A Trip to Iceland, a Bathroom Reimagined
What happens when a life-changing family trip to Iceland becomes the inspiration for a home design? You create a space that reflects the memories! Inspired by our epic adventure hiking the Katla Glacier in southern Iceland, I transformed this bathroom into a cozy, sophisticated space. Shared by my son and husband (because our primary bathroom is too small for everyone!), this room is a love letter to our “home away from home.”
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Finding the Perfect Wallpaper
The real start of this makeover came when I found a peel-and-stick wallpaper that reminded me of our hike across Katla Glacier. The whimsical line drawings of rocks and mountain peaks transport us back to those ice caves and bring incredible personality to this space.
Choosing a Moody Accent Color
Originally, the bathroom walls were light and airy—beautiful, but they didn’t match the cozy vibe of the rest of our English-inspired home. I chose Nocturnal Gray, a rich, moody blue-green tone, which ties the bathroom to the color palette in the rest of our home.
This chameleon color also appears in our dining room, bringing a seamless feel across our spaces. Painting the vanity cabinet brought a sophisticated touch to the room, and the cabinets, which were originally kitchen-style, look much more upscale now.
Pro Tip: For lasting results, use a cabinet-specific paint for durability and a sleek finish.
Updating the Flooring for a Fresh Look
Three years ago, I discovered peel-and-stick tile, a budget-friendly solution that allowed us to refresh this bathroom without removing the original (and unattractive) floor. Though intended as a temporary fix, this durable flooring held up beautifully and was a lifesaver for our initial makeover.
Recently, however, I decided the gray Nordic print clashed with our new wallpaper, so I swapped it for hexagon tiles from the same brand that mimic the look of Carrera marble at a fraction of the price. The brighter floor complements the dark trim perfectly, adding a sleek, polished look to the entire room!
Adding Final Details to Personalize the Space
No Icelandic-inspired makeover would be complete without some favorite photos from our trip! My son helped choose the images, which we printed on matte glass for a modern look.
We also added a plush bathmat in his favorite color and a crisp white shower curtain for extra brightness.
Enjoying Our Remodeled Space
Though this isn’t a bathroom I use often, I love stepping in and admiring the memories we’ve captured here. The rich color, graphic wallpaper, and personal touches make it a special retreat for the two men in my life.
From The Archives
In case you missed it, this is the FIFTH makeover we’ve completed in 2024! Here’s a look back at the previous four!
- From Playroom To Parlour
- Family Room Update With Wall Moulding
- My Home Office Gets A Sophisticated GlowUp
- Moody English Guest Room At My Parents’ House
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