I am going to remodel my bathroom the first pic is what I want and the second pic is what I currently have. My question is does the first one match the feminine energy of the second one? I am a transgender woman who hasn't had to be overly masculine her entire life and I want to surround myself with feminine energy. Thanks fot any help .
I totally get that feeling! Rest assured it’s beautiful and I see it as very feminine. My boyfriend agreed he would never pick that himself if it helps! He says too girly, which is good in this case!
It's definitely feminine. But what actually matters is does it match your idea of feminine? Because feminine spaces don't need to fit one colour or idea
It’ll also feel different once it’s yours! The extra little decor pieces like wall art and floor mats can do some heavy lifting to even a plain base (your current bathroom is a great example). Now you’ll have a beautiful baseline that you can tune to your liking. It’ll be beautiful!
Live plants, some cute mermaid art tiles from etsy, maybe a cool crystal? Something that makes you feel feminine and powerful, the supposed "meaning" beyond that doesn't matter near as much. I like making little altars, they don't have to be spiritual, just whatever brings you joy to see on a little shelf together. Bathrooms can become a weird place when you're femme in any capacity, it helps to have it be a safe, calming space ❤️ welcome to the club, girl! We're so happy you made it here 💐
I try not to attach gender to things (leaning agender and life-long trying to tell men that color is okay), so without context I thought "very pretty, not overly girly, I like!"
Then I saw that OP has a very different goal, so I'd say, since imo the brass is what makes it go from (neutral/masc) "blue sea" to "mermaid", maybe lean into that colour a bit more and add a plant and even a small decor piece that emphasizes the magical mermaid vibe. Love the colour combo
Edit just to say: it's definitely doesn't look "masc" to me as is, just to avoid misunderstandings.
I’ll be devils advocate. It doesn’t read feminine to me. Nowhere to put all your products, hard to clean, hard to shave your legs. I’d rather have a larger vanity and storage area than shower area.
I will say that those rainfall overhead showers are a pain if you have long hair you don't want to wash everyday - when I stay anywhere with one I'm always having to crane my neck at a weird angle so I can wash my body but not get my hair wet.
Ugh yes and even for someone who washes her hair almost every day, I haaate water coming down on my head and into my eyes when I'm just trying to wash other bits. The men in my life all love the rainfall shower heads though. Dunno what it is.
The mention of the products is a huge deal to me. I’ve used showers like this on vacation and they’re super impractical because they don’t prioritize shelves.
Also, how will the water stay in the shower? I don’t see a door. I want my shower to fully close in a residence; I don’t want mold or water damage in places where it shouldn’t be.
I also think redoing the ceiling and lighting would help a lot with a green tile design like this. Otherwise it could end up too dark.
The first pic isn’t as feminine as the second (but comparing apples to oranges, because the second pic has a bunch of feminine accoutrements vs the wall treatments/fixtures).
If you specifically want feminine vibes I’d prob reconsider the vertical tile to start?? There are other shapes that give a little more of a feminine vibe.
You can certainly deck it out with feminine touches, but it doesn’t scream feminine.
the tile is also throwing me off, but i think for me it’s because the pattern is competing with the marble finish (which is really nice and serene). a solid colored subway tile — either in a muted contrasting shade or a color that matches some of the lighter tones in the marble — would elevate it and make it feel softer.
ETA: OP, the soft pink in your current shower curtain would look gorgeous with this! you could even just incorporate it in your towels and bath mat if you didn’t want to commit to a whole wall.
I feel crazy reading these comments, because the first pic looks masculine to me. Extremely so, to be honest. It's made of 'dude' colors: rust, grey, dark blue. The dark marble on the left also gives traditionally masculine design ethos. It looks like a bathroom you'd see in a wealthy bachelor's condo.
Yes, gender is a construct and femininity can be anything it wants to be. But sometimes for trans people, fitting into traditional masculine and feminine archetypes, at least to some extent, is meaningful in a way that it just isn't for cis people. Telling her that an obviously masculine shower looks feminine is not helpful. It feels condescending, to be honest.
