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theresa_conroy

Master bathroom- decor help

8 years ago

You all were so helpful with helping me determine where to hang towels in my modest master bathroom. We are going to hang 2 hooks in 20" space when you first walk in on the left, one hook by the shower for use while showering and a hand towel ring to the right of the sink - probably all in chrome but open to suggestions.






I'd like to introduce a hint of other elements in the decor for interest and contrast but having trouble deciding color and materials


- Bath rug- should I find a small rug for just in front of the shower or something more substantial centered in the room?


- Art above toilet- should I hang something rectangular to the left of the outlet or something above the outlet w/ a small glass shelf below to the left of the outlet? The space above the outlet is ~ 42"x 42" and the space to the left of the outlet is ~ 26" x 14" (or 26" x 56" if looking at the full rectangle to left of outlet)


Any tips on colors or materials to incorporate in the accessories (wastebasket, rug, art, small decor items) ?

Comments (26)

  • PRO
    8 years ago

    I am baffled as to why the outlet was placed where it is above the toilet. I should be moved in closer to the vanity countertop to the left of the mirror so you can actually use it. Then I would add a nice piece of art above the toilet


  • 8 years ago

    yes, this was brought to my attention in my post asking for help re: the towel placement. i checked with the electrician and the placement was mandated to comply with our local building code. I don't think it is an option to move it at this point unfortunately

  • PRO
    8 years ago

    Theresa I am sorry, but that still makes no sense to me. Sorry I did not read your other thread, but I cannot fathom the local code saying the plug must be above the toilet. If it were me, I would get a second opinion from another electrician. There must be something I am missing.

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    yes, probably a good idea. We haven't used the bathroom yet (as it was previously a closet) but it already seems awkward functionally where it is placed right now

  • PRO
    8 years ago

    its a lovely space but I definitely would have another electrician take a look at moving that outlet. Good luck!


    "Fleur de Lotus" Framed Art Print, 20"x16" · More Info


    Theresa Conroy thanked M&M Interiors
  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    Hi Theresa have you given any thought to what color you are going with? Are you keeping the walls tan? What about mirror and light fixtures? I think your electrician is using the code line because he doesn't want to move the outlet. I've never heard of a code that says an electrical source needs to be closer to a toilet or shower. I think if you leave the outlet there you will get frustrated with its location quickly. Is there another outlet in the room? Generally code is that there needs to be an outlet within 6' of a doorway.

  • 8 years ago

    yes, the walls are revere pewter and look more tan in the picture than in person, more of a softer greige. since it is such a small room I wanted to keep things simple but I do want to bring a little more interest into the room through the accessories. i was thinking of bringing in elements of sea glass or soft aqua or sage but this is where i am struggling and appreciate any thoughts!

  • 8 years ago

    A sea glass blue would be beautiful in the space. Always so fresh in a bathroom. I am bias though as my own bath is being done in those colors. Since the space is small I would keep it as minimal as possible. Your cabinets are a show stopper on their own. Do you have a plan for what will be stored behind the glass? I would paint the inside of that cabinet a sea glass blue. Bring in some art work matted in bright white with the art being done on blue. Do you have a mirror? I would think about a mirror framed mirror to make the space expand a bit. Can't tell what your sink area looks like from the pictures for lighting etc. I would keep a rug and towels white or white bordered in the blue. What is going on the window? Privacy an issue? A white roman shade bordered in that same blue would be pretty.

  • 8 years ago

    First rule of decorating or photographing a bathroom is to lower the toilet lid!

  • 8 years ago

    Pretty bathroom. Can you link your other thread?

  • 8 years ago

    attempt at link to other thread below, let's see if it works.


    I am now wondering- if it is impossible to move the outlet (which seems to be the biggest challenge in what to do with space above toilet) that perhaps the train rack is the better solution to both solve the awkward space and have a functional spot for my towels? I was hoping to bring in a splash of color through art above the toilet and/or accessories in the room


    https://www.houzz.com/discussions/small-bathroom-where-to-squeeze-in-towel-bar-dsvw-vd~5442332

  • 8 years ago

    Pretty bathroom!

