How to turn your toilet to a relaxing, enjoyable space

A toilet/bathroom is essential in every home, providing an opportunity for personal time to ‘sit on the throne’ as well as grooming.

Decorating it should therefore be carefully thought through to provide a space that is relaxing, hygienic and even enjoyable.

 Brighten basic white

Most houses decorate their toilets in neutral colours such as whites and greys, and these can appear dull and mono-toned.

Give the room some personality by livening it up with colour. Painting a small section of the toilet wall to enable you to work with a colour scheme.

Ceilings should be left as white to maximise the illusion of space and light in the toilet.

If using two bold colours select complementary colours that lie directly opposite each other on the colour wheel so as to ensure that the colours sit well together.

To balance the strong colours, add a third accent colour in small proportions by introducing it in bright accessories such as toilet mats, shower curtains, soap dishes and towels.

A blue and green colour scheme can really pop especially if you add a vibrant orange colour to bring in a surprise element.

Work with a maximum of three colours so as to keep the space visually interesting without being overwhelming.

 Window

Dressing up the toilet window will soften the entire look of your small room. Install a curtain rail or wire above the window and dress it with a short curtain or frills, the idea being to soften the window edges without obstructing much-needed sun light.

Adequate lighting is essential especially if you have a mirror so that light can reflect back into the room.

A small potted plant on the window sill will liven up the window. Check with your ‘plant guy’ so that you get plants that enjoy a somewhat damp indoor environment.

 Storage

Do not underestimate your storage needs. Well-planned storage ensures that cleaning materials are stashed away. Strong cleaners such as disinfectants and bleaches should be locked up and kept of out reach of children.

Clever storage, such as shallow cupboards with shelves inside, provides space for toiletries. The last thing you want is for tissue to run out right when a toilet user needs it.

Find a classy tissue-roll holder and find a way to store extra tissue rolls within easy reach.

Other essential storage facilities include towel rails and soap holders, which come in versatile materials such as chrome, glass, porcelain and plastic, to suit your personal taste.

If the bathroom is used by children or elderly people make sure it is safe and user-friendly for them buy including non-slip flooring or mats, a step stool to ensure easy to operate tap controls for the children and grab rails along the wall.

Your toilet should be a happy space where users can relax and even get inspiration for creative ideas.

If space allows add reading materials on a magazine rack or hang up an interestingly-worded poster.