Canada’s top designers are sharing their secrets to creating stunning bathrooms that go beyond the ordinary. From modern master suites to basement transformations, these experts showcase how thoughtful design can raise any space.
Modern Master Suite with a Twist
Designer Susan Jomha of Distinct Interior Design crafted a custom master suite centered around the client’s vision for a light, modern, and distinctive space. A creative take on traditional arched mirrors sets the tone, while fluted vanity detailing adds depth and texture. The soft off-white and greige palette is complemented by brushed brass fixtures, exuding understated luxury.
Thoughtfully layered lighting, including concealed shower lights, cove lighting above the tub, and backlit mirrors, creates a spa-like ambiance that balances function and mood. Every detail, from early renderings to final finishes, was intentionally planned, resulting in a serene yet striking retreat tailored for modern living.
Bathrooms as Living Spaces
Jomha’s approach to bathrooms is unique: she treats them like any other room in the house, making almost anything fair game. She loves incorporating wallpaper, especially when paired with beadboard or shiplap paneling. Original artwork and statement lighting are also must-haves, whether it’s over the tub or as sconces beside the mirror.
This philosophy is evident in the work of other designers, such as Lori Steeves of Simply Home Decorating, who transformed a basement bathroom into a polished, practical space for teenage daughters. The custom vanity in deep blue with brushed gold hardware, vintage-inspired patterned tiles, and stylish tub/shower wrapped in rich navy subway tile make it feel like anything but a typical basement bathroom.
Reimagining Challenging Spaces
Designer Negar Reihani of Space Harmony tackled a cramped ensuite bathroom with a sloped ceiling, reimagining the space by borrowing just 16 inches from an adjoining office. The result is a spacious glass shower with a bench by the window, slim pedestal vanities, and smart storage solutions like recessed medicine cabinets and wall-to-wall cabinetry.
The use of a single material, dreamy blue penny tile, draws the eye upward and celebrates the unique sloped ceiling. Antique-style bronze vanity legs add a subtle nod to the home‘s history. This project demonstrates how even the most challenging spaces can be transformed with thoughtful design.
In these projects, designers push the boundaries of traditional bathroom design, creating spaces that are not only functional but also reflective of their owners’ personalities and lifestyles. By incorporating unexpected elements and rethinking layouts, they showcase the potential for bathrooms to be just as stylish and inviting as any other room in the house.
As the trend toward personalized, spa-like bathrooms continues, it’s likely that more designers will adopt this approach, blurring the lines between bathrooms and living spaces. This shift could lead to a wider range of materials, textures, and design elements being used in bathrooms, further raising their role in the home.
The basement bathroom, for instance, is no longer an afterthought but a space that can be just as polished and practical as any other. By applying the same level of attention to detail and design as they would to a master suite, designers are creating bathrooms that are not only functional but also beautiful and reflective of their owners’ tastes.
In the parents’ ensuite, the use of a single material to draw the eye upward and celebrate the unique sloped ceiling is a clever solution to a common design challenge. This approach not only makes the space feel larger but also adds visual interest and character.
