Dearest gentle reader, are you looking to add a dash of regency flair to your interiors? Well, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve gathered the latest bathroom design ideas that ooze luxury and charm…
With the new season of the hit series Bridgerton gracing our screens this May, there is no doubt the love for Regency style is having a resurgence. So, if you’ve been thinking about giving your bathroom a well-deserved makeover, we’ve asked the experts for their top ideas to help you recreate this sophisticated aesthetic.
Let’s begin, shall we?
How to recreate the Bridgerton aesthetic
The Regency era, set in the 19th Century, is synonymous with dainty florals, wall panelling, roll top baths and grand lighting fixtures. However, Mike Whitfield, interiors expert at luxury brand Lusso, says the Regency-core aesthetic is all about achieving a high-end look, but without being ostentatious. “This interior trend is largely focused on timeless pieces and opulent furnishings, perfect for those wanting to bring beauty and refinement to a modern home,” he adds.
Sounds just like your style? Here are the five key elements you need when designing a bathroom straight out of Bridgerton…
1. Vintage finds
Do you love finding hidden treasures in charity shops, car boot sales, or vintage fairs? Well, this trend is going to put your sourcing skills to good use. Salvaged furniture and smaller accessories are ideal for recreating this look. Think reclaimed basin stands, brass candle holders, and aged picture frames. “Incorporate vintage or antique elements to capture the essence of the regency era,” advises Rikki Fothergill, bathroom style expert at Big Bathroom Shop.
“Look for mirrors with intricate frames, crystal or chandelier lighting fixtures, and freestanding bathtubs with ornate claw feet designs. Adding plush textiles like velvet or silk drapes, embroidered towels, and decorative tassels can further enhance the lavish feel of the space,” she adds.
2. Focus on quality
From materials to sanitaryware, it’s important to choose quality over quantity. Celebrate British craftsmanship by shopping on your local high street and researching heritage brands for a bathroom design that will ultimately last the test of time. “Opt for high-quality materials that evoke a sense of grandeur,” says Rikki.
“Marble or granite countertops and floors bring a timeless elegance to the bathroom. Incorporate finer details like crown moulding, wainscoting, or decorative trim to enhance the royalcore theme. Invest in quality fixtures such as vintage-inspired faucets with lavish finishes like gold and brass for added luxury,” she advises.
3. Roll top baths
“No regency-period bathroom is complete without a decadent freestanding bath. Once a symbol of aristocracy, the roll top bath is the perfect design to bring grandeur and drama to your home,” says Mike. So, if a tub has been on your wishlist for a while, it’s time to make your bathroom goals come true.
Roll top baths are available in a wide choice of styles, from slipper to double-ended, with claw feet or installed on a pedestal. Plus, they come in a variety of materials and finishes, so you are all set to find a design to suit your scheme.
“The first luxury baths were made from cast iron, but a modern version in a stone composite offers the grandeur of a traditional claw-footed freestanding bath without the immense weight or the cold metal surface,” explains Nigel Palmer, head of communications marketing at House of Rohl.
4. Whimsical bathroom walls
Add depth and interest to your Bridgerton bathroom by decorating your walls – from floral murals and nature-inspired tile mosaics to timeless wall panelling and architectural mouldings. “Enhance the look with delicate floral patterns and luxurious details, creating a space that exudes both historical charm and contemporary luxury,” says Deborah Freeman, marketing manager at bathroom supplier Hib.
Opt for wall solutions in soft, pastel colours such as muted greens, blues and mauves, or put a contemporary twist on your regal design with unexpected vibrant shades.
5. Timeless bathroom brassware
Lastly, Nigel recommends choosing luxurious bathroom fittings to capture the Regency opulence and bring to life the Bridgerton aesthetic. “Handmade brassware with intricate detailing will reflect the art and craftsmanship of the period. Chrome is a relatively modern finish. So, choose the raw beauty of brass that adds a warming glimmer in candle light,” he says.
Louisa Eggleston, creative director at Humphrey Munson, agrees: “For a big wow Regency style bathroom, think elegant classicism mixed with as much brass as you can muster and back it up with an almost whimsical look and feel, so you drift off into another world.”
But why not go beyond brassware and inject a dash of gold through bigger pieces such as mirrors or even a statement bath?
“Incorporate gold finishes strategically throughout the bathroom to evoke the lavishness of the Bridgerton era,” suggests Louisa Swannell, head of creative design at Walls and Floors. “Gold-plated fixtures such as taps, showerheads, and cabinet hardware can instantly elevate the space. Additionally, consider adding gold-framed mirrors or ornate gold-trimmed mirrors to enhance the regal ambience.”
Ready to teleport to the Regency era?