What should I do about the towel holder though? I just can’t work out how to style it all and how to manage to put prints up without it looking awkward and too high.
Michelle S
5 years ago
I quite like the green border and think you have the basis of a lovely bathroom. Seems a little bare to me, screaming for a decent size plant and some texture. Lots of good ideas too in the comments already left
Jade Byng thanked Michelle S
minipie
5 years ago
I also think a green paint on the walls, a mid toned rich olive green like the one in forzaitalia’s last picture would work well and be very on trend. Then I would also try to add some wood accessories (echoing the floor, but real wood) to bring some luxury. For example a wood cabinet in place of the storage shelves, and/or some wood framed pictures?
Jade Byng thanked minipie
Jade Byng
Original Author
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
I have looked for some Sort of cabinet but the space is very tight. I think it’s just under 40cm. I prefer to have things hidden away and would prefer something shorter there. Haven’t managed to find anything that is attractive, affordable and fits in the space.
Sonia
5 years ago
Sparkybloom have you looked in the Houzz shop, they have loads of bathroom stuff. Wayfair are very good too with good customer service. I’ve bought several things from them.
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Helen Mc
5 years ago
I'm not an expert but what seems to stand out to me is that the towel cupboard doesn't match anything in the room at all and the shelves look too small to properly display folded towels. As a quick fix could you replace this with a full height unit perhaps in white and invest in some bright towels as suggested.
Jade Byng thanked Helen Mc
Jade Byng
Original Author
5 years ago
I looked on wayfair and there was plenty of stuff the right size but I didn’t particularly like any of it. It mostly looked quite flimsy and cheap or as though the finish would peel and chip quite quickly. I bought the shelving unit in dark wood as I was originally also going to get some wooden accessories and a wooden stool but it never happened. I do still want to buy a wooden stool so I don’t know whether to go for a wooden cabinet or a white one. Do you think a wooden stool would still look ok if the towel cupboard was white?
Helen Mc
5 years ago
How about Ikea - below are 2 possibles white or grey or they have open bathroom shelving. I think a light wood stool would be ok with either but Ikea also do small painted wood stools. (Fortunate to have an Ikea within 3 miles so may not be an option for you). Our double width painted wood Ikea cabinet has lasted 15 years so far.
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Jade Byng
Original Author
5 years ago
Thanks Helen but I think I’d like a shorter cupboard than what I currently have. I’ll need something shorter if I want to get something on the wall.
Jade Byng
Original Author
5 years ago
What about something like this? https://www.next.co.uk/g674695s8#487504 And I could maybe paint the top or all of it? Not sure whether it will work because it’s a different style again. The cupboard under the sink is handleless gloss. I haven’t really liked any of the gloss cupboards I’ve seen.
minipie
5 years ago
This is from wayfair, £139 and would fit well? Sorry for enormous photo
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minipie
5 years ago
Tikamoon also have lots of nice looking wood bathroom items but the prices are quite a lot higher (as they are solid teak)

https://m.tikamoon.co.uk/cat-bathroom-134.htm
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Helen Mc
5 years ago
I think the next cabinet is better then what's there and with a lovely plant on top in a green (to match tiles) pot this could work. Drench.co.uk have some nice cupboards as well but may be taller then you're looking for.
Jade Byng thanked Helen Mc
Jade Byng
Original Author
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
I still have the issue of it being two tall things next to each other which doesn‘t look right
Jade Byng
Original Author
5 years ago
What about something plain like https://www.argos.co.uk/product/6063687 or https://www.argos.co.uk/product/5536342 id be worried about them looking cheap but they might blend better with the vanity unit? I do prefer things on legs though.
Sonia
5 years ago
The Argos ones look nice, but the Next is so pretty, but please don’t paint it, it’s lovely as it is. Don’t forget wood adds warmth so a good choice. Wayfair are brilliant. I recently bought an oak side table for £60 and it is beautiful, really heavy and well made. Don’t brush them aside so easily. They also have excellent customer service too, despite being an online company. They are my first choice for home products now.
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Jade Byng
Original Author
5 years ago
I think the next one is a very different style to anything else in the bathroom so I’m not sure about it. I don’t particularly like painted furniture with a wooden top because it’s a bit of a country look and not my taste. I have had some good things from wayfair but my mom has had some of that style of bathroom furniture from there and it is quite thin and cheap looking. I’ve saved a few on there to have a closer look at but there isn’t much variety and the products from the different companies look almost exactly the same. I’m wondering whether I should just hold out for a cheap vintage cupboard I can paint to match because Im not that keen on anything I’m coming across and don’t like the idea of having to paint a new piece of furniture.
Jade Byng
Original Author
5 years ago
I’ve had another look at the next one and it doesn’t look too country in style. It is very short though, so mahbe not that useful.
Helen Mc
5 years ago
I think you'd regret the Argos one as not up to standard of the rest of the bathroom. Agree there isn't much choice apart from Cottage style. This one from John Lewis slightly more modern maybe?
Jade Byng thanked Helen Mc
Jade Byng
Original Author
5 years ago
I'll have a look at that one now, looks a nice shape. Still has a country/nautical theme though! There is a distinct lack of stylish bathroom furniture at affordable prices. It's much easier to find things for other rooms. I agree about the Argos one, I know I'd regret it.
Jade Byng
Original Author
5 years ago
I think that is the best option so far. I’m also thinking about floating shelves. I could treat myself to some new towels so they’d look nicer. Floating shelves would look less intrusive without the bars down the sides and I could paint them to match the room.
Helen Mc
5 years ago
Sounds like a good plan. Hope it all works out.
Jade Byng thanked Helen Mc
Sarah
5 years ago
Your bathroom is a lovely base to work with. The green shade in the tiles is calming and subtle. The only thing I thought of which I don't think has been mentioned... I know you may miss having the storage, but would you consider removing the mirrored cabinet and replacing it with a full sheet mirror cut to fit the whole of that wall? You could introduce some soft lighting around it too as one of the pictures below shows. I think this could make the room feel larger and take it to next level.
rachelmidlands
5 years ago
This might sound a bit oddball but how about a vintage tall corner cabinet for storing towels, bottles, etc. Just think that if you went with a small cabinet you’d have the same issues that you’re having now. There are lots of styles which you can pick up second hand for next to nothing and you could paint or varnish to how you want (this is just an example: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rustic-Tall-Corner-Cabinet-Shabby-Chic/253999560281?hash=item3b238db659:g:dasAAOSwRhFbo1mG ). I initially thought of wallpaper but think it will look too busy all over, how about getting a sample and putting into a frame for artwork. I saw this pattern (see pics) and thought it would look great with your decor, thinks it’s called Flying ducks by Mulberry. Also added a pic with idea for mirror over the sink. (Click to enlarge pics).