Use
Colorful Towels
If the color of your bathroom is monotone,
where everything is white -- walls, fixtures and counters -- changing the
towels can bring an entirely new look to the room. The selection of towels
to choose from is almost endless. There are vibrant, solid colors for a
bold accent. Printed or embroidered towels are available in virtually any
theme or style from traditional to tropical.
Consider purchasing a set of towels for
seasonal use. You do not have to purchase all new towels, just enough that
to create a visual difference between summer and winter. Two each of the
bath towels, hand towels and washcloths may be enough. For the year-round
towels, select neutral tones or solids that coordinate with your decor.
For the seasonal accent towels, select lighter, brighter colors and
patterns for summer and darker, richer tones and patterns for winter.
White towels are also very nice if trying to
create the "day spa" theme!
Shower Curtains That Make a Difference
Shower curtains are one of the most
dramatic accessories in the bathroom, and can change the room's look
instantly. As with towels, the colors and patterns of curtains available
seem virtually endless.
To create a warmer, more refined look, use
fabric shower curtains with a printed or embroidered pattern. Vinyl shower
curtains tend to be less expensive. They provide a more casual and
sometimes whimsical tone to the bathroom like hula girls and an underwater
scene with brightly colored tropical fish.
Try a Bathroom Ensemble
A bathroom "ensemble" typically includes a
waste can, boutique tissue holder, tumbler, toothbrush holder, soap dish,
lotion/soap dispenser and jar for incidental items. You do not have to
purchase the entire set to perk up a tired bathroom. If you have limited
space, consider just the waste can and tumbler.
When selecting a style, make sure it fits
with the overall look of the room. There are a number of styles to choose
from -- modern, traditional, whimsical and formal, as well as styles
appropriate for a children's bathroom. Finishes include metallic and
materials that mimic ceramic with patterns that range from floral to
exotic.
Types of Wall Art or Pictures
Set the tone for the bathroom by treating
it like any other room in the house. Hang art on the walls, or install a
small shelf for displaying knickknacks or other treasured items.
Mirrors are a welcome addition in small
bathrooms. A collection of small mirrors finished in decorative frames
adds glamour to your bathroom. They also reflect light to make the space
appear brighter and larger. Use an odd number of small mirrors -- one,
three, five -- in combination with other artwork. Before hammering nails
in the wall, place all the items on the floor until you have the
arrangement you like.
For the do-it-yourselfer, purchase
decorative picture frames and replace the glass with mirror. And remember
-- mirrors and pictures should be hung at eye level.
Find a Way To Blend
For those living in apartments,
accessorizing a bathroom can be challenging, especially if you do not like
the existing colors. Don't work against what you've got, work with it. The
same can be said for those with a bathroom they don't like but simply can
not afford to remodel.
What if you prefer bright accent colors
like candy-apple red, but have a bathroom filled with earth tones? You may
have to compromise, but there is a way to work with the color scheme that
is already there. Your favorite color probably won't work, so try a red
with some earthiness to it, like terracotta or poppy. Find a color that
pleases you that does not fight the colors already there.
Hang a piece of artwork that includes both
the colors you already have (but are not crazy about) but also includes
the accent colors you like.
