Bathroom Oasis
De-clutter your washroom with inspired design ideas and simple display tips.
Special thanks to Wish readers and wish.ca users for sharing their bathroom organizing dilemmas.
Here we answer the most-asked questions.
Towel troubles
Q: Aside from the usual towel bars, how can I keep towels off the floor and in their place?
A: 1. HOT TODDY
Store your towels with flair and keep them toasty, too. Heated towel bars add character in the bathroom – especially when they match your personal style.
2. POLE TRICK
If you have the space, a well-placed pole lined with hooks is a handy place to hang towels and robes. It also adds an architectural element and divides the bathroom space into zones.
3. IN THE BAG
Keep extra towels rolled up and tucked away in colourful beach bags, then hang them on a great-looking set of hooks. You’ll add a splash of colour and keep things tidy. Striped tote bags, $12 each, Two’s Company. GlucksteinHome towels, bath size $13, hand $9, The Bay.
Paper mate 
Q: I never know where to put extra toilet paper. My cupboards are already jammed, and I’m not into toilet-roll cozies.
A: 1. OUT AND ABOUT
Toilet paper doesn’t have to be put away. A well-placed shelf can become a display rail for a series of rolls for strong graphic impact.
2. DROP IN THE BUCKET
A tin pail or ice bucket is perfect for storing extra rolls and can be tucked neatly behind a toilet or sink. Ice bucket, $32, Pottery Barn.
 |
Pedestal problems
Q: I have a stand-alone sink and there is nowhere to put my soaps or makeup. I have a medicine cabinet, but I’m tired of opening and closing the door all the time.
A: 1. WINDOW WELL
Place your sink to take advantage of a striking architectural feature like a deep windowsill. A sill is ideal for laying out your things and even displaying some of the better-looking products. Then keep your cabinet off to the side. If you don't have a sill, put a shelf above the sink. Your cabinet can then sit neatly above.
2. COUNTER POINT
Tuck a striking vintage table or cupboard under the lip of the sink. You’ll gain the surface plus a few extra shelves below. Put it on casters and you can easily wheel it out of the way.
|
Scrub stuff
Q:The area around my tub is always a mess – shampoo bottles, soaps, razors… How can I sort it all out?
A: 1. HANG IT
Like the classic tub tray, a smaller soap tray keeps soaps and scrub brushes out of the bath water and takes up less space. This one has a tarnished, brass finish that imparts old-world appeal.
2. SHELF LIFE
Take advantage of the wall behind your tub. Whether it’s built into the design or attached to the wall, a shelf here puts bath salts and bubble bath within reach. Keep less-attractive items out of sight in a tightly woven basket on top of the shelf. Chrome tub tray, $70, Ginger’s.
|
|
Objet d'art
Q: I hate to hide away all my beautiful soaps amd bottles, but need some pretty storage ideas.
A: 1. CUSTOM CABINET
An antique vintage apothecary cabinet sits beautifully on a long stretch of counter and puts soaps and perfumes on display. If you don’t have the counter space, it will also work well sitting on a small table. Bowl (on top), stylist’s own. Top Shelf: Carrington Vanity Jars, $100 (set of 3), Two’s Company. Petal-scented candle, $27, 18 Karat. Bottom shelf: GlucksteinHome white towels, as before. Essex creamers, $160 (set of 6), Two’s Company. Versailles wine goblet, $7, and Venetian hand-blown glass perfume bottle, $155, both Putti Fine Furnishings.
2. OLD-WORLD CHARM
A one-of-a-kind silver cup holder stores a few items and adds charm to a vanity vignette. Resin tumbler, $90, Ginger's.
3. FOUND TREASURE
Flea-market finds, like a vintage wire rack or medicine cabinet, provide a bit of extra hanging space and loads of character.
Tool-box tricks
 Q: I like to have my makeup brushes at my fingertips. How can I store them on my countertop without creating a mess?
A: KITCHEN HELP
Pull a few good-looking cups and glasses from the kitchen and put them in the bathroom. They're great for holding toothbrushes and makeup brushes, cotton swabs and cotton balls. Keep things in order by placing all of the containers on a tray. White resin tray, $244, and tumbler, $90, both Ginger's. Carrington Vanity jars, as before. Jaqua Chocolate Sinfully Rich Body Butter, $28, Caban.
 Cupboard combos
Q: Besides store-bought vanities, can you suggest any interesting storage solutions?
A: 1. THINK TALL
Where you have the height, include vertical storage. Where the design is custom, put open storage at eye level and closed storage below to cover all your needs. Tucked into a recess, this built-in unit includes a small bench and becomes a focal point.
2. MIX IT UP
Pair a built-in counter with freestanding items for an eclectic feel. A towel hanging on a carefully placed towel bar does double duty as a curtain.
3. PERMANENT FIXINGS
Nothing compares to a custom-designed vanity with double sinks. Building wall to wall uses every inch of space and allows you to customize the design to suit your needs. Here, the middle section of the counter is dropped to create a vanity table.
For more great decor articles visit Wish.ca.
Subscribe to Wish Magazine.
|
