Getting Creative in Tight Spaces - Bathroom Storage

Sometimes the smallest spaces can be the hardest to design right. I constantly find myself walking a fine line between ample storage and the visual weight of a room. Bathrooms, in particular, are rooms where storage is premium. There are just so many things that need to have a home in a bathroom- towels, toothbrushes, shampoo, lotions, makeup, the list goes on and on.   There is so much out there that creatively addresses the bathroom storage issue. Below are some of my go-to recommendations when I have a client that asks for more storage in their bathroom.

Via BlueSlide Art Tile, CA

Shower Niches

These wonderful storage niches don't take up any room, they add to it. What is great about shower niches is that they often fit right between studs in your wall framing, so you don't have to build a wall out to put them in. Tile it in the shower wall tile, or using something that coordinates, and you have a stylish place to house your shower essentials.

Waterworks Triple Tier Shelf

Wall Mounted Shelving

You cannot go wrong with a narrow wall mounted shelf. It takes up no floor space, and the glass shelves take up no visual weight, either.

Via Houzz

Wall Mounted Vanities

To reinforce my point, lift storage opportunities off of the floor. Vanities like the one above are packed with storage space, but the piece doesn't take over the space because you can see the space between it and floor below.

Bamboo Towel Rack by Neiman marcus

Towel Ladders

You can certainly fit plenty of towels on a towel ladder like the one above. I've seen these wall mounted as well, so you don't need to worry about taking up precious floorspace with a ladder footprint. Stack 'em up.

Cabin v. Cottage - Which do you prefer?

House Beautiful

 My husband and I are fortunate enough to own a small cottage on the coast in Maine, and what a joy it has been having it in our lives. It's a place where our family gathers together, whether it's for an extended stay or a quick weekend getaway, and we can get a way from the stresses of everyday life. 

Pinterest

At a local bookstore, I couldn't help but be drawn to a design book all about cabins and cottages. The book was not your traditional take on either.

I'm sure we all have a similar connotation about cabins- constructed of logs with antlers on the wall. The book went into the significance of a cabin, and the decor inside. These pieces are often inherited, and the feel inside is cozy and warm, brought to life with rich textures and rustic wood, but only amplified by the people and relationships inside.

Colleen Fox Interiors

A cottage, on the other hand, is a more quaint piece of paradise. Often painted and and passed down through families over generations, cottages have the bare necessities. There is none of the dark colors or heavy textures found in a cabin, but is still cozy, nonetheless.

Shamless Housey

I've always thought of our place in Maine as a cottage, but found it so interesting to read about the differences between the two, and where they overlap and draw the line between one another.

Which do you prefer?

I Can't Believe It's Not Hardwood.

Houzz

I've been working on a project for a client of mine in Concord where I've been having a blast looking for wood floor  alternatives. These clients appreciate the look of wood, but prefer a tile floor in wet places like the bathroom. Below are two of my favorite wood floor look a likes.

Forest Park Porcelain Tiles by Daltile-

Can you believe this is porcelain tile?  It's completely stunning, in my opinion. This would be perfect in places where dirt and grime may eat away at a lovely new wood floor, like a mudroom. This line is perfect for moisture prone and high traffic areas. You could even use it vertically, like on a backsplash. Or, try laying it in a chevron pattern, like below. It is even perfect for radiant floor heating, ideal, actually.

Pinterest

Armstrong makes a wood look vinyl floor. It's actually a 12 feet long sheet, but looks just like rustic timbers. This line even has a slight cushion. Vinyl floors are warmer underfoot, and quieter when walking on them with shoes.

Even though I was focused on find a wood looking option for this client's floor, I had to share the below twist on traditional patterned wallpaper.

 

Phillip Jefferies Wild Woods Wallpaper-

This clearly isn't supposed to simulate the look of real wood paneling, but this paper does celebrate the intricate and organic wood motif. It is even stain resistant and fire rated, so you could even use it in a commercial setting. Or, you could go for a more authentic look with a paper like the one below. A wood wallpaper adds instant texture.

Elle Decor

 Do you have a favorite way of using the texture of wood?

Painted Furniture - A Playful Take On Tradition

via Decorpad

I don't know if it's the summer weather or what, but I have been finding myself and my clients drawn to painted furniture. I am working on one project in Lynnfield, where we are thinking of transforming a traditional console into a "wow" piece by painting it a bright color. Color instantly gives the piece life, and is an excellent way to bring in an accent color. You can almost hear it saying "here I am".

Jacqui Console by Bungalow 5

I've been gravitating towards fun colors in a high gloss sheen, for this client, but any color, even white, can look wonderful. You can even take it a step further, and update the hardware on drawer fronts or door faces, to completely breathe new life into a space.

Gormley Table by Dune

How fun is this? The cobalt blue color and geometric stacked base would work beautifully in a screened porch.

Glamorous and bold, you can't help but be in a good mood when you look at the whimsical bedside table above.

One of my favorite sources for painted furniture is, hands down, Maine Cottage. They make the most lovely and cheerful pieces, and bring them to life with punchy colors and patterned fabrics. This is a must visit website for anyone creative. You can try different paint swatches or fabrics on pieces with a click of your mouse.

What are some of your favorite painted pieces?  Have you tried to do this on your own?