You know that feeling when you step into a charming Irish cottage and everything just feels warm, welcoming, and steeped in history? That’s precisely what we’re bringing to your bathroom today. Irish design isn’t about leprechauns and shamrocks plastered everywhere (though a subtle nod here and there doesn’t hurt). It’s about creating a space that feels authentic, natural, and honestly, like you could sip a cup of tea in there without feeling weird about it.
Whether you’re working with a tiny powder room or a spacious master bath, these ideas will help you capture that unmistakable Irish charm without going overboard. Ready to transform your bathroom into a space that whispers “Sláinte” every time you walk in?
1. Emerald Green Accent Wall
Deep Jewel Tones That Pop: Start with an emerald green accent wall behind your vanity or bathtub. This isn’t just any green – we’re talking about that rich, saturated hue that reminds you of Ireland’s rolling hills after a fresh rain. The color instantly adds drama and sophistication while paying homage to the Emerald Isle itself. Paint one wall and keep the others neutral (think soft cream or warm white) to prevent the space from feeling too dark. The contrast creates depth and makes your bathroom feel more intentional and designed rather than just thrown together.
Moisture-Resistant Paint Matters: Here’s something people don’t talk about enough – not all paint works in bathrooms. You need something formulated explicitly for high-humidity spaces, or you’ll be dealing with peeling and mildew within months. Choose a semi-gloss or satin finish that resists moisture while still delivering gorgeous color payoff. The slight sheen also reflects light beautifully, which helps keep the space from feeling cave-like.
Product Spotlight: Grab the Purdy White Dove Angular Trim Paint Brush for crisp edges around your fixtures and corners—it makes painting around toilet tanks and sink pedestals so much easier. Pair it with Rust-Oleum Perma-White Mold & Mildew-Proof Interior Paint in a custom-tinted emerald shade to ensure your gorgeous green wall actually lasts in that steamy environment.
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2. Natural Stone Flooring
Authentic Irish Slate: Irish homes have used natural stone for centuries, and slate flooring brings that authentic feel right into your bathroom. The slightly uneven texture adds character, and the natural variation in color (ranging from charcoal to blue-grey with occasional green undertones) means no two tiles look exactly alike. This creates visual interest without being busy or overwhelming. Plus, slate is naturally slip-resistant when textured, which is actually helpful in a bathroom where water happens.
Warming Up Cold Stone: Stone floors can feel chilly on bare feet, especially during winter mornings. Install radiant floor heating underneath for the ultimate luxury experience. If that’s not in your budget, strategically placed bath mats in natural fibers like wool or cotton can do the trick. The warmth underfoot transforms your bathroom from just functional to genuinely comfortable.
Product Spotlight: The Natural Area Rugs Bali Bamboo Bath Mat adds warmth without competing with your stone floors—bamboo has a natural, earthy vibe that complements Irish aesthetics perfectly. For maintenance, pick up the Black Diamond Stoneworks Natural Stone Floor Cleaner, which won’t damage your slate’s natural finish or leave behind residue that makes floors slippery.
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3. Whitewashed Shiplap Walls
Cottage Charm Instantly: Whitewashed shiplap brings that authentic Irish cottage feel faster than almost anything else. The horizontal lines create visual width in smaller bathrooms, and the textured surface adds dimension that flat painted walls just can’t match. The whitewash technique (rather than solid white paint) lets the wood grain peek through, creating a softer, more aged appearance that feels collected over time rather than brand-new from a big-box store.
Moisture Protection Is Key: Real wood in bathrooms needs proper sealing. After installing your shiplap, seal it with a water-resistant topcoat before whitewashing. This prevents warping and water damage while still allowing you to achieve that beautiful weathered look. Focus primarily on areas near the shower or tub where direct water contact is more likely.
Product Spotlight: The TimberChic Reclaimed Wooden Wall Planks come pre-finished and ready to install, saving you tons of time and effort. They’re designed for interior use, including bathrooms. Complement them with Varathane Triple Thick Polyurethane applied before installation for extra moisture protection in high-splash zones.
