Hope lives in a classic Victorian apartment in San Francisco. She recently wrote to me about her small bathroom, and the design challenges it poses. She needs privacy from her neighbors, the sink is unsightly in more ways than one, and the space lacks the pulled together look she wants.
While Hope and her husband prefer different decorating styles, she used the words "industrial organic" to describe the aesthetic they both like. Splashes of earthy browns, warm oranges and leafy greens are found throughout their home. They favor contemporary over shabby chic. So, here's my input on how they can achieve the look they are after in their bathroom.
Let's start with a big design statement. The Amanda shower curtain by Bliss Living boasts a graphic but organic pattern in green and brown. Its modern punch provides a great counterpoint to the classic claw foot tub.
A design this large in scale tricks the eye and expands the space. Like a work of art, the functions as the room's focal point. The browns in the pattern will actually complement the hues on the sink, helping it recede, rather than stick out.
For the windows, I would suggest making a fabric panel the same width of the window, and half its total height. Hang this from a suspension type curtain rod at the middle of the window, like a cafe curtain. Use plain white cotton or linen, which will provide privacy, but still let some light in.
Make a similar panel to cover the whole open self situation above the sink. Keeping the look clean and tidy. Maybe you could even mount a large rectangular mirror on some hinges and make a vanity door?
Pottery Barn's organic bath linens come in a great pale green, lending a pop of color to the bathroom. The towels run from $8-$24. If you don't want to spend quite that much, I have found that Target offers a nice variety of soft greens in their various towel collections.
The storage cabinet that Hope currently uses looks and functions just fine, but reads more traditional, as oppposed to clean and contemporary.
Replacing it with one of West Elm's teak bath towers would add that organic element Hope and her husband like. The open shelves keep things breeezy.
Wire baskets by CB2 would help contain smaller items, with an industrial edge. Alternatively, scrounge antique shops for the authentic versions in different sizes.
To complete the updated and natural vibe in the bathroom, put a jute runner on the floor to tie all of the elements together. This chunky design by Pottery Barn fits the need perfectly.
These pieces work together to add warmth and edge to the bathroom. Good luck Hope! Let us know what you think!
While Hope and her husband prefer different decorating styles, she used the words "industrial organic" to describe the aesthetic they both like. Splashes of earthy browns, warm oranges and leafy greens are found throughout their home. They favor contemporary over shabby chic. So, here's my input on how they can achieve the look they are after in their bathroom.
Let's start with a big design statement. The Amanda shower curtain by Bliss Living boasts a graphic but organic pattern in green and brown. Its modern punch provides a great counterpoint to the classic claw foot tub.
A design this large in scale tricks the eye and expands the space. Like a work of art, the functions as the room's focal point. The browns in the pattern will actually complement the hues on the sink, helping it recede, rather than stick out.
For the windows, I would suggest making a fabric panel the same width of the window, and half its total height. Hang this from a suspension type curtain rod at the middle of the window, like a cafe curtain. Use plain white cotton or linen, which will provide privacy, but still let some light in.
Make a similar panel to cover the whole open self situation above the sink. Keeping the look clean and tidy. Maybe you could even mount a large rectangular mirror on some hinges and make a vanity door?
Pottery Barn's organic bath linens come in a great pale green, lending a pop of color to the bathroom. The towels run from $8-$24. If you don't want to spend quite that much, I have found that Target offers a nice variety of soft greens in their various towel collections.
The storage cabinet that Hope currently uses looks and functions just fine, but reads more traditional, as oppposed to clean and contemporary.
Replacing it with one of West Elm's teak bath towers would add that organic element Hope and her husband like. The open shelves keep things breeezy.
Wire baskets by CB2 would help contain smaller items, with an industrial edge. Alternatively, scrounge antique shops for the authentic versions in different sizes.
To complete the updated and natural vibe in the bathroom, put a jute runner on the floor to tie all of the elements together. This chunky design by Pottery Barn fits the need perfectly.
These pieces work together to add warmth and edge to the bathroom. Good luck Hope! Let us know what you think!
