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Here is a scary thought: Your bathrooms may be the room that appears to be seen by your guests and visiting foreign dignitaries.
So when Jerry and Sylvia burst in after their long trip from Milwaukee, they will be searching for a bit of relief. Would you like these to think your decor inspiration came from the neighborhood Sunoco Station? The one they avoided so they could use your facilities.
Have no fear, as usual I come to you with knowledge aplenty. Should you follow my priceless tips - and invest a little time and cabbage - you are able to impress even those above you on the social ladder. We are not attempting to produce the Taj Mahal of Tinkle Time here but a Powder Room which to become proud.
Remodeling Technique #1 - Use Antique or Custom Vanities.
The vast majority of bathrooms have standard built-in cabinets. These are dull, tedious and not worth your inner creative genius, particularly when there are plenty of delicious options out there.
Before you dash off and away to "Ye Olde Antiquites Emporium", keep in mind whatever piece you select will need to accommodate a washing vessel. The curvy and seductive Bowl Sinks the thing is in bathrooms at all those trendy restaurants tend to be 16" - 18" across. Bitty bowls on giant cabinets are very wrong, so govern yourself accordingly.
Height may be the other essential aspect. These sexy sinks are often about 6" high, so unless Grandpa had overactive pituitary glands and your family has to duck under doorways, keep your vanity under 34" high. For those who have chosen an under mount sink you are able to, this once, ignore my above wisdom.
A faucet is the last necessity. It may be installed behind the sink and centered, placed toward the rear off to each side, or... wait for it... spring delightfully from the wall over the sink! This latter will absolutely thrill all who're able to enter and can gain you valuable counter space. One downside of this process would be that the mirror will now need to be mounted higher to support the taps. But hey, that might work with Grandpa.
Remodeling Technique #2 - Use Architectural Elements
Now that you've attended everything trouble, think carefully and cleverly how you can add other objets d'art to enhance your thing or theme. Try replacing your conventional door with an antique door. Do not replace it with strings of colored glass beads. "That 70's Show" is simply that. It's a show. You will not be cool. You will be ostracized. Panels with frosted glass or Shoji-style doors can be very stylish and diffuse the exterior light. This lets you avoid harsh lighting and makes everyone look like they simply stepped off the pages of Vogue.
Ceilings are often overlooked like a spot to add architectural interest. Luckily you have me to remind you. With a high ceiling you are able to hang an attractive antique fitting or even a flying wooden cherub that appears enjoy it just popped from a Reubens painting. Whatever you decide, just picture your friend walking out and saying, in the best "Lebowski" imitation, "That flying cherub really tied the room together, made it happen not?"
Having a lower ceiling, you can add extra visual height by painting it a lighter shade compared to walls, or using something glossy or shiny. We are not dealing with a completely practical, high traffic bathroom. This is the messy one upstairs. So let whimsy have free reign and do something outrageous at least.
Remodeling Technique #3 - The Latest Trends
Nothing drops jaws and draws amused titters like the new and exciting. As with fashion, this often means the return from the old and familiar. Everyone and their Chocolate Lab had stainless steel or chrome faucets over the past decade.
The metals you should look for are ones that were popular yonks ago and have slyly snuck into the design world. Bronze and hammered copper for example, are subtle and reflect light gorgeously. Gib Tip: Dark colors would be the partners of these earthy metals. You're welcome. Sinks made of non-standard materials like smoked glass will also be impressive and not crazy expensive.
Be even more eccentric and purchase a hand carved wooden bowl or artisan crafted ceramic sink in a unique organic shape. The kidney shaped pool of old has been reincarnated like a sink!
Combining new and old; contemporary with aged, is exactly what works best. For those who have an old-fashioned vanity and wall panel, install an ultra-modern faucet and sink. If you have an old-fashioned faucet, sink and towel racks, combine them with a sleek vanity, mirror and wall decoration.
The selection of bathroom tile should stick to the same principles. Dark and shiny metallic tiles will make your bathrooms a luxurious feast for the eyes by bringing out the very best of rich wood grain and bright ceramics. Natural wood and iron love one another to death.
I leave you with this last nugget. The privacy afforded when using the bathroom allows guests the chance for close examination. Make no mistake - you'll be judged. So get out there and together let's put the "vain" back in vanity.
