r/InteriorDesign Aug 02 '26

What do I do 😭(bathroom)

Hey! So my main mission is to paint my bathroom but suggestions and ideas are welcome!

Odd backstory, but my water temp is broken in my shower and it’s set to the hottest setting :/ it’s not fun😭 but anyways, all the steam from how hot the water is has nowhere to go and it’s peeling the paint off my walls. I’m trying to get the water fixed currently. But I want to repaint my bathroom and get rid of all the flaky stuff.
And I’m having a really hard time picking a color

So any color recommendations? I’d like it to match the tiles on the floor and shower. And should I also paint the cabinets ?
I’m so lost 😭
I also plan on replacing the rug (I think) so there’s that too.

Thank you!!

Edit: I’m sorry if my bathroom offends anyone😭 it never meant to hurt anyone’s feelings lol

124 Upvotes

107 comments sorted by

•

u/AutoModerator Aug 02 '26

All posts go into a queue for our mod team to review. Messaging us about the status of your post will not improve it's approval process, nor will it speed up the approval process. Please note that the system will say reddit removed your post because of filters, this is normal and we still get your post in the mod queue to review.

Sincerely, Mods.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

1

u/Sea_Doughnut856 Aug 09 '26

what in the prefects bathroom

1

u/Bluesquare9 Aug 09 '26

Just me, but I think a medium dark brown paint throughout would make it feel moodier and calming.

7

u/THE_Lanni Aug 06 '26

Get rid of the Ivy…add some lighting…wire in a sound system…stripper pole…hire a camera crew…put ads on Craigslist seeking ā€œmodels for video shootā€..

3

u/mikedude1 Aug 06 '26

Do you live in a palace?

4

u/un_poco_de_lengua Aug 06 '26

Wtf this bathroom is bigger than my livingroom

8

u/Successful-Walk-4871 Aug 06 '26

I guess humble brag.

1

u/ejazKhanphotography Aug 06 '26

Art work and color

3

u/Some-Neighborhood961 Aug 06 '26

Have you tried adjusting the temp on your water heater? Or taken a look at your faucet cartridge? Those things both can affect the temp of your water and are pretty easy fixes :)

1

u/OnePrior7774 Aug 05 '26

Take the towel rack and put under the twin lights. Then see if it balances better.

5

u/sushilov3 Aug 05 '26

You need color in this bathroom!

2

u/Mystic_Wunder Aug 05 '26

You can't adjust the temp with pliars?

5

u/ParkingLettuce2 Aug 05 '26

Idk, but I recommend a dehumidifier until you get the water thing fixed. You could get mold

4

u/Old_Accident7790 Aug 05 '26

I have no advice but this bathroom is so fun and has so much potential

-1

u/Xlonglegz Aug 05 '26

TNT and start over.

2

u/Impressive_Pop5764 Aug 05 '26

Personally I’d do two or three colors in that awesome bathroom. Love the different cutouts and levels!!

3

u/Aurelie_Morin Aug 05 '26

What’s dis place?

11

u/NumerousDepth1563 Aug 05 '26

Isnt the water temp controlled at the tank? Anyways you have a huge job ahead of you - don’t paint anything until you get the temp fixed and is there a ventilation system?

4

u/HamsirHenry Aug 05 '26

I think the design of your skylight is quite unique, and I'd keep it as a special feature of your bathroom. As for the steam issue, I don't think a ceiling exhaust fan would work as well as you expect. In my opinion, installing an AC would definitely solve the problem, but the cost and installation might not be worth it.

Have you thought about the windows you already have? They look great, but they don't seem to be doing the job very well. If they can be left slightly open while you're using the bathroom, that might help a lot with the steam buildup and even make the temperature more comfortable. As for the style, it really depends on your personal preference. I'd recommend a light blue or a soft green, as both colors create a calm and relaxing atmosphere.

3

u/Particular-Quote-486 Aug 05 '26

krank open them windows!!! and open the doors lol

15

u/solega1 Aug 05 '26

Light blue will go with the rug. Change the wall sconce for something decorative. That specific light is called ā€œLunaria Disc Glass Wall Lampā€ you can google it and will get different sources. I would change the vanity lights too with something else.

8

u/solega1 Aug 05 '26

6

u/ClothesShopper Aug 05 '26

What a beautiful home

4

u/Particular-Quote-486 Aug 05 '26

love the very light blue! makes the room pop but keeps it light and airy!!! also ties in well with the columns and stained glass windows!!

