CHOOSING COLOR FOR THE BATHROOM

I’ve got to design a master bathroom and Paulie wants neutrals but Tracy wants color. In a small space like a bathroom, neutrals can make it feel more serene and clean. But, bright colors can be happy and fresh. Who’s gonna get their way? Well, I’ve got a simple design compromise that will satisfy both Paulie and Tracy and it might just work in your bathroom remodel, too.

Here’s what you do: Use neutrals on the architecture and hard surfaces such as tiles, sinks, and fixtures. Then add color with the accessories and textiles. There are a bunch of accessories in the average bathroom (soaps, towels, candles, lotions, etc.) so you have lots of choices. You can even change the accessory mix seasonally or whenever you feel like it.

In the photo, the floor is light brown limestone and the walls are painted white. This is an example of using neutrals to create a background on which you can easily add punches of color with accessories orartwork.

Check out my On the Road Again blog for more style and design advice including every busy person’s favorite: 10-seconds tips. Get a new tip every Tuesday!

MAKING THE MOST OF A SMALL SPACE



I know from experience it can be challenge to design and decorate a small room, but it’s also a chance to be creative. Here are some tips for maximizing space so you can live large in a compact world!

1) Make a plan: Adding pieces without thinking ahead can result in a cluttered mess. Decide what you need, then measure and buy carefully.

2) Think double-duty: A small room works best when furniture can serve more than one purpose. Look for pieces that morph from one use to another like a coffee table that will raise to eating height or footstools with storage.

3) Keep colors simple: Too much color can make a room feel busy. Try using a basic neutral palette then, bring in strong accents in small does to add punch.

4) Add texture and pattern: Varying texture among your furnishings keeps your design interesting. Patterns can help, too. If you use a rug, choose one that covers some square footage. A small one can look like a postage stamp instead of an anchor for your furniture arrangement.

5) Reflect your surroundings: Mirrors can do wonders in a small space by reflecting light and increasing visual space. Pick a frame that coordinates with your other furnishings and makes a design statement on its own.

6) Go big on seating: If you’ve got the room, include a larger couch for extra seating for guests. Avoid ones with clunky backs and arms or features that take up space without adding anything useful to the room.

7) Hang ‘em high: Installing draperies close to the ceiling gives the illusion of high ceilings. Likewise, installing panels beyond the sides makes windows and walls seem wider.

8) See beyond: Think about using lamps with crystal or glass bases, Plexiglas accent tables, glass-topped coffee tables or furniture with exposed legs so you can see under it. Incorporating any of these elements in your room helps visually stretch the space.

9) Let in the light: Big and tall lamps work better in small spaces than a series of mismatched tiny lamps. And by sending light upward, they also add height. Remember the corners, too. If they’re dark, you’re reducing your livable square footage and making the room feel closed in.

Check out my On the Road Again blog for more style and design advice including every busy person’s favorite: 10-seconds tips. Get a new tip every Tuesday!