Inspiration and Advice

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.

Victorian Bathroom Design Ideas  The Victorian aesthetic subscribes to the “more is more” philosophy, which seems at odds with the minimalist modern interior design ethos. But, the early 19th-century maximalist style works well in a modern bathroom. Free-standing, centerpiece bathtubs; jewel tones; and ornate washstands can transform a dull space into a luxurious one. So can patterned tiles, traditional radiators, and vintage basins. Sound good? If you want to give your bathroom a Victorian makeover, you're in the right place. What is a truly Victorian bathroom design? It wasn’t until the 1920s that the modern bathroom was introduced to smaller new-build houses in England, so during the Victorian era only the wealthy enjoyed such a luxury. But the elite of the time wanted lavish spaces that wowed their guests and made them feel like they were enjoying the ultimate luxury. Free-standing tubs with detailed feet and brass fixtures were a must-have, as were large mirrors with intricate frames. High tank sinks were popular, sometimes they would have a double basin to enjoy as couples and if the patterns weren’t to someone’s taste, solid wooden flooring was also very popular. Top Victorian Bathroom Ideas For Modern Homes Central Freestanding Tub Having a freestanding bathtub placed right in the centre of your bathroom is a staple of Victorian style. It’s bold, striking and the ultimate luxury. This one is obviously appropriate only if you have the space!  You can put a more modern twist on the central bathtub by choosing a contemporary style bath instead of the claw footed baths, so you do have versatility here. Browse our freestanding bathtubs Patterned Flooring Patterns were BIG during the Victorian period, especially where flooring was concerned.  If you have a small bathroom, consider using techniques that make your space feel bigger, as the patterned flooring can have a shrinking effect.  Pair your tiles with lots of mirrors, and place them opposite a light source if possible to really reflect the glow around the space. Go for plain wall colours, like white or beige, to offset the contrast of the patterns and keep your design elegant.  Twin Sinks With Brass Fixtures Another staple of Victorian-era bathrooms was brass. A darker metal, brass has an distinctly antiquated appearance, even when brand new.  Pair your brass fittings with a more minimal bathroom design to draw attention to the beauty of the metal and merge modernism with historic charm. Small Room, Big Style Here’s a very clever contemporary Victorian design that makes excellent use of a very compact space. The free-standing bath is the most luxurious piece of furniture in the room, but it also blends in with the floor tiles that are a similar color, meaning your eye is drawn to the beaten-up antique stool. Your bathroom accessories can really transform the aesthetic of your space, so think about choosing things like Victorian-style parlor chairs, rustic light fixtures or cast iron radiators. Modern/Victorian Blend Roughly a quarter of this bathroom is dedicated to the uber-modern shower, but some features dotted around  the room add some Victorian charm to the space. The towel rack is plumbed into a traditional radiator, the toilet is classically designed, and the very angular shape of the stand-alone sink is as Victorian as it gets.  it’s the perfect combination of antiquated statement pieces and modern amenities.  Patterned Walls It wasn’t just the floors that were often patterned in Victorian England, but the walls too. Both would be a bit much in this day and age, but choosing one or the other and setting it against a plain wood floor or white wall can look very striking. Take this design, for example, with wonderful William Morris-esque nature patterns interrupted by a decorative fireplace and tall, Victorian-style doors in a deep muted blue. Is it quirky? Absolutely. Does it work? Absolutely!  Monochrome Masterpiece One way to bring Victorian style into the 21st century is to use design tropes of the era and give them a modern feel. The tub is a classic Victorian shape, and so  is the patterned flooring, yet there’s no way you’d ever see this bathroom and immediately think… Victorian. To make this look fresh, the designer has opted for a stark monochrome palette, even the Victorian taps are black to stand out against the bright white of the bathtub.  Tips to help you create your own Victorian bathroom Fixtures Victorian style is all about the details, so don’t neglect your fixtures when redesigning your bathroom. Brass was the metal of the Victorian era, as it was easy and cost-effective to mass produce. And don’t forget your radiators. A modern radiator can really fracture the scene, so we’d recommend having classic cast iron designs installed, perhaps with a few extra bars for warming and drying towels. Colour schemes Reds, yellows, greens, blues, and purples were in style during the reign of Queen Victoria. Don’t be afraid to mix and match various shades, but choosing subtle tones ensures your design won’t end up too loud. Delve into our guide on choosing a colour scheme for your bathroom to find the perfect mood for your space. Tiles Patterned tiles were one of the most common  aspects of Victorian bathrooms. The more intricate the patterns were, the better. There has never been more variety of patterned tiles than there is right now, so be sure to choose something that appeals to you. Even if the patterning is fairly subtle, it’s still a nod to the Victorian aesthetic, just with your own flare worked in. Accessories Accessories are the finishing touches that can make your Victorian bathroom feel that much more magical. Vintage soap and shampoo caddies can be a fantastic addition, as can an antique chair or stool against a wall, and if at all possible, opt for a chandelier instead of pendant or recessed lighting.