Airy Bathrooms See the Light
A breezy bathroom can be a revelation. These 8 ideas will help you lighten up yours in surprising ways
We are the mother and daughter behind the blog Design Chic (www.mydesignchic.com).
We are the mother and daughter behind the blog Design Chic (www.mydesignchic.com).... More »
For resale value, appeal and overall livability, few rooms are as important as the bathroom. When embarking on a remodel, it's easy to get caught up in every trend or lament your lack of space. Fortunately, even in tighter quarters, creating a light, bright and airy feel can be simple. Here are a few tips for transforming the space you have into a space you'll love.
by Melissa Davis
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1. Leave the windows in. When making over a bathroom, sometimes it can be tempting to cover up the windows. But if light and inviting is the look you're trying to achieve, leave them in. We aren't fans of the neighbors seeing us shower, but waterproof shades can remedy that problem.
2. Shrink your storage. We aren't opposed to vanities, especially in bathrooms where storage is at a premium, but when it comes to taking advantage of every square inch of visual space, sometimes sacrificing storage makes sense. Pedestal or open-leg sinks can have a vintage appeal, and they don't block the eye one bit. As a bonus, in a smaller space, working in double sinks sans cabinet can be much more doable than making room for a double vanity.
3. Think shimmer. In making a bathroom feel big, big, big, a little shimmer can go a long way. The iridescence of a tile like this is beautiful. Using mirrors to create the illusion of space is always a winning idea too. It's one of the oldest tricks in the book, but there's a reason for that.
4. Consider your colors. An essential part of creating the perfect, airy, open bathroom is the color. But when making it light, white isn't your only option. A cool blue, a warm gray or the palest creamy yellow can be inviting and spalike.
5. Create a curbless shower. Trying to make a space feel open doesn't require having a lot of extra space. Instead of cramming a small tub into a tiny bath, try creating a large, walk-in shower. It's easy to get caught up in the idea of luxuriating in bubbles, but a high-end rain shower can be just as relaxing. And when it comes to resale value, the rule of thumb is that as long as there's one tub in the house, making the rest of the bathrooms shower-only events is just fine.
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by Bruce Wright
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| 6. Don't block the box. One of the biggest deterrents to a breezy bath is a visually impairing shower curtain. Freestanding glass doors create the illusion of more space by utilizing every available inch of square footage, not cutting it off with an opaque curtain. Inexpensive varieties can be purchased at big box stores, but if you aren't watching your pennies, nothing says luxury like frameless glass. |
by Hendel Homes
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7. Get the right dose of light. One requirement of an airy bath is light, light and more light. If it can be natural, all the better, but regardless, the fixtures are paramount to the space. A chandelier like this is so glamorous, but if that isn't the feel you're looking to achieve, well-placed sconces or unique flush-mount fixtures can be just as good.
8. Don't forgo white marble. For a classic feel, nothing beats elegant white marble. Sure, a full marble shower like this one is luxurious, but for a similar effect on a tighter budget, skip the ceiling and choose an inexpensive white tile for the floor.
More:
How to Pick the Right White Paint
The Glass Bathroom Wall: Love It or Lose It?
The Case for a Curbless Shower
Hello, Sunshine: More Light for the Bath
More:
How to Pick the Right White Paint
The Glass Bathroom Wall: Love It or Lose It?
The Case for a Curbless Shower
Hello, Sunshine: More Light for the Bath
Ideabook published on March 2, 2012.
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Love your Reno could you tell me how big your bathroom is....mine is 4x8 so want to see if I can do same thing.