I think it’s true that we no longer view the bathroom as a purely functional place. 

More and more people these days want so much more from the smallest room in the house.  They want to be able to have a quick shower in the mornings, yes, but they also want a place to unwind at the end of the day.  It’s probably the only room with a lock on the door for heavens sake, so that alone gives it the potential for privacy and relaxation that may not be possible in other parts of the house.

What could be nicer for aching limbs and a stressed out mind than to run a deep bath full of fragrant, bubbly water and just sink in.  A glass of wine by your side, some soft lighting, a candle maybe, a trashy novel and some background music.  Pure bliss.

Of course we also want something nice to look at while we’re lying there. That mildewy shower curtain and grey flaky grouting have just got to go!

Time to inject some film star glamour…

Image: Desire to Inspire

There’s no reason we can’t have a chandelier in the bathroom, as long as it’s not too close to the steam from the shower or bath.  In fact everything about this room screams glamour, from the mirrored furniture, to the claw foot tub to the louis chair.

1. Bathroom Lighting Centre 2. The Contemporary Home 3. Foscarini 4. Franklite

Image: House to Home

Mirrors.  One of life’s essentials in the bathroom yes, but that doesn’t mean they have to be boring. Venetian mirrors are oh, so pretty and look even better when hung in front of a larger mirror.  Layering is good!

1. DC Place 2. Mirrors Today  3. Dooley’s 4. John Lewis 5. Bombay Duck

Image: Livingetc

Mosaic Tiles.  Nothing to me, says glamour more than some sparkle.  Glass mosaics look fabulous and twinkly.  You don’t have to have too many either to make an impact.  Create a feature wall, use as just a splashback, or use with other tiles in alternate bands.

1. Reed Harris 2. Fired Earth 3. Acorn Tiles

Image: This is Glamorous

Accessories.  This is where you can really add some Hollywood glitz.  Shiny metallics and glass will always look pretty and if they have a second function as storage, all the better. Have somewhere close to the bath to balance the wine glass and somewhere safe to line up the candles.

1.&3. Graham and Green 2.&4. Brissi 

Image: The White Company

Towels.  Fluffy and soft to wrap yourself in completely.  I’m a firm advocate of white but if the rest of the room is all white or neutral this might just be an opportunity to add some colour.

Image: Houzz

A chair.  The height of luxury for me.  A bathroom that has room for a chair is very near the top of my wish list for my dream home.  And then I wouldn’t have to bathe in solitude

This blog post is part of the mydeco.com ‘Pass It On Bathroom series’, a collaborative blogging project.

And I’m passing it on to

Mary of Mary Middleton Design Blogspot and Amanda Talbot of sNoop