Modern Bathroom Décor

It may be that “modern” is a misnomer these days because when you’re talking about modern home décor, you’re talking about a style that has been around for over five decades. 

Modern décor really took off post-World War II, and was prevalent in brand new suburbs throughout the country. Mid-century modern homes with post-and-beam design, the idea to bring indoor and outdoor settings together with large windows, and sleek appliances and state-of-the-art materials were all selling points. Gone were over-stated Victorian or traditional doors, hardware, and cabinets. Scandinavian simplicity and natural shapes were en vogue, as were Frank Lloyd Wright and Eichler architecture to give homes functionality and style.

Mid-century designs never went away, and they’ve experienced a renaissance of sorts over the last decade. But, beyond über-modern signature furniture pieces how does modern décor extend to the interior of your home, specifically the bathroom?

Creating Modern Bathroom Décor

Modern bathrooms are minimalist in design. While some bathrooms want the focus to be on the bathtub and shower combo, or the oversized vanity, modern décor works because it blends the walls and appliances into a natural style, much like the Scandinavian designers were hoping for 60 years ago. Bathtubs, showers, and sinks may appear as if they flow out from the floor or wall. Color and tones are often natural or basic. But even this simplicity is a major statement.

As with any kind of bathroom or home décor, you don’t need to have the architecture, or bones, of a home to do what you want. While we’ve all seen homes whose architects gave them obvious modernist designs, even someone living in a well-preserved early 20^th century bungalow can create a bathroom that is completely modern.

Modern Bathroom Décor & Functionality

While style is important, so is the utility of space. Floating vanities, sinks, and toilets will work well in a modern bathroom. Mirrors may seem basic when compared to those with traditional borders, but mirrors with simple borders with straight lines will work; mirrors with LED lighting and fog-free systems are even better.

Shower panels may still seem like a luxury to many people, but in a modern bathroom, they fit just as well as a bathtub-shower combination. Simplicity in style doesn’t have to mean going barebones on luxury or indulging in what you want.

Master bathrooms and half-bathrooms can both benefit from a modern décor makeover, especially if you are updating other parts of your home. The bathroom, like the kitchen, is a room that is used every single day. It’s not too difficult to extend the modern theme throughout your home, even if its design is closer to Victorian or Craftsman. 

Give modern bathroom décor a try today!

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How to Design a Bachelor Pad Bathroom for Widespread Appeal

If you're a single guy who just moved into a new place, or think your bathroom could use a bit of sprucing up, there are plenty of ways to improve the appearance of a bachelor pad bathroom. Not only will you be able to appreciate the improved space, but any lady visitors won't be scared off or become skeptical of your hygiene when they enter. Here are several ways to jazz up your throne room.

1. Start with a thorough cleaning. Eliminate mold, mildew, dirt and grime from every inch of the space as thoroughly as possible. If some of your bathroom accessories are beyond saving, toss them and buy new ones.

2. Paint the walls. Earthy neutral tones are always a safe bet, and they'll look more inviting than a stark white space, especially if your bathtub and sink are white as well.

3. Buy fresh towels. If you've been relying on a mishmash of towels to dry off with, it's time to invest in a legitimate set. Get a hue that matches the colors of the room or opt for black, which is a classic shade that won't show stains. Also, be sure to install a few towel racks - there's nothing less sexy than a pile of towels on the floor.

4. Consider a new mirror. If you have a dinky mirror that's seen better days, your visitors will appreciate an upgrade. Most women like to have a sizeable mirror to look at when they're freshening up their makeup or getting ready for bed.

5. Streamline your toiletries. Anything that hasn't been used in several months should be tossed out. You might even want to invest in some luxurious-looking bottles for your existing toiletries, as uniformity will help give the space a classier vibe. Also, consider buying a bottle of conditioner if you don't have one already - it's one thing many women wish they had in a guy's shower.