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4. Vintage Clawfoot Tub
Classic Irish Elegance: Nothing says “Irish cottage bathroom” quite like a freestanding clawfoot tub. These beauties were common in Victorian-era Irish homes, and they bring instant character to any space. The curved lines and raised profile create a focal point that draws the eye and makes your bathroom feel more like a retreat than a utilitarian space. Cast-iron tubs retain heat beautifully, so your bathwater stays warm longer.
Placement Matters More Than You Think: Don’t just shove your clawfoot tub against a wall. These tubs are designed to be viewed from all sides, so position yours where it can breathe. Place it near a window if possible (hello, natural light while soaking) or center it in the room for maximum drama. Leave at least 6 inches of clearance on all sides for cleaning access and visual balance.
Product Spotlight: While vintage tubs have character, sometimes modern reproductions just work better. The Luxury 60 Inch Clawfoot Tub with Vintage Tub Design combines old-world charm with modern acrylic, which is lighter and easier to install than cast iron. Pair it with the Kingston Brass Vintage Wall-Mount Clawfoot Tub Faucet in oil-rubbed bronze for an authentic aged-metal look that screams Irish countryside manor.
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5. Celtic Knot Border Tiles
Meaningful Patterns: Celtic knots aren’t just decorative—they’re symbolic, representing eternity, interconnection, and the continuous cycle of life. Using these intricate patterns as border tiles around your mirror, along the wainscoting line, or as a backsplash behind your sink adds authentic Irish flair without overwhelming the space. Choose tiles with raised relief patterns rather than flat prints for added texture and visual interest.
Strategic Placement Wins: You don’t need Celtic patterns everywhere. A single horizontal line of border tiles at chair-rail height, or framing your mirror, creates impact without being busy. The key is restraint—let these special tiles be the jewelry of your bathroom rather than the entire outfit. Pair them with simple subway tiles or solid-colored field tiles to let the Celtic patterns really shine.
Product Spotlight: The SomerTile Art Nouveau Ceramic Wall Tile features Celtic-inspired patterns that work beautifully as accent pieces. To create your own border designs with greater flexibility, grab Aspect Peel-and-Stick Metal Tiles in Hammered Bronze – you can cut them to size and arrange them in Celtic knot patterns of your own design.
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6. Exposed Wooden Beams
Architectural Interest Above: If you have the ceiling height (or can create the illusion of it), exposed wooden beams bring that rustic Irish farmhouse feel beautifully. Dark-stained beams against white or cream ceilings create a stunning contrast, making your bathroom feel more substantial and grounded. Even faux beams made from lightweight polyurethane can deliver this look without major structural work or weight concerns.
Proportion Matters: Too many beams or overly thick beams can make a bathroom feel cramped and dark. Generally, one to three parallel beams work best in standard-sized bathrooms. Space them evenly and consider the placement of your light fixtures—you don’t want beams casting awkward shadows on your mirror where you apply makeup or shave.
Product Spotlight: The Ekena Millwork Riverwood Faux Wood Beam comes in various wood tones and installs easily over existing ceilings without requiring structural modifications. These are particularly great for bathrooms since they’re moisture-resistant and won’t warp. Light them properly with the Westinghouse Vintage Edison LED Bulb 6-Pack in exposed fixtures to enhance that old-world Irish cottage ambiance.
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7. Farmhouse Sink-Style Vanity
Practical Beauty: Deep farmhouse-style sinks bring practical Irish sensibility to your bathroom. These generous basins handle everything from washing up to filling buckets without splashing water everywhere. The apron front creates a distinctive look that immediately signals “country home” in the best possible way. Choose white ceramic for classic appeal or go with natural stone for something more unexpected and earthy.
Cabinet Considerations: Your vanity cabinet needs to accommodate the deeper sink adequately. Look for vanities specifically designed for farmhouse sinks rather than retrofitting a standard cabinet. The exposed front means you’ll see this sink from multiple angles, so quality matters—chips and imperfections will be visible.
