A Few Appealing Storage Options for Small Bathrooms

 



 

 

 

 

In the process of getting a few items organized for a client, I realize that small bathroom organizational needs some further reconsideration when it comes to appealing storage solutions. It's not to say that most people will really see the mess or that you won't clean it up for guest...but, why not keep it a little neater and prettier for that quick rush out of the door, the unexpected guests, and making the process of getting ready more appealing.

I am opting for a better way to store and and have access to our favorite items that start and finish the day. There are no excuses for having a small space when there are so many solutions available.  A quick fix to putting on and taking off your jewelry and knowing where to find it means functionality - but, pretty functionality! 

Photos by Anthropologie



Okay, I know that you are going to say that the exception to the rule is makeup. Well at least put out a functional piece that makes sense rather than those open square plastic containers that collect dust.  If the amount of make-up is that of a celebrity, then a large version that can hide the effects of a displaying all of your make-up may be in order.  

Photo by Bellacor

Those who opt for the less is more philosophy, then a pretty storage container will work wonders and add a splash of personality to your space.

While you are at it, storing the essentials (e.g. cotton balls, q-tips, bath salt) in pretty jars and containers works wonders. Pretty Belgium Glass jars at Etsy add a pop of color and the stacked versions from West Elm that maintains your counter space.   

 

Baskets, door organizers, and trays create pretty views if you need to open doors to your favorite things.  Besides, you know there is always one guest who is going to take a peek.  Either way, getting a little creative in a small bathroom can be a beautiful experience for you and your house guests.

No more excuses for ugly organization when there are so alternatives available.  Take home that container you love and I'll bet you find the perfect items to store in it that will create your own personality stamp for display.  It's the perfect Home Goods trip if you are looking for a little nudge.

Coffee Table Delight

I do love a good coffee tablescape arrangement when I see one.  Typically, what grabs my attention - in a good way - is that there is always a sense of rhythm, balance, and progression that makes me stop and look at all of the gathered pieces. 

 

Photo Source by Made By Girl

Like a showcase of the homeowners personality and style, color tops the list when it comes to a beautiful arrangement of flowers, a pop of greenery, or a gorgeous plant sitting in an equally pretty container.

 

Photo Source by Everything LEB

The natural element adds texture, warmth, and generally begins my journey towards discovering the next great piece that I may want to pick up or simply visually admire. 

 

 

Adding a set of books or a tray that flaunts hobbies or items related to a favorite travel destination is well suited.  The perfect grouping of three books or a group of five trinket pieces on a tray is the perfect odd number combination for this designer.

 

 

Rounding off the display is a whimsical piece or two sitting in front of or on top of the display of books.  A gold skull, a piece of coral or crystal, and the pairing of swans simply makes my eyes smile and tells me a little more about my friends - and, yes, sometimes my clients. 

 

 

One of my personal go-to favorites, if you are looking for an additional piece or two  to add, are candles displayed in attractuve holders that celebrate the unique individual(s) who are enjoying their home in style.  

Fiddling with Decor - A Chic Indoor Guest

Hilary Swank's Downtown Apartment via Elle Decor

Every time I browse through magazines or do a little research via the web, I get a glimpse of a house guest that seems to make the rounds.  Popping up in many decorating shots with their violin-shaped leaves, these chic indoor guests always capture my attention as they sit in the background waiting for a little acknowledgement.  It reminds me of some of those funny celebrity shots when someone in the background pops their head into the picture and grabs your attention.  Do you remember Bill Clinton when he photo bombed Kelly Clarkson during the inauguration? (See Photo via ABC News). Yes, it did make me laugh!

Fiddling Around via Design Gratis

When I look at a space, I not only wear the hat of an interior designer that applies methodology along with (gasp) art and science to determine  the technical, functional, and creative planning in a space. After that - and sometimes in conjunction, I put my interior decorating hat on to add the finishes that provide functionality by means of furnishing, window treatments, and more. Ultimately, the quality of living is always the goal, and my point in all of this is..,that there are layers within a design.  It seems the final layer often gets overlooked, The fluffy pillows, lovely throws, beautiful accessories, and - yes - houseplants add that beautiful dimensional quality that completes " the look."

