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One of the first things I do when I arrive at a hotel is check out the bathroom.
I love how luxurious hotel bathrooms are. Everything always feels cleaner, more pristine, and I immediately feel the stress melt away as I look at the tub. I decided it was time to bring that luxurious feeling of a hotel bathroom into my own home, on a budget no less! Here are a few tips on how to affordably make your bathroom feel like a luxury hotels!
But first, some background on our current situation! So first up…
Our old apartment:
Funny story, before we knew we were moving, I wanted to revamp our bathroom in our old apartment and planned on doing this post there. It was a small space, but I was craving a spa like environment since I've been so stressed out with the construction happening over there.
If you caught this post on making your apartment feel like a home, you know we lived in a 100% furnished apartment (like we didn't even own the towels, sheets, or forks!). I needed to make small changes that I could easily switch back at the end of our lease.
I started by swapping our landlords colorful towels and bath mat for white and decided I would tuck away her drab yellow shower curtain, and go with a double shower curtain to see if it really made the room bigger (it did). I bought two shower curtains and didn't realize they were two different shower curtains (from the color to the length and width, until editing these photos! #oops). Other than the two different shower curtains, I totally recommend this look if you can't get a glass enclosed shower!
However, I would recommend creating some sort of hook for the ties in the wall so you can easily tie and untie them (and so there isn't that awkward space like between the curtain and wall like in my example below).
Moving away from my old apartment, into are new home/bathroom:
This is NOT the finished room reveal! As most of you know we literally moved in like three days ago! TBH we really won't do too much more to this room though since I really love a minimalist bathroom and think it actually creates a more luxurious and relaxing vibe.
ALSO, just a heads up, it's a little bit of a weird shape since its a super long bathroom (I stood on a sink and squatted in the tub to get these photos ?). Basically you walk into the vanity and bathtub area, then there is a semi wall on either side that goes into the toilet/shower area (see photo below).
Strip out the color.
Ditch the red, yellows, and blues and go with whites, grays, and a very light beige if you need to. You can do this for towels, bath mats, wall color, and any other accents you may have in your bathroom. Seriously, nothing says “clean and luxe” like a pristine, light and airy bathroom.
Lik Squared Photo | Frame | Candle | Caddy | Book
Declutter.
Raise yo' hand if your sink is currently covered in hair tools, toothpaste, nail clippers, and whatever other random stuff ??!?
Don't worry, we've allllll been there! Instead of leaving everything haphazardly strewn around your sink, declutter it!
I haven't gotten these yet (because #justmoved3daysago), but I am going to opt for glass jars atop the vanity area for cotton balls and swabs and probably some white or marble ones for your hair ties (since they are dark, I want them in something that isn't clear so they don't contrast too much with the rest of the bathroom). I am also getting stackable drawers for easy access & organization of things under the sink. Just keep that baby clear and clean!
Set the mood.
Grab your favorite scented candles or wall plugins to engage your sense of smell. Also consider swapping out your bathroom lighting. Most of us have those yellowish lights in our bathrooms which can leave things feeling drab or dull, instead go with super white or daylight lights (check out more lighting tips in this post).
Get GOOD artwork.
Ditch the college posters that say “relax” and get some quality pieces for your bathroom.
Seriously, take notice whenever you are at a spa or luxury bathroom, they always have a gorgeous serene landscape photo. That's because a) its gorgeous, b) it aides in relaxing the mind, and c) it enhances the overall feel of the room from “eh” to “oooh ?“!
I fell in love with this piece from Lik Squared, which you can get for only $49 – also speaking of landscape photos, check out their categories area because they have SO many good ones!
The photo comes ready to hang but I also decided to get the frame since I wanted to make it a major focal point in the room & the frame is super cute and adds to the “clean and pristine” look I am going for!
Seriously, don't you just want to drop a bath bomb and relaxxxxx staring off into that serene photo?
Lik Squared Photo | Frame | Candle | Caddy | Book
These are such great tips, your bathroom looks stunning <3 xx
Thank you!
I love the double-shower curtain! We’re renting right now so can’t do too much with our bathroom but I keep everything as white as I can and recently hung up some pretty simple floral pictures, mrs. meyers peony soap and a peony candle.
It’s such a simple change that really opens up the space! We were in a rental for our old place and our new one! That’s why I tried to keep these all rental friendly!
