Designing a Bathroom with Personality
When a bathroom lacks architectural character and space is limited, every design choice must work harder and with intention. It can still offer a canvas for high-impact design. In fact, their compact scale and lack of features can be the very reason to go bolder, using materials, lighting, and styling that speak volumes.
Bathroom Renovation by Studio Era. Photo: Curtis Scott
The secret? Don’t treat the bathroom as an afterthought, treat it like a jewel box. It’s a space where every surface can tell a story. One of the most effective ways to add depth is through contrast: glossy, light-catching glazed tiles paired with matte or patterned flooring. In a recent project, we used reflective green Zellige tiles on the walls, set against decorative mat tiles on the floor and in the niches-a pairing that brought texture, tension, and visual intrigue.
Niches are unsung heroes in small-space design. Recessed into walls, they free up surface space while adding visual rhythm and purpose. In showers, they provide a seamless spot for storing shampoo and essentials, eliminating the need for bulky caddies. Beyond function, they’re also a styling opportunity: think rolled towels, apothecary jars, even a vintage book and bud vase. The magic lies in the balance between practicality and personality.
Lighting has the power to transform even the most modest bathroom. A pair of sculptural sconces flanking a mirror creates both symmetry and atmosphere, elevating the everyday ritual. Finishes like aged brass or bronze bring warmth and a sense of history, especially when layered with tactile elements like fluted glass or tumbled stone. Don’t shy away from mixing metals or introducing a hint of the unexpected. A curved mirror, a faceted knob, or a wall-mounted tap in brushed brass can all add quiet drama.
Accessories can be more than just functional. A stool with beautiful legs. A handmade soap dish. A small piece of framed art. These tiny touches make a bathroom feel like a space you want to linger in, not just pass through.
Ultimately, the most compelling small bathrooms are those with soul, where every tile, fixture, and flourish feels considered. They may be small in size, but they’re rich in detail, layered in personality, and impossible to forget.
