10 inspiring decor tips from bathrooms you'll love

What do you think is the most neglected space in your home? 

We spend so much time planning our kitchens and living rooms, I frequently find that bathrooms fall to the bottom of the priority list. These hardworking spaces are forced to tolerate teary toddler bath times, Jackson Pollack-esque toothpaste murals and slow-mo wet dog moments. It's a shame as they often have the most hidden potential but are simply in dire need of a little TLC and a pinch of glamour- just like us!

With the self-care movement having fully taken hold, it got me thinking - what can we do to make these spaces appropriate for those well-earned evening pamper sessions and transform a once neglected nook into a proper powder room?

So, I've gathered together some inspiration to help elevate your private retreat into the hemisphere with these 10 glorious bathrooms. 

Decor Tip #1 Make the most of small spaces

We're not all blessed with cavernous, light-filled bathrooms but look at what Emily Murray of the @thepinkhouse achieved with her neat little space. Every inch of this room is considered and styled to perfection. It's truly the attention to detail that makes the room shine. The Osborne and Little Koi Carp wallpaper, dusty grey cabinets, subway tiles and gold accents pull the whole look together. Emily succeeds in showing us that small spaces can be glamorous too. 

Decor Tip #2 Mix pink with grown up finishes

If there's one trend that seems to be sticking around, it's the surge of popularity in pink. It's been referred to as 'ironic prettiness', or 'post-prettiness' but how do we incorporate pink into our decor schemes? 

A good tip is to balance pink with grown up materials such as gold/brushed brass and marble. I love how Australian model and actress, Rebecca Judd @becjudd opted for these small, pink, grid tiles in her bathroom. The double vanity is a glorious luxury if you have the space, and the symmetrical theme is continued with the round mirrors and fittings. 

Decor Tip #3 Go timeless with monochrome

If in doubt, a monochromatic scheme will always feel luxurious. Featured in House Beautiful, designer SuzAnn Kletzien created this beautiful space for her stylish clients. The white fabric curtains soften the dark walls whilst geometric floor tiles create a clever, simulated rug effect. The addition of the wooden side table and framed prints add warmth and character, ultimately forming an inviting space that you might enjoy spending time in.

Decor Tip #4 Express your personality with pattern

It's no surprise that style icon, Kate Moss also has a keen eye for beautiful interiors. Her enviably gorgeous bathroom incorporates blue and silver tones, marble, oversized mirrors and her self-designed wallpaper created in collaboration with DeGournay. The hand painted, anemone patterned paper creates a sense of calm and luxury. Kate gushes about her wallpaper in Architectural Digest:

An accessorising master, Ms. Moss adorns her walls with a silk kimono and carefully curated collection of vintage perfume bottles and brass pineapple containers. The wallpaper embodies her personality- stylish, refined, yet surprising.

Decor Tip #5 A blush bathtub is always a good idea

Possibly my favourite colour combination of all time, pink and green add an air of calm and femininity to an otherwise traditional space. Poppy Delevingne's bathroom, featured in Architectural Digest, is the second example of DeGournay wallpaper in our list. This handpainted chinoiserie style print is positively dreamy against her pretty, pink bathtub.

Decor Tip #6 Opt for luxurious touches

In order to avoid a bathroom feeling too clinical, it helps to introduce decadent textures and feature lighting to enhance the space. These opulent, blush-pink velvet curtains hang at the perfect length in Elsie Larson of @abeautifulmess' bathroom. The gold sputnik pendant light and freestanding tub add an air of elegance.

Or how about a velvet-clad bath? Pearl Lowe @pearllowe says her vision for an orange velvet bath came to her in a dream!

Decor Tip #7 Create texture on your walls

Katie Woods @comedowntothewoods has ingeniously combined pastels with period architecture to create the perfect countryside bathing spot. The wainscotting wall panelling in a dark hue grounds the otherwise whimsical pink bathtub. The bold geometric patterned tiles in muted tones pull the room together. Wall hangings, vintage art and a hexagonal mirror finish off the room perfectly.

Decor Tip #8 Add life with greenery

If there's one tip to try right away, it's to add some form of greenery. Whether it's a palm tree, monstera leaves or tiny succulent, a little green makes all the difference in a bathroom, adding life and energy. Eve Gunson of @dotandpop has created an inner-city oasis in her Australian bathroom. The lush and tropical terrace is complemented perfectly by industrial touches, from concrete finishes to the oversized, dark framed windows.

Decor top #9 Experiment with repurposed antiques

These repurposed antique doors in interior designer, Sera Hersham-Loftus of @seraoflondon's home are positively inspired! This space is the epitome of faded bohemian glamour and beautifully contrasted with chevron patterned tiles, greenery and accessorised with a charming, vintage sequin dress.

If you want to try your own repurposing project, a great trick is to pick up an old wooden wash basin stand from a flea market or second-hand store and use it to fashion your own sink surround. Antique and chic!

Decor top #10 Go for gold

No matter what your colour palette, opting for brushed brass or gold fittings and accents instead of chrome will add warmth and sophistication to any space. Why not add a touch of glitz to your bathroom like Johnny Holland's Richmond mansion flat featured in House and Garden. The large gold mirror gleams against the dark walls and contrasts the marble perfectly.

Any decor tips or questions?

Jen Connell is a designer and interiors columnist. Follow her on Instagram at @jen_connell_ or get in touch at jen.connell@rte.ie