Love this! This is exactly how we want to redecorate our bathroom..so I’m working on that now!
That’s awesome!! Glad it was helpful! Are you going to share your redone bathroom anywhere? I would love to see it!
We are moving soon and a non-drab bathroom is on my goals list! These suggestions are awesome! In particular, the curtain trick and the lighting suggestions are so simple but can make such an impact!
That’s so exciting!!! are you buying or renting?
We live in a 100 year old house and I love it! Unfortunately our master bathroom is tiny and has a pedestal sink so there is no storage. I’m working on re-vamping it as much as I can and these are great tips! I will definitely be implementing some of your ideas!
Definitely go light and white then! It should open up the tiny space! And switch out your lightbulbs like I mentioned!
Love this post! I definitely want to make our bathroom more luxurious now!
Glad it gave you a few ideas!
I love this!! I’m in the midst of de-cluttering basically my life LOL. I have my bathroom and closet torn apart because I’m de-cluttering and cleaning like a crazy person! Love your ideas!!
HAHA Love it!! With the move it’s forced us to declutter basically everything haha
That legit looks luxurious. Can I come for a spa day???
Coming Up Roses
YASSS!! that tub is hugeeee!
Such great tips! I love using glass jars to store cotton balls and other items in. It just makes it look so much cleaner and nice.
I can’t wait to get ours!! It really makes it feel so spa like!
Really great tips! I’ve been doing some things to spice up my bathroom so this is great!
Glad it was helpful! What changes are you making to yours?
Great tips! I would love to have a bathroom like this, with a big relaxing tub!
Haha we got sooo lucky with that tub!! 😉
My bathroom is mostly blue! I switched out our lights and it made a HUGE difference. I don’t have any artwork in there, but maybe in my next bathroom!
Lights are SUCH a game changer!! People don’t realize how such a small fix can change the entire room!
You have some great ideas here–I’m getting ready to redecorate my bathroom, so I totally appreciate the advice! Sadly, I’ve never ever had artwork in my bathroom, and I can see it’s been a serious oversight. Thanks for the tips!
Thanks Jamie! Happy it was helpful! I used to always have super cheap (like those $5 posters haha) artwork or none, and I have to say, have a good quality piece totally changes the feel!
I always love that hotel bathrooms are so white! And they’re always wayy cleaner than my bathroom because while I wish I cleaned it everyday, I definitely don’t. Haha
Haha girlllll I hear that!! haha
I really love that caddy! I need that for my bathtub.
I love it! Definitely measure the width of your tub first! It didn’t fit in my old apartment’s bathtub!
Your bathroom looks really pretty so far, though! Will you be doing an apartment tour?
-Anna | http://www.fivefootandfabulous.com
YUP! It’s going to take a longgggg time! haha but I have some really exciting partnerships in the works and have been pinning like a crazy woman 😉
I so agree on getting rid of colors – can’t wait to do that in my own house one day! Whites and grays are my thing. 🙂
lol i had a feeling you would! haha
Those marble tops are gorg! I agree with you about stripping out the color, or at least going with a soothing palette. Decorating is so fun!
xoxo,
Berniedette | http://www.petiteandtoned.com/
Thank you!
Great ideas, I totally agree about the artwork
It really can change the entire feel of the room!
Brilliant tips! Our bathroom needs a total renovation, but in the mean time I’m going to try some of these out. 🙂
Thanks Christine!
Decluttering the bathroom is HUGE if you’re looking to make it feel more luxurious and spa-like! When you travel and visit the bathrooms in hotels, they aren’t filled with clutter so you can’t use the counters, haha! Loved these tips you shared!
Huge! thank you!
We’re renovating our bathroom right now, inspired by two gorgeously modern Airbnbs that we stayed in this year! Hoping that our bathroom has that hotel feel when we’re done – I have a good feeling about it 😉
oh that sounds lovely!! I an’t wait to see it!
It’s a beautiful bathroom! Coming back to this for inspiration in the future 🙂
http://thesofieyahdiaries.com/travel/food-adventures-nyc
thank you
#BathroomGoals! I rent my apartment and my bathroom isn’t great (it needs some work/updating) but I swear, when I eventually own I’ll put time, effort and money into a nice bathroom!
thank you!! yeah we rent both of the bathrooms mentioned in this post
That is a lovely bathroom, but I check out the beds first I’m not sure why I guess for comfort. I have to be comfortable in a bed or else I’d be miserable ha ha jk
lol I will NEVER touch a hotels comforter, and don’t want to get in them in my gross traveling clothes so I usually check the bed last lol
These are great ideas! My bathroom always looks like a tornado hit it lol.
