Bathroom

A Mood Board for Tile Shower Designs and Ideas

The mood board above shows a range of different tile shower designs, and here are some design notes to help you along:

Size and Color: The two things that you need to keep in mind when planning on a tiled shower is the size of the tile and the color. These two things can make a difference in how the shower feels and looks. There is a lot of debate on whether large tiles will make a smaller bathroom/shower feel larger or not. But one thing is for sure, larger tiles are more modern, more expensive, and can be harder to install. Larger tiles tend to create a better design because there are less grout lines.

If you do have a small bathroom space, the definite way of creating a larger feeling shower room is to use light colored tiles. Also, use glossy shower tile designs – as they reflect the light around the room.

If you are using smaller tiles, look for a grout that blends in with the color of the tiles. Grout that contrasts the tiles stands out and ends up framing them, making the shower feel smaller.

Style: For a more classic and traditional look, go with subway tiles just like in picture (5). To continue that classic style, use period shower fixtures. Darker tiles look more modern but will also make your shower space feel smaller (6) (7). Another way of creating a modern look is to use tiles like in picture (8) – tiles with a simple and minimalist design.

Glass Dividers: The best way to enclose the shower area is by using glass – frameless glass that goes from the floor to above head height. Doing this creates an open and more spacious bathroom design – just like in picture (8). For more tips and ideas on designing a shower room have a look at our post here: (Design Notes for Shower Room Ideas). 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8

June 13, 2013 in Bathroom

Design Styles for Country Bathroom Vanities

There are a number of different styles when it comes to a country bathroom. For me it is more of a semi rustic and earthy design style. Then again you can get more rustic country side styles, to classical French, to more cleanly cut cottage designs. The biggest question to ask when looking at designs for country bathroom vanities is how rustic do you want to go? 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8

Going With Porcelain: The go to choice when it comes to the sink in a country bathroom is a porcelain one. More specifically, a classically styled pedestal sink just like in pictures (1) (2) and (3). Other ways of having a porcelain sink would be to have a standalone one sitting on top of a counter (4), or have one built into the vanity countertop (5).

Alternative Designs: Picture (6) shows a different and more chic design style, while the vanity in picture (7) is more modern rustic with concrete/stone sinks and backsplash. For more rustic bathroom designs and ideas have a look at the post here (Rustic Bathroom Ideas and Decor Tips). And for French bathrooms have a look here: (French Style Bathroom Decor and Designs).

A Country View: The bathroom in picture (8) has a great design element. Since the bathroom is on the top floor, small windows in front of the vanity make for a great view and natural lighting.

For different ways of storing your towels around the vanity have a look at our post here.
Our bathroom mirror ideas post shows the different ways a mirror can set the design tone of the space.
And here is a post on backsplash ideas.

June 6, 2013 in Bathroom

Unique Ideas for Bathroom Towel Bars and Racks

Driftwood makes for elegant DIY bathroom towel bars and holders. There are quite a few ways to go about this. For example, fitting a long piece to the wall will create a bar to hang the towels on as seen in picture (1), or how about having some larger pieces leaning against the wall to act as hanger (2). Picture (3) shows some pieces of wood held together by cord. Or how about using a piece of drift wood as a back plate for some hooks like in picture (4). Another beachside, coastal style hanger idea is to use rope and hooks (5).

A ladder is a great way of hanging up towels in the bathroom (6). You can even find ladders that have shelves that can be used as storage for other items (Ideas for Decorating With Ladders).

If you looking for ways of hanging the hand towels around the vanity and space is an issue, look to put a towel rack underneath the sink (7). Or better yet, attach a railing to the front of the vanity (8). Another space saving idea is to fit rails to the back of the door just like in picture (9), or fit hooks underneath any cabinets or shelves.

Picture (10) shows a quirky way of creating some towel racks. Fitting hangers to the wall upside down lets you hang up a number of towels. 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10

Here are some other bathroom storage posts to get more ideas from:

May 28, 2013 in Bathroom, Storage

Guest Bathroom Ideas That Make Them Feel At Home

The great thing about a guest bathroom is that you experiment a little bit more when it comes to the design. It is so much easier designing something else, like a room when it is not meant for you. Here are some posts to get inspiration from for decorating ideas, styles, and color schemes:

Decor Styles

Color Schemes

Restyling: One easy way of restyling a bathroom is to reframe the mirror. Since the mirror tends to be a big piece in most bathrooms, it becomes a focal point. So changing the style of the frame can set the tone and style of the room. Have a look here for different mirror styles and ideas. One of those magnified mirrors attached to the fall that flips over is a great piece to have in a guest bathroom.

Clutter Free: You want to have the bathroom as free of clutter as possible – especially if you have a small guest bathroom. Have a look at the Japanese bathroom link above and see how minimalist the spaces are. You want to aim to recreate that hotel experience – free of clutter. At the same time you want to have the bathroom well stocked with fresh thick towels and toiletries (toothpaste, tooth brushes, cotton swabs, razors, bath salts, shampoo, soap pumps, etc.). Keep all of these items out on display in elegant glass jars or wicker baskets. You want these items to be easy to see so that your guests know where to find them without having to ask you – just like in pictures (4) (5) and (6) above.

Some unique storage ideas include using a ladder to hang fresh towels. For more storage ideas check out: Design Guide: Bathroom Shelving Ideas Mood Board.

Fresh Feeling: Along with being clutter free, a guest bathroom should feel fresh and inviting. One way of doing this is through smell – place some fresh flowers before they arrive (8), use potpourri, or drop some essential oils, like vanilla, around the bathroom. Adding some wall decor pieces can make the space feel unique and special: Style Guide: Bathroom Wall Decor Ideas.

Comfort: A few other guest bathroom ideas to consider include a hamper for dirty towels and a trash can. Also having enough lighting in the room is important in making the space feel comfortable. If you are planning on having some young guests, light switches on a cord or lower down on the wall will help them out. 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8

More Bathroom Posts: