Interior Design: Best Tips to Update Your Bathroom

A quick Google search for the best bathroom interior design tips will return ideas and suggestions to make your bathroom appear bigger (‘opt for larger mirrors’ and ‘let in a lot of natural light’ being a couple of our favorites), to tips for designing a bathroom that is both stylish and functional (we find that the best spaces are both beautiful and practical, would you agree?), and, of course, everything in between.

We’ve put together our best interior design tips to decorate your bathroom, whether you want to spruce it up a bit, or change the look all together. 

SWAP OUT YOUR PLUMBING FIXTURES & CABINET HARDWARE

Changing up your cabinet knobs, faucets, towel racks, and toilet paper holders will make a world of difference for the aesthetics of your bathroom as it’s one of the quickest ways to change the overall look of your bathroom.

We suggest taking photos of the space and each fixture before taking everything off.  This way you can reference your photos to know if you need a single hole, widespread, or center-set faucet.  To switch out your shower head or on/off valve you’ll need to note the brand and type (or better yet, bring the old one with you) to make sure your new faucet fits the rough plumbing in the wall.  If you're replacing the tile and rough plumbing, you don’t need to worry about this and can select a whole new brand and type throughout.  We also highly suggest bringing old cabinet hardware (one of each) with you when shopping so you know what size pulls you need.  But feel free to select a completely different finish and style to really change things up!  You can choose a brand new set in brass, gold, copper, bronze, nickel, chrome, or stainless steel.

Pro tip

Use a good mix of metal finishes in the bathroom.  Just keep all plumbing fixtures the same while selecting a different finish for cabinet hardware or light fixtures.  Here we used glossy chrome plumbing fixtures and hardware, coupled with a matte black metal shower frame and matte black metal fixtures on the towel rack.

Upgrading your tub, shower and sink can also change the entire look of your bathroom, if you’re up for a little more work. You may need to replace countertops or tile, but this update can give you a really relaxing, peaceful place for you to unwind when you need it most.

Choose a freestanding tub

with wall-mounted fixtures to create a luxurious spa feeling while providing a modern and classy look like we did in this bathroom remodel.

TILES, TILES AND MORE TILES

Our next interior design tip to renovate your bathroom is to upgrade your tile.  Select coordinating tiles for the floor, your shower walls, shower pan, and an accent wall or detail.  Pro Tip: one way to add simple, yet effective detail that will tie your design together is to use your accent tile or shower-pan tile on the back of your shower niche. 

Cut costs

by using an Ikea vanity with a sink/countertop combo like we did here, we were able to splurge on this beautiful blue tile floor. Choosing a patterned tile floor is one way to add some fun pizzazz in a small space.

Make a bold statement

by tiling one of your bathroom walls. Here we chose a neutral-colored, matte tile to go with glossy fixtures to add interest and draw you into this spa-feeling dream space.

Create a unique pattern

using untraditional tiles or mix up the direction of a simple subway tile like we did in this shower. Instead of laying tile in straight rows, mixing up the orientation will give you a fresh take.

GO MINIMALIST

If you’re eager to change the look of your bathroom but not quite ready to commit to a full upgrade, go for a white, clean, minimalist style. Clean white lines and a few organic touches to your bathroom can change the entire look. First step: declutter your space. Decluttering is especially helpful if you have a small bathroom—minimal decor can make any space look larger, sleeker, and cleaner.

Next: Create a place for everything. 

Hide any toiletries and items that you want unseen in cabinets and decorative baskets, or on shelves. In this modern bathroom we designed, custom cabinets create a storage space for everything you need.  You can also shop for baskets at places like Target and HomeGoods to corral your products and keep things feeling tidy. 

ADD A POP OF COLOR

The ways in which you can add a pop of color to your bathroom are endless. You can easily, and cost effectively, add some color to your bathroom by changing out your towels and bath mat (try draping a modern, colorful bath mat over a white standalone tub), or incorporating a few succulents or houseplants.

If you love a white or neutral bathroom

try adding a little color with sheer drapes like this design by Kate Walker. We appreciate what a difference the drapes make while still feeling subtle and cohesive with the warmth of the wood tone.

To change the look of your bathroom décor,

consider a bold ceiling paint, creating an accent wall, or changing the color of your current vanity.  In fact, a simple coat in a fresh shade can make the bathroom feel new. We selected this cabinetry in a soft blue-grey to accentuate the cool relaxing vibe.