Alix | http://www.apintsizedlifeblog.com
lolol i’ve so been there!
I wish my bathroom was big enough to decorate! A bathroom as nice as a hotel’s is the dream haha!
lol well hopefully these were helpful then since they don’t require much decoration haha
I love these tips! Minimalism is the way to go! The bath caddy and the framed photo are great touches
Agreed!! thank you!
These are really smart ideas! I really love when a bathroom looks like a hotel!
Same girl!
I’m the same with hotels lol ?
lol I feel like it says SO much about them and the attention they put into their bathroom!
Great post! I’m all about the spa/hotel bathrooms! We have a SUPER tiny bathroom so it’s super hard, but these tips are great! I also love rolled up washcloths on the counter 🙂
Oh that’s a good one!!! i love it!
Oh my! I love the transformation here! Now I want a new bathroom haha
Ash | http://www.theashtreejournal.com
Love the post and the writing.. My sink is currently covered in mess LOL. But great tip!
Thank you so much!! lolol i think we’ve all been there haha
These are awesome tips! It makes me excited for when I get my own apartment/house!
It’s definitely overwhelming but fun!
Great tips! Setting the mood is definitely important when trying to make a bathroom luxurious.
Agreed! how do you do it?
We keep candles in there (and light them too!) and have a nice framed picture. The colours are all warm, and we keep it very neat and tidy 🙂
I love this idea for a relaxing bathroom. We are currently selling our house and looking for a new one. Hopefully one with two baths because currently my bathroom is filled with bath toys, a sesame street potty, etc…
Ohhh that sounds lovely! I hope you find it!!
My bathrooms are always the least finished room in our houses. However- I’m currently on a mission to finish both. I actually picked out a photo of a horse that is very similar style to the artwork you chose for your bathroom! I like the minimalist look for a bathroom, too.
That’s awesome! I love how artwork pulls a room together! I think too often people go with chachkies (I dk how to spell haha) to set the mood but they really just add to the clutter.
Super great tips! I’ll have to try some of these 🙂
XO-Lisa
http://www.thatssodarling.com
Thanks Lisa!
I definitely need to follow some of these tips! I have decluttered and it already looks so much better!
YAY! It’s funny how such a small change can open the space up and make it more peaceful!
These are amazing tips! I need to utilize them!
Thanks Neely!
Love that this is all super affordable. Too often, I give up quickly thinking I can’t afford the lux look!
http://www.coaworkingmom.wordpress.com
Oh I hear that!!! It adds up so quick! I think the bathroom is often forgotten since people associate it with renovations not simple switches!
This is my dream bathroom. I love the airy, clean vibes from hotel bathrooms. They seem so fresh! I definitely want to make this my next bathroom design!
Thank you!!
great advice – especially the decluttering – everything looks better clean & streamlined in my humble opinion.
I agree! It becomes too much chaos otherwise!
So many great tips! I’m working on getting my bathroom re-done, so I’ll definitely keep these in mind! i hope the move is going well!
Thank you!! Are you renovating or just updating the decor?
Thank you!! Are you renovating or just updating the decor?
My bathroom counter is a hot mess hahaha I should take your advice and get some jars! I only have 2 tiny drawers (seriously who designed this place?!!) so there’s not a lot of storage space. I guess I have to get A LOT of jars!
❤ Angel ❤ Next Garden
HAHA girl we’ve allll been there! We actually don’t have one drawer in ours!!! It’s SO weird! You could get an over the toilet cabinet!
Great tips! Your bathroom looks gorgeous!
Thanks Erin!
Love these! We switched to all white towels, etc, and it made a huge difference in our bathroom aesthetics AND in the ease of cleaning them! I love it! Great tips 🙂
I can only imagine! I think the white opens up the room so much too!
These are all such great tips!! I just made my bathroom space more simple and beautiful… so much inspiration!
Oh that’s awesome! what changes did you make?
Our bathroom is super tiny but I really want to spruce it up a bit! I think some artwork in particular will help. Hopefully I get the chance to do it soon!
Our old bathroom was super tiny (and even this one is SUPER narrow) but the white walls, daylight light bulbs, and white towels really open it up and the picture really makes it feel much larger!
