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Lazy mans one stop shop bathroom decorating.

5 years ago

I need to decorate the guest bathroom but hate this sort of thing. Are there any places where I can just pick from a list and get all the decor, shower curtain, towels, trash can etc. that match? I'm a single guy in his 40's and need modern/contemporary styling that will impress guests but not break the bank.

Comments (63)

  • 5 years ago


    Under the Sea · More Info

    For the hand towel, I like a ring like the one above. Either square or round. The nice thick rugs are a nice touch for cold feet.


    Colors...If you pick a shower curtain with more than one color, you can choose towels and accessories in one of the non dominant colors in the shower curtain.

  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    They started with the shower curtain and wall paint, then chose a frame and chair to match the red in the curtain. I would not have put the blue-gray paint with red, but it works because of the curtain. Depends if you like stripes.

    Mondavi Designer Home · More Info



    Lower East Side NYC · More Info



    Family Home in The Ramble · More Info


  • 5 years ago

    The pics are just an idea of how to pull in colors like the black and white bath below. The turquoise paint was a contrast that I like. None of the colors will work for your granite, but you get the idea

    Home Addittion -NW Washington, DC · More Info


    Glenwood Residence · More Info



    two colors of towels. I will not buy white towels anymore because of guests wiping blood or lipstick then throwing them in the hamper. The stains set so the towels were no longer white.

  • 5 years ago

    https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/priya-shower-curtain/3289097?categoryId=13474&color=NATURAL


    https://www.target.com/p/cambridge-mosaic-stripe-shower-curtain/-/A-51930152?preselect=51833461#lnk=sametab


    I have noticed that both stores sometimes carry the exact curtain online, but may not have it in their stores.


    If you choose an unusual color, buy your towels at the same time. Stores sometimes do not have any towel that matches the shower curtain. Not often, but it happens.

  • 5 years ago

    Thanks. Only thing missing are the item numbers so I can just click purchase :)

  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    Very nice room.

    This is a fun idea for shower curtain, if dimensions would work in your space.


    Extra Long Shower Curtain 72"x78" Sealskin Savon De Provence, White · More Info


    Washable, etc., and it says this curtain does not need a liner; but you could use one if you like.



    With some plush white towels, as Manon shows, above.


    Linum Home Terry 6-Piece Towel Combination Set, White · More Info




    You can keep it simple, and spa like - which works beautifully for a guest bathroom, and you have all the elements in place for it in your room.



  • 5 years ago

    OA, Choose your own items so you get colors, patterns, and textures that appeal to YOU. Your home should be a reflection of you. This is an easy room to learn how to find your own style.

  • 5 years ago

    @calidesign I see all these awesome photos of decorated bathrooms. I was hoping someone had all the items listed in the photos and then I could just add them to my shopping cart.

  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    Go to Ikea. EZPZ. They put everything together. You can get a head start by looking at their catalog. Both there and in the showroom(s) they cluster things together, so there are a lot of visuals.

  • 5 years ago

    Agree.





  • 5 years ago

    Almost any store I have gone to, sets up vignettes of things to buy together because they want to sell more stuff.




  • 5 years ago



  • 5 years ago



  • 5 years ago

    My Costco just had a color coordinated combo they were selling that included bath mat, shower curtain, shower curtain rings and liner all for under $30 I think. All you'd need to do is get some towels that match.

  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    OA, even Wal-Mart will have what you need. It might take you 15 minutes to choose. Come on! It is an adventure! Go shopping, unless you are color blind (some men ARE color blind). Take pics and show us what you bought. Save the bags and receipts. You could always return the items.

    Re: Toilet seat...you probably already know this.... close it before flushing because the microscopic water particles will float in the air and land on everything, including toothbrushes, doorknobs, towels, etc. Not sure about the Feng Shui.

    walmart has bronze colored towel racks, trashcans, shower curtain rings, and other accessories.

    https://www.walmart.com/ip/Mainstays-Bronze-Bathroom-Trash-Can-Wastebin-1-Each/103226946

    As for a shower curtain, get either a solid color or a striped one, but get a clear or white plastic liner so you can throw the liner in the washing machine with detergent and bleach periodically. The outside curtain will not need washed that often.


