Thanks to Helen Davies from across the pond in UK for today’s guest post. She is a bathroom designer and writer with ten years experience. She currently works at Better Bathrooms and has written for interiors magazines such as Real Homes, Homebuilding & Renovations and Period Living.  She just started her own personal blog and can be found on Twitter. 

If you have an en-suite bathroom that needs some work, or you’re thinking of creating an en-suite from a small bedroom or a part of the master bedroom, your first thoughts are likely to be of the potential difficulty of furnishing the space. An en-suite is a small space that’s sometimes oddly shaped, and you may feel that it will be difficult to find fixtures to fit the room.

But you don’t need to have a large en-suite or think about extending the space you do have, if you opt for fitted bathroom furniture. There are some excellent small cloakroom designs and slimline units out there which will make the most of your space – without you needing to make more space.

It’s important to think about what you need in your en-suite before you begin. Think about how you use (or if it’s a new build, plan to use) the room. Is it a space for a quick shower in the morning, and brushing your teeth before bed? Or are you hoping to create a private haven for pampering and long, luxurious soaks in the bathtub?

Decide what your priorities are, and focus on them. You may prefer a large or double vanity unit to allow you and your partner to share the space without fighting over a single sink. Or your priority may be a freestanding bath or large, walk-in shower enclosure.

Alongside these ‘feature’ fixtures, it’s wise to think about adding some bathroom cabinets for storage. If you’ve opted for a vanity unit rather than a pedestal basin, you’re already halfway there: the cupboard, shelves, or drawers below your basin in a vanity unit will provide you with some much needed storage space. But somewhere like an en-suite, where space is a t a premium, you can never have too much storage! Having well organised cupboards and drawers will mean that your overall space can be kept tidy and uncluttered. This helps add to a sense of space and calm – both very necessary qualities in a room which is part of your relaxing and sleeping space.

If you have a large bedroom, you could think about adopting a little boutique hotel style by reserving your en-suite bathroom area for the practical stuff – add a space saving quadrant shower enclosure, medium sized vanity unit, wall hung WC and some bathroom cabinets – and situating a large, freestanding bathtub in the bedroom.

This look oozes luxury, and allows you to separate pampering from practicality.

Thanks Helen, for your ideas. And I’m positively drooling over that tub!

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We’ve all been there.  You want to make a big change in your home, but now is not the time to be spending.  Whatever your situation, you still want to improve your room’s form and function NOW.

Here’s a case study of an ugly master bathroom that needed some interim love.

Dark green-ish walls, tan trim, yellow-ish ceiling, floral border, grimy shower door and dark rose shade made this master bathroom feel like it was from another era. And did you notice there are no knobs on the cabinets? A functional no-no!

The Plan: hit the low-lying fruit with a budget of just $300. Here’s what we did.

First (after removing the border) we painted the ceiling white, the walls a pale blue/green/gray (BM “In Your Eyes” – same color we used in the guest room), and the trim white ($60).

We then replaced the towel bar with hooks and added hardware to the cabinets. Cabinet hardware – Martha Stewart collection from Home Depot ($36) and hooks (actually a coat rack) from Stacks and Stacks ($30).

We tore down the shower door, and replaced it with a stall shower curtain. Much cleaner (I’ll spare you the details) and easier to KEEP clean ($50). Note: had to order the stall-size shower curtain online (Amazon) – not many in stock in local stores).

We finally, we replaced the foreboding rose shade with doily accent with simple café panels ($100). Rod from Crate & Barrel and panels from Pottery Barn (yes, same curtains we used in the guest room – we found they were perfect for letting light in while giving full privacy).

We also added a functional shelf with hooks from HomeGoods ($25). Great for drying bathing suits!

If you were counting along with me, that’s a total of $301. Ok, so I went $1 over.

Phase II of this bathroom will include a new counter top, sinks and faucets. Plus new lighting fixtures (two to replace the one shown) and two mirrors. But for now, this room seems to work fine for us. And for around $300! Here are few more pictures:

What quick fixes have you done for your rooms? And any suggestions for counter tops? I’m hoping to get to phase II early next year.

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There are always concessions made when picking your next home. In our case, it was the smaller kids bathroom, which also has to serve as a guest bathroom at times. Not only was it functionally-challenged, it was just darn ugly. There. I said it.

The challenges:

• Small 31” vanity with precious little countertop space and storage.
• The Formica countertop was as ugly as the rusted out sink.
• The only towel bar was hung above where the kids can easily reach.
• The dated (and sort of grimy) shower door on the tub made the space feel even smaller.
• Dated green walls with dark green trim and back-of-door.

The Solution:

Shower:

• We tore down the shower door, making the space feel larger (and cleaner!). I used Goof Off and a positive attitude to remove the caulk (hint…you have to want to win bad enough…but stick with it…it’s doable).

