By Alan Knight
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| Courtesy of TubKing.com |
We all know that the bathroom
is most likely the smallest room of significance in your home, yet it is also
the room that calls out for more attention to the need for decoration. You may have the luxury of a spacious master
bath or you may be looking at furnishing a rather small space. Regardless, you can, with a little
forethought and planning combine both beauty and practicality. Let's look at the options for you.
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| Courtesy of TubKing.com |
Why not have both a shower and
a soaking tub. Some like taking showers,
while others prefer the long, warm bath experience in a deep soaker. If you and your spouse have a different approach
to bathing, why not solve the problem by offering both choices. If the bathroom is large enough, go for one of
the new shower suites, where you can walk in at a zero threshold or a shallow one
into a shower surround that can be as large as you want it. With all the prized accessories, such as a corner
seat, sunflower shower heads (maybe double) and features such as convenient and
elegant grab bars, soap receptacles and slip resistant floors. These can be custom designed and can really show
off a bathroom.
If the bathroom is tiny, try to
hide the shower in a corner for convenience. A four foot by five foot shower stall
can be very functional for almost any sized person. Now for the bathtub. I have
not seen a more beautiful and elegant soaking tub that even comes close to the Dual
Ended Pedestal Tub. Let me describe it for you. First, it should be made of cast
iron, overlaid with rich porcelain glass. The pedestal base which some call a “skirt”
is also made of cast iron. Yes, the tub is heavy. Don't try to lift it. Leave that
to the installers (plural). Based on the size, the tub can reach over 500
pounds.
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| Courtesy of TubKing.com |
Also, be sure to have your contractor check the floor to make sure it can
handle the weight (most can). The dual-ended design simply means there are two identical
ends to the tub and it is perfectly symmetrical. The drain is in the center of the
tub instead of the end and the faucet is also aligned in the middle on the roll
top as well. What makes this tub so special in my opinion is the elegant and timeless
look. It could just as easily be resting in a French palace of the nineteenth
century. It is not only beautiful but comfortable. Each end is sloped and seems
to fit the back perfectly. Add a brushed nickel or oil-rubbed bronze faucet with
the British telephone spray wane, along with matching drain and accessories. Some
like the tub caddy that drapes across the tub and offers a tray for a wine glass
or book. Lighted candles around the tub offers a touch of romance. Now this tub,
unlike the earlier mentioned shower, is the focal point of the entire bathroom.
Check out this short video showing several types of tubs.
If you're looking at a working-functional
design for the sink, I would recommend two basins, both mounted on a granite countertop
with cabinets below. Why? Men have a tendency to have less care in the bath
than the ladies. He will also tend to spread
out his day-to-day toiletries, such as shaving cream, deodorant, cologne, etc. The women would rather keep their personal items
put away. They often bring in baskets to
use both for decorating and to house their bath items. If you can afford to be a little more extravagant
you might consider repurposing existing furniture. It's good for the environment
and good for the budget. A rustic, vintage look with a dark finish on the dresser,
wood framed oval mirror and vintage designed faucet with exposed piping and a European
reproduction sink with added décor will speak volumes. Add your own personality
and finishing touches to this simple bathroom design with color in the accessories,
maybe a corner cabinet that is an antique (or reproduction), possibly a vintage
rug or two, and you've created a unique and beautiful bathroom.
Another create personal touch is
color. Don't forget to decorate the bath
with color because it can add so much for so little. As a matter of fact, I would not even begin to
undertake a remodeling of a bathroom without first deciding on colors. Use wall color to add memorable drama, with finishes
being relatively simple. If your bathroom
is small, go ahead and use any color you want to create interest and just plain
have fun with bathroom decoration ideas.
Keep the ceiling white, but otherwise be as creative and funky as you wish. Browse home design magazines and websites for
ideas. You can also visit a local paint store to check out color swatches, which
may help inspire a color scheme for your bathroom space. Create a focal point in
your bathroom by applying wallpaper, painted stripes or tile on “one” wall. This
is less expensive than applying a design to each wall while still introducing a
design element. Shop at local discount retailers, but don't forget about yard sales,
estate sales, community arts and crafts fairs, antique shops and thrift stores to
find items for your bathroom. These locations not only offer unique pieces that
will make your bathroom beautiful, but they are also budget-friendly and give you
an opportunity to truly define you and your spouse's style. You can find shelves,
decorative vases, rugs, shower curtain hooks, candles, candle holders, mirrors and
faucet fixtures.
Think about purchasing wood pieces
and brackets at the hardware store to
create shelves for your bathroom. Have them cut down to size to fit your bathroom
walls, decorate them with paint or fabric, rather than paying for expensive shelving
options that may be too large for your space or limit the level of depersonalization
to your bathroom space. Shelving can create
spaces in smaller bathrooms. Add accents
to your bathroom by using fresh flowers.
Not only will they provide a pop of color, but they'll give a natural scent
to your space. If you have laminate counter
tops don't be afraid to “paint” them. I have seen this done and it looks pretty
darn good if the painting is done right. I recommend you use a high volume, low
pressure spray gun to apply an acrylic enamel finish to the counter top. You can
even use a multi-stone additive to the paint to create an impressive finish. Some
companies offer a weekend training school to teach the art of refinishing counter
tops, as well as bathtubs, sinks, cabinets and appliances. Our company, Tub King, Inc. in Jacksonville, Florida, offers a good one.
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| Courtesy of |
Window treatments for the bathroom
should reflect your decorating style and complete the room, just as any other space
in your home. Again search through some home
magazines for helpful tips, pictures and other information.
Follow your interior décor style
in the bathroom, as in other rooms of your home. If your home is traditional décor, trim the windows
and doors with decorative molding, and use crown molding at the ceiling and across
the tops of the windows.
Gorgeous bathrooms don't just happen...they
are created. Do your research properly and
you can create a bathroom that is not only functional but beautiful as well.
In this article I have discussed
several ways you can combine functionality and beauty to create and elegant bathroom
that makes taking baths or showers something you look forward to, without breaking
the bank. I cover ideas for any size bathroom along with a wide variety of
budgets, decorating option and bathtub or shower styles.
Thanks for visiting, please share
this article with friends, neighbors and associates. If you have a comment
about this article, please leave it in the comment section below.
Would you like to
receive a FREE COPY of our new ebook? – “Tub King's Ultimate Guide to
Cast Iron/Porcelain Tubs, Walk-in Tubs & Safety Suite Showers”. Fill
in the form below and we will send it to you for free! It is also for sale and you can see/buy
it on Amazon.com by clicking on this link.
Have a question? Feel free
to contact me at the number or email listed at the end of this article and I will
personally get back to you. It’s been my pleasure sharing this information with
you.
Alan Knight is the owner of Tub King, Inc., and SeniorBathtub.com in Jacksonville, Fla. He has many years of experience in the antique and senior bathtub industries. In addition to providing superior products, Tub King has been honored with “Best of Jacksonville Chamber Awards” for four years running. If you would like to contact Alan Knight, call (800) 409-3375 or (800) 843-4231; or send an email to alan@tubking.com.
Alan Knight is the owner of Tub King, Inc., and SeniorBathtub.com in Jacksonville, Fla. He has many years of experience in the antique and senior bathtub industries. In addition to providing superior products, Tub King has been honored with “Best of Jacksonville Chamber Awards” for four years running. If you would like to contact Alan Knight, call (800) 409-3375 or (800) 843-4231; or send an email to alan@tubking.com.
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