6. Get a bathmat. If you're always having to deal with a wet floor, the logical solution is to buy a mat that will soak it up when you step out of the shower. It's also a nice thing to have when tile floors get chilly in the winter.

7. Go for the gusto with fresh flowers. If you know a female guest will be coming over to your place, impress her by placing a small vase of flowers on your bathroom vanity. It'll speak to your romantic side.

Your bachelor pad bathroom can be a classy and unexpected space that's a joy to visit. A few simple changes can make all the difference. Check out more options!

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Seven Ways to Keep Your Bathroom Smelling Fresh

Along with the kitchen, the bathroom has a reputation for being one of the most odorous rooms in the home. Needless to say, there's a lot that goes on in the bathroom - which means there are a lot of smells to go with it. Fortunately, maintaining a freshly scented half or master bath is easy once you realize how many options are at your disposal. Here's a list of several ways you can keep your bathroom smelling fresh.

1. Open up those linen cabinets and launder your towels. With frequent use, towels, bathrobes and washcloths can take on a musty quality that can stink up your whole bathroom. Adding baking soda and white vinegar into the wash cycle can strip them of funky residue and retard mildew growth. Also, it helps to hang your towels up immediately after using them so they'll fully dry in between each use.

2. Light a scented candle. With so many specialty candle shops in existence, you shouldn't have a problem finding a scent that will freshen up your bathroom. Plus, the ambiance created by a little candlelight is flattering and relaxing - perfect for a spa-like bathroom.

3. Keep your bathroom accessories clean. For example, your toothbrush holders should get a regular scrubbing, and once your toilet brush starts to look like it's seen better days and gives off a scent to match, it's time for a new one.

4. Keep a cup of white vinegar in the shower when you're not using it. According to TLC, this can help to soak up odors in the stall when you shut the door or curtain.

5. Check your drains. If you can't seem to find the source of the odor, perhaps it's coming from your drains. There might be a clog that's slowing things down and causing a backup of smelly bacteria and gunk. Use a plumber's snake to manually remove the blockage or pour a chemical product down there to dissolve the issue.

6. Buy luxuriously aromatic hand soap. Every time you and your guests wash your hands, you'll be able to breathe in the lovely scent of whatever soap you happened to choose.

7. In between washings, use linen spray to freshen up robes, towels, bath mats and shower curtains. Many have nice scents that are long-lasting.

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Are Shower Panels Worth It?

If you're about to embark upon a full-scale bathroom remodeling project, having a clear idea of which major fixtures will be included is vital to select the components and other hardware that will bring the space together. 

If you're mulling the thought of installing a large shower in your space, a shower panel should be at the top of your list of priorities. This is one of the most cutting-edge bathroom accessories on the market that will streamline the look of your washroom and allow you to enjoy a new era of luxury in your home. But are shower panels worth it? Here are a few benefits that could convince you to incorporate one into your space.

1. Versatility. Instead of using a single shower head, many shower panels are available with multiple water outputs, such as swiveling water jets, an overhead rainfall faucet and a handheld sprayer. Some are even fitted with a spout at the bottom for those who would like to install the device over a bathtub. The sleek surface of these devices is also extremely easy-to-clean, which will increase its overall lifespan and limit the amount of extensive cleaning regimens you'll have to perform on the device.

2. Economical. Compared with the investment in a large bathtub, shower curtains and other accessories, a shower panel can be a great bargain for bathroom remodelers. These devices are available at just about every price point, so homeowners will be able to find the ideal mixture of features that works with their space constraints. Many of these products are made from durable materials like stainless steel, so they will be a long-lasting investment that will continue to pay dividends.

3. Space-saving. Since most shower panels are mounted directly to the wall of a bathroom and connected to the room's plumbing, they can dramatically open up the interior design of a washroom. There is barely any need to allot space for the panel and it will only take up a small amount of space on your wall. When coupled with glass shower doors and an influx of light in the space, these devices can make a bathroom feel much larger than it actually is.

