Anyone with a designer eye or the desire to have one knows there is a whole lot more to bathroom accessories than just towels and washcloths. Choosing just the right accessories can make or break a design theme.
Beyond the fixtures, the wall coloring and the floors, the bathroom accessories are necessary to tie a design scheme together. When every detail is “just right,” the bathroom can turn out to be the best-dressed room in a home.
The types of bathroom accessories that can add to or take away from the look of the room include:
* Throw rugs. These are standard accessories in most bathroom designs. Protecting other carpeting or feet on the way out of the shower or providing comfort for those using the commode, these rugs are vital for tying a look together. Try to choose them carefully to match the design that has been chosen. A modern scheme for a child’s bathroom, for example, might call for very bright and bold throw rugs.
* Soap and toothbrush holders. These are pretty small touches in the grand scheme of things, but they can carry on the theme. A nautical bathroom, for example, might have a beautifully hand painted soap holder on the vanity top and a similar design for the toothbrush holder.
* Shower curtains. Unless a glass door is in use, this is a major accessory to consider. The shower curtain is often one of the biggest accessories that goes into a bathroom. Find the right materials, color or design to match the chosen look. Pay attention to the curtain chosen when picking out other appointments such as rugs and towels.
* Trash receptacle. This can be a huge addition in a bathroom design. The options here range from those that are meant to sort of blend into the background to those that standout all on their own.
* Magazine holders. These can also be fantastic bathroom accessories. When they are attractive and match the design theme, they can really help complete a look.
* Mirrors. Anyone can have a plain, unframed mirror on the bathroom wall, but when these accessories are designed to make a statement they can do so in a big way. Some people opt to find designer mirrors that accent their theme and have them altered to serve as medicine cabinets. Others opt for funky-framed mirrors to hang on the wall as they are.
* Pictures. These should be chosen to add to the look desired. A country-themed bathroom, for example, might have pictures of flowers, crops, hearts, barnyard scenes or more. Pay very close attention when choosing these accessories for the bathroom. Beyond the shower curtains, these might be the single most important accessories for bringing a look together.
Some people choose to have a plain old bathroom. Others want a look that follows a theme and turns the room into more of a retreat. This can be accomplished quite well when the bathroom accessories are carefully chosen to build up and build on the theme.
By: Samantha Kay
Archive for October, 2009
Seven Easy Bathroom Accessories To Give You The Look You Want
October 27th, 2009Choosing Curtains and Bathroom Accessories
October 23rd, 2009Choosing the right curtains for a bathroom can become a task. The marketplace offers one a wide array of curtains, which doesn’t make matters easier. We do have options however. The options enable us to choose style, colors, patterns, and so on. The most important thing a person can do however is to investigate their bathroom first. Your investigation will help you choose coordinating colors and patterns.
How do I choose the right color for my curtains?
When choosing the right colors, you want to use information you have gathered, since choice of style, color, and patterns. You may want to go online, or to local department stores to view, the variety of curtains offered to you. Having a visual always helps one to choose patterns and designs.
Once you have chosen your style and patterns, it will be easier to choose your colors. The basic concept is to make sure that the colors match the colors of your existing bathroom accessories, windowpanes, doors, floors, rugs, wall covers, etc.
How will I know if my curtain fits?
To make sure that your curtain will fit you must measure your window first. Use a standard craftsmen-measuring gauge. You want to measure lengthwise and widthwise starting at the center of the fabric. If you are creating your own by hand, measure across the length and width. Leave a bit of allowances for your seams, which should always be around half-inch to a quarter inch.
How do I choose hooks or rings?
When deciding the pattern you can consider hooks and rings once you finish. Like curtains, you have a wide array of curtain rods, rings, and hooks to choose. You have the choice of hooks, or rings such as the looped items, which loop around your rod. Remember however, that the rod should fit the style of your curtains, hooks and/or rings.
Your choices include the round pine and maple rods. The rods will add a twist of charm to your new atmosphere.
How do I install my new curtains?
Installing the new curtains is not difficult. Keep in mind that your brackets are straight. To do this you may want to use a tape measure to gauge the distance down from the ceiling. Make sure that you start on both sides, starting on the same side. Once you finish, use artisans pencil to mark the spot. This will help you to remember where you need to drill holes for mounting. If you want you can choose common brackets to mount your curtain rods, screws, etc, which you will need to mark you spot so you don’t forget also. Once you finish, you can then hang your curtains.
