How to Accessorise Your Matt Black Bathroom Theme

Art Deco, a trend from the 1920s and ’30s has been enjoying quite a resurgence in home interiors lately with its bold graphics, vibrant colours and luxurious materials that capture all of the glamour & grandeur this era stands for. This theme usually involves symmetry, elaborate features, metal finishes, and hues such as black and gold in addition to heavy gem tones. In bathroom design, these elements bring back old-world charm, wrapping the space in luxurious surfaces. Read on to see how this iconic design could add a touch of class and history to your everyday routine. https://pin.it/1hMZs2Mok  Bold Colour Palettes Art Deco bathrooms usually include dark and rich colours like black, navy blue and emerald green which work well with metallic designs in gold, silver or chrome. In larger bathrooms, the colours are ideal as they make a deep contrast to the rest of the colours in the room while jewel tones bring in a sense of effect.  For smaller areas, these colours are best used on walls or cabinets and are complemented with brighter surfaces to prevent making the room feel cramped. This colour scheme and texture are suitable for bathrooms of any size because it evokes upscale style, design and individuality.  https://pin.it/5USA9A3ys  Statement Lighting As far as lighting is concerned, geometric chandeliers and wall mounted sconces stand out best when trying to achieve this particular look. Chandeliers in gold, chrome or brass are commanding and perfect in the modern bathroom when placed over a freestanding bathtub or perhaps as a bathroom focal point.  Whilst wall mounted sconces on each side of mirrors guarantee perfect lighting and contribute to the general retro feel of the space.  If you decide to choose lighting that has a frosted design with metallic trims or has a tiered design, the light creates interesting shadows on the bathroom’s embellishments and effectively transports the space into the 1920s. https://pin.it/5fKgcHNSV Geometric Patterns Geometric patterns are famously recognised from the jazz age era and can be found in tiles, wallpaper and flooring. Usually patterns like chevrons, zigzags and fan shapes are integrated into this theme which adds mesmerising visuals and movement to your bathroom. You can use them subtly or as a feature, depending on what you’re going for. For a bold look, try a tiled accent wall with a repeating geometric pattern in contrasting colours, black and white or navy and gold. Or use them on the floor with intricate tiling to make a bold statement.  For a gentler appearance, consider incorporating geometric shapes into minor elements like shower curtains or wallpaper. This approach pays homage to the style without letting it take over the entire room.  https://pin.it/1snp9p6TQ Art Deco Fixtures and Mirrors Choose taps, showerheads, and wall cabinets with symmetrical lines and fancy finishes like chrome, gold, brass, matt black, or nickel. Fluted vanity units known for their ribbed texture and geometric design, serve as a perfect centrepiece for this vintage-inspired look. Mirrors also play a key part - think about round or octagonal shapes with decorative frames in gold, silver, or black, or pick frameless options with a bevelled edge to capture the spirit of the time. https://pin.it/6TS6fIWji Small Bathroom Art Deco Design Tips In a small bathroom, it’s best to select a key focal point, such as a brass framed mirror or a vanity unit, to anchor your design. This makes it easier to plan the surrounding décor while preventing the space from feeling cluttered. Consider a colour-drenched bathroom in a dark shade that complements the vanity, or a large mirror with hidden lighting to create a standout feature. Mirrors, in particular, can help reflect light and create the illusion of a larger room.  Choosing floral or geometric patterned wallpaper is a fantastic choice for this particular theme. If you opt for patterned wallpaper, use it sparingly—on a single wall or half of a wall behind your focal point. This approach ensures the wallpaper compliments the room rather than overwhelms your chosen feature. https://pin.it/qbaf0kB9e Expert Tips from Interior Designer Karen Barcoo, expert Interior Designer at 34 St John, suggests that to truly achieve the artistic look of the Art Deco theme, you need to immerse yourself in the spirit of the era. "Although Art Deco originated in the 1920s and 1930s, exploring movies, art galleries, and exhibitions from the 1950s and 60s can also provide valuable inspiration. These resources offer insight into the colours and patterns that defined the time, helping you visualise the interiors of those periods."  Barcoo adds, "Art Deco remains incredibly popular and is a timeless trend that will never fade from the world of design. Choosing this style is never the wrong decision—it’s a theme you’ll never regret.” For more guidance, you can consult our bathroom design service, where experts are ready to help bring your vision to life.

