 |
||||
Beauty & the Bathroom You don't have to sacrifice taste for space when it comes to bathroom efficiency  Image courtesy Hansgrohe When it comes to home décor, efficiency often takes a backseat to style. But who says you can't have both for your bathroom? Here's an inside look at design secrets for pretty, polished and functional powder rooms. Catherine Gentile, the public relations manager of Bed Bath & Beyond, sees big results from small changes. "Swapping dated hardware for new, more modern hardware like a towel bar or toilet paper holder adds dramatic impact." Think new knobs for cabinets or a new soap dish for the sink. Simple swaps to your existing décor bring on an entire new look with minimal effort. For bathing stations that require a shower curtain, opt to change this covering first. "Shower curtains occupy a lot of space and directly influence the look and feel of the room," says Gentile. Another power player in spicing up the space? Bathmats and decorative towels absorb moisture and add to the motif - think beyond solids and choose a patterned print for a total makeover. Christina MacDonald, of Studio City, Calif.-based DRS & Associates, sees designers take on this style versus space struggle by getting clever with pieces that provide dual purpose. "The Julien bench toilet by Troy Adams Design offers a toilet that can be hidden by a sliding exotic wood panel that also serves as a bench." Or make additional room by going mobile. "The Bath Trolley from the City Collection by Sonia appears to be a small-scale vanity when positioned underneath the sink, but conveniently rolls around the bathroom when necessary," says MacDonald. Form meets function with double-duty décor. "If you have more than one person using a bathroom like most of us do, you need to have a schedule," advises Olescia Hanson, spokeswoman for The Container Store, which is based in Coppell, Texas. Determine each person's needs to create a frustration-free experience. Who can shower at night? Who needs more time in the morning? "Purchase a fogless mirror and place a clock on the wall or shelf so people can keep track of time and pace themselves." A hot shower on a cold morning throws even the most disciplined time-keeper off track. Avoid using countertops to store beauty and bathing products. "Start looking behind the doors and use the walls. Install a mounted rack or use tiered shelves to avoid digging deep to find what you are looking for," Hanson recommends. Keep it clutter-free and toss what you don't use. Hanson suggests an annual cabinet cleanout. "Go through and assess what products you have and discard those that have expired." Can't find the past-due date? Hanson's rule says, "If it looks old from the condition of the packaging, don't risk it - toss it." Finding a niche spot for various products creates the opportunity to get creative. "Use decorative baskets or canvas storage totes to separate items like skin and nail care from hair brushes and accessories," recommends Gentile. Hanson adds, "Try using transparent organizers or ones that can clearly be labeled to keep items easy to locate. Consider color to enhance organization efforts." Kids respond positively to colors, so in a family-focused bathroom, think one color per child for towel, toothbrush and toiletries. The optimum bathroom experience comes from combining designer décor with everyday essentials. From modern to marble, classic to chic, decorate with the operation in mind. Bring luxury to your lavatory with strategic styling. |
||||
|
||||