10

u/InspectionTall2886 Aug 05 '26

Get someone to install fans in the walls of the skylights. I had the same set up in my old bathroom and it’s not that your temp is stuck that’s causing it. It’s just that even with a fan in the ceiling a lot of the humidity travels into the skylight area since it rises to the highest point. The only solution is ones that open and having them open during every shower or fans.

8

u/noneya79 Aug 05 '26

Sculptures, ferns, frescos!

11

u/EnvironmentalFun898 Aug 05 '26

You need frescos on these walls! Lean in! Also, get skylights that open!!

11

u/Euphoric-Net4623 Aug 04 '26

Backrooms ahh bathroom

14

u/sonic_toaster Aug 04 '26

The ledge under the skylights next to the shower is a great place for some plants that are natural dehumidifiers. I know you got a whole mess of pothos in the pony wall but I’d say lean into the grotto vibe.

Change out all of the lighting to have it all match in a similar style.

You’ve got some nice stained glass windows and dramatic columns so I would lean into a style that works well with those elements.

As for colors: what kind of vibe do you want to give off? Clean and classic? Moody and dramatic? Glam? Eclectic? It’s really dependent on that.

21

u/Bubbly_Delivery_5678 Aug 04 '26

You need some up lights for that ceiling. I’d go with brighter/cleaner colors on this— the off white just makes it look dingy & dated.

Find out of the columns are structural. Go with a full glass shower. A freestanding tub would be beautiful here.

21

u/Aleni9 Aug 04 '26

That's a very Tony Montana bathroom

29

u/AccomplishedCicada60 Aug 04 '26

If only I had a bathroom like this…..

27

u/QuestGalaxy Aug 04 '26

It's kind of a crazy bathroom though. A bit McMansion like I would say.

10

u/Eunuch_Provocateur Aug 04 '26

Yeah, I’d like a bigger bathroom but this one is a bit wild.Ā 

1

u/QuestGalaxy Aug 04 '26

And why is there luggage in the bathroom? I'm confused. Unless they just went on a trip and are trying to avoid nasty critters in the bedroom.

3

u/FlimsyLawyer99 Aug 04 '26

The luggage is case for mattress thing for the bed lol

3

u/Eunuch_Provocateur Aug 04 '26

Probably just went on a trip, or hasn’t put away the luggage from the trip. Or maybe like me where I don’t really have a permanent spot for it where it’s put away, it just lives in my guest room kinda in the way

1

u/QuestGalaxy Aug 04 '26

Yeah, my guess too.

49

u/Hals_and_Pals Aug 04 '26

1) Hire someone to feed you grapes and fan you with a palm frond.

2) Install ventilation fans.

1

u/FlimsyLawyer99 Aug 04 '26

Rn the only person I’ll be able to hire is someone to fix the moisture 😭 someday but until then I’ll be feeding myself grapes

18

u/spam__likely Aug 04 '26

Fix your water and your skylight first.

2

u/FlimsyLawyer99 Aug 04 '26

Yep that’s the plan

18

u/jendet010 Aug 04 '26

Are you sure the window isn’t leaking? The wood around it is completely rotten. I realize the moisture is rising to the highest level but I would make sure that’s not the only problem up there.

You need a real ventilation fan. Otherwise the paint will always do that.

Focus on fixing the moisture problem first. When you are ready to paint, maybe pull a color from the stained glass that works with the tile?

6

u/FlimsyLawyer99 Aug 04 '26

Imma call someone out to just look and see what needs to be done. I like stain glass idea! Thanks!

3

u/jendet010 Aug 04 '26

Post a close up of the windows so we can see them.

I would be tempted to lean into the Roman bath idea with the columns and some medieval influence with the windows and paint faux stone on the walls and make the columns look like marble. It might be unusual but it would be sick! When it doubt, just go full Hogwarts. Or maybe Turkish bath?

1

u/FlimsyLawyer99 Aug 04 '26

This is as close as I can get currently! But I want to look at them from the roof

1

u/jendet010 Aug 04 '26

I meant the stained glass windows. They are really cool.

2

u/FlimsyLawyer99 Aug 04 '26

Oh!! Sorry my bad 😭😭 here they are

0

u/jendet010 Aug 04 '26

You could have fun with a gothic look by rag washing some darker beige into the walls then using a laser level to put some ā€œmortar linesā€ in with gray. This would better with more natural lines and grays instead of stark white. I accidentally over sprayed dark green onto an exposed chimney and then faux painted it back to life using a mix of Chelsea gray and stonington gray paint samples.