Grey has come a long way in interior design, especially in bathrooms. Its versatility allows it to work with almost any style. From soft, light shades to deep, dramatic tones, grey is the perfect canvas to build a stunning bathroom that reflects your personal taste.   We have gathered 12 exciting grey bathroom ideas to help you get started. Let’s explore how this colour can transform your bathroom into a stylish, dynamic space. Layer Different Shades of Grey Consider layering various shades of grey to bring depth and a more visually interesting feel to your bathroom. Combining materials like light stone or marble grey in different areas can add a designer’s touch. If your bathroom is on the smaller side, opt for bathroom accessories in different grey tones, such as a vanity unit, to introduce subtle contrast without overpowering the space. https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/526076800237176643/ Pair Grey with Bold Accent Colours Pairing a predominantly grey bathroom with a pop of colour can completely transform the room’s vibe. Opting for bold shades like red, yellow, or pink can give the space an edgy, artistic flair - think of a contemporary art gallery that reflects your unique style and personality. For a more subtle approach, consider incorporating natural materials like wood or bamboo, which complement grey tones and create a Scandinavian feel. Adding vibrant green plants is another popular choice, bringing a fresh, organic touch that softens the overall design.  Go for Matt Grey Walls  Historically, matt surfaces gained popularity for their ability to absorb light rather than reflect it, creating a soft, refined look. In bathrooms, matt finishes are particularly sought after for their luxurious and contemporary appeal. You could embrace this timeless trend by colour drenching your entire bathroom in matt tones. To create the appearance of varying shades of grey, hidden lighting around a matt grey vanity unit, mirror, or ceiling edges can add a layered look to the space.  https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/863494928584423412/ Add Textured Grey Tiles Adding grey textured tiles to your walls or floors can completely change the feel of the room, depending on the shapes and patterns you choose. For a luxurious vibe, consider geometric tiles in your shower area. If you’re aiming for an industrial bathroom theme, grey brick-like tiles will give the room an edgy, urban feel. Alternatively, for a more rustic or natural look, stone-effect tiles in neutral grey can add warmth. To avoid making the space feel smaller, it's best not to tile all your walls with the same colour and shape - mixing textures and shades keeps the bathroom feeling open. https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/352969689560978734/  Try a Grey Vanity Unit Adding a grey vanity unit to your grey bathroom can create a warm feel. If you've decided to paint or tile one wall, it’s a good idea to choose the wall where your vanity unit will go. This creates a unified look and allows other grey surfaces or accessories to stand out against your more neutral-coloured walls. https://34stjohn.com/products/tasca-four-drawer-vanity-unit-with-beyondstone-double-basin-dark-concrete-1200mm?_pos=4&_fid=2ef9ec376&_ss=c&variant=45771950424356 Mix Grey with Brushed Brass Finishes Pairing grey with brushed brass finishes may not be a common choice, but it creates an expensive look that stands out. The cool tones of grey work well with the warmth of brass, especially brushed brass, which offers a golden look without being too bold. To complete this combination, consider adding brushed brass taps, a brass toilet roll holder, or a matching shower set. https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/757097387373900104/ Grey Metro Tiles for an Industrial Look When you think of grey metro tiles, New York might be the first city that comes to mind. This urban trend has made its way into the homes of London, becoming a popular choice for bathroom designs. It's a stylish and edgy way to bring an industrial feel to your space. Commonly used behind vanity units or mirrors, grey metro tiles are also being embraced in larger bathrooms, where they serve as a striking backdrop for freestanding baths. https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/679621399997962517/ Create a Grey Accent Wall  A grey accent wall can immediately draw attention to a specific area of your bathroom as soon as you enter. To keep the design balanced, it’s a good idea to place accessories or bathroom furniture in matching tones in front of the accent wall, ensuring they don’t get overshadowed by the bold grey backdrop. This approach works especially well in small to medium-sized bathrooms, as it can create the illusion of a larger space. If the rest of your bathroom is in a light grey, going with a darker tone for the accent wall gives the room a clear focal point. https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/551409548147003593/ Brighten Your Space with a Grey and White Mix  While grey and white might sound like a simple, safe design choice, there are countless ways to make this combination stand out. White brings a clean, minimalist feel, while grey offers versatility with its range of shades. You could keep the room all white, letting grey furniture and accessories pop as focal