As an interior designer in Southern California, we design many bathrooms for our coastal clients. Here are some tips for leveling up a beachy bath, without being kitschy... no mermaids or starfish here.

Dimensional Wall Decor - Not Just Art

When it comes to creating a coastal vibe in small spaces like powder bathrooms, even a little effort can go a long way. One way to achieve this is by incorporating sailcloth surf flags on the wall as art. We love the subtle nod it offers, without beating you over the head with literal beach landscape art. One of our favorite vendors is Slightly Choppy based out of Newport Beach (https://slightlychoppy.com/).

Wallpaper - Textured or With a Fun Pattern

Another way to give a bathroom a beachy feel is by using wallpaper. A textured seagrass wallpaper is a great option as it can be either understated and elegant or fun and playful. You can choose a sand-toned finish for a more cohesive look or a blue-toned color for a more contrasting effect. It's a subtle way to bring the ocean into your bathroom without being too obvious.

Uncommon Materials - Rattan or Woven Wood

Finally we encourage clients to incorporate new materials in creative ways. For instance, we can use rattan to wrap a mirror, which adds texture, warmth, and a subtle coastal feel to any space. Another idea is to use natural jute in a light fixture to infuse a bathroom with beachy vibes, and get bonus points for style!