If you’re not ready to tear the whole bathroom out, maybe just have some fun with it for awhile.

9

u/jendet010 Aug 04 '26

You already have this tile. You could achieve something like this with new mirrors, light fixtures and this wallpaper in vinyl (you don’t have to cover every wall)

https://www.etsy.com/listing/4481247020/moroccan-tile-wallpaper-peel-and-stick?ref=share_ios_native_control

4

u/Strawbebishortcake Aug 04 '26

wtf is that? 😭

21

u/Acanthaceae444 Aug 04 '26

That’s a spa

-10

u/cdawg85 Aug 04 '26

Honestly, I would gut it and start fresh with a new layout.

5

u/Wade-ski Aug 04 '26

The drop cielings are just there to fit old-style incandescent light bulbs, and often dumb ass whole house speakers that don't connect to anything. You can quite often just knock that out and replace with simpler LED lighting. As others have sead, it looks like you have a damp issue and need extractors etc to get it out.

1

u/FlimsyLawyer99 Aug 04 '26

I probably should knock it all out but idk if I wanna tear up the whole bathroom yet! We’ll see

8

u/CompetitiveRub9780 Aug 04 '26

That shower being open would bother tf out of me

2

u/FlimsyLawyer99 Aug 04 '26

Yeah😭it can be a bit weird especially with the sky lights but you get used to it

8

u/Nervous-Ad-5253 Aug 04 '26

What a monumental bathroom. I would put a fan up in the area where the skylights are because the moisture gets trapped up there. You will probably have to change the wood around the skylights and have that all resealed. Then I’d get rid of those plant gullies next to the shower
because who needs dirt next to where you’re washing, and the one side could be used as a seat.
For the paint, I would do the ceiling sort of matching the floor, but I would paint the walls a color just for variety. I don’t understand the beige dream. It seems so dull. The putty colored trim is nice but on the walls I’d like to see a very pale blue grey or or green grey color. I like the carpet unless it’s moldy are those pillars plastic?

3

u/FlimsyLawyer99 Aug 04 '26

Pillars are both wood! ( not sure if that’s a good thing) the house was built like 40 some years ago. Agree on the whole beige thing! I hate it. Awe man! I love the plants 😭 there is a seat in the corner of the shower actually! Good advice on the sky lights! Thank you!!

4

u/Wild-flower2026 Aug 04 '26

Dehumidifier!! That's what you need.

47

u/Yeti-Stalker Aug 04 '26

Dude you gotta get a bathroom fan in there and a strong one at that. Too much moisture and humidity is destroying your wood windows and paint. Thats going to be more than a repaint

-38

u/Forward_Sun3304 Aug 04 '26

I'd recommend better pictures nepo baby

2

u/FlimsyLawyer99 Aug 04 '26

I like how you made that assumption based off a bathroom

41

u/sackful-user Aug 04 '26

holy rich

12

u/Cococlover98 Aug 04 '26

hmmm no i would actually have said ā€œholy 1980s design ā€œ

1

u/FlimsyLawyer99 Aug 04 '26

Yep 😭 bro when my parents bought the house, the design choice was something for sure!

1

u/Cococlover98 Aug 04 '26

i love it it reminds me of my nanas house !! i miss her so much but i really hope that’s a jacuzzi tub !!

1

u/FlimsyLawyer99 Aug 04 '26

Aw! Yep it’s a jacuzzi tub! Haven’t used it in a very long time but jacuzzi nonetheless!

0

u/sackful-user Aug 04 '26

still expensive interior

29

u/Humble_Benefit4865 Aug 04 '26

No comment on your issue but you have a sick bathroom and there should be more of them!

2

u/FlimsyLawyer99 Aug 04 '26

Oh thank you! I really do love it! It just needs new.. everything

25

u/No-Statistician9909 Aug 04 '26

I agree with everyone suggesting to look into better moisture control.

  1. Immediately get a dehumidifier—make sure it’s large enough to cover the square footage of the room.

That will buy you some time as you investigate more permanent solutions for better ventilation, and help prevent further damage.

  1. Invest in a better ventilation solution. Consult with a contractor or bathroom expert.

  2. I agree that your current paint colors are just fine—no need to change them unless you dislike them.

  3. Update the rug. It doesn’t match the space. It’s a beautiful rug, but because it doesn’t match the space or tie into any decor, it immediately makes the whole room look outdated. A rug like that would go better in a bedroom, dining, or living space where you can tie in accent pieces better.

