Creating a Nautical or Oceanic Themed Bathroom

Decorating a bathroom may prove to be one of the greatest challenges faced by a homeowner because of the lack of free space and permanent placements of the fixtures. Remodeling a bathroom is a lengthy and costly process – sometimes taking several weeks to nearly a year to complete depending upon the extent of the renovation. While this is sometimes a necessary route when plumbing is bad, fixtures are damaged or there is another significant problem with rotting or damaged tiling – a simple revamp can be a quick and inexpensive solution to a bathroom that is simply dated or past its prime.

A standard “full bath” in the United States typically refers to a room with a bath/shower combination (although this is not required – sometimes only a shower is available), toilet and a sink. Depending on the style of bathroom it may have a small cupboard or shelves installed. Since space is limited in most bathrooms, most bathroom hardware is designed to be small, provide storage and attach to the walls. Common hardware includes towel bars or rings, toothbrush holder, soap dish, robe hooks, cabinet knobs/drawer pulls and tissue holder.

Creating a common theme in the bathroom is a great way to unify the look of a disorderly bathroom. This can be easily accomplished with the use of a common design, finish or general theme. Since the bathroom is focused around water, there is no better place in the home to introduce a fun and novel ocean theme! This can be easily accomplished by replacing dull cabinet knobs with a fun pewter starfish design or installing a new towel bar with a clamshell pattern. When creating a theme it is limited only by the imagination – using a mixture of knobs will create an eclectic pattern that will tie together without being over done. Introducing blue bath towels or small nautical patterns on guest towels can tie the look together even further.

When choosing a finish for the bathroom the most popular choices are polished brass and polished chrome – these provide a mirror like surface and are relatively easy to match when using different hardware from different manufacturers. Other great choices could be brushed nickel, oil rubbed bronze or even an antique brass. The advantage of these less common but still beautiful finishes include a less cleaning and maintenance (a shiny surface will show water droplets and fingerprints more easily). Please remember that these finishes are not standardized as well and different companies finish may vary.

Helpful Hints:

 If you are replacing existing hardware measure all pre-drilled holes carefully. Not all hardware is the same size and the center to center spacing will need to be the same if you plan to use the original holes.
 All the hardware in the bathroom should be the same finish – including the doorknob. If your bathroom finish is different than the rest of the home search for a “mixed finish” door knob set that will allow you to use one finish on the interior side of the door and a completely different finish on the exterior.
 Branch out in your decorating style – if oceanic themes don’t work create an exotic look with Japanese Bamboo patterns or a classic roped design.

A New Rainbow of Color This Spring – Redecorating with Glass

Ruby Red Glass Cabinet Knob

Add a little life to your cupboards and drawers this spring with new glass knobs and pulls. Transform your kitchen from bland to beautiful by replacing that old and worn hardware with wonderful replacements in glass and crystal. The possibilities are limitless this year with a wide spectrum of glass shapes and colors available for the home (or office). Try adding something unique to your home this year during your spring cleaning and redecorating projects!

Nothing says dull like scratched and worn knobs and pulls on any piece of furniture. The small details make the biggest impact sometimes and this is especially true when it comes to hardware. Knobs and pulls are not only a focal point of design; they are also one of the most used items in the home. Think of how many times you open the drawers and cabinets in your bathroom, kitchen and bedroom.

Art Deco Glass Cabinet Knob

Try adding a little pizzazz to your cupboards with exciting ruby red knobs or introduce a little color into the bathroom with beautiful emerald green knobs. Create a theme in a nursery with baby pink or blue pulls for the dresser. The opportunities to make your home reflect your unique personality are just waiting to be used. Glass comes in a variety of shapes from the traditional hexagon to ornate swirl glass knobs. Fitting well in homes that range from classic Victorian themes to contemporary Manhattan apartments – glass is quickly becoming one of the most stylish ways to update the home.

Take your new decorating style one step further by adding wonderful crystal doorknob sets throughout the home. This can quickly create a uniformed look throughout the entire home. Glass stands out against wood (or metal) doors and offers an extra touch of elegance. Try updating your curtain tie backs with exotic pressed glass patterns to bring the look of glass even further into the room.

Amethyst Glass and Brass Coat Hooks

Although glass can break more easily than other materials (such as brass, iron, steel, etc.) it is extremely durable and does not show signs of wear and tear as easily over time. When properly installed, glass knobs and pulls will work as efficiently as standard metal knobs. LookInTheAttic & Company offers a great selection of glass hardware ranging from cabinet knobs to robe hooks. Try something new this year and make your house the beautiful home of your dreams.

Solid Brass Towel Bars and Bathroom Accessories

Georgian Roped Towel Bar

Redecorating a bathroom can be a time consuming process and it is sometimes easy to overlook the basic hardware in this room. Solid brass towel bars and other bathroom accessories are a great choice not only because of the inherent durability and strength brass provides but the elegant patterns that can be easily incorporated into any decorating scheme. Solid brass hardware is available in a variety of finishes and designs ranging from traditional roped patters to ornate fleur de lis.

Towel bars are an important aspect of any bathroom and a focal point of your design (especially in guest bathrooms where towels are frequently displayed). A solid brass towel bar with an elegant pattern can add a little extra detail to your bathrooms without overpowering your design. Towel bars come in single, double and triple configurations and are available in several sizes (usually 18, 24 and 30 inches although other sizes may be available).

Solid Brass Classic Towel Ring

When deciding on new bathroom hardware remember that attention to small details can create a common theme throughout your entire room. Choose coordinating robe hooks, soap dishes, grab bars, towel rings, shelves and hinges to complete the look. By using the same finish that is on your faucets you can tie the look together even further. Solid brass doorknob sets and lighting fixtures are also available and in similar patterns as well. The bathroom may be one of the smaller rooms in your home but there are a lot of ways to make it beautiful and unique.

LookInTheAttic & Company offers a wide selection of solid brass towel bars and other bath hardware. Ask questions if you are unsure about a particular item and see if entire sets are available. Remember that by choosing a common pattern you will be able to coordinate the room easily.