Thank you Lik Squared for sponsoring this post. Lik Squared showcases the wonders of nature through the lense of world renowned photographer, Peter Lik. His photos have never been more accessible. As always, all opinions are my own.
Some links in the post may be affiliate links.
One of the first things I do when I arrive at a hotel is check out the bathroom.
I love how luxurious hotel bathrooms are. Everything always feels cleaner, more pristine, and I immediately feel the stress melt away as I look at the tub. I decided it was time to bring that luxurious feeling of a hotel bathroom into my own home, on a budget no less! Here are a few tips on how to affordably make your bathroom feel like a luxury hotels!
But first, some background on our current situation! So first up…
Our old apartment:
Funny story, before we knew we were moving, I wanted to revamp our bathroom in our old apartment and planned on doing this post there. It was a small space, but I was craving a spa like environment since I've been so stressed out with the construction happening over there.
If you caught this post on making your apartment feel like a home, you know we lived in a 100% furnished apartment (like we didn't even own the towels, sheets, or forks!). I needed to make small changes that I could easily switch back at the end of our lease.
I started by swapping our landlords colorful towels and bath mat for white and decided I would tuck away her drab yellow shower curtain, and go with a double shower curtain to see if it really made the room bigger (it did). I bought two shower curtains and didn't realize they were two different shower curtains (from the color to the length and width, until editing these photos! #oops). Other than the two different shower curtains, I totally recommend this look if you can't get a glass enclosed shower!
However, I would recommend creating some sort of hook for the ties in the wall so you can easily tie and untie them (and so there isn't that awkward space like between the curtain and wall like in my example below).
Moving away from my old apartment, into are new home/bathroom:
This is NOT the finished room reveal! As most of you know we literally moved in like three days ago! TBH we really won't do too much more to this room though since I really love a minimalist bathroom and think it actually creates a more luxurious and relaxing vibe.
ALSO, just a heads up, it's a little bit of a weird shape since its a super long bathroom (I stood on a sink and squatted in the tub to get these photos ?). Basically you walk into the vanity and bathtub area, then there is a semi wall on either side that goes into the toilet/shower area (see photo below).
Strip out the color.
Ditch the red, yellows, and blues and go with whites, grays, and a very light beige if you need to. You can do this for towels, bath mats, wall color, and any other accents you may have in your bathroom. Seriously, nothing says “clean and luxe” like a pristine, light and airy bathroom.
Lik Squared Photo | Frame | Candle | Caddy | Book
Declutter.
Raise yo' hand if your sink is currently covered in hair tools, toothpaste, nail clippers, and whatever other random stuff ??!?
Don't worry, we've allllll been there! Instead of leaving everything haphazardly strewn around your sink, declutter it!
I haven't gotten these yet (because #justmoved3daysago), but I am going to opt for glass jars atop the vanity area for cotton balls and swabs and probably some white or marble ones for your hair ties (since they are dark, I want them in something that isn't clear so they don't contrast too much with the rest of the bathroom). I am also getting stackable drawers for easy access & organization of things under the sink. Just keep that baby clear and clean!
Set the mood.
Grab your favorite scented candles or wall plugins to engage your sense of smell. Also consider swapping out your bathroom lighting. Most of us have those yellowish lights in our bathrooms which can leave things feeling drab or dull, instead go with super white or daylight lights (check out more lighting tips in this post).
Get GOOD artwork.
Ditch the college posters that say “relax” and get some quality pieces for your bathroom.
Seriously, take notice whenever you are at a spa or luxury bathroom, they always have a gorgeous serene landscape photo. That's because a) its gorgeous, b) it aides in relaxing the mind, and c) it enhances the overall feel of the room from “eh” to “oooh ?“!
I fell in love with this piece from Lik Squared, which you can get for only $49 – also speaking of landscape photos, check out their categories area because they have SO many good ones!
The photo comes ready to hang but I also decided to get the frame since I wanted to make it a major focal point in the room & the frame is super cute and adds to the “clean and pristine” look I am going for!
Seriously, don't you just want to drop a bath bomb and relaxxxxx staring off into that serene photo?
