With smaller bathrooms, think vertically
Shazalynn Cavin-Winfrey, owner and lead designer of Arlington, Va.-based SCW Interiors, joined staff writer Jura Koncius to discuss bathroom decorating do’s and don’ts last week on The Washington Post’s Home Front online chat. Here is an edited excerpt. my home, and my advice would be to take advantage of your vertical space. Just yesterday we were planning a small bath space and discussing using a train rack that hangs high enough to store your towels and includes hooks along the bottom rung. Another thing to consider is a frameless glass door on your shower. This will immediately make the space feel larger and diffuse the light.
If you have any wall space behind your toilet, install a recessed medicine cabinet. We recently designed a very small bathroom where we placed a medicine cabinet over the sink and a second one over the toilet with a sconce in between, which allowed the husband and wife to have everything they needed on one wall. Another space-saving tip we implement all the time: Reverse the swing of the door or, if possible, install a pocket door. Both of these save an incredible amount of space in a small bathroom. or paint, I always say wallpaper. There is so much more visual interest and texture to wallpaper that you cannot accomplish with paint. I tend to think paint is not a problem solver, whereas wallpaper can take a space from blah to bright in an afternoon. and I am completely transported by your wonderful imagery. I do think you have to be careful in a bathroom. Investing in materials that are not easily replaced such as tile, cabinetry and faucets that are too wild could be a mistake. I am a big risk taker, but I try to limit the risks to items that are easier to replace should I tire of them, such as lighting, wallpaper and accessories. There is an amazing textile designer, Lindsay Cowles, who does wallpaper patterns in wonderful exotic colors and modern/tribal patterns. This to me would be the perfect balance to the more predictable items in a bathroom. Her website is lindsaycowles.com. Another fun accessory I have used is Moroccan lanterns, mirrors and screens in bathrooms. These add tons of personality and are still flexible. Some of my favorite sources are Tazi Designs and Made Goods. Check them out and let your imagination do the rest. amazing for sheet vinyl. When planning a bathroom, I always take a look at the existing fixtures in making decisions on materials. If, for instance, your shower walls have white porcelain tile, I am inclined to keep porcelain on the floor. I tend to think that simpler is always better for resale purposes. Stone requires maintenance in sealing annually. If you are looking for a budget-friendly solution that fits lots of tastes, I would stick with porcelain or ceramic tile. It is really wonderful how many options are available on the market these days.
When planning for flooring, it is important to consider slip factor. I tend to use smaller tile on floors in a matte finish. The matte is naturally easier to grip, and the benefit of additional grout joints helps with slippage as well. Although it may seem easier to go with a larger format tile, be sure to consider this before deciding. It is also important to consider the size of the tiles in relation to the space and any other tile that exists. All too often people take shortcuts and go with a larger-format tile that really doesn’t fit the space, ending up with strange cuts on the perimeter. long way. I like a fabric liner because it is easy to toss in the washing machine when it becomes stained from various soaps and daily use. I don’t have a favorite brand, but in the past I have bought liners at Restoration Hardware that have held up really well. personally would never have a master bath without a bathtub, because it is my favorite pastime. I would advise against a drop-in tub because of the lip flange that it creates, which can make getting in and out difficult as we age. An undermount tub is great solution and provides a ledge that is smooth for users to sit on and swing their legs around to enter the tub. When planning for a tub that has a stone or tile surround, make sure you have an access panel for the plumbing, which can be unsightly.
Q : Our f irst-floor powder room has no windows and is best outcomes with careful planning. For a transitional powder room, I would direct you toward a console sink so that you have a small shelf to store hand towels and other essentials. I think fewer transitions in materials is always a plus in smaller homes. I, too, love slate and have used it in many homes in the chevron pattern as well. You will want to consider the size of the bricks you use, as well as the color. Thankfully, there are a variety of slate colors, and it doesn’t have to be dark. for something fresh and different. Maybe the coastal vibe is what she is tiring of, so try something a little stronger for a change. them up. dropped in the dishwasher daily and is better for the planet. I did always beg for the tiny Dixie cups as a child, but I save them for the dentist’s chair.