points. Or, flip the scheme by drenching the walls in grey and accenting with white basins and accessories. For a more creative touch, consider using blocks of grey throughout the bathroom to create a more random yet eye-catching design. https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/551409548147003394/ Incorporate Grey Marble  Adding marble to any home, especially the bathroom, gives an expensive and impressive look. Historically used in grand monuments and palaces, marble has always been a symbol of luxury and craftsmanship. You can incorporate grey marble into almost any furniture or wall space, and it’ll suit beautifully. It can also make a smaller bathroom appear bigger by reflecting light, creating the illusion of a larger space. https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/665195807475179505/ Mix Grey with Natural Elements  Mixing grey with natural materials like wood, stone, or plants compliments the colour well, bringing warmth and texture to the space. This combination helps create a calming environment, perfect for starting your day feeling refreshed or unwinding after a long, busy day. A bathroom designed with these elements can become your own personal retreat, offering a sense of peace and relaxation whenever you need it. https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/544794886171420077/  Mix Grey with Soft Pastels  Mixing soft pastel colours with greys adds character and personality to your bathroom. If you have natural light, it highlights specific areas, complementing the grey backdrop. The versatility of pastels means they blend effortlessly with any shade of grey, from light silver to deep charcoal. For a subtle touch, consider adding bright pastel hues through accessories like towels, soap dispensers, toilet roll holders or bath mats, allowing the grey to remain the focal point. Overall, pastels offer plenty of room for creativity, making them an excellent choice for adding a fresh, playful twist to a grey bathroom.  Grey continues to be a trending choice for bathroom design, offering endless possibilities to suit any taste. From layering shades of grey to pairing them with bold accents, natural materials, or soft pastels, there are many ways to make this timeless colour work in your space.  Whether you're looking for a modern look or a cosy, warm feel, grey provides the perfect backdrop to experiment and express your style. These 12 ideas are here to inspire you, showing how easily grey can be transformed into an inviting, and luxurious bathroom design that suits both large and small spaces.  For more guidance, you can consult our bathroom design service, where experts are ready to help bring your vision to life. https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/496451558937223556/

Creating a luxury bathroom comes with a certain talent for how you can set this theme whilst setting yourself apart. It’s always good to ensure luxury isn’t just copying others but adding your own taste and personality and flow that matches the rest of your home. If you are thinking of creating a luxury bathroom, it doesn’t necessarily mean changing your entire bathroom. You can simply add products that speak for the entire room.  Add an Oval Stone Bath  Oval stone baths are a stunning addition to any bathroom, offering a minimalist design that stands out as a true statement piece. While these baths have a substantial, weighty presence, their smooth appearance gives them a visually light feel, perfect for achieving a high-end look. The gentle curves and oval shape are ideal for relaxation. Another key advantage of stone baths is their eco-friendly nature, making them a sustainable choice for your home. 1700 Como oval bath 1500 Varese oval bath 1700 Orta oval bath Bring Texture and Character with Fluted Vanity Units Fluted furniture has seen a surge in popularity over the past few years, and this trend shows no signs of slowing down. By combining the minimalist elegance of Japanese design with the warmth of Scandinavian aesthetics, fluted vanity units perfectly embody the Japandi style. Adding a fluted vanity unit to your bathroom can truly transform the space, especially in neutral settings. For a touch of contrast, consider choosing a fluted vanity with a pop of colour to complete the luxurious feel of your bathroom. Walnut Fluted Vanity Unit Peach Fuzz Double Fluted Vanity Unit Midnight Blue Double Fluted Vanity Unit Transform Your Bathroom with Matt Black Details Matt black accessories can truly elevate a bathroom's luxurious feel. By adding several pieces like a matt black toilet roll holder, towel rail, or toilet brush holder, you create a more intentional, cohesive design. Placing these elements around a painted feature wall or contrasting them with light tiles or marble enhances the sense of luxury, turning your bathroom into an indulgent space you'll love to unwind in.  Matt Black Toilet Roll Holder Matt Black Towel Rail Matt Black Toilet Brush Holder Countertop Vanity Units There is nothing quite like a countertop vanity unit. Pair it with a stone basin, and the natural textures evoke the grounded feeling of a luxury villa in Bali. The open, airy design of the countertop vanity, combined with the natural tones of the basin, creates a calming connection to nature, transforming your bathroom into a private retreat.  