I’m an interior design expert -six mistakes you must avoid or your bathroom will look cheap
WHEN it comes to sprucing up your home, the bathroom often takes a backseat.
Yet it's a space that, if neglected, can significantly detract from your home's overall charm, especially if it's on the smaller side.
Faye Leeming, design coordinator and interiors expert at Where Saints Go, has pinpointed six cardinal sins that cheapen the look of a bijou bathroom.
Here's what you should avoid, according to Faye, to keep your bathroom looking more boutique hotel than budget hostel.
1. No Mirror!
Not having a stylish wall mirror, is the first big no-no according to Faye.
She said: “No mirror or badly lit or hung mirrors really detract from a put together bathroom, Ideally hang the mirror above the sink or vanity.
Use mirrors to reflect natural light and this can make your small space feel light and airy and a good mirror will give the impression of doubling the room size.”
2. Neglecting Storage
Clutter is the enemy of chic, and in a small bathroom, it's all too visible.
Faye recommends investing in hidden storage or multi-functional furniture to keep your essentials out of sight but within reach.
She said: “Keep all your favourite products neat, tidy and organised using clever storage solutions.
"Beautiful baskets can add a luxury feel whilst helping to manage laundry & Clutter.”
3. Poor Lighting Choices
Lighting can make or break a room, and according to Faye, many fall into the trap of poor lighting in their bathrooms.
She said: “Poor lighting can make a bathroom feel stark, harsh and uninviting – provide the perfect lighting for different tasks and areas from the mirror to the shower to the bath.
"Dimmable downlights and spotlights improve overall ambience and allow for the ultimate in relaxation.”
4. Ignoring the Power of Paint
A fresh coat of paint can do wonders, but the wrong shade can do just the opposite.
Faye said: "People are sometimes afraid to use dark colours in small spaces. But it can work really well.
"Earthy tones can build a real sense of cosiness while light, neutral colours can make the room feel airy and more spacious.”
5. Skimping on Fixtures
Faye cautions against economizing on the fixtures.
She added: "Cheap taps, showerheads, and handles can tarnish quickly and make the whole bathroom feel downmarket."
"Investing in quality fixtures can add a touch of luxury without a complete overhaul.
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6. The Wrong Tiles
Faye said: "Large tiles work really well in a small bathroom, they bring a real modern feel to the space and a sense of sophistication while little, mosaic tiles, can actually make a bathroom feel smaller.”
By sidestepping these common pitfalls, Faye assures that even the most modest of bathrooms can be transformed into a stylish sanctuary, proving that good design is not a matter of size but of smart choices.