Canada’s top designers are sharing their expert secrets for creating stunning bathrooms. A custom master suite, designed by Susan Jomha of Distinct Interior Design, features a light, modern, and distinctive space with a creative twist on traditional arched mirrors and fluted vanity detailing. The attention to detail in this design is evident in the thoughtful layering of lighting, which includes concealed shower lights, cove lighting above the tub, and backlit mirrors, all working together to create a spa-like ambiance that balances function and mood.
The designer’s approach to bathrooms is to treat them like any other room in the house, with nothing off limits, except maybe wall-to-wall carpet. Lori Steeves of Simply Home Decorating loves using wallpaper in bathrooms, especially when paired with bead board or shiplap paneling. This combination adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the space, while also creating a unique and visually interesting texture. The use of original artwork and statement lighting, such as sconces beside the mirror, can also add a touch of personality to the bathroom, making it feel more like a retreat than a purely functional space.
Bathroom Design Trends
A bathroom designed by Negar Reihani of Space Harmony features navy shower tiles and a patterned floor, and is part of a self-sufficient, semi-private suite in a Modern Vintage home. The custom vanity in deep blue with brushed gold hardware adds a touch of polish and practicality, while the vintage-inspired patterned tiles and stylish tub/shower wrapped in rich navy subway tile create a cohesive and stylish look. The fact that this bathroom is located in the basement of the home makes its transformation all the more impressive, as it feels like a polished and practical space that is perfectly suited for the young ladies who use it.
The use of a single material, such as dreamy blue penny tile, can draw the eye upward and celebrate unique architectural features, like a sloped ceiling. Negar Reihani also incorporated smart storage solutions, including recessed medicine cabinets and wall-to-wall cabinetry, to keep the room feeling airy and uncluttered. The antique-style bronze vanity legs add a subtle nod to the home’s history, while the slim pedestal vanities and spacious glass shower create a sense of openness and freedom. By borrowing just 16 inches from the adjoining office, the designer was able to completely reimagine the space, creating a serene and striking retreat that is tailored for modern living.
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Creating a Spa-Like Ambiance
Thoughtfully layered lighting, including concealed shower lights and backlit mirrors, can create a spa-like ambiance that balances function and mood. Susan Jomha‘s design features a soft off-white and greige palette warmed by brushed brass fixtures, bringing understated luxury to the space. The use of cove lighting above the tub adds a touch of warmth and sophistication, while the backlit mirrors create a sense of depth and visual interest. By incorporating these design elements, the bathroom feels like a true oasis, a place where one can relax and unwind after a long day.
Incorporating original artwork and statement lighting, such as sconces beside the mirror, can add a touch of personality to the bathroom. Lori Steeves believes that statement lighting is a must, especially over the tub or beside the mirror, as it creates a sense of drama and visual interest. The use of wallpaper, bead board, or shiplap paneling can also add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the space, while the thoughtful layering of lighting creates a sense of warmth and welcome. By combining these design elements, the bathroom feels like a true retreat, a place where one can escape the stresses of everyday life and indulge in some much-needed relaxation.
Transforming Small Spaces
Even small, cramped bathrooms can be transformed into spacious retreats with clever design. By borrowing just 16 inches from an adjoining office, Negar Reihani was able to completely reimagine a bathroom, adding a spacious glass shower and slim pedestal vanities to keep the room feeling airy. The use of smart storage solutions, including recessed medicine cabinets and wall-to-wall cabinetry, helps to keep the room feeling uncluttered and organized, while the dreamy blue penny tile adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the space. The result is a serene yet striking retreat tailored for modern living, with a unique blend of style, functionality, and personality.
The transformation of small bathrooms into spacious retreats is a sign to the power of clever design. By thinking outside the box and incorporating smart storage solutions, thoughtful layering of lighting, and elegant design elements, even the smallest of bathrooms can feel like a true oasis. As seen in interior design projects across Canada, a well-designed bathroom can be a true haven, a place where one can relax, unwind, and rejuvenate. Whether you’re looking to create a spa-like ambiance, add a touch of personality to your bathroom, or simply make the most of a small space, the expert secrets and design trends shared by Canada’s top designers are sure to inspire and delight.
