Maybe it’s time to rethink the John
CBGB in New York City, Oct. 14, 2006
How Can I Miss You If You Don’t Go Away?
We tend to take bathrooms for granted, until such times as it’s in disrepair for some reason and the plumber is indisposed. Conducting your “toilette” in the kitchen is awkward at best. How can you go out to make rain, slay dragons and capture the bacon to bring home, if you can’t even get a decent shave and/or a shower?
Even if the pipes are in perfect working order and all the basic functions of the toilet, sink and shower/tub have been covered, bathrooms tend to be not only a design after-thought, but also a sad story of missed opportunity. With some thought and planning, this little room can become your personal oasis…and who doesn’t need one of those every day?
What’s The Real Deal?
Times have changed. For most of us it’s no longer the overwhelming process of deciding which and how many extravagances can be shoved into a small space. More likely, it comes down to two questions:
- Does your bathroom actually need a total gut job or can you get what you want if you just show it some love?
- How much do you want to spend?
If the answer to the question of “How much do you want to spend?” is “Not much.”
You’re still in luck.
The Basics: What’s What And What You Need
- Bathroom fixtures are fixed (attached to the floor) such as the tub, toilet and sink.
- Fittings refer the useful things we fit around and into the fixtures: faucets, tub fillers and shower bodies, towel racks, etc.
- You need storage somewhere
- And please, let there be (adequate) light.
A splurge becomes an investment if its presence defines the room.”
Nate Berkus, HOUSE RULES
A single gesture can be a shout for joy. Everybody loves the look of a large glass bowl, frosted or clear, used for a sink. A fantastic chandelier (yes, in the bathroom) is an immediate eye-catcher. A beautiful and unique vanity, fabricated from an antique store find, spells Clever and Sophisticated.
Even just small changes can make a big difference and give you high style for at a low cost.
- Replace the plumbing and hardware for fixtures and fittings with style. Both chrome and nickel are white metals but nickel has a richer, deeper luster that more closely approximates untarnished silver. In the old days, it had to be polished just like real silver. It is, of course, more expensive. Chrome is actually short for chromium. It was introduced in the ‘40s as an alternative to labor intensive nickel.
You can use both metals in the same room but not together because up close you can tell the difference. Brass fittings are great in a traditional setting, while copper and wrought iron, depending on styling, add a rustic touch. Any style is given a completely different feel if made in oil rubbed bronze.
- Go gorgeous with paint color. Just don’t go too loud or your potential spa retreat will feel as calming as rush hour traffic. The same is true for wallpaper. Although, it’s fair to say that what constitutes loud to one person is anemic to another.
Any painter or contractor reading this will probably argue this point, but you don’t have to use a gloss finish in the bathroom. Washable matte is fine unless you conduct frequent water gun battles in the immediate area. You can use wallpaper too, as long as you open a window and leave the door ajar to allow for drying out and dispersing humidity.
- Have you checked your tile and grout lately? A fresh coat of grout will make the tiles look new. Is the floor tile beyond redemption? Look for an extra large area rug to use as a disguise. An indoor/outdoor rug could become your new BFF.
Further Reading and Related Posts
Bathroom Renovation Series – Part II – Fine Tune The Check List
Bathroom Renovation Series – Part III – Who Are You?
Bathroom Renovation Series – Part IV – Modern Love
Wall Color Selection Series – Special Effects – Part VIII – Perfect Wall Color
Lighting Design Series – Part I – Guide To The Well Lit Home
This is part of a recent article I wrote for publication on Hamptons.com. It’s represented here as a foundation for further topic discussion, updates and commentaries…
Photo – http://www.walletpop.com/specials/best-bathrooms
Good post! Good info on remodeling a bath. I would add also make sure your ventilation is adequate and you update your fan if necessaary. Will really help with long term mold issues. I also like to chalenge the saris quo. Must you have a tub and shower? Not necessarily. Must you hve that little makeup sit down area? No. Most women do not use. If you do then plan for it. But know that most women would rather haverhe storage space. Do you “need” a jetted tub? Not for resale. Again most people woul rather have a nicer custom shower and a simple soaking tub. Cheryl