Design and decorate: Beautiful bathrooms

All the inspiration you need to create a decadent bathing zone

Surfaces and materials

‘The surfaces in your bathroom are key to creating a luxurious feel,’ says Steven Salt, ‘and with so many materials available, there’s no excuse for blandness.’ Hayley Tarrington agrees: ‘We’re seeing lots of regal colours. Reds, purples, metallics, even navy and greens.’


  • Bling it on with glittering mosaics, such as those by Sicis. ‘A splashback or bath panel in twinkling tiles will up the wow factor and is possible even on a modest budget or in a small bathroom,’ says Louise Streek.


  • At the other end of the scale, think big with large tiles in marble or textural slate. ‘Team with traditional ceramics and crosshead taps for a modern look,’ says Louise. Log on to stonell.com for a good range. For easy maintenance, porcelain tiles are simple to care for and won’t scratch.


  • Glass panels (like those in a kitchen splashback) will bounce light around. ‘Smoked glass is elegant,’ says Hayley. ‘Use as a shower screen or even as a room divider.’


  • Patterned tiles are big again, taking their cue from wallpapers. Also consider long porcelain tiles instead of floorboards and sparkling composites for cladding walls. Head to Surface, Paris Ceramics and Porcelanosa.

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