Lake House Bathroom Decorating Ideas

No matter how diminutive, these small bathroom decorating ideas will ensure your WC is as stylish as any other room of the house

Even the smallest of bathrooms can effectively combine utility and beauty. With careful planning, clever storage and a surprise element of decoration you can create a truly distinctive space that's as interesting as the rest of your home. From complete renovations to instant adjustments, there are several ways to utilise the space on offer that mixes function and style, and also remains harmonious and tranquil. Here, we show you creative and simple small bathroom decorating ideas to make the most of this space, no matter its size.

1. Pattern perfect

Although wallpaper is not usually the first consideration when decorating a bathroom, a printed paper can add instant decoration and make the space feel more homely and less sterile. However, you should carefully consider where wallpaper is placed – ideally not on a wall where it is likely to be heavily splashed from the shower or bath – it can be used to great effect.

A monochrome toile design (top) teamed with a mid-grey paint tone on the panelling provides an interesting and stylish backdrop to the plain white sanitary-ware. Deep and dark paint tones can work exceptionally well in small spaces as they give the space an unusual cocooning quality, which is perfect to relax in. Running a long shelf along the top of the panelling also provides a handy ledge for washing essentials and beautiful pieces.

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Photo: Simon Bevan

2. Neatly stored

A made-to-measure low-level built-in cupboard – as seen above – offers storage in a bathroom in the eaves with limited wall space. Coordinating with the bath panel, the tongue-and-groove cabinet has been painted in the same tone and made to the same height as the bath – this way, it ties in seamlessly with the existing decoration and allows for items to be displayed on the top. Open and lidded woven baskets act as a towel rack and as extra storage for smaller items, while a compact handheld shower is sympathetic to the rooms proportions.

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Photo: Rachel Whiting Styling: Alaina Binks

3. Rustic appeal

In this bathroom (above) reclaimed wooden floorboards have been used to clad one wall behind the bath to add character and charm. This eye-catching idea gives the space an unusual and distinctive focus point and enhances a modern rustic scheme when teamed with an old painted iron bath and distressed furniture. A vintage corner cabinet and tall leaning ladder – ideal for hanging towels – adds simple storage while continuing the salvaged theme and earthy-toned towels, a lace panel and crochet rug soften the look.

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Photo: Simon Bevan

4. On the ledge

Narrow shelving above the window makes a feature of the high ceiling in this pared-back bathroom above, where books and decorative glass jugs have been placed on display, but remain out of the way. The pale scheme of white painted walls and woodwork keeps the room feeling light while the pale wood adds warmth and interest.

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Photo: Brent Darby Styling: Ben Kendrick

5. Refreshing colour

A patchwork of patterned tiles, seen above, creates a striking impact when used on the floor. Here, a collection of chalky geometric designs all linked by colour, from Bert & May, gently introduces colour and pattern without becoming too overwhelming as the majority of the space is white. A coordinating linen curtain gathered below the sink adds a pretty touch – here St Jude's Meadow's Edge linen has been used to continue the watery colour scheme of sea greens and blue.

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Photo: Charlie Colmer Styling: Hester Page

6. Pale and pretty

Decorative floral accessories from lightweight curtains to a beautiful painting, seen below, have enlivened this white space to create a unique bathroom, without having to redecorate. Simple changes, from replacing towels or hanging a new blind or curtain, is an effective way of introducing pattern easily into a small space with a relaxing feel. Add more interest by mix and matching freestanding and wall-mounted furniture, from vintage to new pieces, finding the most suitable combination for the space.

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