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Transforming a Bathroom into a Livingroom
By Barbara Schmidt
(ARA) - The room that is undergoing the greatest amount of transformation in new
construction and remodeling is the bathroom. The average master bath has tripled
in size since the 1930s. The bathroom was once designed as an oversized water
closet, but people are now finding respite and sanctuary in multiple room master
and guest baths. The weekend spa mentality has developed into a lifestyle that
Americans want to experience on a daily basis.
Functional Furniture and Finishing Touches
Along with the larger space comes the question of what to build and design into
an updated bathroom. Bringing furniture into the bath is a growing trend because
furniture pieces make a bathroom feel cosier and less sterile . . . and they
provide added storage. Many manufacturers now offer fixtures like sinks set in
furniture pieces designed specifically for the bathroom. Another option is to
retrofit a dresser or armoire.
The Onda Collection from Porcher offers storage totems that blend with tubs and
showers for a sophisticated European feel. These totems are an updated storage
and display area solid enough to serve as a towel rack and sturdy enough to
handle soaps and shampoos in the slide out drawers. Easy to move around, the
totems can be a designer’s dream used either as a single element or in a
grouping. The collection is available in wenge wood or a lighter, whitened oak
finish.
Mixing and matching furniture finishes to blend with the flooring and trim
throughout your home creates a warm bathroom space and connects that bathroom to
the rest of the home.
Moments of Relaxation
Look for spaces to rest in the bathroom. Add a stool near the tub or in the
shower for a resting point. Simple chairs slipcovered in terry or chenille offer
a place to rest and can withstand water. If space permits, add a pair of
upholstered chairs with an ottoman for a private spot to read or relax after a
hot bath.
Soft Lighting
Dimmers can be installed quickly and easily even with older electrical
push-button switches. Candles are another great option because they can also add
scent to the room. Designers like to place regular lamps on a vanity or shelf
area. These give the bathroom more of a bedroom feel.
Flooring
Tile is a great option if you can warm it up. Look for an unexpected rug to add
to the room. Instead of typical bathroom rugs, consider an Oriental, sisal or
bound remnant piece. Or, for added warmth, install wood flooring instead of
tile. These flooring ideas will bring your room scale and blend the design along
with the other rooms in the house.
Wall Covering
No more printed borders! Splicing and dicing wall space makes a room feel
smaller and busier to the eye. Wallpaper can work in the bathroom if you’re not
steaming up the area all the time. If installed incorrectly, wallpaper will
quickly curl in the corners and ruin the look of the room. Think about a softer,
soothing painted colour, wood panels or laminates for the wall. Adding warmth to
the walls will help you feel relaxed when you walk into the room.
Bath Towels
Towels make you feel snuggly if they are soft, clean and fluffy. Relegate old
towels to the rag bin and replenish your bath with new towels every year or so.
Towels should blend in with bathroom décor and not contrast as the only element
with or without colour. This keeps your eye on the space and not the towels.
Clean and Clear
Uncluttered space is one of the most relaxing ways to enjoy a room. The bathroom
should be clear of lots of small appliances, make-up, plastic plants, etc. The
more items sitting around in a bathroom, the more difficult it will be to keep
clean. Organizing your daily routine will help determine storage and placement
of those things you need most.
Courtesy of ARA Content
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