8 striking bathroom design ideas – from some of the world’s most Instagrammable restaurants

With so much bathroom inspiration online it can be tricky to know where to start, but sometimes the ideas can be right in front of you, in the shape of your favorite restaurants.

Some of the most stylish, intricately designed bathrooms are found in the coolest bars and restaurants, and they know it. It’s become nearly expected that any new hospitality space opening will have some quirky bathroom feature, color palette or luxe material.

There are eight especially inspirational schemes from top restaurants, and bathroom design expert, George Holland, takes us through how we can recreate these striking looks in our own homes. So take the tour – then check out the rest of our fabulous bathroom ideas – we have decor ideas for wet rooms, shower rooms and more.

1. BLVD, Chicago 

This West Loop hot spot is the ultimate in dark glamor. As glamorous as the restaurant itself is, the luxe powder room has the same sumptuous effect. An inviting plush velvet sofa, black floor and gold mirrors amp up the feeling of opulence. 

If you're recreating this look at home, George advises to opt for 'a vintage chandelier, black marble tiling and dark wooden finishes.'

2 Brasserie of Light, London

Arguably one of the most feminine bathrooms around, the perfectly pink space in London's Selfridges is a lesson in how to make a space Instagrammable. 

Designed by Martin Brudnizki, the look is all about the pink marble, further intensified by the all-pink scheme. 

3 Annabel's, London

In one of the most exclusive London clubs, Annabel's, Martin Brudnizki designed another chic affair.

Know as The Loos in the Mews, this bathroom is a truly immersive experience as you're enveloped in the rainforest inspired wallpaper. Beautiful pink onyx sinks, crafted into the shape of flower heads, and the camouflaged (with mosaics and florals) loos seal the deal.

For an at-home interpretation, George advises to, 'use pinks and greens as a base for floral print wallpaper and add gold fittings for a vintage finish.'

4. Smith and Mills, New York City

Smith and Mills has a distinctly vintage feeling for a reason as it's located in a former carriage house. The bathroom has just as legitimate claims to the past, too, as it is housed in an elevator car from 1902, while its sink came from an old railcar.

Adding to the vintage feel is the penny tiled floor and the matching copper detailing throughout. In a home setting, tiny tiles such as these add an instant focal point to a bathroom, and can work in a contemporary setting by selecting a crips white tone instead of this unpolished, metallic look.

5. The Ned, London

As part of the Soho House group, The Ned had a design standard to uphold, and its restaurant bathrooms certainly do not disappoint.

Situated in the basement of the old bank building, the loo is spacious but made to feel calming and warm through its interiors. With flattering dimmed lighting, chequered marble floors and exposed plumbing, it's a perfect balance of vintage and modern.

'Take inspiration from this vintage decor and add a velvet-covered stool with gold legs, an aurora mirror and cream tiles to create your perfect powder room,' advises George.

6. The Mandrake Hotel, London

With a perfectly contemporary and minimalist style, the bathrooms of this fashionable Fitzrovia restaurant shows how sometimes less really is more.

These oversized statement sinks work brilliantly in this setting, but may not be the most practical for a domestic scheme. Instead, 'consider incorporating sleek black accessories, wall lighting and a minimal colour palette to add a modern feel to the room,' advises George.

7. La Boucherie, Los Angeles 

The views of the Hollywood sign and the Pacific Ocean are often seen as reason enough to visit this spot located on the 7th floor of the Los Angeles InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles, however its loo is wroth a look, too. A muted color palette and use of two separate flooring styles definitely pique our interiors radar.

8. Sketch, London

Does Sketch have the most well known loos in London? The world? Quite possibly. In this design-centric restaurant, the bright, white bathroom is laid out with a series of loo 'pods' underneath a multi-colored tiled ceiling.  

'Multicoloured tiles and white bathroom fixtures have been used to produce a bold colour palette that can be incorporated to transform a room,' notes George. 'Whether you’re planning a renovation or looking for fresh inspiration, take some style cues from this vibrant bathroom.'

Thanks to Victorian Plumbing for these amazing rooms.