Product Spotlight: The Nantucket Sinks Cape Collection Fireclay Farmhouse Bathroom Sink delivers an authentic look with serious durability—fireclay withstands daily use beautifully. Mount it in a 24-Inch Bathroom Vanity Set in Distressed Grey Oak, featuring rustic wood cabinetry that complements Irish cottage aesthetics and provides storage beneath.
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8. Linen Roman Shades
Soft Natural Textiles: Ireland is famous for its linen production, and bringing this natural fiber into your bathroom through window treatments feels authentically Irish. Roman shades in natural linen filter light beautifully while providing privacy. The texture adds warmth without heaviness, and the neutral tones complement virtually any color scheme. Unlike synthetic materials, linen actually improves with age, developing a softer hand and more relaxed appearance over time.
Moisture Management: Bathrooms are humid, so choose Roman shades with moisture-resistant linings even if the face fabric is linen. This prevents mildew growth while still giving you that gorgeous natural fiber look. Keep shades raised during showers to minimize direct steam exposure, and they’ll last for years while maintaining their beauty.
Product Spotlight: The Arlo Blinds Cordless Natural Woven Roman Shades offer the organic texture you want with modern cordless operation for safety and clean lines. Keep your shades fresh with the Woolite Delicate Fabric Wash—it’s gentle enough for natural linen but effective at removing moisture-related odors and light staining that can occur in bathroom environments.
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9. Vintage Irish Pottery Display
Collected Character: Vintage Irish pottery—think creamware, spongeware, or pieces from iconic Irish potteries like Belleek—displayed on open shelving brings personal history and charm. These aren’t just decorative; use them to hold cotton balls, cotton swabs, or small rolled hand towels. The slightly irregular glazes and hand-painted patterns add warmth and personality that mass-produced accessories simply can’t match.
Smart Display Strategies: Group pottery in odd numbers (three or five pieces) for visual appeal. Mix heights and shapes, but stick to a cohesive color palette—maybe all cream-and-blue pieces, or all earth-toned ceramics. Don’t fill every shelf; leave breathing room so each piece gets noticed rather than creating visual clutter.
Product Spotlight: While vintage Irish pottery can be pricey, the Creative Co-Op Stoneware Crock with Reactive Glaze captures that handcrafted Irish pottery vibe at accessible prices. Display several pieces on the BAMEOS Rustic Floating Shelves in Carbonized Black—the dark wood against white walls creates the perfect Irish cottage contrast while showcasing your pottery collection beautifully.
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10. Forest Green Cabinetry
Bold But Grounded: Forest green cabinets create instant impact while feeling organic and natural rather than trendy. This deeper, muted green works differently than emerald—it’s earthier, more subtle, and honestly more versatile with other colors and materials. The richness adds sophistication, while the green ties directly to Ireland’s lush landscapes. This color hides water spots and fingerprints better than white or light colors, too, which is pretty practical for a bathroom.
Hardware Choices Matter: Brass or bronze hardware on forest-green cabinets creates a beautiful contrast and enhances the vintage Irish feel. Avoid shiny chrome or nickel—those read too modern and sterile for this aesthetic. Look for fixtures with an aged patina or oil-rubbed finish that suggests years of gentle use rather than straight-from-the-factory newness.
Product Spotlight: Transform existing cabinets with Renaissance Chalk Finish Paint in Primitive—this chalk-based formula adheres beautifully to existing finishes without extensive prep work and creates a flat, velvety finish that works perfectly in Irish cottage interiors. Upgrade your hardware with the GlideRite 5-Pack Antique Brass Cabinet Knobs for an authentic aged-metal look that complements green cabinetry perfectly.
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11. Stone Vessel Sink
Natural Materials Elevated: A stone vessel sink—whether carved from limestone, granite, or marble—brings raw natural beauty to your vanity. Ireland’s landscape is famously rocky, and incorporating stone in its most recognizable form (rather than processed tiles) creates a strong connection to Irish geography. Each sink is unique with natural variations in color and veining that make your bathroom truly one-of-a-kind.
Installation Height Matters: Vessel sinks sit atop counters. Hence, your vanity needs to be slightly lower than standard (typically 30-32 inches instead of 36 inches) to avoid hunching over to wash your hands. Plan your vanity height carefully before committing to a vessel sink installation. The faucet needs proper clearance, too—wall-mounted or tall-vessel faucets work best.
