A patterned wallpaper you might not use in a larger room is perfect for a powder room.

The powder room — you know, that little half-bath your guests use? — is one of our favorite rooms to work with at Style on a Shoestring. That might surprise you, but those little bathrooms are really fun to redecorate or remodel simply because they are small. And since they are usually somewhat separate from the other areas of a house, powder rooms can even take on a little different look from the rest of your home.

We almost always use wallpaper in a powder room. If wallpaper makes you think of your mom’s shiny, wild walls in the ’70s and ’80s, you haven’t seen the updated looks in wallpapers (click here for a quick lesson). If wallpaper isn’t right for a client, we also like to use wainscoting on the bottom half of the wall and perhaps paint the top half a distinctive color.

A small chandelier in a powder room can be an unexpected yet elegant functional accessory. The mirror is another place where you can show some flair, such as a vintage look or perhaps something with a seashell theme if you have a coastal-style home. Tiling the entire wall behind the mirror also adds some color and texture.

Sinks and fixtures come in all sizes and shapes, of course, and the powder room is a good place to experiment with them. A vessel sink with a contemporary faucet flowing from the wall can look creative, or a furniture-like vanity can be the room’s centerpiece.

Colorful tiles add texture and interest to a powder room wall.

Accessories can be as basic or outlandish as you like. But since the powder bath typically has limited surface space, remember to leave a spot for your guests to place their purses or jackets when they use it. An artistic towel stand, eye-catching tissue box or imaginative soap pump might be just the item to give the room punch.

The best way to approach a powder bath redesign is to bring in a color or style from a nearby room and expand on it. For example, my living room has a small amount of teal and orange in it, so I can pull from that palette for my powder room and go a little wild with bright colors I might not use in such excess elsewhere in the house.

One of the best things about working with a powder bath is because the room is small, you don’t have to worry about going way over budget. Wallpapering a dining room or living room might run $1500, for example, while wallpapering a powder bath would be less than half that. A full chandelier could cost hundreds of dollars but a small chandelier is much more affordable.

Incorporate bright accent colors from nearby rooms in the design.

Almost everyone who visits your home also visits your powder bath at some point. So don’t be afraid to take a few chances and spread your designing wings a bit, but also make it friendly and hospitable.

If we can help redesign or remodel your powder bath, please contact us at Style on a Shoestring.

This bathroom went from neutral to knock-out with a few simple accessories.

Doing a complete gut-renovation of a bathroom is wonderful but I realize that’s not in everyone’s budget. Fortunately there are some ways to update your bath without completely starting over. In fact, you might be surprised at how much of a different look you can achieve through a few relatively easy changes.

An obvious first step is to swap out dated faucets for sleek chrome or brushed nickel fixtures. If you have a standard sink or vanity and tub/shower, this is a fairly simple switch you can do on your own. Home improvement stores have a wide range of fixtures to choose from at all price levels.

While you’re at it, you might as well complement those new faucets with matching hardware. New towel rings or racks and a new toilet paper holder add some flash and make the bathroom feel new.

A contemporary framed mirror is another way to give the room a facelift. Again, these are readily available at home stores and are not difficult to install.

A chandelier in the bathroom gives a glamorous touch.

If you’re up for a little more challenge, consider replacing the light fixture with something modern and fresh. And of course, painting a room always gives it a clean, invigorated feel. Choose cooler colors in slate blue, gray and muted purple tones to create your own calming getaway.

Perhaps the most effortless way to “renovate” your bathroom is through new accessories and artwork. If you can’t afford to retile an unsightly shower, for example, conceal it with a striking shower curtain. West Elm is a terrific resource for coordinating bath accessories along with distinctive bath-friendly art. I’m also a big fan of Bed, Bath and Beyond because the selection there makes it easy to mix and match traditional with contemporary bathroom looks. Since most bathrooms are small compared to other rooms in a home, just modifying a couple of items can make a big difference in how the room reflects your personal taste.

Please contact us at Style on a Shoestring if we can help with remodeling your bathroom or any of your home design needs.

