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While there are many stunning and unique elements of this bathroom, lighting is the cornerstone to its success.
Candice Olson can be seen as the host and designer of HGTV’s Candice Tells All and Divine Design, and as a judge on HGTV Design Star.
A sample of the materials Olson chose to create this calming, spa-like bathroom.
In addition to dramatically improving the lighting, Olson chose materials for this bathroom that reflect light and provide a feeling of openness.
In addition to dramatically improving the lighting, Olson chose materials for this bathroom that reflect light and provide a feeling of openness.
Love the Look?
If you want to recreate this look in your home, try the following Benjamin Moore paint colors:
Walls: Ashwood, OC-47
Ceiling and Trim: Chantilly Lace, OC-65
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Candice Olson on Bathroom Lighting Design
Expert designer Candice Olson illustrates how to use lighting to create luxury.
- by Trisha McBride Ferguson
No matter what room Candice Olson designs, lighting plays a pivotal role. The bathroom is no different. For her, perfect lighting is an essential part of good design.
If you enjoy watching Candice on HGTV (and who doesn't?), you'll love this behind-the-scenes look at how she transformed an ordinary bathroom into something extraordinary.
Tired & Washed Out
Looking at the "Before" picture it's easy to see the extent of this total bathroom renovation. The existing space was dark for many reasons, including poor lighting and the all-over use of dark tile on the walls. Olson gives this tired master bathroom an intense lighting makeover and transforms it into a deluxe spa retreat for the 21st century.
Dazzling Afterglow
The transformation of this space is all-inclusive. A lighter, brighter bathroom has emerged from the darkness. One particularly effective technique Olson used was to create a wood feature wall and then employ spotlights to highlight its finish and dimensionality.
Tips & Techniques
Here are some of her tips for improving the lighting in a space such as this:
- Choose lighting that makes the most of your unique finishes, fixtures and shapes.
- Use up-lighting to play up the sculptural qualities of a beautiful bathtub.
- Consider back-lighting a glass basin for a magical effect.
Texture Talks
This makeover illustrates the power of texture in any space. Bathrooms are often created using only one texture: smooth. Olson distinguishes this space by using a variety of textures. Notice the dimensional textures of the wood feature wall, the graphic texture of the overhead light and the random brick pattern of the marble tile in the shower. Olson's use of lighting helps highlight these features.
