From Dream Design Live: How to Beautify Your Bathroom

From the pages of Dream Design Live (the perfect present this holiday season!), we’re sharing ways to make the most out of the hardest working room in the house: the bathroom. Whether it’s a powder room for guests or master bath (for winding down after entertaining said guests), below are tips and tricks for designing the ultimate bathing beauty that is both highly functional and elegant.

Style that Stays

The design of the bathroom should mirror the overall style of the rest of the home so everything feels cohesive. For example, a modern bathroom (think: floating vanity, minimal mirror, contemporary fixtures) feels jarring and out of place in an otherwise classically traditional home. That being said, don’t be afraid to mix classic materials with a few modern elements, like a sleek sconce or streamlined faucet. Takeaway: Create a layered look and eschew from trends. (These spaces are generally expensive to renovate, so make it count!)

Mastering the Master Bath

When it comes to the master bathroom:

Stick with enduring elements
Add a statement through beautiful lighting, plumbing fixtures, or tile
Most importantly: keep it classic

Remember to keep in mind your needs and tailor the bathroom to your personal preferences. If you live in a colder climate, radiant-heat flooring is a must-have luxury in the winter, while migraine and sinus-headache sufferers will find that a steam shower is a game-changing investment. Custom vanities with drawer organizers and hidden electrical outlets not only increase functionality, but also keep things neat and lovely. Ultimately, this is where you start and end your day, so why not make the space a little indulgent rather than purely utilitarian?

Small Space, Big Statement

Powder rooms provide the perfect opportunity to have fun and make a bold statement. Powder rooms are completely contained, so if there is a statement print or color you’ve had your eye on, this is the place to do it!

In my house, a powder room meant one thing: wallpaper! I personally used Fornasetti’s Nuvolette (above; available through Cole and Son). It’s a large-scale, black-and-white pattern composed of dreamy clouds, and truly brings the “wow!” factor to the small space. Even my most risk-averse clients ask for wallpaper in their powder room—it’s a great way to infuse a small space with a huge dose of style.

Hardworking (and Handsome!) Hardware

While most people opt for chrome in the kitchen and bathroom because it’s neutral and easy to clean, I prefer polished nickel for its warm undertones and elegant finish. It works beautifully with both cool and warm colors, unlike chrome, which reads very blue. I love the look of aged brass, but it is best used sparingly when it comes to plumbing fixtures. Put it in a room where it can really make a statement, like a powder room, and stick with polished nickel in the kitchen and bathroom.