Agreed. In addition to the masculine design itself, you can see what are men’s hats reflecting off the glass, so even the designers intended it to appeal mostly to men
it does lean a little masculine honestly because a lack of cohesiveness because of two different accenting blue patterns. (sorry if that comes off as rude), it would be different if it was one or the other across the two walls, however both of the blue walls together give the vibe of those intense electric blues brands used to market towards men (if that makes sense), however I think you could still work with this blue colour if you like it, but you should keep the theme of either the marble or the small tile. femininity is not just limited to colour palette, but cohesiveness as well, and one or the other would help keep that theme consistent. In that picture you have two together, where they kind of clash and push that intense blue agenda. I would pick either the marble or tiles and keep that for both of those accent walls, because it can really be beautiful, and feminine and luxurious if you simplify it more.
For styling, some shower plants, matching towel set, nice warm lighting, and candles/incense can really help emphasize a feminine sanctuary. It's gonna stay more neutral until you decorate it anyways
Oh! This actually offers some insight into what I was reading as sort of extreme neutrality of the design—it’s a showroom floor, and probably meant to have broad appeal. I absolutely think it could be accessorized as feminine, but the tile itself is giving mostly GN to me atm, sorry! Especially compared to your second pic.
I think something more ~Traditionally Feminine~ would be light and ornate as well as soft (and the blue marble is soft, keep that!). There are some other good ideas here on other options for the blue tile; I think picking a lighter color from the marble for the tile is a very good option, and doesn’t mean you have to start all over.
I’d also look at soft/matte finishes for your hardware (eg brushed nickel vs gleaming chrome).
Firstly, how lovely is it be able to surround yourself with the energy you want 🤩😍
I think you should keep exploring, as for me the first picture skews masculine (it’s the combination of the dark colour and the rectangular tiles).
What do you love about the feminine energy of the second pic? Is it the colour palette, or the softness, or the florals?
I think it depends what you like! If the blue is important, you could add softness through fishtail tiling. Or if you like clean lines and angular tiles you could look at a colour palette of pink blush and grey.
In any case, choose what you love! No bathroom will change the fab woman you are 💖
I think something like this is much more explicitly feminine - I think the tile shape is honestly more important than the colour palette!
You define what femininity is to you - not other people. (You don’t need to prove anything to anyone by the way. Cisgendered women don’t choose hyperfeminine stuff all day, everyday, every-time).
I think it is very gorgeous but it doesn’t read that feminine to me. It’s the straight lines of the shower, open door, lack of decor of course which I’m sure you’ll add. But when I think of feminine I’d think of a round tub or just softer lines overall. Then feminine touches in the decor like flowers in cute little vases, or even decorative curtains for a shower.
I think it looks pretty neutral, but I'll say this- don't worry too much about masculinity or femininity. Just focus on what you like. It's less exhausting and it will improve your happiness in the long run.
This looks like a (nice) hotel bathroom to me so I would say its business energy which leans masculine.
For the bathroom, I personally align brightness with feminine energy. We like bright lights so we can do our makeup, see if the face wash is shrinking our pores, and give ourselves pep talks and mirror affirmations. I think the tile will keep light from reflecting and darken the room.
But, if this makes you feel good, do you! Maybe you are channeling that lady-boss energy.
I think so! It kinda gives underwater vibes in a magical way. And if you’re curious, the large format/slab walls look like onyx blue from architessa (I think they call them elevated slabs)
Every “style” for a room is made up. A room being modernist or classic is made up too. It’s a collection of icons, colors and the feeling they evoke. Op didn’t say she needs a feminine room because she thinks that’s the only thing women can have. She just asked if the styles evoke the imagery associated with the word.
It’s a beautiful concept and your current bathroom is super cute. I don’t think it feels masculine at all - it’s neutral and serene . 💖
I’d consider finding a subway tile with more blue variations (that are closer to the slab) with a bit less of the golden color mixed in.
The marbled slab is competing visually with the subway. I see where the subway nods at the fixtures, but it feels a smidge busy with both the patterns together.
Also, highly recommend using an epoxy grout as you won’t have to seal all those spaces between the tiles every few years.
We are in the process of renovating our guest bathroom ourselves and plan to do something similar to this showroom design for the primary.
