A Better Bathroom - a little about FUNCTION

CHAPTER 3 - Function

I’ll be the first to admit – I’ve chosen looks over function and regretted it. Whether it’s an itchy sweater, a half size too small of shoes, or a lack of storage space, the blisters behind my heel have never been worth it to me.

Let’s take a minute to imagine a world where both looks and function could live harmoniously together… Could a little bit of creativity go a long way? Of course. I would be writing myself into a hole if not.

The key to “good” design is to challenge it with both functionality and looks. Baskets can be cute and functional, but will they provide not only adequate but the kind of storage needed in that space?

Let’s Get Down To It

Remember that list of questions in our first blog about Color? Let me ask a couple of them again…

What is the space going to be used for and who will be using it?

- Are you designing a Powder Room, Master Bathroom, Guest or Kid’s Bathroom, or a Jack & Jill?

What will I be doing in this space?

- Is this where you get ready, where you rinse off from the beach, where you wash your hands after getting home? 

Possible Scenarios

LESS IS MORE:  Are you designing a Powder Room? Why place a vanity with unnecessary storage space when you could do a statement piece? Try a floating sink or a vintage piece.

MORE IS MORE: Master Bath? Storage space will be your best friend here. Include a linen closet, multiple drawers, built-in shelves, you name it. The more storage the merrier.

BINS, BASKETS, OR BAGGAGE: Are we talking about a bathroom in a vacation home? Think about how much will you store in there, if there are spaces that need to be locked (rental or private residence?), and if you will be primarily be living out of a bag while you’re there. If you suspect there will be empty drawers, it really is a shame to include a standard vanity just for the heck of it. 

If you’re living out of a bag, a couple of baskets and open shelves could be enough.

Renting? A lockable linen closet may be the answer to all your baggage. 

If this is your secondary home, give yourself some drawers for all your toiletries. Keep the surfaces as clear as possible and don’t let open-shelves clutter your masterpiece.

Of course, too much storage never seems to be enough storage for some of us, but if you can get away with interesting sinks and slabs – do it. 

If I haven’t gotten my point across already: there isn’t just one way to design your bathroom. The more you can anticipate your needs in this bathroom, the better your design will be.

Image By Mélanie Cherrier, Blanc Marine Living | Design By @blancmarineliving

Image By Amber Interiors | Design By @amberinteriors | Photo By @tessaneustadt

Image By Michelle Dirkse | Design By @michelledirkse

Built-Ins

Image by Studio Palomino

Designer: @studio_palomino | Tile: @cletile

This section won’t have as much flair as the rest, because we mean business when it comes to built-ins. Shower niches, built-in shelving, linen closets - you name it, we love it. And we’ll let you in on a little secret... medicine cabinets are not just the clunkers you can find in outdated homes. Whether you add a modern, Robern medicine cabinet or find one at your favorite furniture retailer, we fully support the cause.

Again, it is all about anticipating your needs…

Niches are within the shower wall and will keep the floors and tub clear not only of products, but of the residue beneath them.

If you can’t build in a linen closet, consider a China Cabinet.

The possibilities are endless… until the construction is done and you didn’t create enough storage space. Think ahead, anticipate your needs, and don’t get stuck with those blisters behind your heel!

Something Old

Function, meet looks. Looks, meet function.

China Cabinets will not only add some character to your bathroom, but they can act as a beautifully showcased linen closet. Stack some matching towels on-top of one another (now is not the time to let the kids practice folding), collect your prettiest bottles and refill them with bubble bath, bath soaks, body lotion, oils, etc. next to a candle (to burn outside the cabinet of course), cotton balls in glass or ceramic containers, and whatever else you see fit.

If it’s too late to add a linen closet, this may be the right move for you. This is the most trendy “band-aid” you can find for that metaphorical blister. Trust us on this.

Image By Christopher Burns Interiors | Design By @christophercburns

Enough Is Enough!

(Especially In Your Powder and Guest Bathrooms)

Image By Studio Ben Allen | Design By @studiobenallen

Image By Next Luxury

Enough is enough. If the only storage space you need are for some towels and toilet paper, don’t worry about providing extra drawers and doors.

So I mean: Enough storage space is enough storage space. You don’t need any more than enough in cases like this. Remember, storage space has always been meant to be filled, not to be the standard “look”. You may miss an opportunity to do something really great if you just assume you need 6 drawers of space.

The Meat & Potatoes

The most important takeaway here is to anticipate your needs in your bathroom. You may have a photo in mind to design your entire bathroom around, but take a few minutes to think about what you actually need from your bathroom. Understand the use, the personality, and the investment of your bathroom. You can go beyond picking out a vanity, shower curtain, and matching hand towels. A better bathroom is just a brainstorm away.

