In some respects, the bathroom is among the easiest rooms to decorate. A small space means there’s only so much to embellish! On the other hand, swinging temperatures, moisture, and a plethora of built-in fixtures make it among the hardest. If you’re struggling with how to decorate your bathroom, we’re mining a beautiful bathroom designed by DC tastemaker Zoe Feldman to round up five quick-fix bathroom decorating tips.
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Nude Art
There’s something about figural sketches (aka: nudes), that makes them feel like apropos bathroom wall decor in any bath. Often torn direct from an artist’s sketchpad, these pieces feature a beautiful, neutral background that complements virtually any color scheme. Mat them in a color that speaks to your palette and set them in a simple gold frame to procure art that’s the epitome of classic (and versatile!). If you’re not keen on the idea of nudes, a flower painting or botanical lithograph is an excellent alternative.
Artisan Seating
If you have an extra foot or two in your bathroom, consider adding a piece of seating. Anything from a pouf to a vanity chair will work, but for a piece with remarkable mutability — try a wooden stool like an African Senufo stool. Artisan-crafted seating not only provides functionality to a bath (it’s ideal for setting items like candles or bathtub reads), but it also introduces a compelling sculptural element.
Turkish Rugs
If you add just one decorative piece to a bath, consider making it a rug. While flimsy bath mats are commonplace in most bathrooms, try swapping one for a loomed rug. Doing so will instantly make a bath feel intentionally designed. Designers like Zoe are especially fond of using Turkish rugs in bathrooms. Why? For one, they come in small sizes. Two, they showcase arresting color palettes. Whether your bathroom’s scheme is pink, beige, blue, or brown, chances are high that you can find a Turkish rug to match.
Seagrass Baskets
If you have a vintage vanity without storage underneath, baskets are a near necessity. But don’t just settle for any baskets. Spring for baskets with serious design clout, like the chunky seagrass ones Zoe selected. Seagrass baskets are fairly style-agnostic, meaning they’ll complement virtually any design scheme. Even if you don’t have space to stow woven baskets in your bath, consider using them inside a vanity or linen closet. The sheer visual order they bring will win you over every time you open your cabinets.
Functional Bath Decor
Wood-backed brushes make excellent bathroom decor and are functional to boot. Bathrooms are renowned for collecting dust you can see — humidity helps to make it extra visible and extra sticky — making a proliferation of decor more of a pain than an asset. Brushes provide just the decorative flourish most baths need — with an added bonus: they routinely hit the shower for a rinse.
Design by Zoe Felman Design / Photo by Stacy Zarin Goldberg
