Filed under: Your Home, Bathroom, Projects
Here are small bathroom design ideas to help you bring that tiny boring bath back to life.Help Me! I have a small guest bathroom -- how can I turn the dark, bland space into something I'm proud to show off?
Home Rescue: "Refresh" is the operative word for a bath that needs to be guest ready. So for some expert guidance, we turned to Barbara Sallick, founder and Senior VP of Design for the refreshingly chic luxury bath company Waterworks.
Photo: Waterworks
1. De-Uglify: It's simple, but to get started remove anything that is ugly from the space - such as the old eye-sore medicine cabinet or the "Hollywood" bank of lights. The peeling wallpaper is probably dated, as is the paint choice made years ago. Out with the old soaps, apothecary, towel bars and anything not deemed absolutely necessary!
2. Bathe the bath: Give your new blank slate a good scrub down. Then hit it with a refreshing coat of paint or some great wallpaper. The palette you select will drive other decisions, such as new towel colors perhaps to coordinate with the adjacent rooms -- and the color you paint the existing vanity (a way to to save money). Don't forget to buy new knobs, they make a world of a difference!
3. Find the perfect mirror: It may seem like an ordinary, functional item, but a fabulous mirror, either vintage or new, can freshen up any bath without having to spend a lot. Decorative sconce lights in a finish to match the lavatory fittings will finish off the update.
4. Bring in the extras: "I would add a three-tier shelf over the toilet for decorative objects," says Sallick. "I love vintage but bring in anything that tells a story about your personality." Speaking of the toilet, a new seat is a must. If you opted not to wallpaper, a printed shower curtain can add extra decoration to the space. And new towels are essential, layered on your new towel bar.
If the flooring is unattractive, make it so with an attractive rug. There are many off-the-shelf designs that are a perfect fit for a small bath. It should feel more like a real rug than a fluffy bath rug. Finally, a framed photograph or two on the wall will make the space more interesting and a new candle adds a welcoming fragrance.
5. A final note: The aesthetic of your new bathroom should work with the rest of your home. It's important to think through your choices with this in mind, and take into account the transition from room to room.
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Here's a video on small bathroom design.