Play with color

by painting your bathroom door like this Oakland bath by Katie Martinez. With plenty of white to go around, the door adds welcome contrast.

Another way to add a pop of color

to your bathroom is to opt for a stained glass window. While this is not usually our go-to interior design style, we love the way it ties this bathroom all together.

DETAILS, PATTERS & TEXTURES

Sometimes a fresh bathroom design can come from paying close attention to the small details. For example, incorporating a variety of textures into your bathroom can be all you need to see a drastic change. 

We used fluted white cabinetry

and a distinctly-shaped mirror to create that ‘wow factor’ in this clean space.

Add texture to an all-white bathroom

by covering the walls in classic shiplap. 

Here we tied together various details

when we designed a powder room with a simple black and white color palate. We used intricate detail, patterns and different textures like the arched backsplash with unique curves, wallpaper for an accent wall, and gold wall-mounted fixtures and lighting. 

Interested in giving your bathroom a full makeover, minor facelift, or just a little extra pizzazz? We’d love to help. Set up a free consultation with Viève Interiors today. 

Save this blog post for later on your Pinterest Bathroom Ideas Board!

Interior Design: Best Tips to Decorate Your Home

Living room designed by Viève Interiors

There are thousands millions of interior design tips that circle the web and fill design magazines all over the world—all aiming to help give your home a full makeover, minor facelift, or just a little extra pizzazz. 

We’ve pulled together our favorite designs and best tips (yes from other designers, but also from our very own collection of interior designs) to create our new blog series, Interior Design: Best Tips to Decorate Your Home. We will go room by room, starting with Interior Design: The Best Tips to Decorate Your Bathroom! 

Once you’ve got your bathrooms in tip top shape, don’t forget to read Interior Design: 7 Best Tips to Decorate Your Bedroom and Interior Design: Best Tips to Decorate Your Child’s Room so you can create the perfect cozy sleeping spaces for your whole family.

Next we’ve got Interior Design: Best Tips to Decorate Your Living Room so you can nail down your living room design to create a comfortable space that draws you in.

To make sure you don’t miss a single tip for designing your dream home, sign up for our email newsletter. 

Save this blog post for later on your Pinterest Home Decor Ideas Board!

15 Interior Design Elements to Make Your Home Feel Cozy for the Holidays

Picture this: you’re snuggled up on your sofa under a warm blanket, drinking a cup of hot cocoa, surrounded by beautiful greenery, your favorite scented candles, and a warm fire! What do you feel? Cozy! Now that winter is coming, you’re probably getting ready to dress up your home for the holiday season. To help, we’ve put together our favorite 15 interior design elements to make your home feel cozy for the holidays.

1. INCORPORATE TEXTURE 

Texture as an interior design element can enhance your home with the use of baskets, wood bead garland, or a soft rug or blanket that draws attention to different details throughout your home. Rougher textures like warm rustic wood help make a space more lived in and homey while soft fabrics and furs are inviting and intimate.

2. ADJUST YOUR LIGHTING 

The light fixtures and light bulbs you use in your home have a profound effect on the mood and tone of your house. The whiter and brighter the light bulb, the more stark and harsh the lighting will feel, leaving your home about as uninviting as a cold hospital room. For winter time, try using “soft white” light bulbs (2700 Kelvin or lower) to give off a warm and inviting glow.

3. Fill Your Home with Candles

Candles are a great interior design element that bring tranquility and a cozy feel to your home. Candlesticks with golden accents can be used as center pieces on the dining room table and as an additional décor element on mantles or coffee tables. Choose earthy and spiced candles to bring the enticing aroma of winter into your home.

4. USE EARTHY TONES 

Earthy tones provide an inviting, warm and friendly feeling during winter time. Since earth tones are inspired by mother nature, you can easily incorporate earth tone colors by bringing nature into your home—add house plants, pine cones, real wood and other interior design décor that uses natural elements. This season, focus on warm camel or deep brown tones, rusty red-oranges of fallen leaves, or golden yellow-orange like the sun to warm things up in your home.

5. ADD THROW BLANKETS

Adding throw blankets throughout your house is an easy way to make your home feel warm and inviting. We recommend either a faux fur or knit blanket to create the warm feeling that you crave on a cold winter's eve. Throw blankets can be added to accent chairs, your living room sofa, family room ottoman, in a woven basket, or draped at the foot of your bed. During the holiday season, you can find throw blankets just about anywhere. Personally, I love Amber Lewis' collection at Anthropologie, but you can also find great deals at your local HomeGoods, Wayfair and Amazon.

