Bathroom renovations are one of my favorites. Growing up in the 60’s, 70’s and into the 80’s, my family owned high-end, luxury bathshops called The Golden Dolphin. So when it comes to specifying and designing bathrooms, I know what makes it extra special.

Through my vendors I stay up to date with the new and improved bathroom design ideas. Here are some of my favorites worth considering.

So let’s get started!

1.Handheld Shower

I know the handheld shower has been around for a while, but if you have never had one, you might think you don’t need it. I have had to persuade many of my clients that it was worth including in their selections. Once they had one, they would never be without one again.

Here are some of the benefits…

You can reach areas of your body that you can’t reach with a shower head. I won’t get too personal, but I can’t imagine being without one.
You can adjust the height to your preference.
It’s excellent for rinsing little ones in the tub.
It provides easy rinsing for tubs or showers and is much better for cleaning day.

A handheld shower is a luxury you won’t want to miss out on.

Consider using a handheld shower paired with a rainshower.

It’s a great combination.

2. Backlit Mirror

The best and most flattering lighting is lighting that surrounds your face. This is why you see movie stars and models with mirrors surrounded by light bulbs. But who likes the look of that? It’s not practical or appealing in everyday life. So when pioneers of the backlit mirror, such as, Robern came out with these, I started including them in as many projects as possible.

Here are some of the benefits…

It’s the perfect lighting for applying makeup or shaving so both women and men love them.
The backlit mirror replaces a vanity light bar and sconces, so it’s the only lighting you need for your vanity wall.
It’s a beautiful and stylish look.
You can opt for the medicine cabinet option that has additional interior lighting, an outlet and a phone charger.

It’s a stunning Statement to add to your bathroom and is functional too.

Backlit Mirrors Brighten and Flatter your Face.

Most backlit mirrors are dimmable so you can choose your brightness preference.

3. Tiled Vanity Wall

Rather then using an accent of wallpaper or just paint consider using a statement tile on your vanity wall. Select something that has detail and an artistic quality rather than something that only offers function. This is a fun and playful bathroom design idea.

Here are some of the benefits…

It’s something pretty to see every time you get ready.
It reduces the need for artwork in your bathroom.
It eliminates the need for adding a stone backsplash.
Your entire wall is protected from splashes and splatters.

Select an interesting tile such as a fencepost, octagonal, Feathered (as shown above) or a herringbone pattern.

Why clutter up your counter with toiletries you can’t tuck away? Consider adding an upper cabinet or two.

Add an outlet to the inside back for using your hairdryer or tucking away an electric toothbrush.

4. Upper Vanity Cabinet

Adding an upper cabinet or two is a great way to store the smaller essentials for easy access.

Here are some of the benefits…

It’s a great place to store vitamins and medicines rather than having to store them in a drawer.
Many clients love these for tucking away their hairdryers, electric toothbrushes, or waterpicks.
They elevate the look of the bathroom.
Less bending over to reach your toiletries.

Niches make a nice place to display your shower essentials.

Consider using an accent tile in the back of the niche. I often use the same tile as the shower floor.

5. Niche

Adding a niche to your shower is so much better than using a shower caddy or adding a corner shelf. You can design them in horizontal of vertical orientation. Generally, they are 12 x 24 in either orientation.

Here are my recommendations when designing yours…

Use an accent tile for the back to add some interest. I generally use the same tile as on the shower floor.
The ledge of the niche should be made with solid stone. I use whatever we are using for the countertop. It should be cut deeper than the niche around 4” so you have a solid base to set your bottles of shampoo and shower soap. It should also slope down a little so any water runs off.
The other 3 inside edges can be made with the shower wall tile.
The edges of the 3 interior walls can be finished by using a bullnose tile to surround the outside edges, or with a pencil liner, or with a Schulter metal trim.

never use tile on the ledge of a niche because over time the grout weakens and the moisture will leak into the wall and cause mold & mildew.

For more help with your new bathroom, check out my earlier post right here.

You don’t have to implement all of these ideas. Choose the ones that feel right. Mix & match. Add & take away. Just continue to do your research for bathroom design ideas that fit your lifestyle & will make your bathroom a soothing & relaxing place to be.

If you need more direction on getting started, consider my Local or Online Design Services! I’m here to guide you!

Love your home, like I love mine!

Celeste J.