11 Ways to Design a Bathroom That’s Wonderfully Eclectic
These bathing spaces combine diverse looks, influences and touches for statement-making style
Jo Simmons
February 7, 2017
Houzz UK Contributor. I have been an interiors journalist since 1995, writing several books on design and numerous features for glossy homes mags over the years. For Houzz, I cover decorating ideas and trends and interview designers and professionals for their insights to create in-depth features. My favourite pieces to write, though, are Houzz Tours, as I love exploring and learning about real homes. Call me curious — or nosy!
Houzz UK Contributor. I have been an interiors journalist since 1995, writing several... More
An eclectic bathroom may start out classic, then veer toward something quirkier. Think traditional white ceramic fixtures paired with upcycled furniture and contemporary patterned tiles, or a rustic backdrop of exposed brick walls and slate flooring paired with a metallic sink atop a sleek vanity. Confused? Don’t be! These bathrooms illustrate the idea beautifully.
1. Bring out the brights. A classic gray-and-white color scheme takes a fresh turn with flashes of eye-popping orange paint. Because the touches of color are small, they allow the bathroom to remain elegant rather than look wacky. It’s a simple way to give a neutral recipe a bright new flavor.
2. Pair the rough with the smooth. This bathroom’s architecture contributes to its atmosphere, with exposed brick bringing a jolt of rustic style. The oversize slate floor tiles keep to the rustic theme, but everything else pulls the room in a more unexpected direction.
The vanity’s groovy checkered design and the black sink and faucets are wonderfully current. Combined with the earthier notes, they give this space a truly eclectic feel.
The vanity’s groovy checkered design and the black sink and faucets are wonderfully current. Combined with the earthier notes, they give this space a truly eclectic feel.
3. Unite with color. There are many disparate elements in this monochrome space: a period-nodding roll-top bathtub, Victorian-style tiles with a contemporary twist, an industrial sliding door, an on-trend black faucet and a rustic milking stool.
What makes them look considered and not chaotic? That elegantly disciplined Scandinavian color palette. It’s a classic.
What makes them look considered and not chaotic? That elegantly disciplined Scandinavian color palette. It’s a classic.
4. Max out the luxe. A decadent combination of color, shine and texture wows in this bathroom. Check out the gold basin! The pearly globe pendant light and the plant sitting in a tall, elegant stand are also delicious additions.
5. Contrast wood and ceramic. The pink, green, black and white tiles in this bathroom continue the colorful scheme found throughout this eclectic home. The dark wooden screen and the carving introduce a handcrafted and global feel to the riotous wall of tiles. Simple but eclectic!
6. Add an element of humor. Sleek white backdrop and modern free-standing bathtub? Check. Surprise purple wall? Yep. Period fireplace? Check. Ornate gilded mirror? Check. Oh yes, and plastic flamingo! It takes style confidence to make an eclectic collection of elements look as beautiful as this.
What is fun in this space is the juxtaposition, particularly between the high design and “serious” period features and the cheeky pink bird. A collection of 1980s toys on a shelf or a witty print or large framed photo in an all-white, otherwise conventional, bathroom would be a good way to start adding a little humor of your own.
What is fun in this space is the juxtaposition, particularly between the high design and “serious” period features and the cheeky pink bird. A collection of 1980s toys on a shelf or a witty print or large framed photo in an all-white, otherwise conventional, bathroom would be a good way to start adding a little humor of your own.
7. Give classic a twist. The fixtures in this bathroom have an Edwardian feel, but by combining them with contemporary patterned tiles, it looks wonderfully up to date. A wall of mirrors and a Slim Aarons print contribute to the exciting, original flavor of this room.
8. Repurpose old pieces. Rather than head to the nearest showroom when kitting out your bathroom, get creative with old furniture, adapting it for a new life. In this compact bathing space, a vintage stool now cradles a small sink.
Exposed brick painted a soft blue adds welcome texture. Simple white and black tiles create that all-important contrast while keeping the bathroom practical too.
Exposed brick painted a soft blue adds welcome texture. Simple white and black tiles create that all-important contrast while keeping the bathroom practical too.
9. Steer toward sophistication. Perhaps sitting more in the “darkly sophisticated” rather than the “truly eclectic” camp, this bathroom is nevertheless a gorgeous mix of influences. Incorporating floral wallpaper, a romantic chandelier, and a timeless and elegant copper-toned tub, the combination is brave and seductive.
10. Create more from concrete. The concrete walls of this bathroom could have sent it down a contemporary or industrial route. Instead, a mix of other ingredients helps to soften their appearance and give the bathroom a more eclectic feel.
Glass surfaces, recessed niches lined with sparkly tiles, a twinkling chandelier and wall light, and a neon-bright stool combine beautifully without interfering with the scheme of gray, white and black.
Glass surfaces, recessed niches lined with sparkly tiles, a twinkling chandelier and wall light, and a neon-bright stool combine beautifully without interfering with the scheme of gray, white and black.
11. Mix vintage with geometrics. Shabby Chic is a soft, vintage-heavy style that works beautifully in period bathrooms, adding loads of character. Here, however, the homeowners gave this floaty look a cutting edge by using contemporary geometric cement tiles on the floor.
The key to unifying such contrasts is color. Here, the tile pattern picks up the gentle gray and sage of the vanity and tongue-and-groove paneling.
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What kind of chandeliers that can resist the moist environment of a bathroom?
Bathrooms only stay hot and steamy and moist if they don't have proper ventilation. That said, there are damp resistant chandeliers - just google those two words and have fun looking at all the choices. :)