This is such an important room, and so often so sadly overlooked
You spend at least an hour a day in there if you are a woman! This is often the first room you see each day, make it inviting and a place you want to be
Counters-these should NOT be filled with everything under the sun-like make up,shaving creme, toothpaste, toothbrushes, hair dryers, skin regiments, deodorant, curlers, razors, hair brushes, hair clips, and on and on and on
How can anyone get ready in that mess?
The counter should have, soap to wash your hands-a nice matching decanter is really the best way to go, tissue in an attractive box or holder that matches, I like little dishes or boxes for watches, earrings, etc..and a container for Q tips. That is it!
Everything else you use everyday should be stored below. Hopefully you have a vanity with a cupboard and a drawer or two. If you do, get baskets for the cupboards, where you can put all those bathroom goodies you need, but don't need to look at 24/7. Drawers are great for makeup, neatly arranged in organizers of course, even a drawer for the guy -for razors, deodorant, hair stuff, etc.
Toothbrushes-I am just NOT a fan of the toothbrush sitting out-getting dust and other germs on it, the worst is sitting in some yucky old cup. Toothbrushes do not need to be seen all day. I keep it dried and in a drawer in a clean space.
If you are lucky enough to have 2 sinks, even better! Keep the sinks clean-don't have hair, toothpaste, shaving creme etc lingering around, it is just gross. It takes a second to wipe it down with a tissue.
Faucets-you can upgrade these for not a lot of money. Keep it all consistent-from the shower to separate tub if you have one, to sinks, to even the toilet handle-all chrome, all brass, all black, whatever-it makes a huge difference!
I have large square sinks and the burnished bronze faucets-I love them!
Have a hand towel, or two if you have double sinks. Keep these fresh every couple of days.
Lighting-have good lighting-no one wants to get ready with a 60 watt bulb!
Install lighting that you love-I have two tropical wood looking fixtures with candle looking bulbs, and they are gorgeous-don't skimp on lighting in your bathroom-any of them.
Showers-I love shower curtains if you don't have a beautiful decked out shower. Mine is fiberglass, and not exciting, so a nice neutral shower curtain really looks clean but plays down the space. Don't clutter your shower with tons of products!! If you have a lot of hair stuff, etc..put them in uniform plastic pump containers with little labels-it will look so much better and a bunch of mismatched bottles!!
I like the shower organizers better that attach to the sides with suction rather than the overfilled ones that hang off the shower head.
Have good fixtures installed, again matching with the rest of the room
Keep the shower clean!
Toilets-okay no one likes to clean them, but keep them clean! Just keep toilet bowl cleaner and a toilet brush tucked neatly behind the toilet, and every few days give it a whirl-you will like having a fresh bowl-remember the guy from Allie McBeal-I wish I would have that installed at home!
Have matching hardware for the handle and the seat-don't skimp on some cheap seat
If you have a separate toilet closet, which I so prefer for the master, keep it uncluttered
Trash can-if it is out, make sure it is attractive-and that it matches the room, has a lid,
keep it lined with a plastic bag and throw out often.
Tubs-I don't go for the tub with a zillion things all around it. I prefer much more the simple and elegant approach. Now I hardly ever, I should say never, but wish I would, use my bath. So it has become something for me to look at. I wish I had a beautiful shower and a vanity instead, oh how I want a vanity, oh well!
But tubs have a nice selection in a little basket of oils and salts, and whatever, but don't overdo it. I like a few candles set out, a plant or silk plant is nice, maybe some nice fresh towels rolled on the side, etc..but don't over do it, please..
Towels-keep good towels-if that are mismatched and thread bare throw them out
Keep a color theme to bathroom and stick to it. Mine is white and neutral-like dark wood and creamy coffee, so my towels and floor mats match
Floor mats-have good ones-spend a little more, and you will be glad, keep them clean!
The floor-now many are unlucky and got carpet in their bathrooms-get rid of it
Who invented that-it is the worst!! If you can go tile, do, you will not regret it!
If linoleum, then something neutral and attractive, something that looks like stone or tile or slate is really good-cheap white linoleum is okay, but not for me.
Keep it clean! There really is no way to clean the floor than on your hands and knees
Vacuum up all the yucky stuff-and then use a cleanser and clean that floor!
The bathroom should be very clean-they just should be. Whether it is you everyday, or god forbid a guest goes to use it-who wants a toothpaste and hairy sink, open deodorant sitting around, old tattered hand towels, a toilet that is screaming for a bleaching, etc..!
And artwork-keep a tone and keep it understated, but you can have a bit of fun with it!
Keep it classy-don't put up some old poster, and then pictures of your kids on the walls, etc..
Storage-use the cabinets and drawers with a sense of order-put baskets or organizers in them to keep everything together. If you are lucky enough to have a little closet, use it! But don't stuff it. Have a spot for extra towels if you have the room-I have nice basket and keep extra towels and a little space heater in there. Always go through what you are storing every 6 months or so-and get rid of stuff!
You start your day in this room, treat yourself to a spa !
Guest Bathroom Tips
This should be a totally clutter free
This is not a room for a bunch of magazines, newspapers, etc.
You will probably use this bathroom often, but remember it is for your guests.
Have attractive CLEAN towels. Don't put out some threadbare raggy towel
Make sure the towel ring or hook, if there is one, is attractive and matches.
Matching! Big thing. Keep it all the same-ie chrome, or brass or black,
Whatever, but don't start mixing everything! Matching really has a pulled together look!
My guest bath is all brass.
The light fixture-have good lighting!! No one wants to use a bathroom and the light is a 40 watt bulb!! And make sure it is an attractive light fixture!
Faucet and sink-CLEAN!
Soap-a dispenser is best. It never gets all soggy like soap does. Keep it filled!
Have you ever been a guest somewhere and there is no soap,let alone a towel?
I have !
Have a garbage can-the ones with lids are best, under the sink if you have room or if in the corner, then a MUST with a lid-and make sure to empty once a week, and always after a party!
Under the sink, keep a plunger and a toilet brush and toilet bowl cleaner! Did you see
Along Came Polly-if you did, I need say no more. If you did not, there is a bathroom scene for poor Ben Stiller after a bad dinner and there is no toilet paper and no plunger..
And toilet paper, for God's Sakes have a nice roll on there, and have an extra either in plain sight or under the sink (in my case I have a small linen closet) Do NOT leave your guest stranded without these things!!
Make sure the toilet is totally spic and span. I know, NO ONE wants to clean toilets
But let's face it, a toilet that is not totally clean is just gross! And it should smell fresh too~
Cleaning the toilet, means the whole thing!! Not just a quick wipe down with the toilet brush! Get your rubber gloves on, ALWAYS please-make them a part of your cleaning regiment! I have not been without them for 25 years!! I remember how my mom showed me how to clean down around the bottom and around the area on the floor.
C mon, keep it clean!
TISSUE-have it! Who wants to blow their nose with tp? I had this conversation with my daughter and her boyfriend last year. What is it, a decorator style box at Target costs $1? It is so worth it.
Art-have something fun in there. I have these fantastic vintage Barbie sketch posters-3 of them. I mean I love them, I would have them all over my house if I could. But they sure found a home in the powder room, and they are perfect there.
Maybe put out a candle with a little box for a small match book if you have the room
But do NOT put out like a GLADE candle-get something from Pier One or Cost Plus that has a little more style and not some disgusting aroma..