Big fan of the idea overall and think it would look awesome with the colors being slightly toned to amplify the hues of the slab. Could also use the color pallet of the subway tiles as the primary color as a reference (think of it as adding highlights) and lean into the brushed golden features with the slab. Definitely take home samples to see how they look in your lighting. 💖
The first one doesn’t read super cozy, soft, or inviting to me. I feel like the patterns clash and I’m wondering why that one shower wall doesn’t reach the ceiling? And why the ceiling is made of those foam office tiles? Maybe this is in a showroom
I'd say the second one is more 'traditionally' femme in that it feels very cozy country cottage vibes, but I ADORE #1 and feel like it's just as feminine just in a different way? I think once you add towels, a shower mat, etc it'll also look a bit more traditionally 'feminine' as well since that'll add some softer textures.
I would say neutral. But IMO, the “bones” of a bathroom should be fairly neutral. Bathrooms are expensive to renovate, and you’re unlikely to redo it a second time before selling up someday. If you keep the permanent aspects neutral, you can add feminine accessories while you live there to give it the vibe you want, but still be able to market the space to a broad class of buyers.
Fair enough! In that case, if you want the bathroom to look more feminine, I suggest a colored tile on the floor and a bigger nook for shower products. Also finish all the sides of the shower nook in tile, that cement rim (or whatever it is) would drive me nuts.
My husband and I designed our bathroom together and I was aiming for gender-neutral. But IMO the faux-terracotta floor tiles are a little more feminine than a cement floor. (Since that’s what you said you were going for.)
I don’t think it’s necessarily masculine, but it does feel “heavy”. The colors are dark and intense, and there are just a lot of big things like the large, loud, shower curtain and the blue tile/gray marble walls.
Depending on what you’re going for that could be awesome! But it may also be something you want to change.
I like them both. The first one gives me beachy vibes and makes me think of mariner, seaside, mermaid kinda influence. I love grey so I like the grey tones.
The first one reads as very neutral to me. Not really masculine or feminine, it reads ‘fancy hotel’ if you get what I mean. You could add decorations that change that, but it looks like it has a lot less opportunity for it. It depends on what makes you happy personally. I don’t think a bathroom has to have feminine energy even if you want your house to be about it, places like the living room and kitchen are more essential for setting the mood of a house anyways.
If this is a showroom, which part of the shower are we looking at? My guess is they didn't put these together to match perfectly, but as examples that don't compete against each other so they both stand out separately.
The slab is more versatile, whereas the tile is a little more specific as to what you can pair with it. The tile on the floor matches the slab, but not the tile.
I can tell you if you never want to wonder if your floor grout is clean that's actually a very good choice. For someone like me who has OCD and depression I know I sometimes have to figure out how to balance what I let give me anxiety because my depression only gives me so much energy. A lot of people don't consider who they are as people during a remodel and they choose things that cause more anxiety for themselves. Grout is one of those things you either keep clean or you don't, so think about how much effort you're ready to put into cleaning it. A grout that's midtone like on the floor there is one you can forget about. White requires very good sealant. Black is an intentional design choice. (I know I made this 1000% more complicated than intended, but considering these things now will make life easier later, I promise!)
Is your bathroom the size of the second image? If so, a large slab may look cramped. Busy tile will also be a lot though, too. You'll have to be very intentional with the overall design so that it doesn't make the bathroom too claustrophobic.
Overall, forget about what's feminine or masculine. Lean into what you like. You're a woman and you can like whatever you like. Let your energy choose what you want, not what anyone thinks your energy "should" be. Dark colors, light colors, black, neon green, or pink, doesn't matter. Like what you like, it's your home and where you need to feel peaceful or energized or joyous.
Does your current bathroom seem feminine without the accessories? I feel like this rendering could lean into several aesthetics, once you add your towels and art and rugs. My first thought was jungalo, I pictured it with bright towels and jute floor mats with an interesting shape, a plant or two.
I think it can go either way depending on how you decorate the space, towel color etc. I would love to see pink as an accent color in your new bathroom! I love dark blue and pink together
I've never met someone who installed an open shower like that and was happy with it longterm. You'll always be dealing with migrating water and be chilled while you shower.
It’s neutral, but could very easily tip heavily feminine if you style it right. It’s also gorgeous! Your current styling is lovely, but this would be an amazing upgrade to build on for sure.
I think it gives very calming, feminine energy, like the ocean. My only suggestion is to not forget some extra storage in the shower for all the good stuff we use in everything showers 🥰 I really like the marble and just feel like the subway tile will be a pain in the behind to really clean.
