Creating a sanctuary at home isn’t always about the major construction; often, it’s about the intentional layers you add once the dust settles. For a long time, I viewed a bathroom as an easy place to make a big renovation splash quickly, and it is definitely that (like our 3-day powder room makeover last year). But it’s also a space that you want to feel intentional, which is why our primary bathroom was one of the last rooms in our house to get an overhaul (see the full reveal here!).
Lately, I’ve been on a mission to treat this room with the same nourishing design love as my living room or bedroom. It’s honestly turned my daily routines into something that feels truly indulgent. Sometimes it’s the small things that make the everyday feel more extraordinary.
Here are seven things I’ve added to my bathrooms that made them feel exquisite:
1. A Drinking Glass
I am very mindful of my water intake, so I usually keep an oversized water bottle attached to my hip. However, there is something so luxe about keeping a dedicated drinking glass and carafe by the sink. It feels like the kind of hospitality I’d offer guests, so why wouldn’t I do the same for myself? We often romanticize our homes only when others are coming over, but using a beautiful glass for my morning and evening routines makes those moments feel so much more special.
2. Tub Caddy
I view baths as a true indulgence—even if I don’t take them as often as I’d like. I’ve always loved staying at a hotel where the bathtub is styled with a caddy, providing a dedicated place for a book, a candle, or bath salts. I’ve started leaving mine out at all times; it serves as a visual reminder that self-care is always an option. It turns a simple bath into a ritual.
3. A Catchall Tray
Trays are a bathroom essential. Whether placed on the vanity or the back of the toilet, they instantly make soaps and lotions look intentional. They corral frequently worn jewelry and turn a cluster of perfume bottles into a curated art collection. There are so many beautiful options to choose from, but I’m currently drawn to deep marble tones and polished silver.
4. Lamps
A little table lamp makes all the difference in ambiance. I try to avoid harsh overhead lighting whenever possible! There is something so high-end about walking into a low-lit, moody bathroom. You can easily add a cordless USB-charged lamp to a shelf or the back of the toilet, or even have one hard-wired for a permanent glow.
5. Faux (or Real) Stems
I’ve said this for years: bathrooms should feel like any other room in your house, and every room needs greenery! Between the metal, tile, and mirrors, bathrooms can quickly feel cold and utilitarian. Adding an organic element, like a simple faux stem, softens those hard lines and transforms the space into a sanctuary.
6. Art
Art in a bathroom is an unexpected touch that instantly adds character to the smallest room in the house. I like to mix traditional and modern pieces—think black & white photographs, oil paintings, and antique prints. Even a “cheeky” piece can be fun (no pun intended), especially in a powder bathroom where guests can see it.
7. Cafe Curtains
We spent months debating how to add privacy to the bathroom—a dilemma that actually delayed our renovation by quite a while. In the end, we chose a cafe curtain over privacy glass, and there is something so romantic about that choice. It adds a softness to the space, and unlike a frosted glass, a classic window with a beautiful fabric treatment will never go out of style.
I love that a catch all tray made this list!
I started wheel pottery about a year ago and have added a bunch of my pottery creations as catch all trays throughout the house.