 

Bathroom lighting is more than a necessity for every bathroom. A properly lit bathroom helps to make sure you and your bathroom look their best while also ensuring your safety while in the bathroom.

While acting as the ultimate in utility and function, decorative bathroom lighting will also add a lot of style to the room.

Good lighting is soft, unshadowed and even. An ideally lit bathroom will have a fixture above the mirror. This fixture will provide overhead and general lighting. How many bulbs are used will depend on the size of the area above the mirror. Wall sconces can also be considered, one sconce on either side of the mirror will help avoid shadows and fill in the rest of your face and neck properly. Most bathrooms will require additional flushed mount ceiling lighting or recessed lighting in the toilet area, shower area and/or center of the room to fill the entire room properly with light.

Bathroom lighting comes in many styles, colors, designs and layouts so even the most selective of homeowners will have many options to choose from. Light fixtures can be found in vintage, contemporary, traditional or modern. Try adding a bit of whimsy to the bathroom with a mini-chandelier, it will add romance and make you feel pampered every time you enter. Some larger master baths could even accommodate a mid-sized chandelier.

1. Consider the finish of existing fixtures. The best look for a bathroom is matching or complementary hardware and fixtures. If you have a lot of chrome that you have no plans to replace, don’t choose gold handles for your cabinets. If you want to match the cabinet or décor, rather than other fixtures, you can look for painted or matching wood finishes.

2. Consider the style or theme of the room. If you have modern cabinets, go for sleek metal finishes. French country styles look great with ceramic or wooden knobs. Whimsical décor allows you to choose knobs with painted patterns or handles in the shape of flowers, sea creatures, animals,  and more.

3. Make note of the location of the knobs and handles. Ornate knobs can be pleasing to the eye, but not as fun when you bang your knee on them. Wall cabinets are usually not an issue, but in small spaces a protruding knob might catch on clothing or unsuspecting elbows. Bathroom visitors spend a lot of time in front of the sink, so make sure that vanity knobs and handles don’t present a hazard.

4. Is the bathroom used by children? It’s best to choose smoother designs that they won’t be hurt by if they bump into them. Avoid ornate metal designs that they might get their little fingers stuck in.

5. Remember the water and humidity in bathrooms. When selecting bathroom cabinet knobs, it’s best to choose ones with durable finishes that won’t tarnish or erode.

6. If you want the fixtures to match your décor, bring paint samples and color swatches to the store, along with your handle measurements. If you’re considering blue handles for your blue cabinets, you want to make sure it’s the same blue. The same is true of wood tones. It’s much easier to match the items in the store, rather than waiting until you get home to discover you have the wrong shade.

7. Consider price. Items available for immediate purchase in the store will generally be the least expensive option. Special order knobs will offer you a wider range of options, but will cost a lot more. Don’t forget about shipping charges when ordering on-line.            

Since the selection of bathroom faucets is quite big, it is best to decide on your budget before you set out to buy one. A bathroom faucet can cost anywhere from $25 to several hundred to nearly $2000. Know what you can afford to spend before you spend it.

1. There are three basic types of bathroom faucets from which almost all designs originate. First, there is the centerset style, which consists of a spigot with the water control handle attached to its top or side. Most often, there is only one handle for both hot and cold water. Then, there are single-hole bathroom faucets. These usually have two handles, one for hot and one for cold water, but the handles and the spigot form one unit that is attached to the plumbing through one hole in the sinktop or countertop. The third main style of bathroom faucets are the widespread designs. Widespreads have two handles and a spigot and they are all separate pieces, meaning the sink or counter must have three holes in it to attach each piece.
2. Once you have decided on the bathroom faucet design that would work best with your bathroom, you should think about what kind of material you want. Often, the material you pick for a bathroom faucet is determined by the color you want. Bronze faucets, of course, have golden or brown tones. On the other hand, nickel and stainless steel faucets are reflective or have gray tones. You can also buy a nickel faucet with brass highlights, so the possibilities are numerous.
3. The final consideration is overall appearance. The centerset designs tend to be more contemporary looking than either single hole or widespread bathroom faucets. These latter two come in an array of styles for traditional and modern bathrooms. You can find faucets that are rounded and lack any corners, or more angular designs that stand out. Pick the style that best fits your aesthetic and that fits into the bathroom of your dreams.