When you start to measure, your curtains start in the room, measuring the window, measuring the window length to width. Keep notes so that you do not loose your information. Once you have your curtains mounted, you may want to consider shades, top treatments, home accents, coordinating pillows, and more. If you added flowery curtains to your bathroom, you may want to purchase and/or build a corner stand. Sit the stand in the corner of the room and add a flower vase and coordinating artificial flowers. In addition, you can add a few wicker baskets in your bathroom to store decorative soaps, perfumes, fancy toiletries, and so on. The baskets filled with fancy items will leave a lasting impression on your visitors.
Speaking of curtains, you may want to review window binds instead. Window blinds give a natural feel to the atmosphere; as well, the blinds are easy to wash. If you have a loved one in the home with a handicap, you may want to consider showers designed to accommodate the disabled also.
By: John Pawlett
For A Cozy Feeling Use Oil Rubbed Bronze Bathroom Accessories
October 21st, 2009I can’t speak for you, but lately is seems as though this winter season will never come to an end. The constant flux in temperatures is giving your immune system a work out. One of the easiest remedies to escape the cold after a long, hard day is to enjoy a cozy, relaxing bath or shower in your home. To maximize one of life’s simple pleasures, give your bathroom a makeover!
Step #1: Evaluate the Room
There are many crucial elements to any comfortable bathroom; these elements include a tub and shower stall, toilet with seat cover, sink, mirror, proper lighting and adequate storage space. Whether you have recently moved to a new home or have lived in your home or apartment for years, you might want to reconsider these aspects. Chances are that they will need an update to match your own unique style so that you will feel like your bathroom is your personal haven.
Step #2: Budget for Comfort
When preparing for your bath remodel project, it is absolutely necessary to create a budget for your projected costs prior to beginning the project. If you believe you cannot afford it, you truly can! Cutting a few extra luxuries out of your daily routine will save big time in the long run. Additional items that are unnecessary or can be easily replaced include trips to the local coffee shop and fast food lunches. Also, combining errands into one day will enable you to save gas money and time. If you plan to include major luxury items such as spa baths, heated tiling and flat screen televisions, you will certainly have to add the necessary funds to the budget.
Step #3: Kick Up the Style
Now that you have noticed all the minor home hardware replacements that are necessary, it is time to complete them! By removing old door hardware pieces that are often mismatched or marred by sloppy painting, you can instantly kick up the glamorous, spa-like design you have always wanted for your bathroom. No matter what your home’s theme or style, accenting the often brightly colored walls with dark, oil rubbed bronze bathroom accessories can instantly illuminate the features in the bathroom. However, the rich, luxurious finish compliments any color and pattern whether dark, light, striped, dotted or mixed.
Step #4: Get the Right Fixtures
Like any room remodeling project, nothing is complete without the right accessories. While some are unnecessary, adding a few extras around the bathroom will transform this once purely functional room into a tranquil, at-home escape from life’s daily hassles. After you have added the right cabinet pulls and matching cabinet hardware, be sure to have the appropriate lighting fixtures. Light bulbs should be bright enough to illuminate the room, but not too bright that it casts shadows on your face, which would make shaving and applying makeup an unpleasant task. Additionally, be sure to align the lighting fixtures along the sides or tops of your mirrors instead of overhead; this will eliminate further shadowing.
Step #5: Luxury Items You CAN Afford
Believe it or not, you can afford some items you probably think are costly, but are not. These items include toilet seat heaters, toilet paper holders, stainless steel automatic soap dispensers and even in-shower, waterproof radios and MP3 players. Do the proper research to find the right model, size and cost that is best for your home. For families with small children and pets, perhaps installing intricate soap dispenses is a waste of time; likewise, lining the countertops with rubber lining may be unnecessary for a single homeowner or empty nesters.
Step #6: Get Some R&R
Now that your home bathroom renovation is complete, it is certainly time you enjoyed your hard work and effort. So go ahead, turn the shower to hot with full water pressure, get in and soak away your worries!
By: Amanda Bashore
