By using the House of Hackney website you accept our cookie policy. Find out more.
Sometimes, we all need a moment to escape. To switch off from the outside world and reconnect with ourselves. To do nothing except while away an hour in a scented bath, lit by the gentle glow of candles. While it may seem like a luxurious thought, in our demanding times, indulging in a little self-care is truly essential.
Any bathroom can be reclaimed as your own personal sanctuary and, depending on your vibe, transformed into a space rivalling either a luxurious hotel suite or the powder room of a cool member’s club. The fastest route (and unsurprisingly, our favourite) is to splurge on sumptuous wallpaper. As bathrooms are often the smallest spots in the house, covering all four walls is an easy and enticing prospect. And given that you’re only in there fleetingly (except for time spent languishing in the tub), you’re unlikely to tire of your choice of print. So don’t play it safe: as our Decorating Consultant Steve Corcoran says, “If there’s one room you can take risks in, it’s the bathroom – so make your bravest, boldest design decisions in this space. It doesn’t need to match the rest of your home either, as you can just close the door and walk away.” To make an even bigger splash, opt for wallpaper in a deep, rich shade, which will contrast beautifully with white ceramics and metallic finishes.
If your existing seats are well-loved, but perhaps a little too well-worn, be it a sumptuous printed velvet or a smooth cotton-linen – can be enough to make you want to snuggle up on them all over again.
When it comes to furniture (which can also be a scene stealer in its own right), your choice will likely be dictated by the number of family members and friends who will regularly be hanging out here: will a cosy two-seater sofa be enough, or will you also need a chaise longue and a few ‘bottomans’ for your visitors to park their, um, bottoms on? If your existing seats are well-loved, but perhaps a little too well-worn, recovering them in a new fabric – be it a sumptuous printed velvet or a smooth cotton-linen – can be enough to make you want to snuggle up on them all over again.
A mantelpiece, if you’re lucky enough to have one, is even more worthy.
The last few pieces of the puzzle are the myriad layers and textures that make a space so inviting. Think a coffee table stacked with books and tactile cushions in an intriguing mix of shapes, sizes and patterns – all things which are easy to move around until you find a combination that appeals to you. A mantelpiece, if you’re lucky enough to have one, is even more swoon-worthy with the addition of eye-catching candelabras, hand-painted porcelain candle pots and treasured keepsakes you’ll have picked up on your travels.
If your existing seats are well-loved, but perhaps a little too well-worn, be it a sumptuous printed velvet or a smooth cotton-linen – can be enough to make you want to snuggle up on them all over again.
When it comes to furniture (which can also be a scene stealer in its own right), your choice will likely be dictated by the number of family members and friends who will regularly be hanging out here: will a cosy two-seater sofa be enough, or will you also need a chaise longue and a few ‘bottomans’ for your visitors to park their, um, bottoms on? If your existing seats are well-loved, but perhaps a little too well-worn, recovering them in a new fabric – be it a sumptuous printed velvet or a smooth cotton-linen – can be enough to make you want to snuggle up on them all over again.
-
When it comes to furniture, your choice will likely be dictated
-
When it comes to furniture, your choice will likely be dictated by the number of family members and friends who will regularly be hanging out here
-
When it comes to furniture, your choice will likely be dictated by the number of family members and friends who will regularly be hanging out here
Bathing Beauty
If you really want to push the boat out, try painting the bath in the same shade as the base of your wallpaper – or alternatively, complement one of the key colours in the pattern with coordinating tiles. According to Steve, “Wallpapering as many of the surfaces as you can and painting the rest in the same colour as the print’s background will help to unify the space and make it feel bigger. This could mean papering the back of the door (if it is a flat panel door), as well as built-in storage or boxed-in piping. You could even bring the wallpaper onto the ceiling if you’re feeling brave!” After that, it all comes down to the accessories. It may go without saying that a mirror is a necessity, but it’s not vain to hang up a decadently oversized design – in fact, it will help to bounce the light around.
If a subtle wash of print is more your thing, made-to-measure blinds will imbue the room with a drop of personality while granting you some much-needed privacy.
TOP TIP
WET AND WILD
Our iconic leopard print makes waves against any wallpaper print or tile pattern.
Stacks of fluffy towels and, space permitting, a Bottoman (ideal for sitting on whilst getting ready) will soften the room’s hard lines. So too will a botanical oasis: many plants like it hot and will thrive in a bathroom even if sunshine is lacking. Oh, and speaking of humidity, our wallpaper is made from a high-quality substrate, which ensures it won’t wander off the walls no matter how steamy it gets. And there you have it: a relaxing haven where you can recharge your batteries in peace… if you do ever get a minute to yourself, that is.
“Guests love an Instagram moment in a bathroom,” says Steve, “so make it a talking point at your next party by filling it with print and colour.” Another top tip for your powder room’s shining moment on social media is to keep your pharmaceuticals behind closed cabinet doors – although a line-up of your prettiest toiletries, carefully curated on the sink, a shelf or trolley, will look Instagram-perfect.
“Guests love an Instagram moment in a bathroom,” says Steve, “so make it a talking point at your next party by filling it with print and colour.” Another top tip for your powder room’s shining moment on social media is to keep your pharmaceuticals behind closed cabinet doors – although a line-up of your prettiest toiletries, carefully curated on the sink, a shelf or trolley, will look Instagram-perfect.
“Guests love an Instagram moment in a bathroom,” says Steve, “so make it a talking point at your next party by filling it with print and colour.” Another top tip for your powder room’s shining moment on social media is to keep your pharmaceuticals behind closed cabinet doors – although a line-up of your prettiest toiletries, carefully curated on the sink, a shelf or trolley, will look Instagram-perfect.
“Guests love an Instagram moment in a bathroom,” says Steve, “so make it a talking point at your next party by filling it with print and colour.” Another top tip for your powder room’s shining moment on social media is to keep your pharmaceuticals behind closed cabinet doors – although a line-up of your prettiest toiletries, carefully curated on the sink, a shelf or trolley, will look Instagram-perfect.
“Guests love an Instagram moment in a bathroom,” says Steve, “so make it a talking point at your next party by filling it with print and colour.” Another top tip for your powder room’s shining moment on social media is to keep your pharmaceuticals behind closed cabinet doors – although a line-up of your prettiest toiletries, carefully curated on the sink, a shelf or trolley, will look Instagram-perfect.
Any bathroom can be reclaimed as your own sanctuary and, depending on your vibe, transformed into a space rivalling either a chic hotel spa or the powder room of a cool member’s club. The fastest route (and, somewhat unsurprisingly, our favourite) is to splurge on sumptuous wallpaper. As bathrooms are often the smallest spots in the house, covering all four walls is an easy and enticing prospect. Given that you’re only in there fleetingly – except for time spent languishing in the tub – you’re unlikely to tire of your choice of print. So, why not opt for something playful and unconventional: think troops of climbing monkeys, flourishes of tropical foliage or painterly wildflowers unfurling in psychedelic colour. Deep, rich shades make an even bigger splash, contrasting beautifully with white ceramics and metallic finishes. If you really want to push the boat out, try painting the bath in the same shade as the base of your wallpaper – alternatively, complement one of the key colours in the pattern with coordinating tiles.
In our House, we also can’t get enough of plants. From clusters of geraniums to giant leafy ferns.
In our House, we also can’t get enough of plants. From clusters of geraniums to giant leafy ferns, botanicals have the unique power to infuse a room with colour, vitality and life. But amidst all this, the loveliest addition might just be to carve out your own quiet little nook.
BY ROOM
Bathrooms
xxxxxxx