Check out our Pinterest page for more inspiration photos and ideas, as well as some of our favorite products linked below to not only use, but to show off.

Stay Inspired,

MSH

Aesop | @aesopskincare

Barr-Co. | Image By Anthropologie | @anthropologie

Herbivore Botanicals | Image by @herbivorebotanicals

Moon Rivers Naturals | Image by @moonriversnaturals

A Better Bathroom - a little about MATERIALS

A quick recap on our previous blog about color: we covered giving your bathroom a personality, choosing colors that compliment your skin’s undertones, the importance of contrast (especially in a white, neutral bathroom), and ways to take advantage of small bathrooms. Let’s continue the conversation by talking about materials!

CHAPTER 2 - MATERIALS

Contrast

Jumping back into the topic of white bathrooms, let’s talk about what not to do. All white floors, walls, tiles, tub, sink, etc. are not the look and frankly never was. Don’t take this personally, we’ve all done it one time or another.

White is a great, clean look, but only when you allow it to pop with some contrast. We’re not talking about “contrasting” with other off-white neutrals. If you want a bohemian, neutral look; try using natural materials and textures to balance the space. Whatever your end goal is and the personality you have dedicated to your bathroom, pair contrasting colors, contrasting materials, contrasting patterns – white vs. a deep hue of blue, wood vs. a busy tile, chevron vs. ship-lap – whatever it may be! This goes back to giving your bathroom a personality, giving it depth and substance. Minimalism is trendy, bland is not.

Left Image: Image By Susanna Cots Interior Design | Design: @susannacots Middle Image: Image by Sketch Forty Two | Design and photo: @sketchfortytwo | Construction: @monmouthcustombuilders Right Image: Image by Bloom Int Design | Design: @bloomintdesign | Photo: @stellarotger | Styling: @gemaberenguer | Location: @calreiet

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More On That…

Image by Sarah Sherman Samuel

Design: @sarahshermansamuel | Photo: @jasonfrankrothenberg for @dominomag

We’ve talked extensively about color and broadly on material contrast, but there’s a whole other world of how to incorporate visual contrast.

Designing a bathroom is not just picking out different color schemes from the same puzzle. It doesn’t have to follow any sort of set design. Let’s say you want your bathroom to be a place of Zen and tranquility - why not offset a mirror? No one is forcing you to place it directly above the sink. You’re not piecing together some standardized puzzle, you’re painting a picture, telling a story. The story here could be: you have the option to look in the mirror, but it does not have to play a part in this experience, in your mood, in the intentions you set. Instead, place a window above the sink and create a vanity space beside it. Do you want your guests to be swept away with how good they look, or how beautiful the view is? Neither is wrong, but neither is the only choice!

Another way to create contrast is to play with consistent or complementary shapes and lines. Keeping a consistent geometric or organic rhythm will “wow” your guests, without them even knowing exactly what it is about your bathroom that just makes them feel balanced.

Image by Heidi Caillier Design

Design: @heidicaillierdesign | Photo: @haris.kenjar

Like in the photo above, you can do this by pairing a round mirror with round lights, cabinet knobs, a round element in the plumbing fixture, or the decorations you use. Then complimenting this shape with simple rectangle blocks seen in the wall tile, countertop, cabinetry, and a couple of floating shelves. This is just ONE example. The point of doing this is not to be obvious and flashy, but to allow your guests to feel balanced between all the layers of symmetry.

Would you have seen that in the photo without us pointing it out for you? Try it yourself! Go ahead and make a couple of notes of the shapes and lines this next photo is playing with!

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If You’ve Got It, Flaunt It.

If you are at all familiar with the movie, How To Lose A Guy In Ten Days, you may be familiar with “frosting yourself”. This was the marketing slogan that Matthew McConaughey’s character used to mean: deck yourself out with jewelry. My lesson here is to let your hardware be your jewelry, or “frosting”. Don’t be afraid of those statement metals – satin gold, antique brass, brushed bronze, etc. – if anything, adore them! This is where you can make a real statement, especially if you’re designing a simple white or black bathroom, or if you’re playing with color! Carry the metal throughout the plumbing fixtures, cabinet and bath hardware, mirror frames – wherever you see fit.

Left Image: Image By Amber Interiors | Design By @amberinteriors | Photo By @tessaneustadt Right Image: Image By Amber Interiors | Design By @amberinteriors | Photo By @tessaneustadt

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Where You Can & Can’t Pinch Your Pennies

(Really more of “Can, Should Not, & Depends” list, but that didn’t stick…)

Can: Tiles.