Mid-Century Home via New York Times

Recently published in the New York Times, the tall organic houseplant photo bombed the restoration shot.  Instead of my focus being on the living space and its layout, I found my eye gravitating towards the spot of green in the shot.  In general, the added natural element got me thinking about houseplants and their role within a space, specifically, the Fiddle-Leaf Fig.  Our house guest has been named!

Their big green leaves and their impact in a space is undeniable.  They add warmth to a corner, a pop of color to a neutral room, and connect us to the natural by finding a place indoors.  There is no fiddling around with these dramatic players.  What I love most about the Fiddle-Leaf Fig is that they are virtually low maintenance and do not require a lot of light, but do not think you are off the hook because they do require some maintenance and care. 

 

Contain the fiddle and you have a spectacular work of art that is like a piece of music for the eyes.  Whether the Fiddle-Leaf Fig sits in a small whimsical container or a pretty but large container for the tree-like version, their delightful green leaves will be and added bonus that will surely improve your mood, productivity, and may even satisfy your "innate drive to connect with nature,"

 

If you are looking to finish off a room, add that final layer that connects you to the outdoors.  The Fiddle-Leaf Fig will create a dramatic (but not too discrete) impact within a room, add height to a corner that may be missing a little something, or simply create that focal point where your eyes will unknowingly be drawn to their elegance within the living space.  

 

To Be Framed or Remain Frameless - That is the Question?



Curbless Shower

When you are ready to remodel your bathroom, there are so many decisions that go into what seems to be a small space.  Outside of the fun stuff (i.e., color and style of your space), the vanity, tile selection, and plumbing seem to be more than you bargained for.  Wait - there is more!  The type of shower/tub glass door under consideration is often one of the final decisions and typically ranks pretty low on the budget scale and decision making processes. Knowing that the dollars and styles are often under estimated, I thought it would be good idea to take a look at some of the styles available, their function, and wide range of prices associated with this often forgotten piece of equipment.

Starting with pricing, they can range from $800 to $3,000 plus based on framed or frameless, functioning style, and operating hardware (e.g. pivotal or barn style hardware).  Did I make your head swim?  No surprise knowing that we typically remodel a bathroom once or twice in our lifetime based on their perceived costs, timeframe, and ultimately the inconvenience. 

 

Decisions, decisions, decisions...they do seem to be endless.  Do you go with a framed or frameless style; sliding or pivot door; barn door hardware; or maybe a simple shower screen.  What works best for my style and budget?

Keeping costs down, a framed shower door is the first decision.  There are many updated styles that reduce the amount of metal that surrounds the door and offer a modern style that can stay within budget.  Frameless, is really not completely without any type of hardware to hold the doors in place; but rather a reduced amount like the Pinstripe pivot style by Kohler where the doors are attached to either side of the shower enclosure.


Opting for a more modern fix, the frameless door is the way to go.  Even the shower screen option for your tub/shower combo opens the space while eliminating the track for sliding doors.  This is a great alternative for small spaces, families with children, or those who simply like an open area while taking a bath.  Now we are left with wet spaces or accessible showers where you do not want a curb.  A wonderful option is the Duravit Openspace that folds inward when not in use and opens when it is.  The perfect solution for small space, the frameless shower door is hinged at the wall and can set you back $3,000 plus.

Needless to say, when you are ready to finally upgrade your bathroom, be sure to determine the function, style, and pricing of your shower glass doors because you will be looking at them several times a day.  Be prepared by selecting some clippings from a magazine that inspire, or save a few options via the web to determine what inspires you and how you will "frame" these doors into your budget. 

Photo & Product Sources:  Domob, Adamsez, Duravit, Dreamline, Kohler, Houzz