6. INCORPORATE THROW PILLOWS 

Throw pillows are an interior design element that can be easily switched out to add warmth and holiday cheer to your home. Try adding throw pillows in warm winter hues like a deep rusty red and dark emerald green, or cool icy blues balanced with cozy soft cream to sofas, chairs, or on your bed.

7. Get a Winter-Themed Front Doormat

A winter-themed front doormat serves several purposes. First, a door mat keeps the dirt on your snazzy winter boots from entering your home. Second, it reduces the possibility of slipping, especially if you have hardwood floors or tile. Last but not least, you can express yourself and welcome your guests to your home with a cheeky holiday message or a more formal and classy holiday cheer. If you love a good DIY project for the holidays, you can also design a DIY winter welcome mat.

8. ADD ACCENT & AREA RUGS

Do not be afraid to add accent and area rugs to your home. Hardwood and tile flooring can make your home feel cold and sterile. Area rugs can anchor a furniture arrangement or add color to a blank hallway all while adding cozy warmth to cold toes. Another designer secret—it is okay to use multiple rugs in one room! To save on cost, layer a smaller one-of-a-kind vintage rug over a larger inexpensive woven rug. Or add a faux fur accent rug to add warmth. Doubling up on the rugs can add to the cozy feeling of the room.

9. INCLUDE WINTER GREENERY 

The addition of holly, spruce and pine can bring in the aroma and memory of your favorite ski trip or picking out your first Christmas tree. This winter greenery is an interior design element that can be used to create beautiful centerpieces, on stair railings, or on your mantel above the fireplace. And a bed of greenery is also the perfect place to nestle in some of those fragrant winter candles!

10. HIGHTLIGHT YOUR FIREPLACE

Decorate the mantel above your fireplace with candles, greenery and pine cones to highlight your fireplace. Display firewood next to your fireplace to inspire people to use it (another way to incorporate earthy tones into your home), and position furniture around the fireplace to encourage gatherings. This is also a great place for that cozy basket of blankets!

11. Bring in Some Sparkle and Shine

Metal accents in different finishes add a magical sparkle to your holiday decor. Try incorporating some shiny silver candlesticks on your dining room table or buffet. Antique gold bells hung on a coat rack or door will also help bring in those festive feelings and holiday cheer.

12. CREATE A COFFEE & COCOA STATION 

A coffee and hot cocoa station is a creative interior design element that can easily be added to the kitchen of your home. This station says to guests, “stay a while and get comfortable!” We encourage you to place marshmallows, candies and peppermint inside the station to elevate your coffee and hot chocolate beverages. And because, let’s face it, now is the time to let loose on that diet plan, and enjoy yourself and your company!

13. SPRUCE UP WITH A SLIPCOVER 

A slipcover is a simple interior design element that can make a major difference to your overall decor. To fit in with your winter theme, consider changing the color of your sofa or dining room chairs with a slipcover. Choose a plush and soft sofa cover to increase comfortability or a velvet dining chair slipcover to add a little luxe.

14. ADD COFFEE TABLE BOOKS 

We encourage the use of coffee table books year-round, but this is an interior design element that can be easily updated to match the season. These books can inspire conversation, give people an idea of who you are and what you like, as well as invoke positive emotions. In the winter time, find coffee table books with a winter or holiday theme to get your family and your guests in the holiday spirit

15. DEDICATE A PLACE FOR HOLIDAY CARDS OR PHOTOS

There are so many creative and cozy ways to display your holiday cards—from decorative card holders, to DIY projects you can do with your kids or family (like turning cards into ornaments), to more elegant displays like hanging holiday cards over your mantle. Whatever you decide, dedicate a special space in your home to sentimental holiday cards for an extra cozy interior design feel.  

Themed photo collages are another beautiful reminder of the holiday season with family and friends. Bring out old photos from holidays throughout the years and design a holiday gallery wall. To bring even more comfort, put these photo collages in a rugged wooden frame to add texture to the walls. 

Need a little extra help beyond our 15 interior design elements to make your home feel cozy for the holidays?

We’d love to help. Set up a consultation with Viève Interiors today.