Tips

Creating textural patterns and surfaces adds style to the bathroom space

Whether it’s shower trays or vanity units, there are many ways to add texture for a warmer and more visually interesting scheme

Adding texture gives a bathroom a more dynamic and inviting design. The first question might be, what does ‘adding texture’ specifically mean when it comes to decorating and designing a bathroom space? Texture can be applied in many different ways from materials, such as stone or wood, to surfaces such as tiling or wall treatments. It can also refer to colour, contrasts and surface coatings such as matt or glossy, patterned or brushed, on anything from shower trays to vanity units. Textural patterns and surfaces add subtle detail to a design – bringing in touches of nature and adding warmth, whether you are after modern design, vintage style or a Scandi bathroom.

Detailed vanity units

When we look at bathroom furniture such as vanity units, there is such a diverse selection of designs, styles, colours and surfaces to choose from. Wood grain surfaces are increasingly popular choices on vanity units, especially in a Scandi bathroom. With a range of tones and grains, from Nordic ash to dark elm, this textural pattern adds a dynamic look to the bathroom. Both modern and Scandinavian in style, it can also add a feeling of warmth and a touch of nature to a Scandi bathroom. Textural contrasts can also come through in two-toned vanity units. White or coloured surfaces combined with wood details, or a deeper blue or green matt finish with highlights in a glossier neutral tone creates an added layer of texture and style.

(Pictured: Ona Collection, Dark Elm furniture)

Beautiful basins

Washbasins can come in different finishes and unique textures. Innovations such as Fineceramic® push the potential of fine porcelain for thinner walls that allow for more interesting shapes, without compromising on strength or durability.

Choose a basin with a tactile matt finish, or opt for the classic gloss white – always giving a great look to any room. Alternatively create a bold statement and select an entirely different material such as natural stone, inspired by earthy designs, textures and colours.

(Pictured: Ohtake over countertop basin)

Tactile wallcoverings

Wall treatments, flooring and tiling are great ways to add texture to the bathroom space. Tiles with textured surfaces, including handmade zellige and encaustic patterned tiles are always beautiful. Marbled or geometric tiles offer both visual and tactile textural qualities, as does natural stone on the walls or floors. It can also be achieved in the installation of tiles, creating a more layered and textured look. A wall surface treatment that gives an artisanal, rough-hewn texture is using gesso. The mottled surface in warm, earthy tones, connects to that feeling of the natural world while being an elegant and neutral addition. Microcement is another alternative – a cement-based coating that can be applied to wood and tile to create the look and feel of concrete. Wallpaper is another popular choice and can truly transform a space.

(Pictured: Ariane Stonex® bath in white finish)

Textured shower trays

Shower trays are another area where textures can be applied. The Terran Stonex® collection is an example of where texture is both functional and aesthetic. In the case of Cratos, the textured surface of Senceramic® not only makes the shower trays anti-slip, but the earthy, organic surface is both stylish and sophisticated. Available in Matt White, Pearl, Coffee and Onyx, offering a range of possibilities. The contrast of Stonex® or Senceramic® against glossier ceramic tiles on the walls offers a textural quality as well, adding extra interest.

(Pictured: Cratos shower tray Senceramic®)

Finishing touches

(Pictured: Hotels Round over countertop soap dish in matt black)

Accessories are easy ways to bring in additional textures. Towels – whether plush and thick, hammam-style or vintage linen, these subtle accents do make a difference. Accessories such as ceramic or stone soap dishes also look great.

Whether through basins, vanity units, wall treatments or shower trays, there are many ways to bring in texture to your bathroom for a more personal and attractive space, whether you enjoy the serenity of a Scandi bathroom, or something bolder and brighter.