Pistachio Countertop Vanity Unit Peppermint Double Countertop Vanity Unit Seaweed Bloc Countertop Vanity Unit Maximising Space with Walk-In Shower Enclosures When thinking of your luxury bathroom theme, it’s important to consider your space and how to maximise it. This is why a walk-in shower enclosure is perfect for bringing your ideas to life. The glass panels create an illusion of a larger space, allowing light to flow through and making the room feel more open and airy. With no bulky frames or barriers, a walk-in shower enclosure offers a modern look.  Matt Black Walk-In Shower Enclosure Brushed Brass Walk-In Shower Enclosure Chrome Walk-In Shower Enclosure Waterfall & Rainfall Shower Sets for an Impressive Experience There’s something truly special about stepping into a shower that feels like a refreshing waterfall or a gentle rain. Waterfall and rainfall shower sets add a soothing, natural element to your bathroom, making your shower routine feel more relaxing and immersive. Combined with a walk-in enclosure, waterfall and rainfall showers turn your bathroom into a peaceful spot while adding to the design. Waterfall and Rainfall Shower Set Matt Black Rainfall Shower Set Brushed Brass Rainfall Shower Set Bring the Warmth of Gold with Brushed Brass Taps and Fixtures Brushed brass is often overlooked, yet it brings a sense of understated luxury to any bathroom. Its warm, gold-like tones can make a space feel more expensive and elegant without being too flashy. The key to using brushed brass effectively is subtlety - too much can overwhelm, but when used thoughtfully, it adds just the right touch of sophistication. This is why brushed brass fixtures like taps, shower sets or shower enclosures are perfect additions.  Brushed Brass Mixer Tap Brushed Brass Shower Set Brushed Brass Shower Enclosure Creating a luxury bathroom means making intentional choices that build upon your existing design. By thoughtfully incorporating features such as a stone bath, fluted vanity unit, or brushed brass fixtures, you can truly transform the space into one that feels luxurious, all without the need for a full-scale renovation. The key lies in selecting elements that easily fit with your current setup while improving its overall feel. 

When it comes to creating a truly unique and personalised bathroom space, exploring the special finishes and bespoke furniture options that are available is a great place to start. At 34 St John, our Scanalato collection offers a range of options that allow you to tailor your vanity units to your exact specifications. In this blog, we’ll explore the special finishes and bespoke furniture options available, making it easy for you to understand what we offer and how you can customise your space. Overview of Scanalato Collection The Scanalato collection from 34 St John is extremely popular due to its high quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. This collection features: Solid Walnut Unit With Ribbed Drawer Fronts: The stunning draw fronts give a timeless, elegant look that adds warmth and sophistication to any bathroom. Solid Lacquer Colours: Available in 20 distinct shades, each with a ribbed drawer detail, these lacquer finishes provide a sleek and modern appearance. Bespoke Furniture Options For those looking to add a personal touch to their bathroom furniture, our bespoke options provide the perfect solution. Bespoke furniture in the Scanalato collection allows you to customise your pieces with your choice of colour. The process is simple and flexible, catering to a wide range of paint brands, including: RAL Colour Farrow & Ball Lick Crown Dulux Benjamin Moore This means you can choose virtually any colour from these brands to perfectly match your design scheme. Don’t forget to read our blog on ‘7 Things to Consider When Choosing a Bespoke Bathroom Colour’. Just let us know your preferences by completing our enquiry form and we’ll get back to you. The Bespoke Process Creating bespoke furniture with the Scanalato collection involves several meticulous steps to ensure the highest quality and satisfaction. Here's how it works: Selecting a Colour: Use our colour picker to choose your desired RAL colour. Ordering a Sample Pot: We order a sample pot of your selected colour. Creating a Physical Sample Panel: A sample panel is created internally, so that our team can ensure the colour is accurate. Meeting Specifications: The paint must meet our specifications for spray application and suitability for bathroom environments. This thorough process ensures that the bespoke colour you choose is applied correctly and beautifully to your furniture. Quality Assurance and Customisation Quality assurance is paramount when it comes to bespoke furniture. Our team takes several measures to ensure that your chosen colour and finish meet the highest standards. This includes: Accurate Colour Matching: The sample panel helps verify that the paint matches your chosen colour precisely. Internal Management: Our team manages the process to ensure that the correct piece of furniture is painted in the bespoke colour. Testing and Monitoring: The bespoke paint undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it adheres well and maintains its quality in a bathroom environment. These steps guarantee that your bespoke furniture not only looks exactly how you envisioned but also stands the test of time.