Inverness Primary Suite – Board & Vellum

Custom Residential, Interior Design

Five Simple Bathroom Upgrades

Bored with your basic bathroom? We spend more time in our bathrooms than we realize. At Board & Vellum, we believe bathrooms are all about self-care – they’re an important space where you’ll consistently begin and end your days. Love your space more with these five simple bathroom upgrades.

August 3, 2023

Let’s talk bathrooms. They’re a very personal, intimate space and, second only to your bedroom, they’re where most people begin and end their days.

Take your bathroom to the next level.

The way your bathroom looks, feels, and functions deserves the same amount of care and planning as other areas of your home. Though small in size, bathrooms can have big design impacts.

Whether you’re looking to renovate your existing bathroom or building from scratch, here are a few ways to elevate it into the spa-like, calming oasis that will play a vital role in your daily routines.

Make a Statement

We love a statement bathroom. Experiment with different patterns, colors, textures, and materials. Because of their smaller size, bathrooms are a great place to feature fun wallpaper or geometric flooring that may feel overwhelming in larger spaces.

Minecraft House – Board & Vellum
Fun Flooring

Geometric lines snake along the floor of this bathroom to create a fun illusion that introduces visual intrigue to this small space.

Bathrooms are one place you can indulge in a design you love but might not enjoy in your common spaces. It's already a deeply personal space – don’t hesitate to make a statement that reflects your individual preferences!

Explore Tile

Tile and bathrooms have been peas-in-a-pod since the dawn of bathhouses. We love tile for the elegant way it can introduce natural texture and color into a space. But they’re also great for those not so natural textures and colors!

Tile on all of the walls, floor, and ceiling in a shower. – Gut and Remodel of a 1960s-era Home – Sound Landing – Board & Vellum
Cool Tile

Light blue hand-laid tile is the ideal way to elevate your shower using a timeless, natural material that pairs well with daily water use.

There are so many styles to choose from. Right now, we particularly love handmade tiles for their artistry and craftmanship, and the polished and refined style they add to a space. Ceramic tiles are quick and easy to clean, chip resistant, and can withstand daily water usage.

With so many wonderful options, get creative and tailor your space to an aesthetic that is uniquely you.

Take Advantage of Natural Light

Regrettably, not every bathroom has a window. But there’s something supremely relaxing and luxurious about gazing outside as you take the day off or prepare to take it on.

Inverness Primary Suite – Board & Vellum
Light From Above

A large skylight works to illuminate this bathroom while also providing opportunity for natural ventilation and fresh air.

Natural light is a great way to make a small space feel a bit fresher and more open. If your bathroom has access to natural light, it can be nice to position your tub or shower in close proximity to take full advantage. It really sets the stage for a spa-like experience where you can unwind and leisurely enjoy the view.

Amp Up Artificial Light

It might go without saying, but we’ll say it anyway: lighting in your bathroom is important. Your bathroom is likely the first place you’ll see yourself each day, as well as the place you probably spend the bulk of getting ready.

Master bathroom in the Condo at the Market – Modern Condo – Board & Vellum
Get the Light Right

Suspended gold-toned light fixtures are strategically placed between the mirrors to maximize brightness where it matters most.

Different lighting options give you flexibility depending on what you need. And the right light fixtures can create an aesthetic link to tie together a design. Ambient, accent, and task lighting can all have a place, even in such a small space.

Opt for a Spa-Like Shower

Soaking tubs get all the glory, but we absolutely love a luxurious shower. There are lots of ways to get the job done: fancy faucets and shower heads, niches for all your shower products, built-in shower seats, and more.

West Seattle Mid-Century – Board & Vellum
Walk-In with Ease

A glass door is the only divider between this walk-in shower and the rest of the bathroom, helping the design feel larger and more fluid.

Curbless showers are an especially elegant way to create a spa-like shower feel, with their low profiles and seamless transitions. Their sleek design can be tailored to any design style, and they can be a great way to create a more open feel in smaller bathroom spaces. They’re also a great option if you’re considering aging-in-place in your home because the design is accessible to even those with limited mobility.


We hope you feel inspired to take your bathroom to the next level and aim for a space that you can feel at ease in. Don’t underestimate how much time you’ll be spending in your bathroom – it’s important in your daily routine! With some strategic updates, you can elevate your bathroom from basic, to a thoughtfully curated room you’ll love.

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