It’s time to show your bathroom some love.
We’ve taken advantage of it for too long. We use it to bathe, primp, change clothes in and–well, other things. So why is it often the most bare-bones and boring room?
Here’s why: Updating a bathroom can be difficult–and expensive. How can you redecorate a space that’s in constant use, and how can you do it on a limited budget?
Plan ahead and prepare to live with chaos, says Sarah Woodward, founder and designer at Wallflower Labs (www.wallflowerlabs.com). Done right, the bathroom can be more than utilitarian, she says, a real soothing environment.
Cabinetry
The right vanity can make a bathroom. An unconventional choice, such as a credenza, can create an elegant mood in a small space. Cut holes for the sink and plumbing and install a counter on top. “Consider how much storage you might lose because of the sink dropping in,” Woodward says. Relics in the attic or garage can fit the bill. Woodward also recommends yard sales or www.craigslist.com for inexpensive vanities. “Pedestals are lovely, but they’re better for a guest bathroom,” she says.
Accessories
Changing a mirror or other accessories and hardware can transform the space. New faucets and shower heads also make a huge difference. Woodward has saved hundreds of dollars on Kohler hardware by buying on ebay.com.
Towels
Choose hooks for towels. “They take up less space that way,” she says, and they look good. Think hotel towels: soft and absorbent, plush and big. “I like solid-colored towels with textures in the weave as opposed to pattern in the towel,” she says. If the towels are too busy visually, they will make the room feel smaller.
Paint
Go for flat enamel paint, which is durable and easy to wash with a sponge. “It looks muted instead of shiny and glossy,” she says. In addition, it hides imperfections. High gloss can accent drywall lines or spackle jobs. Go for the muted colors.
Materials
Glass? Porcelain? A guiding factor should be the house as a whole. The bathroom design should have some continuity with other rooms. Don’t overcoordinate, but keep the materials, style and architecture similar.
