7 Simple Ways to Upgrade Your Bathroom

Amidst the daily grind, the art of bathing has transformed into a hurried and mindless activity just to get out the door in the morning (or, these days, to your desk in time for the first Zoom call of the day). There’s never been a better time to create a bathing ritual. It’s the little details that can make all the difference in truly wanting to linger in your space. A great bath is the sum of its disparate parts, and you should employ a design pro’s expertise as early in the redesign process as possible in order to realize both aesthetic and functionality opportunities. In the meantime, here are some small, easy-to-implement solutions to set you on your path.

1. Rethink your cabinet door and drawer hardware. It’s the easiest upgrade besides a fresh coat of paint. • Zeppelin Cabinet Knob by Roger Thomas for Rocky Mountain Hardware, rockymountainhardware.com

2. Yes, you need a bathtub tray. It’s the best way to enjoy your favorite book or magazine while taking a long soak. If you don’t want to get the pages wet, new versions are specially designed to hold your e-reader or tablet. • 38-inch Bath Caddy by Barclay, barclayproducts.com

3. Reconsider your faucets and fittings. Have some fun with them. I once specified a waterfall faucet on a vanity, and the way the water flowed and gurgled made handwashing and toothbrushing much more interesting while passing the time. • Rook Single Handle Single Hole Lavatory Faucet by Brizo, brizo.com

4. Don’t forget scent. Trudon’s Odalisque and Diptyque’s Feu de Bois and Baies are three personal favorites that offer transportive experiences. • Odalisque by Trudon, trudon.com

5. Put all lighting on a dimmer. Even though light-control devices are often found throughout a house, sometimes the bath is relegated to a simple on-off switch where it’s super bright—or nothing at all. Having that control for variation is great for night lighting, as well as easing into the day. (I don’t know about you, but I don’t need 200 watts emanating in my face in the morning!) • IG Dimmer/Brass by Buster + Punch, busterandpunch.com

6. Make a statement with a mirror. If you have a large, built-in expanse of mirror above your vanity, think about replacing it with a unique stand-alone piece for added character. • Latchet Mirror, Waterworks, Boston, waterworks.com

7. Really think about it: How old are your towels? If you can’t recall, it’s definitely time for new ones. Look for towels with a simple contrasting trim or treat yourself to a custom monogram for added interest. • Signature Banded Towels by Pine Cone Hill, annieselke.com