How to add homely character to your bathroom

Ditch the sleek, functional look in favour of a relaxed bathroom sanctuary, with furniture and accessories for that comfy lived-in feel

Minimalist, clinical bathrooms where every surface is plain and shiny are becoming less appealing as the role of this room evolves. Nowadays, bathrooms are personal sanctuaries, retreats from the hectic, fast-paced lifestyles so many of us lead.

It’s no surprise then, that our bathrooms are gradually becoming more ‘decorated’ and comfortable. The 1970s trend for carpeted bathrooms hasn’t made a comeback yet (thank goodness) but houseplants, books, patterned floors or walls and vintage furniture are all creeping into bathroom settings, making them feel much more homely and welcoming. Like our bedrooms or living rooms, we want bathrooms that reflect our personalities and feel like rooms we can truly relax in.

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Patterned tiles that give the illusion of wallpaper are having a moment. Much more practical than wallpaper in a bathroom (which looks lovely for a short time but isn’t moisture-resistant so won’t last long with steam or splashes), patterned tiles immediately lend character and interest to a bathroom scheme.

The National Trust tile collection available at Ca’ Pietra is inspired by the details and designs found at National Trust locations around the UK and is a great example of this shift towards ornate bathroom tiles. The elegant oak-leaf patterned tile Alfriston Clergy is a highlight of the range – it’s based on a medieval carving at Alfriston Clergy House in Stoke-on-Trent and looks superb as a basin splashback. For a pretty feature wall, Glendurgan Wild Flower tiles are lovely – their watery floral pattern is inspired by spring flowers at Glendurgan Garden.

Vintage and reclaimed elements are important features of a homely bathroom too. If everything’s brand new, the space will feel cold and bland. Reclaimed basins, taps and baths – or repros that imitate period styles – have been popular for a while, but now vintage furniture that’s more commonly used in living areas or bedrooms is making an appearance too.

Upcycled vintage wooden cabinets or chests of drawers make beautiful vanity units, providing useful under-basin storage space, surfaces for styling with chic soaps and vases of flowers, plus they elevate a bathroom from boring to beautiful, oozing warmth, patina and provenance.

Blogger Rebecca Sterling of Roses & Rolltops upcycled a wooden chest of drawers to make a beautiful bathroom vanity unit. ‘We bought a chest of drawers for £45 on eBay and it was already painted pale pink,’ she recalls. ‘We cut a hole in the top of the unit for the waste to go through then cut out a small section of the top drawer to make space for the waste pipe. We fitted a counter-top basin and I’m really pleased with how it’s all come together. It’s the real focal point of the bathroom.’

If you decide to upcycle a vintage cabinet into a bathroom vanity unit, ask a local stone mason to cut a slab of marble or quartz to top the piece. This will be a more practical choice around your basin than the cabinet’s plain wood or painted surface, which will show watermarks over time.

Making your bathroom more homely doesn’t have to involve a drastic makeover. Simple styling touches such as a jam jar of freshly picked flowers, a pile of your favourite books (ready for a long read in the bath) or a vintage painting picked up in a junk shop can all inject character.

WORDS: ELLIE TENNANT