Bathroom Chronicles

It's not what you think!!! I swear

FIRST! If you’re interesting in working with me on a design project, reach out here… or email me at hi@MaddieHBush.com. Okay onto the fun stuff…

There are two spaces in a home (for me, personally) that I like to keep relatively neutral and unfussy, unless a client feels strongly that they want some spunk to it: primary bathrooms and primary bedrooms. I love the feeling of getting into bed in a space that feels crisp and clean, but not sterile... earthy, but not overly organic. Not too modern, not too vintage. Lived-in, layered, and warm while still feeling classic and traditional. Side note… I LOVE these comforter / sham sets, my favorite sheets are these, these, and these. Also the best blanket in the world.

I feel similarly about a primary bathroom. I want it to feel calming and timeless first, and then layered in a quiet way. Natural stone, soft paint colors, warm metals, thoughtful lighting, textures that age well. I’m usually not trying to make every single element scream for attention at once.

One thing I think about a lot when designing bathrooms is that I typically want one element to really be THE thing. Whether it’s the floor tile, statement sconces, a dramatic mirror, or window treatments. These spaces can start to feel chaotic quickly if there’s too much singing at once IMO.

So often my approach is less about adding more everywhere, and more about deciding where the eye should land first. Ironically, I think that balance is what makes a space feel more elevated and layered in the long run although I have to pull myself back at times even.

I’ve taken on more bathroom and kitchen renovations recently and wanted to chat through my thought process, how I approach them, and what I typically recommend starting with.

I’ll also say, trying to make a space feel well-designed, clean, and layered can feel harder than ever when we are all seeing the same ten bathrooms circulated around Instagram every day. I always say I don’t necessarily have one particular design “style.” I lean into what feels right for the specific home and the specific client with my own spin to it. Sometimes that means pulling things back. Sometimes it means adding where a room needs it. And sometimes it means saying, kindly, “I don’t think that’s the right move here” or even declining the project. There’s so much sameness right now, and I really try to push against that in my work.

I’ve included a bit of inspiration below, and some spaces that make the ole wheels turn. Until I have more of my own projects photographed, these will have to do…

For me, the answer is almost always in the mix… something clean, something warm, something traditional, and one thing that gives the room its personality.

In a primary bathroom, that might mean marble, polished nickel, soft paint, and a sconce. In a kids’ bathroom or guest bath, I love to add something a bit more whimsical… it can feel sweet or spunky without feeling childish, and definitely not “themey”.

That’s really the sweet spot I’m constantly after. Traditional but not stale, and still trying to find ways to put my own touch on things. Hard to do in this world where everything is accessible and it seems so hard to stand out!

Just need one good moment. Not twelve. And maybe that’s a little life lesson, perhaps!?!? Wednesday musings…

Happy decorating!
Madde