 

Bathroom countertops can make a statement and still be practical, providing additional workspace. Choosing a particular material can set the tone of the room.   Aside from appearance, one should also consider price, maintenance and compatibility when investing in a bathroom countertop. Below are some of the more popular ideas worth investigating.

Granite
Long lasting, stain-resistant and beautiful, granite is the Rolls-Royce of countertops. Once the surface of choice for high-end bathrooms, granite is gaining in popularity for a broad spectrum of home styles. It is the most durable and easiest to care for of any of the natural stone materials. Maintenance: Granite countertops need to be sealed every six months to a year. Clean countertops with warm water and a liquid detergent. Avoid abrasive cleaners; they’ll scratch and dull the finish. Small chips and scratches can be polished down.
Cost:From $75 to $200 a linear foot, installed.

     

Manufactured Quartz

Manufactured quartz imitates the look of limestone, granite or marble, but it is even more resistant to scratches and stains. Made up of 90 percent quartz particles, this synthetic composite comes in a wide variety of colors and thicknesses. Maintenance: Practical for the bathroom, quartz is durable, easy to clean and doesn’t require sealing.
Cost: From $110 to $250 a linear foot, installed.\

Tile
Tile has always been a popular material for bathroom countertops, but homeowners often complain about the need to clean the grout. These days, however, tiles are coming out in much larger sizes, which eliminate the need for numerous grout lines. Plus, the myriad types of ceramic and porcelain tiles, including ones that have a metallic look, allow for fabulous designs. Tiles also work well with other materials such as glass or concrete.
Maintenance: Grout lines need regular maintenance and cleaning. The tiles can be easily cleaned with any household detergent.
Cost: For plain-colored tiles, $2 to $40 per tile. For handpainted tiles, $5 to $75 per tile.

Solid-Surface Materials
Designed to look like natural stone, solid surface is one of the most popular countertop options available. Known by its brand names such as Corian, Staron, Gilbraltar and Avonite, this easy-to-maintain synthetic product can be molded to fit any design specification.
Maintenance: Being nonporous, it’s easy to clean.
Cost: $75 to $150 a linear foot, installed.

Choosing the right bathroom hardware can be a challenge. Staring at walls of options can leave you wondering just which style is right for you. Here are some tips to consider to help you narrow down your choices.

                       

• Some of the materials used for hardware include nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, tile, granite, marble porcelain, brass, plastic and crystal.
• When choosing hardware, make sure its style is consistent with cabinetry and decor style.
• Contemporary decor suggests sleek, smooth shapes, metals and satin finishes.
• Asian design emphasizes nature, so knobs shaped like leaves and twigs would be appropriate.
• For the arts-and-crafts design scheme, hardware is often dark metal in a square shape.
• Glass knobs add a sparkling finishing touch. They can be clear or frosted, smooth or faceted.
• Traditional baths call for traditional brass hardware in a variety of finishes: polished, satin, antiqued, oil-rubbed.
• Because they are more substantial, pulls are well-suited for drawers. Knobs are best for lighter doors and cabinets.

There are so many great muralist and faux finish artists in San Diego. Here are a few that we enjoy. Marcelino is gret at faux finishing any space.

   

Ryn Smith Studios is another great choice. This artist specializes in Murals and Trompe L’Oeil.

If you would like to find out more about these artists contact us at Style on a Shoestring. We would be more than happy to assist you with designing the perfect mural or faux finish for your home.

Have you gone GREEN yet?

What a great way to go green- with Organic Bath Towels! West Elm now sells these great towels and have many color options to choose from. If you have been wanting to go green but haven’t yet, then this is a great place to start.

Kohler has come out with a new bath tub that is heavenly. Have you seen the new style of swimming pools that just drop off on the edge, “infinity edge pools”? Well this new bathtub is exactly like that. This bathtub even comes with adjustable colored lights that you can turn on while you soak. If you are thinking of remodeling your bathroom and want to add that special something, or are looking for a relaxing, spa feel- this is the tub for you!