Product Spotlight: The Eden Bath Natural Stone Vessel Sink comes in various stone types and sizes—choose one with visible natural patterns rather than uniform coloring for maximum character. Mount your stone sink on a 36 Inch Rustic Solid Wood Vanity Base that’s been cut down to the appropriate height, or use it as-is if you prefer the taller working height and don’t mind the slight reach.
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12. Peat-Colored Towels and Linens
Earthy Warmth: Peat – decomposed plant material harvested in Ireland for centuries as fuel – creates a color palette ranging from rich brown to deep charcoal, with red and orange undertones. Using these warm, earthy tones in your towels and linens brings a subtle Irish connection without being literal or kitschy. These colors also hide stains better than white linens while feeling cozy and substantial.
Layer Different Textures: Don’t just grab matching towels and call it done. Mix waffle-weave hand towels with fluffy bath sheets and linen guest towels in complementary peat-inspired shades. The varied textures add visual interest while the coordinated color palette keeps everything cohesive. This layered approach feels collected and personal rather than bought-as-a-set generic.
Product Spotlight: The Utopia Towels Luxury Hotel & Spa Bath Towels in Chocolate Brown deliver that peat-inspired richness with substantial weight and softness. Add textural contrast with the LinenMe Linen Bath Towels in Natural, which bring lighter, more golden tones that complement the deeper brown beautifully while introducing that authentically Irish linen element.
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13. Wrought Iron Light Fixtures
Medieval Meets Modern: Ireland’s castles and historic buildings feature abundant wrought-iron details, and bringing this material into lighting creates an instant old-world atmosphere. Look for fixtures with curled details, hammered finishes, or candelabra-style designs that suggest hand-forging rather than factory production. Black wrought iron looks beautiful, but aged bronze or dark-rust finishes add even more character.
Scale Appropriately: A massive chandelier overwhelms most bathrooms. Choose fixtures scaled to your space—maybe a modest three-light fixture over the vanity and a single pendant with wrought-iron detailing over the tub. The material and style create impact; you don’t need an enormous size to make a statement.
Product Spotlight: The Westinghouse Vintage Cage Ceiling Light in Oil Rubbed Bronze delivers a wrought-iron aesthetic with modern wiring and easy installation. It works beautifully over sinks or in smaller bathrooms where you need functional light with character. For vanity lighting, try the Kira Home Lucian Wall Sconce in Black Iron—the simple, curved arm and exposed bulb design feels authentically Irish countryside without being too ornate or fussy.
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14. Vintage Irish Advertising Prints
Nostalgic Wall Art: Vintage travel posters advertising Irish destinations, old Guinness advertisements, or retro tourism prints add personality and storytelling to your walls. These pieces spark conversation and ground your Irish theme in actual cultural references rather than generic “green stuff equals Irish” thinking. The aged graphics and typography also contribute to that collected-over-time cottage feel.
Frame Quality Matters: Don’t cheap out on framing. Moisture in bathrooms can damage prints, so use frames with sealed backs and consider placing artwork away from direct shower spray. UV-protective glass prevents fading from sunlight exposure if your bathroom has windows. The frame style should enhance, not compete with, the vintage artwork—simple wood or black metal frames typically work best.
Product Spotlight: Browse Irish Vintage Poster Reproductions from Lantern Press for affordable, high-quality prints of authentic Irish travel advertisements and cultural imagery. Frame them in Americanflat Black Gallery Wall Frame Sets, available in multiple sizes, so you can create an interesting arrangement that fills wall space without boring symmetry.
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15. Whitewashed Brick Accent Wall
Industrial Meets Rustic: Exposed brick is standard in many older Irish buildings, and bringing this element into your bathroom (especially in whitewash rather than raw brick) adds texture and character while keeping the space light. The whitewash technique allows the brick’s natural variations to show through while unifying the overall look. This works particularly well behind a freestanding tub or as a shower accent wall, provided it is properly sealed.
