We’re venturing into the Big Apple for a bite-sized chunk of juicy bathroom inspiration. In this 4-part style guide, we’ll be taking a look at the very latest in bold, confident bathrooms that certainly wouldn’t feel out of place in a downtown Manhattan apartment.
With all its hustle and bustle, city living remains a very attractive proposition to both the young and the old. The bright lights and vibrancy of the urban jungle are what many of us continue to live for. As far from a rustic bathroom renovation as you can get, our latest bathroom style is all about capturing the very finest in big city living without breaking the bank.
What is the Manhattan look?
This style, which we’re naming “Manhattan”, isn’t really just one trend; it’s an amalgamation of a few trends we’ve spotted in interior design, brought together in one chic, sophisticated look. To get those inspiration cogs whirring, please see the mood board I created below:
To “get the look”, check out my top tips below.
Be bold with your colour choices
The first thing to say about our Manhattan bathroom is that it displays a greater extravagance and confidence in the way it’s approached. Darker interiors which create a sense of mood and drama have gained popularity in recent years, and this translates into darker tones and colours used within the bathroom space.
Whilst monochrome palettes and neutral shades can feel safe, don’t be afraid to head outside your comfort zone with richer, more opulent colours. In this bathroom, we’ve combined green and gold, 2 very popular contemporary colours for home interiors, to great effect. Keep an eye out for bold, enhancing accents which give a sense of drama to your more theatrical setting.
For more inspiration when it comes to dark and moody interiors, check out our Dark Domain or Vintage Chic style guides.
Choose mid-century style furniture
Whilst many of the items used within the suite are contemporary with clean, defined lines and minimalist forms, the choice of bathroom furniture gives a nod to mid-century styling, with slim legs and detail.
A golden era for furniture design, the post-war years saw designers break away from the old, overly-ornate desks and tables of the Edwardian era and revel in the discovery of new techniques and “space-age” materials. Whilst wood is still the favoured material, chunky, hefty designs gave way to slender, slimline furniture items, which fitted with peoples’ new and busy lifestyles.
Select items with an Artisan feel
Our Manhattan bathroom also conveys a real sense of luxury, with metallic finishes a break from the more common chrome, plus Artisan-effect products, which feel like they have a story to tell. This doesn’t necessarily mean they have to be made by hand. Take these stunning [tiles], for example. The intricate pattern is intriguing and will certainly give your friends and visitors something to talk about.
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Choose luxury with an indulgent shower
The Manhattan bathroom is certainly refined, almost giving the appearance of a luxury hotel bathroom, rather than one found within a private residence. Indeed, the indulgent shower area is the perfect place to wash away the heat and dirt of the big city or wake yourself up in time for the morning commute. Shower wall panels give a sleek finish when compared to tiles.
Give a nod to industrial style
Another element which certainly makes this look “Manhattan” is the subtle use of industrial elements. Grid windows and the black-framed shower enclosure give a nod to this enduringly popular style. Dividing your bathroom into zones, using your flooring, is also something which is really popular at the moment.
Love the Manhattan look?
Much like the cocktail of the same name, our Manhattan bathroom is sophisticated, refined and enjoyed by those who like to experience the finer things in life. Even if you don’t live in a city apartment, you can certainly enjoy high-end, designer living with this luxury look.
Head to part 2 of this style guide now, where we’ll be looking at which colours, accessories, walls and floors work best in your Manhattan bathroom. Click on the banner below.