Lik Squared Photo | Frame | Candle | Caddy | Book
Love that this is all super affordable. Too often, I give up quickly thinking I can’t afford the lux look!
http://www.coaworkingmom.wordpress.com
Oh I hear that!!! It adds up so quick! I think the bathroom is often forgotten since people associate it with renovations not simple switches!
This is my dream bathroom. I love the airy, clean vibes from hotel bathrooms. They seem so fresh! I definitely want to make this my next bathroom design!
Thank you!!
great advice – especially the decluttering – everything looks better clean & streamlined in my humble opinion.
I agree! It becomes too much chaos otherwise!
So many great tips! I’m working on getting my bathroom re-done, so I’ll definitely keep these in mind! i hope the move is going well!
Thank you!! Are you renovating or just updating the decor?
I’m saving up to do a small reno – everything it outdated!
My bathroom counter is a hot mess hahaha I should take your advice and get some jars! I only have 2 tiny drawers (seriously who designed this place?!!) so there’s not a lot of storage space. I guess I have to get A LOT of jars!
❤ Angel ❤ Next Garden
HAHA girl we’ve allll been there! We actually don’t have one drawer in ours!!! It’s SO weird! You could get an over the toilet cabinet!
Great tips! Your bathroom looks gorgeous!
Thanks Erin!
Love these! We switched to all white towels, etc, and it made a huge difference in our bathroom aesthetics AND in the ease of cleaning them! I love it! Great tips 🙂
I can only imagine! I think the white opens up the room so much too!
These are all such great tips!! I just made my bathroom space more simple and beautiful… so much inspiration!
Oh that’s awesome! what changes did you make?
Our bathroom is super tiny but I really want to spruce it up a bit! I think some artwork in particular will help. Hopefully I get the chance to do it soon!
Our old bathroom was super tiny (and even this one is SUPER narrow) but the white walls, daylight light bulbs, and white towels really open it up and the picture really makes it feel much larger!
There are some great ideas here! Love it
Thank you Anne!
I love the look and really do get the luxury hotel feel!
Thanks Mckenna!
I love that caddy. The bathtub looks so inviting!
Ohhhh it’s definitely been a perfect escape during this move!
Great tips! All screams luxury. 🙂
Thanks!
Great ideas! We bought our current house almost 2 years ago. It had been vacant for 3 years and the bathroom hadn’t been updated in years. Updating it to a more modern, luxurious bathroom is in our near future plans.
Oh I can only imagine what that transformation will be like!! I hope you share pictures!
I LOVE the idea of all white! It’s just so classy and clean! Perhaps when my kids get older that will work in our home…. for now I try to stick to neutrals and add just a pop of color with artwork or accessories 🙂
Thank you! that’s still really nice! I think with kids I am still going to keep white walls since they are a lot easier to do a quick paint touch up than beige IMO (my landlord had beige walls and I could always see where she had patched it from past tenants with a weird pain streak lol
First off, your bathroom is gorgeous! We have lived in our house for almost 2 years and I don’t feel like it’s complete. I’m now wanting to redo our bathroom because of your pictures! 😉 I need that bath tray and to divide my curtains like that
Awe thank you! Those are both such easy switches too! With the caddy, make sure you measure your bathtub and get one wide enough for it! (The old bathroom shown in this post the caddy was too short for!)
Oooohhhhh I am LOVING the new look of your bathroom! SO gorgeous!
It’s crazy how much of a difference it can make to just swap out the color of your towels in your bathroom. I have been really loving using white towels and bathmats in my primarily blue colored bathroom. We have one of those raised sinks and it reminds me of staying in a hotel.
Right?!? and the lightbulbs like i mentioned are a game changer!
I can’t wait until we redecorate our bathroom. I am pinning pretty much your entire bathroom. DON’T MIND ME!
haha thanks girl! <3
I hate renting! It makes big home decor change such a pain. I totally miss owning our home! We’re in the market for a new home to buy since relocating to Denver and I can’t wait to have a luxurious bathroom again!
Haha i hear that! I have been renting for 7 years or so now! All of these changes I’ve made in rentals, which has definitely pushed my creativity for finding ways to make things my own!