7 Things We Added to Our Bathroom That Made It Feel Extraordinary

7 Things We Added to Our Bathroom That Made It Feel Extraordinary

Luxurious bathroom with black and white marble accents, elegant bathtub beneath a stunning arched window, classic gold wall sconces, and a grand chandelier, showcasing home renovation by Chris Loves Julia.

A bathroom is one of the easiest rooms in the house to refresh quickly — a few well-chosen additions can completely change the way the space feels. But it is also a room that deserves real intention, which is exactly why we took our time transforming our primary bathroom into something that feels truly special.

Lately, we have been on a mission to give this room the same warmth and design attention we would pour into a living room or bedroom. The result? Daily routines that feel indulgent rather than rushed. It turns out, the little details make the biggest difference. Here are seven things we added to our bathrooms that elevated them from functional to extraordinary:

1

A Drinking Glass

Bathroom vanity with stems

Staying hydrated is important, and most of us keep a water bottle within reach at all times. But there is something wonderfully luxurious about having a dedicated drinking glass and a carafe sitting by the bathroom sink. It is the kind of hospitality gesture you might offer a guest — so why not offer it to yourself every day? We tend to save the beautiful touches for when company arrives, but incorporating an elegant glass into your morning and evening routine turns something mundane into a small ceremony. It is a tiny shift that makes each day feel just a little more refined.

2

Tub Caddy

 

A bath is one of the truest forms of indulgence — even if you do not take one as often as you would like. There is something undeniably elevated about a bathtub that is styled with a caddy, giving you a dedicated spot for a book, a candle, or some bath salts. Keeping it out and styled at all times serves as a gentle visual cue that self-care is always available to you. It transforms a plain bathtub into an invitation — turning an ordinary soak into a restorative ritual you actually look forward to.

3

A Catchall Tray

A well-chosen tray is a bathroom essential that never goes out of style. Whether it sits on the vanity or on the back of the toilet, a tray instantly makes soaps and lotions look intentional rather than scattered. It corrals frequently worn jewelry and turns a random collection of perfume bottles into what feels like a curated display. There are so many gorgeous options available — from deep marble tones to polished silver finishes — and choosing one that complements your space is half the fun.

4

Lamps

Dark floral wallpaper, framed fox art, black lamp, gold decor, tissue box, bathroom interior, home decor inspiration.

A small table lamp can completely change the mood of a bathroom. Whenever possible, we try to avoid relying solely on harsh overhead lighting — there is something unmistakably high-end about stepping into a softly lit, moody bathroom at the end of a long day. A cordless rechargeable lamp can easily be placed on a shelf or on the back of the toilet, or you could go the permanent route with a hard-wired option for a lasting warm glow. It is one of those touches that makes you wonder why you did not think of it sooner.

5

Faux (or Real) Stems

Graceful bathroom vanity with elegant marble-topped vanity, wall mirror with LED lighting, and vintage-inspired floral upholstered stool showcasing sophisticated home decor.

We have always believed that bathrooms should feel like any other room in your home — and every room deserves a touch of greenery. Between the hard surfaces, metal fixtures, tile, and mirrors, a bathroom can start to feel cold and utilitarian if you are not careful. Adding an organic element, whether it is a simple faux stem or a fresh-cut branch, softens all those sharp lines and breathes life into the space. It is one of the fastest ways to turn a sterile bathroom into a sanctuary that feels alive and welcoming.

6

Art

Hanging art in a bathroom is an unexpected touch that immediately adds personality and character to even the smallest space. We love mixing traditional and contemporary pieces — think black-and-white photography next to an oil painting, or a vintage print beside something playful and modern. Even a whimsical or bold piece can work beautifully, particularly in a powder room where guests will notice it. Art signals that you have treated the room with the same design intention as the rest of your home, and that attention to detail makes all the difference.

7

Cafe Curtains

Adding privacy to a bathroom window can be surprisingly tricky — it is a decision that delayed our renovation for quite a while. In the end, we chose cafe curtains over frosted privacy glass, and there is something beautifully romantic about that choice. Fabric adds a softness that glass simply cannot replicate, and a cafe curtain allows natural light to pour in from above while keeping the lower half of the window shielded. Unlike frosted glass, a classic window treatment with a gorgeous fabric feels timeless and will never go out of style.

Transforming a bathroom does not require a full-scale renovation. Sometimes it is the smallest, most thoughtful additions — a beautiful glass by the sink, a soft glow from a table lamp, or a sprig of greenery on the vanity — that make all the difference. Give your bathroom the same love you would give any room in your home, and you will be surprised how extraordinary it can feel.

— Backyard Provider | Making Your Home Extraordinary