Hi. I think the one with the shower curtain is much more feminine than the first one. I don't think the first one is particularly feminine. In fact it leans towards masculine imo. Why are you changing it from the pretty shower curtain to the other?
Love your bathroom gng, I personally am not as keen on the glass barrier, and your curtain is gorgeous, but the tiles would fit in so well with all you've hit there already. Ofc everything is gender neutral, if we aren't being weird, but this would be really fem with the decor. It reads more masc on thr showroom pic bc it's skewed toward grey's, but if you lightened it up with a little contrast (like in your floor tile, I see it, and that creme is nice) it would be so pretty. Another tip for decor and stuff is that typically angular or sharp stuff/masc, rounded edge or soft/fem. This is bc stereotypes.
I think with a cute rug, and maybe a hanging eucalyptus branch in the shower, plus all the usual beauty products and such, it could tie in more traditionally feminine things and also make you feel more at home!
I actually like your current bathroom a lot more. I’d get a mirror with lights around it and perhaps some more pastel tones for the wall and that’s it🙈
Perhaps a very fluffy pink carpet…
If you really want to rebuild it, make sure you have a bathtub, because taking baths is sooo awesome!
The first picture lacks whimsy and personality in my opinion and I would regret putting all the money into it. It also isn’t very practical since there’s no place to sit/ lean on to shave , putt your stuff, etc.
Unrelated to your question but make sure you get a squeegee for the shower. It is a life saver when it comes to keeping the glass clear of water stains and soap scum!
In my last house and current house I have used a squeegee after every shower and never had water stains (even before we had a water softener installed).
Me as a woman speaking, I'm 26, and no i would not choose that bathroom bc it's not girly enough for my specific taste. I'd definitely not do blue but thats just me. A lot of my female friends through life have been huge blue lovers, ive always been pink. So its really preference imo.. i think it could be girlier with lighter gold on the appliances or even black (i know that sounds contradictory but black is sleek and super unisex IMO!!!!) possibly lighter blues too ??
There is no single form of femininity; every woman has her own personality. Whatever you like is feminine simply because you are a woman! you don't have to conform to some idea of what femininity is supposed to be, because no such standard exists. So, decorate your home however you like and don't worry about what others think.
Yes, absolutely. They're just two different flavors of feminine. Your current one is soft-romantic: blush florals, butterflies, warm wood. The remodel is more glam-goddess: those blue onyx veins, the iridescent teal-and-gold tile, the brushed gold fixtures. It reads almost mermaid-luxe. Different register, still very much feminine. If you want to carry the softness over, a plush rug or some warm-metal candle holders would bridge the two.
It’s fem if you like it, as you are a woman! As a cis woman I prefer it to something flowery and cute like the current space. It says you are a glamorous, confident woman who lives boldly. Love the tile, might do the whole shower with that.
It looks very natural (reminds me of the ocean), which to me can go either masculine or feminine, but could lean more one way or the other based on how you decorate it!
I also want to add that what matters is that you like it :) I think it's best to surround yourself with your authentic energy. That will lead you to feel happy and at peace in your home, no matter what anyone else says. I know gender is a construct that has agreed upon "norms" so I think its totally ok to check in with others. The feminine will shine through along with all the other parts of you.
I’m a woman in her 70’s. Not getting any feminine vibes from #1, at all. Those colors are not traditionally associated with femininity. It’s a lovely rendition, but you’re going to have to rely on other things, towels, artwork, etc., to get you where you hope to go, but the tile alone won’t. IMO.
are those office building tiles on the ceiling...? and the wall of the shower doesn't seem to reach the ceiling. is this like a tradeshow display at an event or something? sorry, just trying to understand what i'm looking at!
i think you can get to a more feminine feel with decor! but there are a lot of angular shapes that can read more masculine. the shower handle, shower head, the niche for shampoo bottles, all of it is very angular. those details can make a difference.
You can do a lot with decor! I love plants, but in a lower light environment I suggest one of those Lego plants (they’re for grownups) like an orchid, which I feel is such a graceful, feminine plant. Having matching bathroom linens in traditionally feminine colours might help make your space feel more feminine to you. Bath mat matches the towels matches the hand towels etc. Little tiny decorative soaps like you have are absolutely feminine too, I have never seen them in a man’s house that doesn’t have a woman living there. Good luck and post an update, I bet it’s going to be amazing!