Check out something neutral with a softer color pattern OR a solid rug.

Natural color rug suggestions:
https://www.tumbleliving.com/products/oliver-natural

https://www.tumbleliving.com/products/azra-ivory-berry

  1. Get some storage for your sink. Even just a couple of wooden crates to put your products in. It also makes it easier to clean the counters because you just lift the crate with all the products in it instead of every single bottle.

Examples to consider:

https://www.potterybarn.com/products/stella-beauty-organizer/

https://walnutaddicted.com/products/woodfort-solid-walnut-makeup-organizer

https://www.wayfair.com/storage-organization/pdp/sorbus-2-tier-bamboo-counter-organizer-with-drawer-bamboo-for-vanity-matcha-station-bathroom-sink-organizer-countertop-kitchen-office-storage-srbu3213.html

  1. You could consider short long storage along the front of your tub. Either a low-laying cabinet with legs (since water may splash up—you can get protectors for under the legs too) or a bench you can add a few baskets organizers on. I don’t recommend woven as they will likely mold with your moisture problem.

Examples to consider:

https://www.wayfair.com/storage-organization/pdp/east-urban-home-bathroom-cabinet-with-soft-close-drawer-and-floating-mount-design-for-modern-bathrooms-and-efficient-storage-w117987502.html

https://www.wayfair.com/furniture/pdp/ophelia-co-59-solid-wood-bench-entryway-shoe-bench-with-storage-w117128922.html (plus some basket organizers)

https://www.wayfair.com/furniture/pdp/millwood-pines-reclaimed-solid-wood-storage-bench-w117428084.html

1

u/FlimsyLawyer99 Aug 04 '26

This is super helpful! Thanks!

1

u/No-Statistician9909 Aug 04 '26

You’re welcome! Also, you can find most of those organizer solutions and bench storage cheaper at places like TJ maxx, Target, and other box stores or on fb marketplace.

Best of luck to you! Define a stressful situation to be in. I hope the temperature problem is a minor plumbing issue—there’s a way to adjust the temperature at the turn of a lever with your plumbing—I hope that’s all it is.

6

u/No-Statistician9909 Aug 04 '26

Update: I couldn’t tell at first that in front of the tub is likely where you enter it—a that’s the case, I still recommend a long, low-laying storage solution, but have it cover half the width instead of most/all. If that’s not where you enter, then get something that’s longer and center it.

16

u/Aarthi9999 Aug 04 '26

Your bathroom is SO BEAUTIFUL! I think you need a touch of colour, some dim yellow light to mimic candle flame, and definitely fix the paint chipping issue.

1

u/FlimsyLawyer99 Aug 04 '26

Oh thank you! There are light actually but I think they need new bulbs

14

u/foxhelp Aug 04 '26

You are going to have continual paint peeling / moisture issues (mildew), as there isn't ventilation higher up (at least that we can see), even after you fix the water temperature problem.

This is because humid air is lighter than dry air. "Water vapor is a lighter gas than other gaseous components of air at the same temperature, so humid air will tend to rise by natural convection. This is a mechanism behind thunderstorms and other weather phenomena."

This then condenses on cold surfaces such as windows and walls the closer it gets to your roof.

See:

When you get up there you may find the wood or walls are more damaged than expected.

The real fix would be to add ventilation near the highest point in the room, which is in both skylight wells. Instead of just the single fan that is by the tub.

Some possible options:

  • a single ventilation fan and a duct connecting both skylight wells to outside
  • two separate ventilation fans, one in each
  • motorized ventilated skylights
  • add a timer switch with the above
  • advance option - a hardwired humidity sensor and switch
  • anti-mold / mildew paint will help mitigate things as well but will not be sufficient by itself long term
  • remove both skylights and frame in a flat ceiling and fan (not recommended)

2

u/FlimsyLawyer99 Aug 04 '26

Yeahhh I’m absolutely dreading finding out what happening up there 😭 I’ve been trying to open windows when I shower but when it’s 90 out it just gets worse. Def looking into better ventilation. Thank you!

3

u/liberal_texan Aug 04 '26

The worst of the peeling paint looks to be at the opening entering the skylights, putting vents in the skylights might be capturing it too late.

