7 Bathroom Remodel Ideas to Infuse Personality and Cool Factor Into Your Space

Before we get to these bathroom remodel ideas, let’s address the big, ugly elephant in the room. Because bathrooms used to be cool guys. Don’t believe me? Just look below at some of the bathrooms that existed back in the day. From the 1920s to the 80s, they were funky and fun. Blue toilets! Patterned wallpaper! Colorful tile! Bathrooms of the past had major personalities. 

And then the 90s hit, and things got pretty lame in the bathroom design world. Someone somewhere decided bathrooms should be boring, uninspiring, and pretty much dead inside—just a room that fills a function. I mean, sure, the 90s look is “nice.” It’s clean. It’s modernized. But there’s zero excitement there. And bathrooms have kind of been that way ever since. 

Enough is enough! Bathrooms deserve more from us. They deserve to be just as special as any other room in the house! Let’s get back to the days when they were a space that brought a bit of fun and excitement to your day. Let’s make bathrooms interesting again. So here are seven bathroom remodel ideas to make bathrooms cool again.

Bathroom Remodel Idea No. 1: Let your tile imagination run wild

Let’s start off these bathroom remodel ideas with tile. Think of tile as the bathroom’s best accessory. There is a world of creative possibilities out there and so many opportunities to have fun with it. Even the most classic tile pattern can get a glow-up by mixing in a few colors. Or, go rogue and create a pattern with whatever colors and shapes make your heart happy. From bold stripes to colorful checkerboards, let your imagination do its thing. And hey, it doesn’t have to be wild—maybe just a sneaky stripe in a tile that’s a shade darker or lighter. The goal is to create a visual feast every time you step into your bathroom.

Bathroom Remodel Idea No. 2: Invite all the metals to the party

Like everywhere else in the house, you don’t have to stick to just one type of metal in your bathroom. Mixing metals adds depth and dimension and creates a curated feel–something matchy-matchy finishes will never be able to achieve. You don’t even have to stick to the same finish in the shower (gasp!). Think brass shower fixtures with nickel door hardware. Live life on the edge cause we’re all gonna die one day. 

No. 3: Seriously consider some wallpaper

Yes, you read that right. You absolutely can (and should!) use wallpaper in the bathroom. Especially if you have a water closet, or as I like to call it, the pooping room. It’s such a fun detail to be greeted with whenever you shut yourself inside. There are plenty of moisture-resistant options, and the right ventilation will prevent peeling or damage. Wallpaper is a great opportunity for adding texture and personality and an easy way to turn a plain bathroom into a space with something to say. Like the great Bonnie Raitt says, “Let’s give ’em something to talk about!”

No. 4: Step away from the standard countertop edge

Let’s talk countertops—specifically, the edge profiles. It’s a small detail that can make a big impact. Let’s move beyond the standard eased edge and explore options like cove, ogee, or waterfall edges. Each type brings its own vibe, whether it’s a sleek modern feel or classic and elegant. It’s a subtle way to elevate the entire aesthetic of your bathroom and make it waaaaay more interesting.

No. 5: Dress to impress (your windows)

Bathroom windows are yet another opportunity to bring life and personality into your bathroom. Drapery or Roman shades can bring a softness and warmth that stark blinds or naked windows simply can’t match. Also, naked windows mean your neighbors can see YOU naked. Which you might be down with, I don’t know! No judgment here. The bottom line is that your bathroom needs window treatments, so you might as well have fun with it. Just look at what an impact that black-and-white Roman shade makes below. Swoon!

No. 6: Think of the vanity as a piece of furniture

Your vanity doesn’t have to be a boring plywood box. I love a vanity that looks like a beautiful piece of furniture. Think of ornately carved legs, rich wood finishes, and intricate details. The world of vintage and antiques is a great place to look for this. An antique dresser or credenza can easily be repurposed and brings so much history and charm to the space. A vanity doesn’t have to scream, “I’m a vanity!” Just look at that stunner below.

Bathroom Remodel Idea No. 7: Keep the furniture coming!

While we’re on the topic of furniture, let’s go ahead and bring in some more. I’m telling you, a cozy seat next to the tub is the epitome of luxury. Think a plush armchair or a chic upholstered stool. At this point, your bathroom will be so badass that you’ll want to hang out in there anyway. So, give yourself a comfy place to sit while you get ready or a space for your partner to sit and chat while you lounge in the tub. Plus, it gives your bathroom a more lived-in, personalized feel. Who doesn’t want that?!

Ok, let’s recap these bathroom remodel ideas that’ll inject personality and cool factor into your renovation.

1. Have fun with the tile. Seriously, the world is your oyster when it comes to tile design.
2. Mix up metal finishes. It just makes things more interesting and dynamic.
3. Consider wallpaper on the walls. It’s such an easy way to add personality and has a big impact.
4. Explore some different countertop edge profiles. It’s a small detail that will always make you smile.
5. Don’t neglect the windows. Bathrooms are full of cold, hard surfaces. They are begging for the warmth and softness that window treatments bring.
6. Treat the vanity like any other piece of furniture. It deserves to be drool-worthy. And lastly, keep the furniture coming. You’ll want a comfy spot to sit because your bathroom is about to become the coolest room in your house.

Now go forth and use these bathroom remodel ideas to rid the world of lame bathrooms! PUH-LEASE!