White has been the classic choice for a bathroom for a long time – it’s clean, minimalist and inoffensive. But whether you have a white bathroom by choice or chance, they can sometimes feel a little lacking in personality – not what you want from a room that should be luxurious and relaxing as well as functional.
Lauren Williams, founder of Lauren Jayne Design, a studio with projects across Aspen, Miami and New York, also advocates for using brass finishes. ‘Similar to Moroccan tile, brass with a living finish is timeless and ageless,’ she says. ‘Bring brass accents into a white bathroom through lighting and plumbing fixtures, and carry it through your vanities and millwork.’ She warns, however, that not every brass piece is the same. ‘There’s a lot of brass on the market that has more of a gold look, and I don’t recommend that as a choice for lighting and plumbing fixtures in a bathroom.’
If the base of your bathroom is white, swap the bathroom vanity or freestanding storage for something a little more natural – be it wood or stone. ‘Textured stone countertops with a leathering finish are a stand-out in bathrooms,’ says Lauren Williams. ‘I also tend to lean towards honed stones that have more of a matte finish. Stone countertop edge detail, like bullnose or knife edge, is often overlooked and can be that extra element to make a statement in a bathroom. Incorporating natural materials like wood creates a spa-like experience and brings the outdoors in.’
So – where to start adding these elements? We asked the experts for their tips for upgrading a white bathroom – and whether you’re doing a complete overhaul or adding life to a rental, there’s something for everyone in the suggestions in this article.