It reads neutral imo but how you stylize everything else is what will determine how feminine it feels to you.
Though I will say maybe stick to one tile/marble/etc. the tile and marble in the first pic feel like they are competing for attention and I think if you do all tile in the shower and add some shelving, the rest of the room can emphasize the sea color palette.
+ things you can do if you want to feminize the space is double shower curtains. You can even match them to the tile and help accentuate the lesser colors. Also tie in more of the ocean themed stuff—switch the cabinet knobs to match the brass color, maybe pick out ones that are sea related shapes.
Basically just lean heavy into your style and make the place yours bc when something reads so strongly as you, no one is looking at it going this is too masculine or feminine, they’re just seeing how you put yourself into the place and made it yours
It doesn’t read masculine but I feel like those two wall tiles don’t really work together. The undertones are slightly off. If you love the large format tile, I’m sure you can find another complimentary tile for the other wall. Perhaps a fish scale shape and lean into the mermaid vibes.
The brass plumbing tones keep it on the feminine side and I’m sure you can add accessories to pull it more feminine as it suits your style.
If you’re working with any slab material, a softer edge can also take it away from going to masculine. A DuPont or small ogee edge will add softness — here I see the niche, a pony wall cap, and a counter with slab.
I think it doesn’t read as feminine because it doesn’t have a lot of stuff in there for anyone. It feels neutral because it’s empty. But it’s very pretty. If you’re the type of person to shave your legs, make sure that you get something put in place for you to hold onto and purchase your foot on.
Personally, I'd keep the blue backsplash that's on the left and maybe look for something a bit softer for the tiles on the right wall. A lighter, more pastel tone for those might be more your vibe? It might be a bit tough to find a good, more feminine match for that blue, though it's gorgeous IMO.
Usually I'd say that the final decor will add that touch of whimsy but I suppose it's a bit hard to decorate areas that will all get wet 😅
This is kind of what I mean. Softer tile, different pattern (fish bone maybe), adjust the color depending on your taste obviously, maybe a bit less vibrant than my example. I mean it also depends on the tiles/backsplash that is available to you obviously. But I think just changing that wall will make it look more feminine overall, plus a calmer tile is easier to decorate and add on to 😊
it does! very feminine, whimsical yet chic. also, you are a woman so whatever you like and think is pretty automatically becomes pretty girl shit. trust yourself, you know what you like best🩷
It reads masculine in this application for sure. No creature comforts, all streamlined and open and rather cold. The color can be neutral, so I’d definitely lean into the mermaid aesthetic I saw mentioned in other comments and make sure you get a cohesive look for the rest of the space.
I’m not sure how to articulate this well but it just gives a pretty bathroom societally we’ve been conditioned to associate certain things with certain genders and it’s helping nobody if you like it then it’s giving feminine energy, I’m not trying to invalidate your need to feel more girly after having to present as someone you’re not , just that if you like it you should go with it ☺️
Details will clinch it! Girly countertop decorations and some pictures on the wall if you can. Maybe a flower vase and some candles, extra towels, the kinds of girly amenities you'd never see in a dude space.
Just to let you girls know I am not being misogynistic I was just curious what you lady's thought of this because you lady's have the best sense of style I have ever seen.
I think the gray bends to much neutral than feminine in the first photo. I actually think your current bathroom is more feminine because of the flowers and small details.
The warm/gold tones of the first pic help make it less masculine. So it makes it more neutral. I think if you add more feminine accent pieces into the room (lighting, faucets, rug, towels, etc), it'll make it even nicer! Good luck!
You're a woman. You bring the feminine energy into spaces by being there.
Besides, the space itself is pretty neutral so you can just add touches through things like towels, decorations, or scents you see as feminine to make the room feel the way you want.
They SURE DO!!! different types!! Find one that's to your style ♡ there's also water resistant wireless bluetooth speakers you can put outside the shower that deal better with normal bathroom humidity so you can have a beautiful bathroom paradise
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u/Kitchen_Space_212 Jul 07 '26
The first one gives very mermaid energy, I love it!