Most people “inherit” the bathrooms that come with their homes or apartments. Few of us get the opportunity to build fantastic luxury bathrooms like the ones featured on television. Steam showers for four, Japanese soaking tubs, heated towel racks, high-end mosaic tile covering every surface – these are the things of which dream bathrooms are made. However, you can create a luxurious feeling in a bathroom without hiring a general contractor or taking on a second mortgage. Here are my tips to take bathrooms from humdrum to inner sanctum without sacrificing your retirement savings.
Let’s imagine you have an apartment or early 60’s ranch, complete with a charming, mid-century bathroom. What that really means is that you probably have a compact space with lovely avocado fixtures (green toilets – who ever thought that was stylish?), a laminate-topped vanity (hopefully sans cigarette burns from previous inhabitants) and a tile floor as memorable as a bowl of instant oatmeal. Think your only option is a complete tear-out and re-do? Think again.
The first mistake made by many is to emphasize the thing they like "least" about their room. In this case, most people would drive themselves crazy matching paint or towels to the avocado porcelain. Stop.
Instead of emphasizing that color – and those dated fixtures – make avocado the accent color. Don’t add more avocado; instead, pick colors that complement or contrast with it. A stylish bath done in charcoal gray, brushed stainless and avocado would be amazing. A bathroom done in shades of watery blue, avocado and bottle green would evoke a spa feeling. There are thousands of colors; just remember to keep your palette simple, playing up the colors you really like.
Many bathrooms aren’t exceptionally large, so people are afraid to use a lot of pattern or bold colors. Fear not: choose towels with vibrant colors and patterns. Remember that like bed linens, not all towels are created equal. Treat yourself by splurging on towels that are plush and thick. With off-price shopping, there is no excuse to have awful towels. Can’t commit to patterned towels? Then choose solid towels in bright colors with coordinating patterned face and hand towels. Plush textures and rich, saturated colors definitely convey a sense of indulgence and luxury.
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