Minimalism as an artistic movement arose in the 1950s. It was characterised by the use of simple forms, basic shapes and a monochrome palette. Today we tend to think of minimalism as “less is more”, which in a bathroom is actually a good thing. So if you are considering transforming your bathroom into a minimalist’s dream, here are a few tips to get you started.
A minimalist bathroom is a clean, serene space, with fresh, light spaces and blissfully free from clutter. At first glance, creating a minimalist bathroom might seem like an expensive project, but fear not because there are plenty of ways to create the designer look without having to pay designer prices.
De-clutter Your Bathroom
It is difficult to create a minimalist bathroom if every surface is groaning under the weight of shampoo and conditioner bottles, makeup, moisturiser tubs, soaps, hair brushes, and all kinds of other miscellaneous items.
Some items are used every day, but this is a good time to question whether you really need five bottles of shampoo? I bet if you are honest, most of the stuff in your bathroom is surplus to requirements and can be removed forthwith. A cluttered bathroom is difficult to clean, so use this as a motivational tool to help you take out everything you don’t need.
Modern Fixtures and Fittings
Minimalism doesn’t work unless you have modern fixtures and fittings. You don’t need to go mad and buy expensive Italian designer taps - a carefully chosen designer towel radiator with an inexpensive white suite will look just as good.
Create Clever Storage
Since there will be some things you need in the bathroom, not least towels and personal hygiene items, it is sensible to design some clever storage so you can store these items out of sight.
There are a multitude of ways to create bathroom storage. Fitted cabinets are useful if your bathroom is on the small side, for these maximise what space there is perfectly. Wall cabinets are also useful. A mirrored cabinet can be hung over a sink, thus providing a vanity mirror as well as extra storage space. Sink vanity units also provide extra bathroom storage and can be bought relatively inexpensively.
Light and Bright
A minimalist bathroom needs to be light and bright. White is the best choice, but pale grey or beige tones can work equally well. White makes a bathroom appear large and airy; white walls in conjunction with white fixtures and fittings also make the space more uniform, so nothing stands out and the walls disappear as if by magic.
Most modern bathroom suites come in white, so this is easy to achieve, but for best results, opt for white floor and wall tiles, too. However, if you are concerned that your bathroom will end up looking too sterile, introduce some subtle colour in the form of natural coloured tiles (travertine is a good choice).
The Spa Look
Old, mismatched coloured towels will ruin the look of your bathroom completely. White, fluffy towels are the way to go if you want a minimalist bathroom.
Cool Accessories
A few carefully chosen accessories can enhance a minimalist bathroom perfectly. Glass storage jars for cotton wool, a scented candle, or even a glass bowl with some pebbles in is the type of look you should go for. As we have said previously, less is more!
Cleanliness is Essential
A minimalist bathroom will soon lose its charm if it isn’t kept spotlessly clean. Wipe down your surfaces at least once a day to remove dust, soap and grime. It’s more work admittedly, but the end result will be a bathroom you are proud of.