• We used an existing white terry cloth shower curtain, with simple chrome hooks. This small space can’t handle alot of distraction!

Sink/Vanity:

• There was a bit more room available between the vanity and toilet to work with, so we opted for a standard 36” vanity with two drawers rather than the 31″ cabinet already there. More counter space (and drawers) is a good thing!
• By going with “standard” sizes, we were able to pick up an affordable granite countertop with under-mount sink included for under $200.
• We selected a faucet with a chrome and brushed nickel finish to match many décor visions down the road.
• The mirror and light was the very typical builder-grade plain mirror. We replaced the mirror with a lovely one found at HomeGoods.
• Because we went with a wider vanity, we had to re-center the lighting over it to fit.

Décor:

• We painted the walls a light celery color (Behr Sheer Green) to brighten the space. Not only does it liven the space, but it matches the accessories we already had.
• Because it is a small space, we limited the wall décor to above the shower to draw the eye all the way to the far wall. I picked up these metal 3D fish from HomeGoods a few years ago.

• We picked up chrome wall hooks, a towel bar and TP holder (also from HomeGoods) at a great price, and used existing colorful stripped towels to organically provide the rest of the wall décor (form and function fun!). Mismatched brings more color in the room, and let’s each kid know which towel is hers. Plus its easier for them to hang them back up.

• We found these darling Umbra “grass” toiletry holders on Amazon. The kids love them! And I love that they’re not as messy. The work for office supplies too.

Ok, time for some before and after fun…

Before

After

Before

After

This was not a major renovation in that we didn’t move things around or knock down walls (tempting as it was). But we did increase the functionality (and form) of the space with a very reasonable budget. Here’s what we actually spent:

• Vanity: $300
• Countertop/Sink: $190
• Faucet: $106
• Mirror: $60
• Lighting: $80
• Paint: $30
• Fixtures: $40
• Shower curtain bar and hooks: $35
• Décor: $15
• Installation: $0 (DIY, baby!)

So that’s $856 for essentially a brand new bathroom! And..as luck would have it…is ready just in time for my Mother-in-Law’s visit.

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I have a project in my mind that I’ve not had the opportunity to do just yet.  If ever we finish the basement, my vision is to create a faux fireplace focal point and avoid the “box with cheap carpeting” look.  But it’s got to be fun and kid-friendly.

My original idea was inspired by this image from Better Homes and Gardens.  Rather than using molding, why not “rescue” an old mantle from a junk shop, refinish and paint it and then add chalkboard paint in the middle where the fire should be?  You’d have a natural display ledge above for artwork, and you can either draw a fire or whatever inspires you on the chalk section.

Here’s an interesting idea from Apartment Therapy that really goes over the top with chalkboard paint.  Fun, huh?  Maybe not for everyone, but I love the possibilities.

While we expect to see a mantle in a family or living room, what about the bedroom? I found several ideas for using a mantle as a headboard.  That works great if you don’t have a king sized bed.

Here’s one from Apartment Therapy where they left the space open.  Would you have painted the inside a different color? (No, I’m not suggesting chalkboard paint here…would be too messy).

This one from Southern Living added a padded section in the headboard.  Ideal if you’re a restless sleeper.

What about bathrooms?  This little gem from Country Living took an old mantel and incorporated into the Jacuzzi tub retreat.  Not sure I’d want a mirror there.  Just sayin’.

How else can you imagine using a mantle?

And…for the bonus question…do you spell it “mantle” or “mantel?”  I see it both ways and am in search of a consensus!

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Is white becoming the new black? I’m seeing it everywhere, and I love it!

White plays great with classic black, and can nudge a traditional room a bit more transitional. Once associated with stark apartment walls, white is taking center stage!

Crisp white cabinets and bead board really makes the beautiful black granite pop.  Just a very clean look, accented beautifully with a simple vase of flowers.

While many associate white with modern or contemporary décor, white is actually very universal in style.  It serves as a wonderful base for shabby chic!

White may seem a bit stark for a bedroom, but note the architectural element on the wall behind this bed – it really softens the room.  Opting for diffused task lighting can warm up a white bedroom as well.  Side note: I just love the silver night table and head board!

I love, love, love this bathroom from House Beautiful.

How about white in a transitional family or living room?  By anchoring it with earthy neutrals, it makes a soothing backdrop for a comfortable room.  (Not sure about the antlers, however).

And here’s a white living room with a fun pop of color:

All this white inspiration is giving me fodder for redesigning my youngest daughter’s room.  But that’s another post for another day.

How do you use white in your decorating? (Or if you don’t, do you plan to?)