We do not condone buying the cheapest tile you can find, just because you can. If you’re willing to invest, do it. However, if you need to cut off some costs, this is a great place to consider. There are plenty of simple, sleek tile options at Lowes or your local tile store, but if you are feeling especially creative, find a small space to implement tile – whether that be above the vanity or within a shower niche – and showcase some intricate, quality options. Tile is a great way to exude the personality of your bathroom.

Can’t: Paint.

While paint shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg, it’s not worth buying the cheapest one out there because it’s “just paint”. Especially if your bathroom includes a shower, the paint you choose should be for bathrooms and should be water-resistant. Do your research – will it show streaks? Is it hard to clean? Cheap paint will make your bathroom look exactly that: cheap.

Can’t: Plumbing fixtures.

Buying quality plumbing fixtures will save you time and money in the long run. You’ve got 99 problems and plumbing doesn’t have to be one. Simple enough.

Depends: Countertops.

Let’s be clear: buying cheap countertops is not in your best interest. For one, you don’t always need a countertop. Maybe just try a floating sink! Or if you want a full vanity and don’t want to break the bank with a Marble countertop, try Quartz, Slate, Soapstone, or just visit your local countertop showroom! You don’t have to be an expert, even we don’t have to be an expert because there are already experts out there. Just don’t get suckered into a high-maintenance, high-priced Marble or Granite top if it doesn’t fit the bill. The type of bathroom you are shopping for is widely important when deciding on the type and durability of countertops.

Depends: Lighting fixtures.

If you are considering lighting for a Powder Room, this is where you can get away with a less expensive option. We are careful to use the word “cheap”, because often: cheap looks cheap. If you are selecting lighting for a full bathroom, this is where you need to invest in a good metal for those fixtures, otherwise, you will be facing corrosion due to condensation. Good lighting will elevate your space – don’t let it cheapen it. Other times, lights can be inexpensive to purchase but cost an arm and a leg to install. Read the reviews, read the installation guides and specification sheets if you need to, and absolutely keep the boxes and receipts until the lights are installed and working!

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Have no fear! Pinterest is here!

We’ve touched a lot on using materials to create contrast in your bathroom design but take note: this contrast is to bring balance, not to scream at you. If you are struggling to understand or just don’t know how to implement this to your own design, Pinterest is a great resource. Pick out a couple of photos of a bathroom you admire, and note where you see contrast, personality, balance, and whatever else you want to include in your design. The point is not to copy what you see, but to observe the story being told through effective design. You got this. Check out our Pinterest board with more photos and ideas in the meantime. Until we finish this series with some tips on Function…

Stay inspired,

MSH

A Better Bathroom - a little about COLOR

A mini blog series we dedicated to tips and tricks to design a better bathroom, in both attractiveness and functionality.

Whether renovating or building from the ground up, DIY-ing or working with a designer; we have some tips on designing a remarkable bathroom and avoiding some design disasters. Our goal is to expand your thinking and imagination on what could be your dream loo. We will break up the content into three main categories: colors, materials, and function. This week, let’s talk about color.

Our advice is not one-size-fits-all. These “tips and tricks” are a great place to start thinking about how you can pull away from the mundane, start thinking outside the box, and show off your beloved home.

First, ask yourself a handful of questions:

What colors do I look good in?

-        If you dislike the color on you, you won’t love it around you.

-        This doesn’t mean you should paint every wall blue because it makes your eyes pop. The advice here is to pay close attention to the undertones of the colors you choose; then, maybe, you can add some blue.

What is the space going to be used for and who will be using it?

-        Really, this is a question about whether this is a Powder Room, Master Bathroom, Guest or Kid’s Bathroom or a Jack & Jill.

What will I be doing in this space?

-        Is this where you are primarily getting ready, where you rinse off from the beach, where you wash your hands after getting home? Seriously, it matters!

How do I want to feel in this space?

-        This is most likely the place where you begin and end your day. Do you want to feel energized and confident, calm and at peace, bold, brilliant, trendy, clean? Your designs will influence this!

CHAPTER ONE - COLOR

Image by Chase Daniel via The Effortless Chic

Designers: @mrslaurendaniel + @thevuvobandit | Tile: @fireclaytile

Personality + Paint

Think of your bathroom design like a baby. What do you do with a newborn? You give her a name! And the first thing you should do with your bathroom is give her a personality. Not two or three personalities, a personality. Maybe you have a specific style in mind, or all you know is that you just really want to impress your guests. Either way, like any of your favorite people, your bathroom needs to have a personality. If you’re not a fan of someone with little or no personality, you won’t love a bathroom without one either.

