How to add character to a boring apartment bathroom : A Rental Bathroom Update

AFTER PHOTO of Ajai’s apartment bathroom

BEFORE PHOTO of Ajai’s apartment bathroom

If you’ve been following along, you’re probably aware that my husband and I have moved out of our parents house and are now living in an apartment for the time-being. We needed a place to stay where our new baby (Jack) could dwell safely while he went through his vaccination period (for two months). So we packed our things, and moved into an apartment that would allow us to take our time while we search for our next home (to buy) and keep baby Jack safe - a newly built apartment complex.

Now, I know when you hear the term apartment it can feel like quite the turnoff. You’re probably thinking of a box with white walls closing in on you. I for one thought this would be a bit of a hindrance as it relates to creating a homely feeling. So I made it my mission to perceive this new journey as an opportunity where I can put to rest the idea that you cannot make an apartment home.

We’ve already unpacked our main bedroom (as seen on Emily Henderson’s Style Blog) and are working to complete our living room. But today, I’ll be sharing major tips on how to transform an apartment bathroom by adding character to a very generic space, and without destroying the current structural design already put into place.

SWAP OUT BATHROOM HARDWARE

As discouraging as this may sound, it’s quite easy. It really only takes a careful unmounting of the current hardware and storing it away for future usage. You’ll want to keep these items, as you’ll need to put them back when it comes time to move out of your apartment. I removed our current towel holder, and added two peg racks. I even considered adding the pegs racks with shelves, these would make for a great way to display pictures as well. TIP: It’s important that you keep the original holes used to mount the original hardware. I’ve just covered these holes up with my newly mounted peg-racks.

SELECT A COMFY RUG WITH CHARACTER

Yasssssss, this is my favorite part when adding character to anyspace. If you know me, you’ve probably gathered by now that I have an obsession with vintage rugs. I feel like they have such beautiful stories attached to them, and I love the fact that so much detail has gone into making them. I’m all for artisanal pieces in the home, and knowing that someone has created these pieces with their bare hands and put so much love into the process, truly makes me happy and I feel it's unique to own such a piece. This vintage handmade rug is from Turkey, and I got such a good deal on it. It was on sale, as the shop I purchased it from was going out of business. I used this piece to create the color palette for the bathroom. I wanted the bathroom to feel like a mediterannean retreat, keeping it clean, airy, and simple, but still incorporating a set of relaxing colors: sage, taupe, light brown, and a deeper shade of brown (truly grounding the space).

SWAP OUT LIGHT FIXTURES (SHADES THAT IS)

To further play on the color palette, I decided to do a little DIY on a set of light shades I purchased - swapping out the already-existing glass light shades. The new shades I purchased were metal and without color, but I loved their design so much, I decided to paint them. I incorporated a light taupe color, pulling from the bathroom rug I’d chosen. Swapping out lighting can make a huge difference in a bathroom space. When doing this, you’ll want to consider how you really use the space. I love taking baths, so I’m big on warm and dim lighting in the bathroom. That said, I’ve chosen a warmer light bulb, and a shade to conceal the majority of the light, just accenting the mirror. I’ll use this lighting to help me relax during bathtime. Fortunately, we have additional recessed lighting available in our apartment bathroom, so when it comes time to apply makeup, and truly wake myself up in the mornings, I can use the recessed lighting (these lights are very bright).

HANG A BEAUTIFUL SHOWER CURTAIN

I wanted to get really whimsical here, so along with a shower liner, I’ve added three sheer white curtain panels to the outside of the shower. Full curtains add depth to a space, and choosing a white sheer made the shower portion of the bathroom maintain its lightness, feeling of purity and cleanliness, because isn't that how a bathroom should feel, pure and clean? I let the curtains puddle for a dramatic and magical feel. TIP: visit my instagram reel titled “Bathroom Update” for a DIY on how to add sheer panels to your shower/bathtub.

CREATE AESTHETICALLY PLEASING STORAGE

Creating storage in a bathroom can really help with the mental experience of utilizing this space. It feels good to know that everything has a place, resulting in easily accessing items. This makes for a smoother bathroom experience, no matter what you’re using the restroom for. To create storage, I’ve added beautiful baskets to hold the essentials like toilet paper, bars of soap, and other bathroom toiletries. A peg rack is another form of aesthetically pleasing bathroom storage, creating storage for bathroom towels, robes, and hanging baskets. On the inside of the drawers, I’ve added dividers for my makeup and hair accessories. No more hair ties missing in action, as they too have a safe place to dwell.

HANG A PICTURE (OR PICTURES) TO ADD MORE CHARACTER

Prints are another fun thing to source and do a wonderful job of adding character to a space. I found this print from the Kmile Design Studio by Camille. Camille really has such beautiful photography and prints, and I can guarantee you’ll have a tough time just choosing one print to hang. The frame I chose for the print is gold, and further helps to warm the space. I decided to hang this print over the toilet to jazz it up a bit, as toilets can be quite boring if you ask me. I wanted to keep my bathroom design minimal and simple, so I’ve only hung one print, but creating a picture gallery in a bathroom can also be fun.

ADD PLANTS

Plants can be a wonderful thing to add to the restroom. They bring life and good energy to any space. The beneficial part about having a couple plants in the bathroom is that they are already nearby for watering day (I know a lot of people use their bathrooms and bathtubs to water their plant babies - I know I sure do!). I’d just advise that you make sure the plant you choose lives well in moist conditions and consider the lighting in your bathroom before bringing your green babies in the space. I’ve added dried foliage to my bathroom, as I love the texture it provides to the space.

MAKE SURE IT SMELLS GOOD

Setting the tone in your bathroom can be as easy as adding good smells. I’ve chosen a Teakwood and Tobacco candle to delight the sense of smell in my bathroom. My husband and I love this scent, and it immediately puts us in a better mood when we burn it. We typically only light it when we are in the restroom (so that we can safely keep an eye on it - don’t want to burn down the apartment building ya know…). We cover the candle with the top to preserve its wonderful smell when the restroom is not in use.

CREATE YOUR OWN BATHROOM RETREAT

Bathrooms should feel like a retreat. A place where you can go for self care and relief. They should also have some character and be a place where thought went into creating an experience for its user. Personally, I love it when I have a guest come over and use one of my carefully curated bathrooms, then mention something they enjoyed during their time spent in it. That said, I challenge you to transform your generic bathroom by utilizing the simple tips above. Let me know how it goes. Good Luck!

Happy Designing!

Xo,

Ajai

How to add character to a boring apartment bathroom : A Rental Bathroom Update

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