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My home is not staged to sell (obviously), so I have little bits of whimsy here or there to give it some personality. Partly because I have kids, but (admittedly) to amuse myself as well. Let’s face it, decorating is fun and we shouldn’t take ourselves or our homes too seriously!

Here are a  couple ways I’ve attempted to lighten up our bathroom décor:

Here’s a pitcher I found that just love. It is just what the tub in our master bath needed to make it a little less serious, yet still spa-like.

For the kids’ bathroom, I added a couple 3-D metal fish art pieces on the wall above the shower. It’s an often-forgotten part of the bathroom. Now the kids can shower with the fish.

Since I seem to be on a bathroom kick, here’s a little whimsy I added to the guest bath. I just toally got a kick out of this barefoot rug. I guess if a man lived here alone he might turn the rug around.

How have you added whimsy to your bathroom, or any other part of your home?

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I have a thing for bathrooms.  As a home stager, I especially LOVE staging them.  But as a homeowner, it’s not always very practical to live with a staged bathroom.  What is eye candy for the buyer is often inconvenient for the seller. 

So I’m going to help you out today with some tips for staged-bathroom survival, show some examples of staged bathrooms, and some easy updates for those of you who are not trying to sell your home.

First, let’s talk about a few tips to help you survive your staged bathroom:

• Use a caddy to hold personal toiletries to keep them off the countertops when not in use.  Kind of takes you back to the old college dorm days!
• Keep “guest” towels to use for home showings.  Toss your “real” towels in the dryer when buyers are coming through.
• Keep counter wipes, Windex and paper towels handy in EACH bathroom for quick cleanups. Tip: a little Windex on all the little shiny parts does wonders for a bathroom).
• Don’t use contour rugs or toilet seat covers.  One more thing to get dirty and they never stay in place (plus they’re kind of gross).
• Use liners in your trash can.  It’s cleaner, and makes for a quick toss-out!

Ok, now let’s check out a few before and after shots of staged bathrooms. The first two examples are from vacant homes. 

This vacant bathroom feels much more luxurious with warm tones.

Now this example is from an occupied home – and note that the sellers did not spend much money at all to update the bathroom.  It just needed a few style updates. Simple curtain made out of kitchen towels, more contemporary artwork, fresh towels and a little de-cluttering made this bathroom feel move-in ready.

Even if you’re not moving, there are some staging techniques you can use to infuse some style into your bathroom:

• Look at your bath linens with a critical eye.  They often wear out and/or get outdated before you really notice it! 
• Take inventory of what is on your bathroom counters.  If you don’t use it daily, store it somewhere else. If it must stay, store it in a decorative container.
• When is the last time you looked under your bathroom counter?  Some purging and organization can do wonders for your bathroom and your mindset!  It’s the same feeling you get when you clean out your purse.
• Bathroom a little bland?  Bring in color with rolled up towels or washcloths in a pretty basket.
• Look at the artwork and accessories in your bathroom.  Avoid smaller pieces as they tend to make a room look smaller.  And dried flower arrangements tend to look tired very quickly.

There you have it!  Thanks for sharing in my bathroom obsession!

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Monday is Groundhog Day.  If you believe in the little guy, we could see up to 6 more weeks of winter.  Although here in New England we’re looking at more like 2 months whether he sees his shadow or not.

Anyway, it got me thinking about seasonal décor.  Yes, we did the whole holiday decorating thing in December, and we’ll toss a few hearts here or there for Valentines Day.  But otherwise, it’s a long stretch til spring décor is appropriate.

I left a few wintery, non-holiday-specific items out after Christmas, but I’m tired of seeing those (just as I’m tired of seeing snow!).  And need I mention that we spend a lot more time indoors this time of year!  We’re official in-between seasons. I need to make a few changes, and soon.

Here are a few ideas to survive the tweener-season in style:

Rearrange the furniture in a room. Try angles, move accent rugs and accessories around, switch furniture between rooms for extra credit! Create a cozy reading corner or meditation space.  Use graph paper, or try Icovia to try your ideas online.

Take advantage of retail white sales and update your bedding.  You deserve it!  Here are a couple ideas from Pottery Barn:

And another one (love the pillows!):

While you’re at it, get a new set of plush towels to liven up the bath (more ideas from Pottery Barn).

And for a little wildlife in the bath:

Paint one wall a different color to create drama, such as this bathroom example.

and finally, why not shake up your kitchen with a new rug, and add a splash of color at the same time.  Tip: try FLOR tiles. You can get any size, and if you mess one up, just replace that one tile!  Here are three that I just love:

These little updates won’t make the snow melt, but it will pull you through the longest months (weeks?) of winter!

What other ideas do you have for making it through the tweener-season (without breaking the bank)?  Do share with the rest of us… we’re all in this together!

Happy Groundhog Day everyone!

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