Designing your dream bathroom shouldn’t cost a small fortune. We’ll show you how to get the ultimate designer bathroom without breaking the bank. See how to recreate this luxe look for less.
Photo credit: Alexandra Rae Interior Design; Kent Wilson Photography on Houzz
Interior designer Alexandra Rae knows a thing or two about creating luxurious spaces. As owner and principal designer of Alexandra Rae Designs, she regularly puts together high-end looks for clients in the Los Angeles area. Her firm designed this seaside chic home with a drool-worthy bathroom we’re obsessed with.
We caught up with Rae, who is sharing her tips for designing luxe bathrooms.
Design is in the details
A bathroom is about more than just function — it can be your personal retreat. “I like to create bathrooms that feel spa-like, but not sterile,” Rae says. “I think the bath should be an extension of the bedroom, so soft furnishings like an upholstered vanity chair, fabric Roman shades or a fluffy floor rug are a must.”
“Remember, your bathroom is the most personal room in your house, so create a space that makes you happy, a space that wakes you up in the morning, yet soothes you at night. I believe the best way to do this is to surround yourself with your favorite color!” Rae explains, “Paint color is also the biggest, and cheapest, way to get big impact in any room. A beautiful wallpaper, one that makes your heart skip, is another great way to have lots of what you love, literally floor to ceiling.”
“When you step out of a bathroom you love, you’ll step out feeling both invigorated and calmed; you’ll feel balanced.”
“Lastly, don’t skimp on the lighting,” Rae warns. “I’m all for pretty chandeliers and crystal sconces in a bathroom. Just be sure to have the face lit from both sides as well as overhead to provide ample lighting for makeup application. After all, you need to leave your bathroom looking as beautiful as you feel.”
Design on a dime
In the bathroom above, Rae used a soothing color palette of blue, tan and white. The gorgeous wallpaper is a Thibaut St. Lucia print of silver metallic coral with an aqua background. Rae says the metallic accent gives the wallpaper a 3-D effect, and the coral appears to be moving in water.
To bring this luxurious look home, use a coral wall stencil with a metallic paint for an effect similar to the wallpaper at a fraction of the cost. A ready-made vanity combined with a beveled mirror and crystal chandelier can give the bathroom an upgraded feel. Complete the look with budget-friendly chrome bathroom accessories for a little sparkle and fresh towels for a spa-like feel.
Get the look for less:
- Hampton Bay double vanity (Home Decorators Collection, $1,299)
- Reflection wall mirror (Z Gallerie, $249)
- Tiffany crystal chandelier (Wayfair, $214)
- Benjamin Moore wythe blue paint (Benjamin Moore, price varies)
- Benjamin Moore olivetint paint (Benjamin Moore, price varies)
- Royal stencil creme in smoked oyster (Royal Design Studio, $9)
- Coral stencil pattern (Cutting Edge Stencils, $45)
- Salerno porcelain tile in walnut (Build Direct, $2 per square foot)
- Tailored curtain valance (Wayfair, $15)
- Metal etagere (Pottery Barn, $299)
- Chrome bath accessories (Target, $7-$8)
- Glass apothecary jar (QVC, $25)
- Bath towels (JCPenney, $14)
- Orchid in silver pot (Wal-Mart, $22 )
- Silk peony in glass vase (Flovery, $58)
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