When thumbing through Architectural Digest, or some other trendy design magazine, you might get the most jealous when seeing spreads of big, elegant home bathrooms. The most important thing to remember is, that the one thing photographers are best at is creating illusions. This article will show you how to use magazines for bathroom design ideas to turn that envious energy into constructive energy.
Check the Specialized Magazines
There are inexpensive things you can do to give your small bath a more spacious welcoming feel. You can keep your sledge hammer in the tool shed, because you won't need to knock down any walls. The first tool you will need is the magazine rack. Look through the home magazines you have or in your library. There are even magazines that specialize in bathrooms, or at least which focus on the bed and bath area of home design.
Look for Bathroom Layouts
Get into a relaxed position and quickly thumb through a magazine, browsing through pictures of bathroom layouts. Where does your eye stop? What picture gives you that warm open feeling. Now examine the picture to see which element gives you the first feeling of spaciousness. It may be a painting of a sailboat that is sailing off into the horizon, or the pastel colors on the wall. Mirrors create an illusion of more space.
Light Colored Flooring
You will probably notice as you browse the pictures, that light-colored flooring will also help to make the bathroom look larger.
Have non Cluttered Bathroom
The one thing that will not give you a feeling of spaciousness is a cluttered bathroom. Photographers know that composition is the most important part of planning a picture. The eye needs to have a focal point in the distance, to rest upon, when entering the bathroom “scene.†There should only be a couple more focal points for the eyes to easily rest upon. Clutter will make it too hard for eyes to decide where to focus and give the room a closed in feeling.
Have Lots of Cabinets
Having a lot of cabinets and shelving might be more convenient, but will give you too much of a feeling of a closet than the refuge you seek. You will need to decide what absolutely needs to be in the bathroom. Build some triangular shelves in one corner of the bathroom; and be very organized and purposeful about what you place on those shelves.
As mentioned before, a painting or photograph should give a feeling of space. A picture should take you somewhere, like off into the sea, down a river, or a mysterious house, etc. Pictures of flat dimensions will quickly give a busy, cluttered feel to the bathroom.
A photographer will tell you that light is his or her paint brush. Some well placed sconces, and or track lighting will help to divide up the room. One blaring overhead light is your worst enemy, when it comes to creating a warm spacious look. At the very least, replace the standard overhead fixture with softer lens or an etched lens which will send out the light in playful patterns.
Have Cohesive Theme
To help create more of a spacious feel, a bathroom should have a cohesive theme. There should be a matching color scheme of the towels with the rest of the room. But, don't overdo the theme. You should not feel like you are in some sea captain's closet. All the elements should be judiciously placed. Going through a home magazine will give you some ideas on finding the right balance of decorations.
Taking out the vanity, and replacing it with a pedestal sink, will not only free up space, but also lend a touch of elegance.
Posted by: TrustedProsSuggested Reading For You
The Owner Contractor Contract Agreement - Critical for New Bathroom Construction
An owner contractor contract agreement is critical for any type construction or remodeling. New bathroom cons...
Licensed Bathroom Remodeling Contractors
Licensed bathroom remodeling contractors have a great future in store. Since kitchen and new bathroom constru...