All this talk about personality does not give you the right to switch up your personality on us. If your home is mid-century modern, contemporary, modern farmhouse, etc; keep your bathroom that way, whether you want to tone it down or really show it off! If you have a beachy, coastal home; your bathroom should be an onward expression of it. Whatever your theme/style is, keep it harmonious in the bathroom.

Image by Lindye Galloway

Design: @lindyegalloway | Photo: @chadmellon

When it comes to paint, choosing the right color is only half the battle and not always the best place to start. Don’t be afraid to work around a tile selection or a statement piece such as a vintage vanity, a floating cast-iron sink, or whatever you have in mind. Color should add, never take away, and never be the focal piece.

I’m thinking about all of those white bathrooms that blends where the walls begin and end. Add some natural woods, natural stones, and/or interesting tile selections for contrast! Key word here: contrast. Incorporating contrast when designing your bathroom is critical. And while we love a well-designed, neutral bathroom, it can be easy for it to feel bland without the right contrast to supplement its innate simplicity.

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Flatter Me!

Designing a flattering bathroom will depend on several factors, such as the size of your bathroom, the amount of natural light entering the bathroom, and the temperature of artificial light in it. Keep in mind your bathroom specifications as this next section influences your design ideas.

Image by JLV Creative via Zia Tile

Design: @jlv_creative | Photo: @margaret.wright | Tile: @zia_tile

When deciding on a paint color, it is best to choose a color that looks flattering on you and your guests. If you have decided to paint your walls a natural color, the tints and undertones that are inspired by skin tones are going to be your best bet. Generally, stay away from yellow and green undertones to avoid a sickly glow.

While on the topic of yellow and green undertones: we’re not saying to stay away from yellows and greens in every case! Small doses of yellow can energize and evoke feelings of confidence and happiness; while greens can induce feelings of balance, restoration, comfort, and togetherness. That doesn’t sound so bad does it? Don’t mistake this for pairing a yellow hand towel with a matching rug – you can do better than that. Dream big. Design a kids’ bathroom with Moroccan zellige with bursting yellows or glossy greens. If it flows with the personality you gave to your bathroom, we can’t tell you it’s wrong.

Image by Doherty Design Studio

Design: @dohertydesignstudio | Photo: @ashlynsavannah

Not all greens are created equally. It is also important to note that there are plenty, and we mean plenty, of greens you not only can use but should. Plants are the obvious go-to, but you can also warmly welcome in those dark, cooler greens in your paint or tile selections for a more dramatic, earthy look. Tile, especially in the shower, is typically the easiest place to welcome a pop of color!

The takeaway: pay attention to the undertones of your paint color – will it compliment your skin tone or will you avoid the mirror at every visit? It is important to run with the personality of your home, and to keep in mind the primary use of your bathroom.

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Image by Sarah Sherman Samuel

Design & Photo by: @sarahshermansamuel

White Bathrooms – here to stay or going away?

The classic white, minimal bathrooms are here to stay, but are not the only option! White is classic, it’s clean, it looks effortless but impressive nonetheless, but don’t let it keep you from incorporating black. Whether it is a black framed glass shower door or a painted black bathroom; we are all for it. 2020 bathrooms are going to be showing a lot more black, especially more than gray.

Black is bold, it is clean and simple, and it evokes feeling of calmness and even creativity – if you do it correctly. Balance is key for any color you decide on.

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Image by Christy Allen Designs

Design: @callendesign | Wallpaper: @osbourneandlittle

small spaces

A white-painted bathroom tends to be the go-to for smaller bathrooms, usually because white can trick the eye into thinking a space looks and feels larger than it actually is. But who are you really fooling? I’m talking about those Powder Rooms or even full Bathrooms that are just big enough to fit what you need. You don’t have to be ashamed of a tiny bathroom, in fact, we recommend using your creativity and take advantage of the limited square footage! Some of our favorite small bathrooms are ones painted dark, moody colors like a deep emerald green, ones that have decorative wallpaper, or ones with bold floor or wall tiles! A tighter space has the potential for a richer personality – if you let it.

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Some Final Thoughts…

If you walk away with anything, we hope it is this: whatever color you choose, choose it because it inspires the personality you have given your bathroom. Go through those first four questions at the beginning if you need help thinking through exactly what that is. What we love about design is that it is constantly evolving, inspiring, and showing up everywhere – even the loo.

Stay on the lookout for our next blog about materials to use in a better bathroom. In the meantime, check out our Pinterest board with plenty more photos for inspiration!

Stay inspired,

MSH