The bathroom might be one of the smallest rooms in a house, but these highly practical spaces have a big impact on your daily life.

Just ask anyone who’s had to wash their face in a sink that’s too small or get ready in a dark and pokey space every morning. That’s because the very best bathrooms effortlessly balance both function and aesthetics.

First, it’s important to decide what kind of vibe you want your bathroom to have.

For example, one of our all-time favourites is the playful blue bathroom in Sister Studio designer Emma Cutri’s Melbourne home.

While the rest of her house is more earthy, the bathroom is packed with personality, thanks to Tiento’s blue Colori Full Body Porcelain Tiles and checkerboard floors. It has retro flair, but a marble benchtop gives the interiors a contemporary and elegant edge.

Similarly, we love the material contrasts in interior designer Alison Lewis’ family home. The green-tiled walls pop against the rosy-pink patterns of the Tiberio natural stone splashback from Artedomus.

For those who want to create a truly serene, spa-like space, the colour-drenched green bathroom in photographer Eve Wilson’s family home is the ultimate inspiration.

It shows how using a singular tone across the entire space helps create a calming atmosphere, especially when peppered with unique scones like the Pebble Wall Light from We Ponder for some dimension.

Meanwhile, in the home of The Design Files’ own art director Annie Portelli, the bathroom is compact and minimalistic, yet beautifully warm.

When working with a muted palette or limited space, it’s best to lean into the little details that elevate the space, like floor-to-ceiling tiles or a luxurious rainfall shower head like Reece’s Milli Mood Edit Hi-Rise Shower Square. The timber-framed windows and a sculptural sink like the Kiln 515 Ceramic Above Counter Rectangle Basin by Robert Gordon Interiors are other thoughtful accents that deliver on both function and form.

And you’d be surprised what a difference the right fixtures makes. Brass tapware like the Duet Basin Sink Hob Mixer Set High by Sussex Taps is ideal for adding a rustic edge, while a brushed chrome option feels slightly more modern.

Lastly, one thing all our favourite bathrooms have is ample natural light! Don’t underestimate the importance a well-placed skylight or a fluted glass window to ensure the bathroom remains private but well-lit — as this will really bring your selections to life.

Want to see more? Visit The Design Directory to discover our top picks in furniture, lighting, rugs, cabinetry, handles and more!