0How to decorate your bathroom for the whole family

Creating a bathroom everyone loves is no easy feat. It’s the smallest room in the house and one of the trickiest to decorate. It needs to be practical for adults, teens, and kids alike. Whether you have a small powder room or an ensuite with adjoining bedrooms, there are some universal principles of great design that will make your bathroom feel bigger and more accessible for all users. 

Whether you have a large or small space to work with, creating a bathroom that suits your family’s needs begins with smart planning and thoughtful details. To make your house feel bigger while keeping it kid-friendly, you need clever storage solutions that suit both adults and children. You also need visually-appealing ways to store personal items like towels and toiletries that are age appropriate but don’t look childish when guests visit.

There are many ways you can save money while still getting the look you want with your bathroom renovation project. Here are some affordable ways to get started on your new bathroom design.

1. Make the most of your space

The best way to decorate your bathroom for the whole family is to make the most of the space you have. In many cases, this will also be the most cost-effective way to go about it. 

If your bathroom is small, you don’t have to sacrifice functionality for aesthetics. Simply choose storage solutions that suit your needs and suit the space. Consider wall-mounted storage solutions that allow you to maximize floor space and keep the room feeling open and uncluttered.

If your bathroom is larger but demarcated into separate areas for bathing and sitting, you can apply the same principles of thoughtful design. You can add a visually-appealing focal point with a striking piece of art or a statement piece of furniture.

2. Storage is key

Storage should be a priority in every bathroom, no matter the size. This is especially important if your bathroom is smaller and designed for young children. You want your kids to feel comfortable in their own space and be able to independently get ready for bed and put themselves to sleep. 

If your bathroom doesn’t already have the right storage for the items that need to be kept out of reach of little ones, add it. Keep potentially harmful or dangerous items out of sight, but easily accessible for adults with wall-mounted shelving, drawers, or cabinets. You can also add baskets to your toilet tank to store toiletries, towels, and cleaning supplies.

3. Add soft light

Adding soft light to any bathroom will instantly make it look bigger and more inviting. Add a few pendant lights to create soft lighting over your sink and toilet area. If your bathroom has windows, use blinds and/or curtains to control light and privacy as needed. 

If your bathroom has no natural light, consider adding a light therapy lamp to help you or your kids wake up naturally. If your bathroom has a skylight, use a light-blocking shade to create a cosy, dimmable atmosphere in your bathroom at any time of day.

4. Go with bold colours and showstopping tiles

Bold colours will make any room feel larger, especially when paired with white walls. Add a bold colour to your tile to make a statement that carries through to your bathroom’s visual theme. 

Use a bold colour on the floor and walls to visually raise the ceiling and expand your bathroom as a whole. Even if your bathroom has windows, a bold tile colour can help to control light and create a moody environment. 

Use a tile with a popular design or pattern to add visual interest and expand your bathroom’s visual theme without making the room look cluttered. If your bathroom has a skylight, natural light will help to break up dark tiles and visually expand your room further.

5. Add chrome and shimmer

For many people, chrome is seen as a luxury design element. While it does have a higher upfront cost than other materials, it also has a longer lifespan. Chrome is a great choice for bathroom fixtures, as it is resistant to corrosion and high humidity levels. 

Chrome fixtures can add a touch of luxury to any design as well as durability. Upgrade your faucet fixtures to add a shimmering touch to your design. If you want to get even more chrome in your bathroom design, you could also think about using it for your lighting fixtures. Make sure you use LED lights wherever possible, as they can save you money on your electricity bills while still providing a beautiful glow!

6. Add easy-to-reach handrails

If your bathroom has a tub, add a handrail for safe entry and exit. It’s important for everyone in your home to feel safe and comfortable in the bathroom, regardless of age or ability.

7. Installing a larger shower

If you have the room in your bathroom, you can make the space feel more open and accessible by installing a larger shower. This is particularly helpful if you have younger children who may have trouble reaching the showerhead comfortably. By installing a larger shower, you can add a visually-appealing focal point without making the bathroom feel overcrowded. 