There are some great ideas here! Love it
Thank you Anne!
I love the look and really do get the luxury hotel feel!
Thanks Mckenna!
I love that caddy. The bathtub looks so inviting!
Ohhhh it’s definitely been a perfect escape during this move!
Great tips! All screams luxury. 🙂
Thanks!
Great ideas! We bought our current house almost 2 years ago. It had been vacant for 3 years and the bathroom hadn’t been updated in years. Updating it to a more modern, luxurious bathroom is in our near future plans.
Oh I can only imagine what that transformation will be like!! I hope you share pictures!
I LOVE the idea of all white! It’s just so classy and clean! Perhaps when my kids get older that will work in our home…. for now I try to stick to neutrals and add just a pop of color with artwork or accessories 🙂
Thank you! that’s still really nice! I think with kids I am still going to keep white walls since they are a lot easier to do a quick paint touch up than beige IMO (my landlord had beige walls and I could always see where she had patched it from past tenants with a weird pain streak lol
First off, your bathroom is gorgeous! We have lived in our house for almost 2 years and I don’t feel like it’s complete. I’m now wanting to redo our bathroom because of your pictures! 😉 I need that bath tray and to divide my curtains like that
Awe thank you! Those are both such easy switches too! With the caddy, make sure you measure your bathtub and get one wide enough for it! (The old bathroom shown in this post the caddy was too short for!)
Oooohhhhh I am LOVING the new look of your bathroom! SO gorgeous!
It’s crazy how much of a difference it can make to just swap out the color of your towels in your bathroom. I have been really loving using white towels and bathmats in my primarily blue colored bathroom. We have one of those raised sinks and it reminds me of staying in a hotel.
Right?!? and the lightbulbs like i mentioned are a game changer!
I can’t wait until we redecorate our bathroom. I am pinning pretty much your entire bathroom. DON’T MIND ME!
haha thanks girl! <3
I hate renting! It makes big home decor change such a pain. I totally miss owning our home! We’re in the market for a new home to buy since relocating to Denver and I can’t wait to have a luxurious bathroom again!
Haha i hear that! I have been renting for 7 years or so now! All of these changes I’ve made in rentals, which has definitely pushed my creativity for finding ways to make things my own!
Love these tips! De-cluttering instantly makes a difference! I need artwork for the whole house but haven’t had time to go look for unique pieces. 🙂
It really does! I am such a fan of Peter LIK! Especially for the bathroom since they are acrylic prints and you don’t have to worry about the humidity factor (at least I dont think lol) like you would with a traditional painting or canvas
This came at the perfect time! I am moving into a very small, old house, that we are going to work with for a couple of years so we can save to buy a new place. I need all the help I can get!!
Love that plan! So happy it was helpful!
I wish I could do more with my bathroom… We have a VERY small sink so clutter is inevitable (though I try to keep it at a minimum) and our TILES are yellow. like 1 inch yellow tiles all over the floor and shower wall.. it’s BRUTAL.
I switched to nice art, bright lights and white towels/curtain/bath mat… but the yellow just haunts me daily.
We just renovated a bathroom in the home we own though. beautiful glass tile accents along the walls, greys, whites and a rounded shower bar (GAME CHANGER)
xxox
Laura @ http://www.cookwineandthinker.com
AWE!! Can you bleach them? haha whyyyy does yellow haunt people?!? I swear you can’t escape it sometimes haha — have you shared the new bathroom anywhere? I would love to see it!
Such good ideas! I need to take a whack at redecorating my bathroom
Thank you! It really can be one of the easiest (and cheapest) rooms to redo! People often go straight to “reno” but it can be simple switches!
I love this! Your bathroom looks so relaxing and zen. I have one of those bathtub caddys and whenever I use it I feel like I’m at a spa.
haha thank you! I loveeee pretending i am at the spa too! just spritz some eucalyptus and hand me some cucumbers!
That artwork is a great choice for an upscale bathroom look. The tip about color is a good one also.
Thank you! I think simple artwork can change an entire room!
Such a beautiful bathroom! I love the bathtub tray 🙂
Thank you!
These are great tips! I’ve slowly changed over the house that my husband has had since before we got married to white everything in the bathrooms because it feels so much brighter, cleaner, and fresher!
xoxo, SS
Southern And Style
Thank you! and I love it!