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Cadence Furniture - Bathroom
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Bathrooms are one of the easiest and
least expensive rooms to decorate in
a home. They are, however, often one
of the most neglected. For many of
us, decorating a bathroom begins and
ends with going to the local
decorating store to pick out a new
shower curtain! Perhaps we neglect
making our bathrooms more pleasant
because they are rooms that are not
usually seen by other people.
Sometimes we forget how important we
are. A small amount of money goes a
long way in the bathroom.
If you see the bathroom as strictly
utilitarian, you may choose to do a
superficial cosmetic redecorating
job. But if you’re adventuresome,
this smallest room in your home can
showcase the design of your wildest
creativity. Colors or patterns you’d
be afraid to use in another room can
shine in this private area. And
materials that would be
prohibitively expensive in a larger
area will fit into the bath budget.
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Dry Colourfully
If the colour of your bathroom
is monotone, where everything is
white -- walls, fixtures and
counters -- changing the towels
can bring an entirely new look
to the room. The selection of
towels to choose from is almost
endless. There are vibrant,
solid colours for a bold accent.
Printed or embroidered towels
are available in virtually any
theme or style from traditional
to tropical.
Consider purchasing a set of towels
for seasonal use. You do not have to
purchase all new towels, just enough
that to create a visual difference
between summer and winter.
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Dramatic Curtains
Shower curtains are one of the most
dramatic accessories in the
bathroom, and can change the room's
look instantly. As with towels, the
colours and patterns of curtains
available seem virtually endless.
To create a warmer, more refined
look, use fabric shower curtains
with a printed or embroidered
pattern. Vinyl shower curtains tend
to be less expensive. They provide a
more casual and sometimes whimsical
tone to the bathroom like hula girls
and an underwater scene with
brightly colored tropical fish.
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Jazz It Up
A bathroom "ensemble" typically includes a
waste can, boutique tissue holder, tumbler,
toothbrush holder, soap dish, lotion/soap
dispenser and jar for incidental items. You
do not have to purchase the entire set to
perk up a tired bathroom. If you have
limited space, consider just the waste can
and tumbler.
When selecting a style, make sure it fits
with the overall look of the room. There are
a number of styles to choose from -- modern,
traditional, whimsical and formal, as well
as styles appropriate for a children's
bathroom. Finishes include metallic and
materials that mimic ceramic with patterns
that range from floral to exotic.
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Artistic Reflection
Set the tone for the bathroom by
treating it like any other room in
the house. Hang art on the walls, or
install a small shelf for displaying
knickknacks or other treasured
items.
Mirrors are a welcome addition in
small bathrooms. A collection of
small mirrors finished in decorative
frames adds glamour to your
bathroom. They also reflect light to
make the space appear brighter and
larger. Use an odd number of small
mirrors -- one, three, five -- in
combination with other artwork.
Before hammering nails in the wall,
place all the items on the floor
until you have the arrangement you
like. |
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Make Peace
For those living in apartments,
accessorizing a bathroom can be
challenging, especially if you do
not like the existing colours. Don't
work against what you've got, work
with it. The same can be said for
those with a bathroom they don't
like but simply can not afford to
remodel.
What if you prefer bright accent
colours like candy-apple red, but
have a bathroom filled with earth
tones? You may have to compromise,
but there is a way to work with the
colour scheme that is already there.
Your favourite colour probably won't
work, so try a red with some
earthiness to it, like terracotta or
poppy. Find a colour that pleases
you that does not fight the colours
already there.
Hang a piece of artwork that
includes both the colours you
already have (but are not crazy
about) but also includes the accent
colours you like.
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Luxury Touches
Area rugs
- provide a
touch of softness for your feet. An area rug
would also add colour and texture to your
bathroom, and give it life.
Cushy chair or bench
- use it to relax and reflect or to lay back
after bathing.
Towel warmer
- need I say more? What could be better than
having a nice warm fluffy towel waiting for
you after showering on a chilly day?
Plants/Flowers
- the natural beauty of plants and flowers
provide a calming effect…not to mention a
wonderful decorative touch. Use live plants
if your bathroom gets lots of sunlight,
otherwise the silk version will work just
fine.
Radio or CD Player
- if you're going to relax in your cushy
chair, you must have some tunes. By the way,
if you go with a radio, definitely check out
the Bose Wave radio. It's a little pricey,
but quite an experience.
Extra large fluffy
towels
- can you really imagine getting the spa
treatment without them? You can create
scented towels by placing 3 - 6 drops of
your favourite aromatherapy oil on a
handkerchief and tossing it into the dryer
with your towels.
Television
- the small
ones are fairly inexpensive. Better still,
consider having it built-in.
Scented candles
- relaxing and romantic, scented candles add
a wonderful touch to your bathroom. Of
course you'll want to use them in
conjunction with your scented bath oils and
salts.
Spa robe
- your body
will thank you every time you slip on an
extra soft and fluffy spa robe made from
Egyptian cotton. You should be able to find
one at the better stores.
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Things to avoid
Avoid
bath mats that looks like mini-shag rugs from the
60's.
Do not put on a colored seat to call attention to
the toilet.
Do not use colours or fabrics you don't like just
because they match the colour of the fixtures. Find
something you really like that will blend.
Don't neglect painting the inside of a dark cupboard
because you think no one will see it. Opening the
cabinet door to shiny white, clean storage will be
worth the effort.
Don't get too "cutesy" with themes. Unless it has
sentimental meaning to you, it won't be long before
you tire of it. Try and think long term and
traditional for the most savings
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