    Buy gel bath wash and liquid hand soap instead of bar soap, and generic face wash liquid soap.

  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    Ok this is what I have so far. All the work I was trying to avoid. The lighting is quite warm to it changes the appearance of the colors. I have receipts and my feelings won't be hurt if what I put together is trash. Feedback would be appreciated. I'm trying to avoid the bachelor look.







    https://www.target.com/p/spacedye-shower-curtain-neutral-ombre---project-62--8482-/-/A-54551542

    https://www.target.com/p/stitch-stripe-hand-towel-gray---threshold--8482-/-/A-51606750


    https://www.target.com/p/wastebasket-dark-weave-black---threshold--8482-/-/A-16675316

    wondering if I should go with this for contrast https://www.target.com/p/wastebasket-light-weave-yellow-threshold-8482/-/A-16675317


    Not really a fan of this but I had it already.

    https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/toftbo-bath-mat-gray-white-melange-90422251/

  • 5 years ago

    My preference is a covered trash can in a bathroom...the step-on type.

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    Impressing guests with a 200.00 budget probably will not happen.

  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    MS Colours, why not? I doubt we are talking about a million dollar home and the OP did not ask, nor did he seem to be looking for pretentious items. There is nothing wrong with what he chose. He just didn't want the bathroom to look like a bachelor pad.


    OA, I think you did a great job! It does not look like a bachelor pad or a frat house! I really like the shower curtain and the towels. It looks masculine, not feminine, which is just fine!


    I would buy twice as many hand towels as bath towels. You will go through them quicker than the bath towels. Did you find a bronze ring to hold the hand towel? You don't want people Dripping water on the counter and toilet paper while reaching for the large towel rack above the toilet.


    You could also put a free standing bronze towel rack on the counter instead of a wall towel rack.


    https://www.walmart.com/ip/Better-Homes-Gardens-Countertop-Hand-Towel-Holder-Satin/933928286


    Nice soap dispenser...

    https://www.walmart.com/ip/New-York-Bathroom-Soap-Pump-Lotion-Dispenser-Bath-Sink-Accessories-Oil-Rubbed-Bronze-Short/104083314


    In my mind, the thing that I would like best (for an overnight guest stay), is a hook on the back of the door with a soft, bath robe on it. Most people don't pack robes, and it would be a nice touch if you ever have overnight guests. Keep it in a sealed bag until you need it so it will not gather dust on the hook.


    Nice job, OA!

  • 5 years ago

    I like what you have put together on a budget.
    can I get in on this request for help?? I'm in same situation... personally and with layout of bathroom. need advice. thanks

  • 5 years ago

    I agree that it looks fine. I do like the shower curtain. However, I am a fan of color and do not like brown or gray, and I am wondering if you have or would like to get some colorful artwork for the walls. Do you have any favorite artists? Do you love portraits, landscapes, or anything in particular? Oil? Watercolor? Do you have a passion for, say, miniature cars or some childhood toys that you could display on small shelves in there? (You do want to be aware of possible water damage.) Some things that are not expensive but that bring you a lot of pleasure to see on a regular basis. What are some of your favorite colors?

  • 5 years ago

    coachdaugherty, you may want to start your own discussion so the answers do not get intertwined and possibly lost. Also, please post pictures and if possible dimensions, type of decor you love (mid-century, modern, etc.), colors that make you sing, how you use the bathroom, and what ideas if any you are thinking about or links to inspiration photos that you enjoy.

  • 5 years ago

    I don't have any favorite artist. I went with the grey and brown since they are pretty neutral. I'm open to suggestions. Best are links to the retailers so I can just click purchase :)

  • 5 years ago

    I have a lot of places and items bookmarked for my own interest but it's very difficult to narrow it down without ideas from you. Let me give a small try, though.


