Why do bathrooms always seem to lack personality? Is it because most of the components - loo, bath etc come as fairly standard items and therefore, apart from tile selections,there’s very little chance to stamp your personality on them?

I also think that in this country,at least,bathrooms tend to be quite small unless created from a spare bedroom.There’s therefore physically little room to add items that will  help create an ambiance. I suppose that this is why minimal clinical bathrooms work well over here.

However,having said all this,colour and accessories are great ways to add personality and aren’t necessarily about having sufficient space.In one image below a tray has been filled with collectables and perched on the toilet cistern. Walls can be filled with pictures,great wallpaper or interesting colour choices can be used , as well as using interesting mouldings to impart character.Shelves can be used as display areas.Once you start thinking of your bathroom just like any other room there are so many ways you can create an ambiance- no matter how small the space. As with any room,think about what you visually want to say and layer colour and accessories until you achieve the desired look.

Once again,you must think about lighting your space . I know I’m like a broken record when it comes to selling the virtues of a well lit room, and just because it’s your bathroom it should not be forgotten. Don’t just light the obvious areas.Bathrooms are also about relaxing as well as functional spaces and your lighting should reflect this.Think about wall lighting as well as ceiling lighting.And ensure that you can dim lights to make it more relaxing. 

Your choice of mirror can also be a way of imparting character.Consider not only size but frame and be very careful about what it reflects back to you. Make sure that it’s uplifting-the view from the window perhaps. 

Have a look at the ideas below and if you fancy a bathroom with a bit of character there may be some ideas you could use.We thought these bathrooms were fresh and new.

For this post I’ve stayed far away from minimal bathroom - they’re  for a separate post in the future.