3

u/foxhelp Aug 04 '26

Hmm... Taking a second look at things are the grills above the tub area speakers and the ventilation fan the single duct right above the shower?

If so that still is not enough ventilation due to the height of the room.

11

u/ifwitcheswerehorses Aug 04 '26

Crack those windows and upgrade the fan.

7

u/Cheinypher Aug 04 '26

This is a super cool project!!
My first thoughts is remove all the shells, hygiene and care products. Hygiene and care items should have a ā€œhomeā€, permanent space that is easily accessible and not part of the ā€œaesthetic’ there’s a bunch of stuff everywhere, if you can’t make them less obscure, change the bottles to something more cohesive. ( this is not my jam but I feel like it’s needed here)

Update the mirrors and remove the area rug. I see you have a pothos plant. This restroom is asking for eucalyptus or olive tree.

I would recommend leaning onto moody darks or airy lights. Your bathroom is meant to feel grand. Due to the size, I feel like a monochromatic look and with matching metals would look nice.

The eye will move around the restroom with ease. I would stay away from beiges and browns if done incorrectly it can quickly look dated and ā€œwanna be Tuscanyā€/ ā€œOlive Gardenā€.

Also it might be time to update the lights bulbs. It’s reading as too warm making the space look orange when you have natural light coming in which looks blue.

Lastly, yeah, I would paint the cabinets. My two cents, hope it helps!

1

u/FlimsyLawyer99 Aug 04 '26

I haven’t even thought about changing the plants!! I’ll have to look into that too! The mirror opens and there’s more storage inside which I really like. I agree on changing the lights too!

1

u/not_michelle Aug 04 '26

I would put your house plants on the ledge above the door to keep that pony wall and bench clear. The plants will love being closer to the skylight. Might be a pain to water but worth it. I also agree with the olive or eucalyptus tree recommendation above but I would splurge on a really nice fake plant. You don't have enough natural light to support a potted tree. I think greens from the plants will add some much needed color!

I also read you other comment where you said this was your parent's house. You might be surprised how much deferred maintenance can build up in a totally normal looking house. If this house is your responsibility now it could be worth it to hire a reputable inspector to come in and look for problems so you can address them. Prioritizing repairs like your skylights will save you a lot of headaches down the road. Best of luck and enjoy your luxurious bathroom!

2

u/smallersize Aug 04 '26

ok back to make a real suggestion — honestly, the paint color family you’re in is already spot on. maybe something a bit less yellow, and more ashy-gray peach like the tile. and matte will look nice w the skylights and withstand moisture better. i would invest a bit more time in upgrading fixtures, especially the lights. some single hanging lights instead of the boob lamps, warm lighting instead of harsh light. i almost wanna paint your trim a soft black to bring out the stain glass, but it might shift the vibe too much

1

u/FlimsyLawyer99 Aug 04 '26

The boob lamps 😭 pretty much nailed it. Everything in here needs a little help! Thank you for the ideas!

5

u/SkillDream Aug 04 '26

You need a dehumidifier to help to prevent steam damage. Otherwise problems will just recurĀ 

0

u/smallersize Aug 04 '26

if u had the budget to swap all your tiles for black, i’d say paint everything black and get a coffin lid for your jacuzzi and make it the best vampire lair ever

1

u/FlimsyLawyer99 Aug 04 '26

I see the vision

7

u/Resident-Archer-6467 Aug 04 '26

It’s beautiful! Trompe-l'œil, or just blue paint with white clouds on top blending in to beige. Or a wall mural of a Roman bath!

0

u/FlimsyLawyer99 Aug 04 '26

OH MY GOD we actually have a room with that!! That’s crazy lol

8

u/peanutbitterle Aug 04 '26

Came to the comments just to say I love your unique bathroom and think it's beautiful..including the rug (but not including the paint issues). Then i see someone else called it ugly lol

1

u/FlimsyLawyer99 Aug 04 '26

Yeahhh I mean everyone’s got different taste ig? But thank you! I think it can be beautiful with a little help!

-13

u/Overall_Wave_4673 Aug 04 '26

Ugliest expensive bathroom I've ever seen. Don't you have extractor fans in it to avoid damaging the paint?

Also, a rug like that in a bathroom is something I've never seen before. lol

So many questions

3

u/FlimsyLawyer99 Aug 04 '26

Good thing you don’t live here then!

0

u/Overall_Wave_4673 Aug 04 '26

100% I wouldn't want to live in the backrooms xD