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Here is a scary thought: Your bathroom may be the room that appears to be seen from your guests and visiting foreign dignitaries.
Then when Jerry and Sylvia burst in after their long trip from Milwaukee, they'll be looking for a little bit of relief. Do you want them to think your decor inspiration came from the local Sunoco Station? The one they avoided so that they can use your facilities.
Fear not, for as usual I come your way with knowledge aplenty. If you follow my priceless tips - and invest a bit of time and cabbage - you are able to impress even those above yourself on the social ladder. We are not trying to create the Taj Mahal of Tinkle Time here but a Powder Room of which to be proud.
Remodeling Technique #1 - Use Antique or Custom Vanities.
Most bathrooms have standard built-in cabinets. These are dull, tedious and never 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", bear in mind whatever piece you choose will need to accommodate a washing vessel. The curvy and seductive Bowl Sinks you see in bathrooms whatsoever those trendy restaurants are usually 16" - 18" across. Bitty bowls on giant cabinets are extremely wrong, so govern yourself accordingly.
Height is the other important factor. These sexy sinks in many cases are about 6" high, so unless Grandpa had overactive pituitary glands and your family has to duck under doorways, keep the vanity under 34" high. For those who have chosen an under mount sink you can, this once, ignore my above wisdom.
A faucet may be the last necessity. It may be installed behind the sink and centered, placed toward the back off and away to each side, or... watch for it... spring delightfully in the wall over the sink! This latter will absolutely thrill all who're permitted to enter and can gain you valuable counter space. One drawback to this method would be that the mirror will now have to be mounted higher to accommodate the taps. However, that may work for Grandpa.
Remodeling Technique #2 - Use Architectural Elements
Since you have gone to everything trouble, be cautious and cleverly the best way to add other objets d'art to boost your thing or theme. Try replacing your conventional door with an antique door. Don't change it with strings of colored glass beads. "That 70's Show" is simply that. It is a show. You won't be cool. You'll be ostracized. Panels with frosted glass or Shoji-style doors can be quite stylish and diffuse the exterior light. This allows you to avoid harsh lighting and makes everyone seem like they simply stepped off the pages of Vogue.
Ceilings are often overlooked as a spot to add architectural interest. Luckily you have me to remind you. Having a high ceiling you can hang an attractive antique fitting or perhaps a flying wooden cherub that looks enjoy it just popped from a Reubens painting. Whatever you decide, just picture your friend walking out and saying, in his best "Lebowski" imitation, "That flying cherub really tied the room together, did it not?"
With a lower ceiling, you can include extra visual height by painting it a lighter shade compared to walls, or using something glossy or shiny. We're not handling a completely practical, high traffic bathroom. That's the messy one upstairs. So let whimsy have free reign and make a move outrageous at least.
Remodeling Technique #3 - The Latest Trends
Nothing drops jaws and draws amused titters such as the new and exciting. As in fashion, this often means the return of the old and familiar. Everyone and their Chocolate Lab had stainless steel or chrome faucets over the past decade.
The metals you need to search for are the ones that were popular yonks ago and have slyly snuck into the design world. Bronze and hammered copper for instance, are subtle and reflect light gorgeously. Gib Tip: Dark colors are the partners for these earthy metals. You're welcome. Sinks made from non-standard materials like smoked glass will also be impressive and never crazy expensive.
Be much more eccentric and buy help carved wooden bowl or artisan crafted ceramic sink inside a unique organic shape. The kidney shaped swimming pool of old continues to be reincarnated like a sink!
Combining old and new; contemporary with aged, is exactly what works best. For those who have an antique vanity and wall panel, install an ultra-modern faucet and sink. If you have an old-fashioned faucet, sink and towel racks, combine all of them with a sleek vanity, mirror and wall decoration.
Your choice of bathroom tile should stick to the same principles. Dark and glossy metallic tiles can make your bathrooms a sumptuous feast for the eyes by offering 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 opportunity for close examination. Make no mistake - you'll be judged. Consider getting out there and together let's put the "vain" in vanity.