    If you are wanting some color, how about a vintage runner? If you can’t move the outlet (a priority for me) I would try to disguise with a hand towel bar and pretty hand towels.


    Then I would frame a favorite vacation picture and hang above the towel bar. Can we see the light fixture?







    Theresa Conroy thanked Kitch4me
  • 8 years ago

    the outlet doesn't appear to be GFCI rated. maybe that's why he didn't want to move it. what local code says you can't have your plug near the sink? none. as long as it's a proper rated plug, it's fine. your electrician is lazy. get someone else to do it and send your guy the bill if he won't.

    i believe code for outlets is 3' from any water source and it needs to be GFI. (or a central wired GFI to the breaker)


    best place to do your outlet is horizontal in the tile above your countertop.


    you have enough storage, so what about some tranquil art pics above the toilet?

    if you still won't move that outlet, then do some shelving like this to hide it. put some orchids or green plants on it.


    Theresa Conroy thanked Beth H. :
  • 8 years ago

    the outlet is GFCI rated- i think the issue is the 3' min. distance. Here is a view of the vanity and light fixture. I would love to move the outlet to the wall with the light switches and am looking into what that would entail. Any good sites for interesting for interesting art? Has anyone used minted.com before? Any thoughts on material for frame of art work or color selection for towels and bath rug? I don't want the room too busy would like to add in a little something.

  • 8 years ago

    the outlet can go anywhere you want. normally it's in the corner above the vanity.

  • 8 years ago

    My switch plates are off because it was being painted but there should be no issue placing you outlet on the side if you vanity and to left of your switch plate.

  • PRO
    8 years ago

    A GFI is what was needed and above your 4” backsplash . It does not have to be 3’ away when using a GFI and no towel ring just another hook for a hand towel

  • 8 years ago

    I think you should choose a longer rug that runs from the shower to a few inches from the door to elongate the room. I also think you should do a patterned rug (similar to the pattern of the cabinet next to the shower), that is a nice bright yellow and light gray. I think it will look very nice with the white and gray marble floors.

  • 8 years ago

    the 3' comment I wrote says, "a GFI outlet is needed within 3' of any water source' . That's so if you have your hand under running water and decide to plug in something or something plugged in falls in the water, you won't get fried.


    place the plug wherever you want it. if you're left handed, you'll want it on the left side if you use a blow dryer. if not, put in on the right

  • 8 years ago



    Theresa Conroy thanked groveraxle
  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    I would do art above the toilet. I personally think the shelves make the area look too (top) heavy and cluttered. With your cabinet and it looks like medicine cabinet do you need more storage from open shelving? You can find pretty framed at a lot of places. I would go with a silver leaf. For art try art.com. There are also several shops on Etsy that have some beautiful framable prints. Often they will customise them for you by color. I would do a nice matting within the frame of white.

    Theresa Conroy thanked pink_peony
  • PRO
    8 years ago

    Love your selection of flooring.

    Theresa Conroy thanked Designer Drains
  • 8 years ago

    thank you for the mockup groveraxle! I think the shelves are an interesting solution to the awkward outlet but I agree with others I don't think I need more storage and so anything on those shelves would be decorative. Is anyone able to do a photoshop mockup of the space with a piece of artwork and small glass shelf underneath to fill the space from the shower wall to the outlet to balance it out?

  • 8 years ago

    I don’t understand the problem with the outlet being moved. I have 3 full baths and all have outlets within inches of the sinks, so handy for plugging in hair dryers, electric shavers, etc. Yes, they are GFI...

  • 3 years ago

    I just came across this thread and was wondering what told you used on this bathroom. Also where did you get the cabinet next to the shower. Thanks, I am about to embark on a small master bath renovation and was really inspired by yours