Your primary bathroom plays an invaluable part of daily life—a retreat and a haven where you go to restore and refresh yourself. It’s only logical that place be stylish and inspiring too.
An effective bathroom renovation, however, takes more than just changing out a rug and flipping out the shower curtain; there’s a lot to consider when it comes to making the aesthetics of this space work. Here, Garden State designers chime in on how to reimagine your primary bathroom into an oasis to be proud of, from bottom to top.
Materials matter. Whether you’re looking at surfaces such as countertops and vanities or tiling for the floor, the first step to any bathroom reno is considering your materials. Not only does it impact the way the space looks, but it also determines how easy the space is to clean and maintain. Says Kat Esteves of Reneww Design in Chester, “For bathroom surfaces, I gravitate toward materials that balance beauty with durability, such as quartz or quartzite countertops and porcelain tile in areas exposed to water.” (In particular, she likes the artistry and range of tiles offered by Ann Sacks.) Rehana Lewis of Reh + Main Home in Newark, meanwhile, favors marble. “Marble is timeless and, although it requires some maintenance, it is worth it!” she says. “If you go into historic buildings all over the world, you will find marble. The bolder the veining, the better.” For a similar effect with less upkeep, HV Design Group’s Holly Volpe suggests, “For countertops, I love quartz for its durability and soft veining.”
Another option, says Nicole Rice of Coastal Décor & Interior Design in Monmouth Beach, is “subway tile in ceramic, porcelain or natural stone. That remains one of my favorite choices because of its versatility and timeless appeal. With so many colors, textures, finishes and installation patterns, it can be used in many ways. Try combining it with patterned tile to give the bathroom more personality.”
Full immersion. A primary bathroom is not complete without someplace to wash, exhale and unwind. The shower or bathtub is, in many ways, the star of the show. Says Malorie Goldberg of Marlboro’s Noa Blake Design: “We rarely design a primary bathroom without a tub. People really buy into that adage that a primary bathroom tub is required for a home to maintain resale value. In reality, I find that only having a tub somewhere in the house is the important thing.” Yelena Gerts of House of Style & Design in Holmdel says, “You always need to ask, ‘Whose bathroom is this?’ Does that person like soaking? A spa-like experience with all the bells and whistles in the tub? Or an upgraded shower with luxury features like steam or jets?” She adds: “For those with young children, a tub can be a worthwhile addition, and we also encourage aging-in-place considerations such as a curbless shower, handheld showers and benches.” Michele Bonanno of Sage Interior Design in West Caldwell has also seen an uptick in interest for those features, and adds that they can be added to feel “intentional and not clinical.”
Bright ideas. And what about lighting? Bonanno says, “Layered lighting is essential in a primary bathroom, combining flattering sconces at face level with ambient ceiling lighting, dimmers and subtle accent lighting.” And before choosing anything, Lewis advises, “think about the amount of natural light that already exists in the room, and make sure you put extra lighting in spots that need illumination for specific tasks such as makeup application.” Says Volpe, “Lighting sets the tone. I always layer it: sconces at the vanity for flattering light, overhead lighting for function and accent lighting to make the room feel warm and spa‑like. To make it feel special, I choose fixtures with soft finishes such as aged brass, matte black or brushed nickel with shapes that feel sculptural but quiet.”
That quality of light is also very important to keep in mind. Says Gerts: “Among the biggest considerations we have when it comes to lighting is color temperature. Do you prefer a warmer light or a brighter/whiter light? Having light fixtures on a dimmer is important. You want that custom intensity depending on the time of day or the mood you want to set. We also add accent LEDs in special areas such as niches—even in the shower!—or in a custom built-in unit to create a beautiful glow.”
Finishing touches. All our experts agree: hardware—that is, facets, handles and showerheads—is beautiful and worth splurging on. Gerts says, “We always think of plumbing fixtures and hardware as the bathroom’s jewelry. They are there to enhance the look, but not take away or distract from the overall design. I love to use classic finishes that never go out of style, such as polished or brushed nickel or brushed brass. Finding pieces that have subtle, unique qualities such as a knurled detail, or an inlay in a handle, is a subtle way to make the bathroom feel custom and special.” Lewis stresses that this should be the very last thing decided on in your reno. “Choose hardware only after you have a design direction, and especially not until after you’ve selected tile. Hardware really helps solidify and convey the design story you’re trying to tell.”
Says Bonanno, “Fixtures and hardware should be chosen for quality, proportion and long-term performance, not simply because a finish is trending. The finish should relate to the overall palette.” Her own preferences for finishes? “I love the warmth of aged brass,” she says, “while polished nickel offers a timeless look that feels especially fresh for 2026.” Esteves adds, “Plumbing fixtures should be selected for quality, comfort and ease of use before focusing on finish alone. I consider handle style, water efficiency, valve compatibility, placement and how easily the fixture can be cleaned or serviced. It is also important to understand how a finish will age: Some are designed to remain consistent, while living finishes naturally develop a patina.”
Want even more expert advice? Make sure you flip through our latest issue of NJ HOME.