I Sent a Hygge Expert Photos of My Basic Bathroom
I renovated my bathroom earlier this year, and while I love the fresh, bright look, there’s something that’s been missing. It’s as if the room feels like it’s lacking warmth and life. The bathroom has everything it needs — a sink, a shower, a place for soap, a toilet. And it’s designed — there was thought put into the wallpaper and the tile. But, still, there’s a little something extra that’s just not bringing it all together.
To try to figure out how I can finish off the room, I contacted Annie Golledge, principal at Hygge and Cwtch Design Studio and an interior designer who focuses on bringing warmth, connection, and coziness into each project. If there’s anyone who could make this space feel warmer and cozier, it would be her. Here’s what she suggested I do.
Paint the Paneling
Golledge told me to keep the wallpaper since it’s the foundation of the room’s design, but not to stop the color there. Instead, she suggested that I paint the paneling in a color to add more coziness and vibrancy to the space. “A deep, lush green would look gorgeous. The room feels more cocooning as a result, perfect for a relaxing spa-like bathroom experience,” says Golledge. She used Farrow and Ball’s Beverly in her mock-up.
Add Color to the Vanity
The paint and color shouldn’t stop with the paneling. Golledge suggested I also paint the vanity to introduce another color — one that might add more life to the space than the current periwinkle blue-gray that matches the wallpaper. Instead, she recommends I bring in a more unexpected hue. “Paint the vanity in a complementary pop of pink to bring depth, warmth and interest. I used House of Hackney’s Zinnia [in the mock-up],” explains Golledge.
Swap the Bath Mat for a Cozier Rug
While I currently just have a simple bath mat that draws on the wallpaper color scheme, Golledge suggests instead opting for one that feels more designed and intentional. She says, “Swap the bath mat for a Scandi style cozy version in sage green, which ties the colors together, like this Madam Stoltz rug.”
Install Shelving Above the Toilet
Ever since my husband and I renovated the bathroom, I’ve wondered whether I should put shelving above the toilet. I did it in another bathroom that has the exact same 5×8-foot layout, but I skipped it in this one because we have a linen closet right outside in the hall. However, there’s definitely something missing, and Golledge agrees that that might be it.
“Wood shelving above the toilet introduces a different texture and natural material into the room and brings a feeling of the outdoors inside,” Golledge says. She suggests styling it with candles and diffusers to bring in a gorgeous scent and soft candlelight for a chilled-out vibe.
Introduce Plants and Natural Materials
Admittedly, I don’t have any plants in the space, and I totally skipped warm, natural textures in lieu of crisp, clean chrome. But that might be where the space is falling short. Golledge says, “Style the bathroom with plants to bring nature indoors and help alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety, then swap the toothbrush holder for a bamboo version, again introducing a natural material and different texture.”
Add Artwork
Lastly, I’ve let my wallpaper serve as the artwork in this room, but Golledge recommends adding actual artwork. She says, “Add a favorite artwork by the vanity, which lets you derive moments of joy each day.” Adding moments of joy to something as simple as brushing my teeth? I’m in.
Further Reading
We Tested (and Rated!) All the Sofas at Ashley — Here Are the Best to Suit Your Style and Space
We Tested (and Rated!) Every Sofa at West Elm — Here Are the Best for Every Type of Need