    I adore well-known American artists Edward Hopper (especially Nighthawks) and Jerry Bywaters (especially Oil Field Girls). Because of their subjects, a lot of them look great on canvas but would work in any medium. They can be made by many companies like these. You can find unique artwork on any of these: Unsplash, Uncommon Goods, Ten Thousand Villages, Nelles Studio. As others have suggested, good places to browse online include Pier One, World Market, One Kings Lane, Wayfair, Ballard Designs, Frontgate, and many, many more.


    I would not suggest cluttering your bathroom. I tend to minimal and I think this works extremely well in a bathroom. But some artwork or a piece of sculpture you care about or maybe a couple of attractive bath accessories would add some softness and individualism to what you have created.

  • 5 years ago

    Wow you did a great job O A ...I wouldn’t change a thing :)

  • 5 years ago

    OA I am just tuning in. The hard part is actually over--you made some choices! I agree with others spa was the way to go. I like the shower curtain, the towels, and the bath mat too (it is grey)!

    Pick up at least 2 fluffy bath towels in solid dark grey, light grey, or white. Hang these over the toilet with the extra hand towel on top. There are hand towel rings that sit on the counter, or you can leave a towel on the counter as is. Finally, contemporary looking metal over the door hooks would be functional and easy to put up.

    The trash can is nice but as I see the room as a whole, bronze might be better like others suggested. Same metal for a toothbrush holder or soap dispenser, if you want these items.

    The plant is a very nice touch. You could play this up in your art. Print out tropical leaves on a color printer and frame them using black or metal frames. Put 2 or 3 on the large plain wall. Or find images of leaves or grass at the store. This can come later as you go.

    Your bathroom is very relaxing and organic. Your guests will say wow, then they will say ahhhhh....

    Keep us posted!

  • 5 years ago

    I wonder if you could find some inexpensive artwork/wall decor at Hobby Lobby or Michael's or other home store that has bronze colored metal in it. The room looks masculine...which you are, so nothing is wrong with that.


    Other color? maybe blue, blue green...honestly, it looks fine.


    Toothbrush holder. I hate them. You never know how many water particles from the toilet is landing on a toothbrush. Yuck!


    Bronze trashcan, soap dispenser, etc. Return basket.

  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    A little update. I'm going to do this in a few posts since the site doesn't seem to like so many pictures.

    So, new trash can, bath mat, and accent towel (close of those items later) below is more of an overview. As a reminder the lighting is quite warm.



    Another angle and you can see the soap dispenser and tooth brush holder


  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    What are y'alls opinions on the towels and trash can? Stripes or squares?







  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    And lastly the bath mats. Solid or stripes? Is it a fashion faux pas if the stripes run perpendicular to the shower curtain?






  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    either:

    1. keep the stripe and "square" bath towel, it's fun to mix patterns here. if you do, choose the solid rug, and swap the shower curtain for something solid too (grey or white).

    or

    2. "square" bath towel, solid rug, and keep the shower curtain.

    reason: I wouldn't pair the stripe rug with the stripe shower curtain, they're too matchy matchy. so get rid of one. but I also wouldn't pair the shower curtain or stripe rug with the stripe towel -- they're too different. (the shower curtain / rug are sketchy and light wheras the stripe towel is bold and geometric).

  • 5 years ago

    by the way, I do like the trash can, glassware and plants!

  • 5 years ago

    great job !!!! My votes :)





  • 5 years ago

    I can't return the shower curtain but I do agree with the stripes particularly with the bath mat. It looked really cool on the website but not so much in real life. I think #2 is the best option but I'll keep both sets of towels. That way if I have 2 guests they will have different matching sets. (I bought the large towel as well). Now I just need some artwork.

  • 5 years ago

    For artwork, choose something that means something to you, or makes you smile. The art will interject some color and life into the space.

  • 5 years ago

    First, OA thank you for the updates and I am glad you are well.
    Be careful--I liked the spa direction the bathroom was going but now it is in "bachelor" danger zone.
    My votes:
    Keep original striped hand towels and get solid big towels in light grey and/or white. I would not do charcoal.
    Keep the solid mat you had so the focus can be on the shower curtain.
    I can appreciate the trash can and counter set. However I would avoid more chrome, go for bronze or brushed nickel (toilet brush, plunger).