Are shower panels worth it? Yes. Your bathroom remodeling project will be filled with tough decisions, so make this an easy one. 

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Use a Shower Niche to Boost Storage and Design

As you approach the process of installing a shower panel or other bathroom accessories, you may look into small storage options that can hang from your showerhead or attach to the wall. However, these products don't last and do nothing to improve the look of your shower. 

Think about creating a small shower niche inside of your shower that will blend in perfectly with your décor and give you that bit of storage you need in the shower 

This shower niche is a chance for you to improve the room's storage capacity and boost the design of the shower. When installing your shower, instruct your contractor to leave a small indentation in the wall - you can then use the area inside to decorate with mosaic tile to infuse the area with a pop of color.

After installing a small shelf, you can keep your shampoo, washcloths and sponges within reach. This is one of the most unobtrusive ways to improve the storage capacity of your shower and will jazz up the look of your space.

Storage space is always at a premium in bathrooms, but thankfully there are ingenious ways to pack more into your washroom without inhibiting traffic flow. A shower niche is one of the easiest ways to do that. Make it a part of your shower plan!

White and Gray Bathroom Scheme for a Modern Apartment

While you may be sifting through your many options and other accents, your color scheme is quite possibly the most important facet of the room. Gray and white go together far easier than you may expect and the combination will give you an opportunity to incorporate plenty of contemporary additions. Here are some ideas to achieve a white and gray bathroom scheme successfully.

Statement Vanity

Select a moody gray vanity to be the centerpiece of your design. The vanity is generally the visual focus of the space and pretty much the only piece of furniture in the bathroom. Let it stand out!

Distribute Evenly

Wainscoting is one of the easiest ways to provide equal proportions of color throughout the space. Whether you're using wood or marble, white wainscoting around the room will allow you to paint the rest of the walls gray and improve the use of light in the space.

Neutral Colors

One of the greatest advantages of this color scheme is that both are neutrals. Each colorful accent will be doubly impressive against a gray and white bathroom scheme. Your artwork and line choices will look far more attractive against the neutral backdrop. 

Metallic Finishes

Finish the look of the space by using brushed nickel or chrome fixtures - this will help balance the crisp white and matte gray with a dose of metallic shine.

A neutral color palette like a white and gray bathroom can dramatically open up your style choices and create a bathroom that's adaptable to any season. 

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Water-resistant Wainscoting Ideas for Bathroom

Installing wainscoting in a bathroom is an ideal way to add style and character to the space. However, some people worry that the wood will not hold up well in the moist, humid environment of the bathroom. Never fear, there are plenty of water-resistant options that will help you keep your wainscoting ideas for the bathroom on track.

Wainscot Bathroom Issues

Problems with mold and mildew abound in high-moisture areas of the home, such as the bathroom. Traditional wainscoting made of wood could become a mess before too long. Get around the problem by going with a water-resistant wainscot material that will protect walls from water, as well as looking great for years to come. Here are a few options.

Vinyl

One alternative to wood wainscoting is vinyl look-alikes. They mimic the painted wood aesthetic but don't have any of the downsides of wood. "For contractors, architects and homeowners looking for a simple way to enhance and protect walls, installing vinyl wainscoting is an effective solution," said Franco An, president of Plastpro, Inc. "Our advanced technology has allowed us to manufacture a unique wainscoting that's not only strong and affordable, but looks fabulous."

MDF

Another option for a durable material for a bathroom wainscot wall is MDF or medium density fiberboard. Made of wood products, this material is far more durable in wet environments like the bathroom. It's easy to get and very affordable. MDF gives you the flexibility to create the exact wall you want, whereas vinyl might only come in prefabricated sizes.

Whether or not homeowners are planning an entire bathroom renovation that includes installing a new bathroom vanity, bathtub, toilet and faucets, installing wainscoting can be a great addition to a space. Go ahead and dream big! Don't let a little humidity and splashing deter your wainscoting ideas for the bathroom.

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