Gold bathtubs, marble fixtures, and his-and-hers sinks have become essential status symbols for celebrities aiming to showcase their wealth through bathroom design. Myleene Klass, for instance, has outfitted her relaxation sanctuary with a chandelier, frequently sharing snaps from her bathtub on social media. Meanwhile, Stacey Solomon took a high-tech approach in her £1.3 million Essex home, incorporating a £2 shower lamp, £17 Bluetooth shower speaker, £40 shower shelf, and £27 worth of fake candles.
Expert Analysis of Celebrity Bathroom Designs
While celebrities and influencers often indulge in aesthetic trends at high prices, there is a significant risk of tackiness if they are not careful. Speaking to The Daily Mail, Jordana Ashkenazi, founder and design director of Element One House, has delivered her verdict on which A-listers have achieved "luxurious" and "charming" spaces, and which have accidentally created rooms that are "basic" or lacking in "direction." Her analysis highlights the fine line between opulence and overindulgence in bathroom design.
Millie Mackintosh: Tasteful with Room for Refinement
Millie Mackintosh's extensive renovation of her £5 million home includes a large, sprawling bathroom with high ceilings, a copper bathtub, and greenery. Designed by BC Designs, the bathtub retails upwards of £3,000 and is hailed for offering "the ultimate in relaxation." Jordana praised the space as "beautiful, luxurious, and traditional," noting the cohesive combination of classic panelling, warm tones, and the statement gold bath. However, she pointed out that the large rectangular mirror feels plain and the vanity appears "high street," slightly detracting from the overall finish. Overall, it is deemed tasteful but lacking final refinement.
Molly-Mae Hague: Tacky Leaning and Bland
Molly-Mae Hague often shares snippets of her bathroom with 8.5 million Instagram followers, featuring marble walls, a rectangular bath, flowers, and candles. During her pregnancy, she spoke about her "obsession" with baths as part of her evening routine. Jordana critiqued the space for its "faux marble porcelain tiles" with heavy veining, making it feel artificial and busy. The all-grey palette lacks warmth and contrast, resulting in a flat, one-dimensional look. The design is overly structured with sharp lines, and the tinted mirror feels like a "B&Q" addition. Ultimately, it is tastefully put together but bland and lacking texture.
Mark Wright and Michelle Keegan: Tasteful, Verging on Overdone
Mark Wright and Michelle Keegan have transformed their bathroom in their £3.5 million Essex home into a high-end spa-like retreat, complete with shiny off-white marble flooring, gold detailing, heated towel racks, and large sinks. Jordana commended the "hotel luxe" feel, highlighting the natural wood drawers and stone top vanity that add softness. However, she noted that the blingy mirrors and darker statement lighting clash with the calm aesthetic, making the space feel showy rather than refined. While undeniably luxurious, these contrasting elements prevent it from achieving full cohesion.
Stacey Solomon: Tasteful with Gadget Overload
Inside Stacey Solomon's "Pickle Cottage," the bathroom is filled with gadgets for post-school-run pampering, including a £2 shower lamp, £17 Bluetooth speaker, £40 shelf, and £27 fake candles. Jordana appreciated the warm, calming tones and spa-like feel, enhanced by smaller tiles that add texture. However, she criticised the large shelf in the shower as confusing and non-functional, and the lamp placement as unusual. The heavy use of brushed brass feels overdone, detracting from the space's refinement despite its overall considered design.
Lydia Bright: Potential with Missed Opportunities
Lydia Bright's bathroom features wooden doors, a large copper bathtub, and candles, creating a traditional feel. Jordana praised the copper bath and darker wall colour for adding warmth and character. However, she noted that the walls fall flat, suggesting wallpaper or panelling for more depth. The contrast between dark walls and white cornice is stark, and the fireplace feels basic and underwhelming. Styling on the mantel appears like "bric-a-brac," making the space feel unresolved despite its potential.
Binky Felstead: Very Tasteful and Timeless
Binky Felstead's west London bathroom, with homemade zellige tiles, pink skirting tiles, and antique brass, is described as "a piece of art." Jordana hailed it as "gorgeous," praising the balance between traditional design and a liveable aesthetic. The wall panelling, flooring, and vanity are stunning and intentionally design-led, creating a relaxing, high-end space. It feels timeless, cohesive, and layered, exemplifying a traditional bathroom done properly without feeling dated.
Zoella: Unresolved and Trend-Driven
Zoella's bathroom deviates from trends with a copper-bottom roll-top bath, graphic tiles, and fun light fixtures. Jordana noted that the industrial, vintage-inspired aesthetic should work but feels disjointed. The combination of industrial cabinet and artwork seems like individual pieces placed haphazardly, and the lighting and decorative details appear cluttered. It leans into a passing trend rather than timeless design, resulting in an unresolved space needing refinement.
Myleene Klass: Slightly Random with Lovely Elements
Myleene Klass's bathroom features hardwood flooring, a freestanding bathtub, a chandelier, shutters, and a plant on a wooden stand. Jordana highlighted the beautiful freestanding bath and white flooring but critiqued the lack of cohesion. The chandelier feels too small and lost, and the mirror above a casual console table adds disconnect. With styling that seems "thrown together," the space lacks a clear design direction, though it has potential with more restraint.
In summary, Jordana Ashkenazi's analysis reveals that while celebrities invest heavily in bathroom design, success hinges on cohesion, timeless elements, and avoiding overindulgence. From tasteful sanctuaries to tacky missteps, these spaces reflect the challenges of balancing luxury with personal style in the public eye.
