Bathroom Interiors That Feel Like A Sanctuary
A bathroom should be more than a functional space. It is often the first and last corner of your day, so I design them to be mood-lifters that offer a quiet, personalized escape.
Why shouldn't a bathroom have character? For this space, I chose a deep, dramatic red for the walls and paired it with bold patterned tiles. The vintage-style sconce and lamp add a warm, moody glow, turning a functional room into a memorable experience.
In this Calcutta home, each bathroom was designed to reflect the personality of its user. This one features a playful mix of pink subway tiles and graphic black-and-white patterned tiles, creating a space that feels both contemporary and timeless.
This bathroom in Saratoga is all about serene luxury. The double vanity with brass fixtures, the walk-in shower with textured green tiles, and the wood-beamed ceiling come together to create a calming, spa-like atmosphere.
A peek into a bathroom from the 'Inde Blue' project reveals a space rich in color and pattern. The olive green vanity, geometric tiles, and modern globe lighting create a look that is bold, graphic, and full of personality.
I love breaking design rules, like using bold wallpaper in a small powder room. This vibrant ikat-patterned wallpaper in a Saratoga home turns a small space into a jewel box, making a powerful design statement.
Candles and soft lighting turn this bathroom in Dhaka into a tranquil escape. The combination of patterned and textured blue tiles creates a soothing, water-like effect, perfect for unwinding in the freestanding tub.
A peek through a wooden door reveals a bathroom that feels classic and elegant. The simple black-and-white tiles, dark wood vanity, and a small, carved mirror create a timeless look that is both understated and refined.
The details make the design. In this bathroom, the antique-style brass faucet and shower fixtures add a touch of vintage charm against the modern, vertically stacked grey tiles. The light from the window creates a soft, calming glow.
About Bathrooms that Lift the Mood
I often push back against the standard, clinical white tiling found in many homes. In a small powder room, I might select a vibrant, oversized wallpaper or deep, dramatic paint tones to create a jewel-box effect. My approach moves away from mass-produced fixtures and toward vintage sconces or brass hardware, giving the room an identity that flows naturally from the rest of your home.
When I approach a bathroom design, I think about the rhythm of your day. It is a space where you prepare for the world or wind down before sleep. If the room feels cold or sterile, that impacts how you feel. My goal is to transform these often ignored corners into rooms that hold character.
The Jewel Box Approach
Small bathrooms are perfect for bold choices. I love using rich, saturated wall colors or graphic patterns that you might be hesitant to use in a living room. By layering elements like antique-style brass faucets against modern, vertically stacked tiles, I create contrast that feels lived-in rather than showroom-perfect.
Materiality and Memory
I draw inspiration from my work in heritage restoration—bringing that same sense of history into the bath. This might mean installing patterned cement tiles reminiscent of a Calcutta bungalow, or using reclaimed wood for a vanity to introduce warmth.
Technical Details
Beyond the aesthetic, I focus on the practical. We look at re-orienting layouts to create intimate seating groups or better flow.
- Lighting: I replace harsh, builder-grade lighting with layered options like wall sconces or pendant lights that provide a soft, calming glow.
- Storage: Custom joinery with distressed finishes keeps your essentials hidden while adding texture to the room.
- Fixtures: I select high-quality sanitaryware that balances form with function, ensuring the space is a retreat that actually lifts your mood.
Richa Bahl
I do not work with templates or formulas. I follow my gut, listening to the history of a building and the stories of the people who live inside. Whether I am restoring heritage walls or picking out the right brass faucet for a bathroom vanity, my goal is always the same: to create a home that feels like an embrace.
Looking for specific design inspiration?
Explore other areas of my portfolio to see how I approach design.
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