Using a larger shower also makes it easy for everyone to bathe, regardless of their height. With plenty of room to stand, sit, and move around, even toddlers and elderly people can comfortably shower in your new shower.

8. Create visual separation between sitting and bathing areas

If your bathroom is large enough to accommodate both a sitting area and a bathing area, it’s important to make these areas feel separate. Doing so makes your bathroom feel more open and welcoming, even if the room is small. 

Use rugs and mats to distinguish areas and add visual interest to an otherwise plain space. Add shelves, cabinets, and other pieces of furniture to visually separate the spaces further.

9. Install a toilet with added features

If you’re on a budget and don’t want to completely overhaul your entire bathroom, consider updating your toilet. You may be surprised at the amount of high-tech features available for toilets today. Models are available with built-in bidets, remote-controlled cleansing, and even music streaming. If you want to save some money, you can also choose to install a toilet without these added features.

10. Install a soaking tub

If you want to add an opulent, luxurious feel to your bathroom, a soaking tub is a perfect addition. A full bathtub makes the room feel more spacious but can be awkward and difficult to use by yourself. A soaking tub will provide the same feeling of luxury, but with a smaller footprint. This makes it easier to use if you have mobility issues, or if more than one person needs to get in and out of the tub at once. 

A soaking tub is essentially a mini-tub that you can fill with water and sit in. They come in a variety of styles, sizes, and materials, making it easy to find one that suits your bathroom and your budget.

11. Add a bench or set of hooks

If you have a small bathroom, you may want to consider adding a built-in bench. They can be used to store towels and toiletries, and they can even be used as a seating option in rooms with limited space. 

A bench can be a good choice if you have limited floor space and don’t have the option to add built-in shelves or cabinets. 

Another option is to add a set of hooks near your bathroom door or inside of your cabinet. Having hooks in your bathroom is perfect for hanging towels or robes. This also helps to free up floor space in small bathrooms.

12. Add plants for natural light and freshness

If you don’t have an outdoor space where you can add plants, a bathroom is a great place to start. Many types of plants are suitable for bathroom décor, but make sure to use pots that are waterproof to protect your plants and your floor. Succulents, cacti, and air plants are just a few examples of plants that would look beautiful in any bathroom. 

You don’t need a large pot to include a plant in your design. Smaller pots can be used to create beautiful designs on small shelves or windowsills that may not otherwise be able to support a full-sized plant. Keep in mind that certain plants, such as palms and ferns, are not suitable for bathrooms with low or no humidity.

13. Add comforting elements

Sometimes it’s just nice to sit in a room that is warm and cosy. If you live in a place where the weather can be harsh, a bathroom is a great place to include some comfy touches. Use clean and neutral colours in your design, but add some additional warm elements, such as sheepskin rugs and soft lighting. 

Natural fibres, such as cotton and wool, are also great materials to include in your design. They add warmth to your bathroom and can be used for your towels, rugs, and other decorations.

14. Add new windows and doors

If you’re looking for a way to completely change the look of your bathroom, updating your windows and doors is a great place to start. If you want to go with a new style, but you’re not sure where to start, shop online for inspiration. You can browse different styles of windows and doors to help inspire your new design.

15. Install new flooring

If your bathroom floor is looking worn out or dated, this is an excellent place to invest in a new design. You can completely change the look of your bathroom by changing the flooring. There are many different types of flooring available, including tile and cork. Each type of flooring has its benefits and can be used in nearly any bathroom design.

Final thoughts

Decorating your bathroom for the whole family is a challenge, but not an impossible one. The best way to do this is, to begin with, a plan. You can’t just start decorating and expect everything to fall into place. First, determine your budget and how much space you have to work with. Once you know these two things, you can begin researching the various ways you can decorate your bathroom. 

Updating your bathroom with new fixtures, colours, and textures can be an affordable way to give your home a new look. Whether you opt for a complete renovation or a few key updates, you’re sure to enjoy your new bathroom for years to come.

When you’ve found the right solutions for your particular situation, all you have to do is implement them!