The bathroom is the one room that I advocate going all-out on luxury. It’s a room that should be dedicated to new beginnings, to starting fresh, and to pampering ourselves as much as possible. It’s also a room that a lot of people tend to decorate last, but a fresh and luxurious bathroom will give you renewed energy and is the perfect get-away.

Photo by LMK INTERIOR DESIGN. See more contemporary bathroom designs

Figure out what luxury means to you. For me, I like sleek materials, minimal colour, comfort, and functionality. I like to use polished metals and to mix traditional and modern elements. For someone else, it could mean channeling Japanese decor, or mixing bright colours. Once you know what you want and how you define your style, decorating becomes much easier.

Carve out dedicated spaces. When I design my dream home, I’m opting to have a separate vanity, and a dual sink system for tooth brushing and face washing. Having a space dedicated to a certain task will let you focus on what you’re doing, rather than having everything going on at once.

An edit on this photo: The image is actually a Raywal Cabinets design, and styled by Sandi Loreen Duclos Interiors in Ontario, Canada!

Photo by Vivendi - Luxury Home Builders. See more contemporary bathroom designs

Utilise unique lighting. I really like things like toe-kick lighting and small lights inside of cupboards. If you have to have lighting on display, opt for something a little more unique rather than something cheap and commercial.

See more transitional bathroom designs

Highlight architectural details. If you have fascinating architectural details in your bathroom, you should bring attention to it. In this particular bathroom, this is achieved with the stunning reflective tiles on the partial wall, and the darker paint on the tray ceiling.

Photo by In Your Space Interior Design. See more transitional bathroom designs

When in doubt, go neutral. Neutral colours are the easiest way to make something look harmonious and luxurious. Pick one colour, and use shades of the same to decorate. Neutrals also create a good background, which will allow any other elements to stand out.

Photo by bathstore. See more traditional bathroom designs

Balance modern and traditional. I absolutely love modern twists on traditional design. It’s a contrast that works so perfectly. Layered or mixed styles add interest and gives you more freedom with your design. In this bathroom, the traditional bathtub and mirror are balanced with the tile and the towel rail.

Photo by DEKORA. See more contemporary bathroom designs

Install a fireplace. One of the best things to bring to your bathroom is a fireplace. You’ll be able to luxuriate in a bath tub by the warmth of the fire, and let the soft lighting relax you. A fireplace in a bathroom is still an unexpected luxury, so take advantage if you can.