Sealing is Non-Negotiable: Brick is porous and will absorb moisture in a bathroom environment unless properly sealed. Use a penetrating sealer designed explicitly for masonry in wet areas. Apply it after whitewashing but before using the space. This prevents water damage, mildew growth, and efflorescence (those white mineral deposits that appear on unsealed brick when moisture evaporates).
Product Spotlight: If you don’t have real brick, Art3d Peel-and-Stick Brick Wallpaper in White creates the look without demolition or masonry work. It’s designed explicitly for high-moisture environments and installs in hours. Seal it with Rainguard Micro-Seal Penetrating Concrete Sealer, which works on brick wallpaper just like real masonry to add an extra moisture barrier in steamy bathroom conditions.
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16. Copper Fixtures and Accents
Warm Metal Tones: Copper is frequently used in traditional Irish homes and adds warmth that chrome simply can’t match. The living finish develops a natural patina over time, meaning your fixtures actually gain character with age rather than just showing wear. Copper also has natural antimicrobial properties, which are genuinely helpful in a bathroom setting where bacteria can accumulate.
Mix Metals Thoughtfully: You can mix copper with other warm metals like bronze or brass, but avoid mixing with cool metals like chrome or nickel in the same sight line. Keep all visible fixtures within the warm metal family for cohesion. A copper sink paired with oil-rubbed bronze faucets and brass towel bars creates richness without confusion.
Product Spotlight: The Premier Copper Products Hand Hammered Vessel Sink brings that authentic handcrafted Irish metal-working tradition directly into your space – each sink is unique with its own hammer pattern. Complement it with the Kes Bathroom Shelf with Towel Bar in Antique Brass, which offers warm metallic tones that harmonize with copper and provide functional storage.
17. Botanical Wallpaper with Thistle or Shamrock Motifs
Pattern with Purpose: Botanical wallpaper featuring Irish plants—thistles, shamrocks, or ferns—brings nature indoors while maintaining a clear Irish identity. Modern botanical wallpapers avoid the busy, overwhelming patterns of decades past. Look for designs with significant white or neutral space between motifs so the pattern reads as elegant rather than cluttered. This approach works exceptionally well on a single accent wall rather than covering the entire room with paper.
Moisture-Resistant Materials: Standard wallpaper fails quickly in bathrooms. Choose vinyl-coated or solid vinyl wallpaper rated explicitly for bathroom use. These materials resist steam, wipe clean easily, and won’t peel when humidity rises. Installation matters too—use an appropriate adhesive designed for bathroom wallpapers, and ensure the walls are primed adequately before application.
Product Spotlight: The Graham & Brown Hemlock Botanical Wallpaper features delicate fern patterns with plenty of breathing room between motifs—perfect for creating an Irish botanical ambiance without overwhelming your space. Install it properly with Zinsser Gardz Problem Surface Sealer, which prepares walls and creates a surface that allows adhesive to bond, preventing future peeling in humid conditions.
18. Rustic Wooden Ladder Towel Rack
Functional Decor: An old wooden ladder or ladder-style rack leaning against the wall provides vertical storage for towels and adds rustic Irish cottage charm. The weathered wood brings warmth and texture, and the casual lean-to placement feels relaxed rather than rigid. Ladders also solve the problem of limited wall space—they’re freestanding, so you don’t need to mount anything or worry about studs.
Choosing the Right Ladder: Actual vintage ladders need sanding and sealing before bathroom use to prevent splinters and water damage. Purpose-made decorative ladder racks often work better—they’re pre-treated for moisture resistance and have evenly spaced rungs specifically sized for towels. Position your ladder where it won’t interfere with door swings or toilet use.
Product Spotlight: The BarnwoodUSA Rustic Farmhouse Blanket Ladder in Weathered Grey is pre-sealed and ready for bathroom use right out of the box. The weathered finish looks authentically aged without requiring vintage hunting or restoration work. Hang your peat-colored towels on it for maximum Irish cottage effect, and place a Stonebriar Aged Metal Storage Basket at the base to hold extra rolled washcloths or toilet paper.
