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11 Ways to Give Your Bathroom Big Personality
Shop outside the designated bath aisle for striking results
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia. I've been writing about design online for quite a few years over at Hatch: The Design Public Blog.
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta... More »
Does your bathroom lack a certain charm? Perhaps it's a bit of a builder's special, with an outdated vanity, a lack of natural light, or you're just tired of white on white. Here are some inspirational rooms that will make you throw your design rule book out the window.
First, retrain your brain. Why do so many bathrooms lack a certain charm? Because we tend to rule out certain elements like large-scale or bold wallpaper, fearing we're breaking some sort of small-space rule. Forget your preconceived notions about furnishing and decorating the bathroom.
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Go bold: A strong kelly green paint color sets a strong tone for this large bathroom. All of the other elements in the room play off this accent wall.
| Approach it like a living room: While the majority of us will never have a bathing room this large, it's inspiring to see surprising elements like the mural, the lack of tile, the fireplace, the light fixture and the furniture. One rule NOT to throw out: Check safety codes when using a hanging light like this one and a bathtub in the same room. |
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Accessorize with flair (or even wild abandon): A capiz shell lamp, large-scale paisley wallpaper, elegant mirror and nesting tables are not items we're used to seeing in powder rooms.
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Get glossy: This bathroom lacked natural light, so the designer used bright green paint and copious amounts of white to brighten it up. The glossy finish of the green paint enhances the light.
Add decorative accents: An proud ceramic pooch tops off a sophisticated black and white color palette. Who knew python, hot-pink zebra, and a canine could look so good together?
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Use atypical elements: A unique washstand, geometric wallpaper, intricate mirror and Oriental rug are topped off by an equestrian sculpture, infusing the space with style.
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One big gesture: A dramatic lava rock wall makes this bathroom a unique place for a relaxing soak.
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Get reflective: Metallic wallpaper and finishes, mirrors and crystal light fixtures play with the light and transform this powder room into a glamorous spot.
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Mix styles: Those darn rules in your head probably made you think your needed to stick to one style in a small powder room. Wrong! This bathroom has contemporary, Old-World, glamorous, regency, Asian and even a hint of rustic style going on, and it all balances out to equal one stunner of a room.
Forget resale! For our final example I will take on the most controversial bathroom we've seen on Houzz. Some commenters even said it was "like jail" for them. But its minimalist look suited the owner/designer's sensibilities and he's the only one who bathes here, so if he loves its light-filled, exposed-beamed, industrial-with-rusty-accents aesthetic, that's all that matters. One man's Em City is another man's Zen.
More:
These Baths Are Bananas
Where to Put Your Freestanding-Bathtub Necessities
Accent Sinks: Jewels of the Bath
More:
These Baths Are Bananas
Where to Put Your Freestanding-Bathtub Necessities
Accent Sinks: Jewels of the Bath
Ideabook published on Oct. 10, 2011.
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I am just wondering, on the 10th picture, where you say "Mix styles" ... What is used behind the sink? Looks like real wood. But, in my mind I am thinking that it looks just like the same laminate flooring my friend used in her bedroom. Is it flooring adhered to the wall? Or maybe it is some sort of wood planking for walls? Or wood tiles? I don't know but it's just gorgeous! Any info would be appreciated (if anyone knows).
Thanks!