    I would get the accessories away from the faucet, either in a group to the left of the sink or everything on the left but soap on the right.

    You are once again still very close to being done! Keep us posted on what you decide.

  • 5 years ago

    I think the choices illustrated above by outshopping422 look great and not too bachelor at all. it looks clean and contemporary to me. if you want to soften the look, art is your next step.

    easy art can be found at places like society6 -- where you can choose the print, the size, and the type of frame. it's one stop shopping for art, and very cool designs. this is where you can add some fun and color.


    this is "flower field" framed in conservation walnut:



    or maybe a fun photo. this is "look on the bright side marquee sign" in walnut:



    "surfing in the ocean" (this one doesn't come with a frame unfortunately)



  • 5 years ago

    Wow that’s a fun website B F. O A Here are a few more pics to think about...



  • 5 years ago

    Hello OA, any updates?

  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    On a budget and prefer to minimize cleaning?

    Consider a thick clear shower curtain liner treated for mold/mildew only -- forego the additional curtain that helps block light and air (needed to enable drying the space).

    As to the rest, keep it simple. Unnecessary accessories are not decoration, they're clutter.

    Stick with stainless steel to the extent possible for hinges, door knobs, faucets as well as towel rods, ttissue holders, toothbrush and hair dryer holders -- preferably all attached to the wall.

    Aluminum that also will not rust is a good second choice. Chrome and/or glass would not rust either. http://cmepub.com/product/bibnglo-hair-dryer-holder-wall-mount-hair-blow-dryer-holder-space-aluminum-hanging-rack-organizer-for-hair-dryer-toothbrush-towel-rack-bathroom-accessories-storage-organizer-with-cup/

    Avoid straw/fabric baskets and ceramics. Avoid items that need to set atop the counterspace -- leave that clear for your guests to have a place to set their toiletries.

    An accessory that is also a necessity -- one that can make or break the space: Do choose a trash can with a lid with foot control. Trash should NOT be seen. https://www.google.com/search?q=Stainless+steel+bathroom+trash+can&client=firefox-b-1-d&source=lnms&tbm=shop&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjnkbyk46zqAhW3gnIEHQtcB-UQ_AUoAXoECBQQAw&biw=1366&bih=654#sgro=om&spd=16503686925006431228 

    While stainless steel might cost you a little more now, especially if you buy it in an "upscale shop" rather than a big box store, it is very likely you will never need to replace it again ... and what is your cleaning time worth.


    An efficient space will be a more attractive modern space.


    Art -- what works for your space -- is a purely personal choice. What do you want to invest (for decoration purposes only) in a space that has great potential to damage anything that is susceptible to dampness -- such as a framed picture?


    https://www.touchofclass.com/coastal-tranquility-metal-wall-sculpture-multi-metallic/p/B164-001/

  • 5 years ago

    I find that a nylon shower curtain washes up better than plastic -- and you can occasionally soak it in bleach when needed. if you need some light to come into the shower, get a white one. no need for a liner.

  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    Sometimes Bealls outlet stores have affordable artwork in the back.

  • 5 years ago

    As for updates, I already went with a plastic liner. That was ~$4 and since this is the guest bathroom won't see a lot of use. Bachelor pro tip #34, Dollar Tree mold and tile cleaner works a treat on keeping the toilet bowls and shower curtain sparkling.


    Really the only addition is I have added 1 piece of artwork. It's a hand cut piece of paper to form an image. I went super cheap and got that for about $10. I might change the frame to something nicer.




  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    The frame suits the paper art.

  • 5 years ago

    Thanks OA for the update! The paper cut art is really cool! I hope you did keep the outer curtain with the stripes, it really sets the spa tone. Suezbell and BF thanks for the shower curtain tips, I will use for my short term rental.

  • 5 years ago

    @drblount10 I did keep the outer curtain.

  • 5 years ago

    great job! and you're right-- a plastic curtain in a guest bathroom is fine. it'll take forever before soap scum builds up on it.