Bathroom design basics
Interior designer Daun Curry, a graduate of the Parsons School of Design, freelanced as a stylist before opening her own New York design firm in 2009. Curry joined staff writer Jura Koncius last week for The Washington Post’s Home Front online chat. Here is an edited excerpt.
Q: What are your tips for designing very small bathrooms?
A: The first factors to consider are your absolute needs for function. Make a list as you go through your daily routine. One aspect that would really help a small space is considering if you truly need and will use a bathtub; this can be a huge space saver. Medicine cabinets are great for storage, and you can also look at vertical storage on walls. Keep the color palette light and bright to open up the room and keep everything feeling fresh.
Q: Our upstairs bathroom has a wood floor. This seems like a terrible idea, especially with children. My gut says to tile the floor, but what’s your opinion? The house was built in 1920, so the floors are real wood.
A: I do love the beauty of a natural wood floor, and it sounds like a charming home with some nice old details. However, your gut is correct: I would not recommend wood floors in a bathroom, especially one that children use, because they are a breeding ground for bacteria. Porcelain or marble tile is the way to go. Both are easy to clean and will be durable and beautiful.
Q: What are some unusual accessories that
would make a small bathroom more interesting? Our guest bathroom has a tub, one-sink vanity and toilet. There is room on the vanity to add something in addition to soap and a tissue box, but I’m unsure what else to put there. The color scheme includes soft grays on the floor and walls, a deeper gray shower curtain, chrome fixtures and a mirror framed in silver.
A: Think of accessories that are not necessarily meant for a bathroom. Some of my favorites for a bathroom are plants, beautiful tissue boxes, Hermes dishes as catchall trays (they carry porcelain coasters and soy dishes that are less than $150), pretty soaps and toiletries, natural elements such as corals and shells, candles and luxury linens.
Q: How do you choose whether a bathroom should have lighter surfaces or a darker theme?
Does either light or dark make a space seem bigger than the other?
A: Lighter bathrooms tend to feel fresh and clean, whereas darker ones have a moody, sexy vibe; it just depends on what you’re going for. Powder rooms are a great candidate for a dark, moody palette.
Q: Can you discuss your approach to lighting in bathrooms?
A: Layered lighting is very important. Think high-hats, sconces and decorative fixtures all in the same room. Everything should be on separate switches and always on dimmers.
Q: We need to replace the floor tile in our main bathroom, and I have fallen in love with a marble tile. I’m worried that the marble will be hard to care for and will look stained or worn quickly. Do you have any recommendations for caring for marble, or should I try to find a porcelain that looks like it?
A: Marble and natural stone always top my list because of their timeless beauty, but there always needs to be a balance between beauty and durability. You can seal marble, but over time, it will show wear and patina, which, in my opinion, is part of the beauty. Porcelain is a great option, and there are many wonderful products out there.
Q: If you’re redecorating on a budget, what changes would you tackle first to make the biggest impact?
A: A fresh coat of paint on cabinets, walls, ceiling and trim will do a lot to freshen the space.
Q: How do you choose a bathtub? What are the benefits of a free-standing tub vs. a built-in? I love free-standing tubs, but I always worry about the potential mess.
A: If you have the space for a free-standing tub, I think it’s a beautiful look.