19. Pebble Shower Floor
Natural Texture Underfoot: Pebble mosaic flooring in your shower brings the Irish coastline—think beaches covered in smooth river rocks—directly into your daily routine. The natural variation in stone colors creates visual interest, and the rounded pebbles provide excellent traction when wet. Walking on them also provides a subtle foot massage effect, which honestly beats boring flat tiles any day.
Installation Considerations: Pebble tiles require more grout than standard tiles, so proper sealing becomes extra important. The irregular surface also needs a more thorough cleaning—a stiff brush helps remove soap scum from between the pebbles. Consider using a darker grout that won’t show every bit of buildup. The slight unevenness underfoot isn’t for everyone, so test a sample before committing to a complete installation if possible.
Product Spotlight: The Emser Tile Natural Stone Pebble Mosaic comes pre-mounted on mesh sheets, making installation easier than placing individual pebbles. These look authentic while significantly reducing installation time. Seal properly with Aqua Mix Enrich’N’Seal Stone Sealer, which enhances the natural colors while providing water- and stain-protection that’s crucial for shower floors where water pools daily.
20. Vintage Mirror with Ornate Frame
Statement Piece: A large vintage mirror with an ornate carved wood or metal frame creates a focal point above your vanity. Irish country homes often featured substantial mirrors that reflected candlelight, making smaller spaces feel larger. Look for frames with Celtic-inspired carvings, distressed painted finishes, or aged metal details that connect to Irish artistic traditions. The mirror doesn’t need to match other elements perfectly – a bit of collected eclectic-ness adds authenticity.
Proper Mounting: Large mirrors are heavy. Use appropriate anchors or mount directly into studs rather than trusting adhesive or small anchors. The last thing you want is a beautiful vintage mirror crashing down because of inadequate mounting hardware. If your chosen mirror is especially heavy, consider resting it on a mounted ledge or shelf rather than hanging it to eliminate any risk.
Product Spotlight: The Evermore Arched Windowpane Mirror in Distressed White brings that collected vintage feel with architectural details that reference Irish cottage windows. The arched top softens the overall look, while the weathered white finish complements virtually any color scheme. If you want something darker and more dramatic, try the Howard Elliott Rectangular Wood Mirror in Antique Bronze, which delivers carved detail and aged metal tones that feel like something from an Irish estate.
21. Aromatherapy with Irish-Inspired Scents
Scent Creates Atmosphere: Never underestimate scent’s role in creating ambiance. Choose candles or diffusers with fragrances that evoke Irish landscapes—wild heather, fresh rain, peat smoke, sea salt, or fresh grass. Scent bypasses logic and triggers memory and emotion directly, making your Irish-themed bathroom feel complete at a sensory level beyond just visual design. Quality matters here—cheap synthetic fragrances smell exactly that.
Strategic Placement: Place candles away from water sources and never leave them unattended near shower steam. Flameless diffusers often work better in bathrooms for safety and consistency. Use scent subtly—the goal is a gentle background presence, not an overwhelming fragrance that gives people headaches. One diffuser or candle typically suffices for standard-sized bathrooms.
Product Spotlight: The Chesapeake Bay Candle Scented Candle in Water Lily & Pear captures a fresh, natural scent profile that evokes the Irish countryside without being a literal “grass-scented” candle, which honestly smells weird in candle form. For continuous scent without flame concerns, try the InnoGear Essential Oil Diffuser with high-quality essential oils in pine, eucalyptus, or lavender—these create a natural Irish landscape aromatherapy experience reliably and safely in humid bathroom conditions.
Final Thoughts
There you have it – 21 ways to transform your bathroom into a space that captures authentic Irish charm without feeling like a theme park. The beauty of Irish design lies in its practicality, natural materials, and unpretentious warmth. You don’t need to implement every idea here; choose the elements that speak to you and work with your existing space and budget.
Maybe you start with emerald paint and new linens, then add copper fixtures when you’re ready for bigger changes. The best spaces evolve anyway, gradually collecting pieces and character. Now create that cozy Irish retreat you’ve been dreaming about – your bathroom deserves to be more than just functional. What’s the first change you’ll make?
