| Decorative Bath Storage & Accents |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-612 |
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Q: We just remodeled our bathroom, putting in a new toilet and sink. Now I need some advice on the finishing touches. Can you help me accessorize?
A: (Sharon Hanby-Robie, DIY home-improvement pro) Accessories add the final touch to any room, but are particularly helpful in the bath. The proper approach to accessorizing the bath can help to de-clutter and organize, as well as add decorative flourishes. Here are some examples we used in a bathroom makeover. - The bathroom had dark, eggplant walls and a green-leaf border. The border was removed. Since the owner wanted to keep the dark wall-color, the challenge was to brighten up the room using light-colored accessories.
- Art-deco light-fixtures were replaced with bell-shaped shades for a softer look.
- It's important for the mirror used to be in proper proportion with the sink. We used a decoratively framed round mirror (figure A) to accent and coordinate with the pedestal sink.
- Additional storage was added over the toilet with a pre-made shelf unit (figure B).
- Concentrating on the focal wall -- the facing wall when you enter the room -- a framed print with bright pastels was hung.
- An antique wire rack doubles as a newspaper or magazine stand (figure C).
- A live, green plant was added (figure D) against the focal wall.
- The trash can was replaced with a decorative white one that works well visually with the pedestal sink.
- A hooked rug in coordinating colors ties the color scheme together (figure E).
- With the expanding trend toward designed bathrooms, the variety of options in decorative accessories continues to grow. Brushed-metal finishes on shower/bath hardware and other accessories are suitable for contemporary or traditional motifs. This series from Moen (TM ) features interchangeable inserts (figure F) for changing the look or color palette.
- Decorative towel-bars and towel-rings come in a variety of ornate styles (figure G), our you may want to go for a more rustic look with hand-forged iron accessories (figure H).
- To solve the problem of too little towel-space in a small bathroom, consider a double-bar towel rack. Hang towel bars somewhere between 36" and 48" above the floor.
- Wallpaper is another important decision. If you use wallpaper in a small bathroom, avoid a striped pattern as they tend to make the space appear smaller.
- When selecting paint colors, use paint swatches to help in matching, and consider serene, calming colors -- such as fanthom, oxygen blue or lilac (figure I) -- to create a soothing ambiance.
- Don't forget that, though they are functional, towels are a visual accessory. Select shades that blend with your color scheme. You can display them attractively by rolling and placing them in baskets (figure J). You may want to change them out according to seasons of the year.
RESOURCES :
The Complete Book of Kitchen and Bathroom Renovation
Time Life Books
Website: www.timelife.com
The Bathroom Planner: Hundreds of Great Ideas for Your New Bathroom
Model: 0811831167
Author: Suzanne Ardley
Simple Solutions: Bathrooms
Model: 156799928X
Author: Coleen Cahill
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