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Bathroom shock – it’s happened to us all at some point. You walk into a bathroom and cannot believe that someone actually paid money for such horrendous décor. Whether they feature fuzzy toilet seat covers, dusty silk flowers or hideous shades of paint, some bathrooms are just plain gross. You can avoid creating a cringe-worthy bathroom by keeping in mind some simple décor and remodeling don’ts and knowing what to do instead.
Don’t forget that bathrooms are wet.
Between the sink, tub, shower and toilet, the bathroom is a place that sees a lot of water. Neglecting to consider this when designing and decorating a bathroom will lead to never-ending trouble, and ultimately, you’ll have to remodel all over again.
Instead: Waterproof. Install shower pans and windows in showers correctly, and use PVC or other composites for casings and baseboards. Use materials such as stainless steel, stone, concrete and glass. If you really want wood, choose hardwoods, and be sure to keep trim and wood cabinetry off the floor to avoid contact with water.
Don’t forget about the floor.
Instead: Remember that floors need to be waterproof AND provide good traction. Avoid using carpet, wood or glossy surfaces for the bathroom floor. They are unsafe and unhygienic. Use porous tumbled stone such as limestone or travertine in smaller tile sizes in order to maximize grout joints and improve traction.
Don’t forget to do the math.
Instead: Measure everything. To ensure that your bathroom not only looks good but also functions well, measure everything and verify that all design elements fit well together. There’s nothing quite as aggravating as a faucet handle that collides with the backsplash, or as costly as fixing a toilet alcove that isn’t up to code.
Don’t place a toilet facing the door.
Doors don’t always lock, and nobody wants that kind of exposure.
Instead: Place the toilet on the same wall as the door. If possible, place the bath vanity or a storage cabinet between the toilet and the door. The cabinet can also be an opportunity to add visual interest to the bathroom.
Don’t skimp on fans.
The cheap ones are loud and obnoxious, not to mention ineffective.
Instead: Invest in high-quality bathroom-specific venting. Durable, quiet fans as well as remote blowers are available and worth the splurge.
Don’t put a bathroom in the kitchen.
These two rooms absolutely do not mix.
Instead: Be strategic. Be sure that the bathroom does not open directly into the kitchen and is not visible from the kitchen or dining area. Even the most beautiful bathroom in the world doesn’t belong anywhere near where people are preparing or eating food.
Don’t leave your bathroom in the dark.
Bathrooms often do not have adequate light. This can make activities like shaving or putting on makeup especially difficult.
Instead: Bring in natural light. Natural light is a perfect element for any room in the house, but it’s especially appealing and useful in the bathroom. If your bathroom doesn’t have a window, consider installing a skylight. If all else fails, be sure to place multiple 60-watt CFL bulbs in a surface mount fixture over the mirror for an even distribution of adequate light.
Don’t play it safe with the tile.
White is safe, but it is oh-so boring.
Instead: Express yourself. The huge selection of tile at a home design store can be overwhelming, but it’s a great chance to add pizzazz and personalization to your bathroom. Choose tiles that compliment your overall design theme.
Don’t leave cleaning products or bath and body products in plain sight.
Instead: Get creative with storage solutions. While cleaning products should be stored in a closet, bath and body products need to stay a bit closer – but still be out of sight. Keep clutter under control with decorative fabric storage bins and baskets.
Don’t throw in the towel.
Towels are necessary bathroom linens, but they can also be a source of clutter and visual blight if not stored appropriately.
Instead: Use towels as a design element. Towels that are too fancy can be off-putting, but fluffy new towels that are brightly colored or that sport lively patterns can perk up a dreary bathroom. Even better, instead of storing those towels folded flat, roll them up and place them in a basket.
Don’t be overwhelmed.
Instead: Keep it simple. If you don’t have the time, budget or stomach for an entire rebuild or redesign of your bathroom, you can change things up with simple touches. Try decorating the edges of your bathroom mirror with enamel or glass etching paint, or replace it entirely with a new one in a different size or shape. Customize a plain shower curtain with colorful trim or ribbon, or give your vanity a facelift with a coat of paint on the cabinet doors and drawer fronts.
Finally, don’t forget to have fun! Remember these décor no-no’s, and you bathroom is sure to shine, not shock.
Ryan Tupper has been a contractor and plumber for ten years and has seen bathrooms evolve extensively even in that short time. Ryan turns to DecorPlanet.com for his bathroom updating needs.
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