Bathrooms are notorious for collecting clutter, whether it’s towels, toothbrushes, beauty products, styling tools, etc. When that happens, it can take a beautifully remodeled bathroom and turn it into a total mess. But it doesn’t have to be this way…there are some things you can do to keep your bathroom styled and clutter-free and we are here to help you. If you’re searching for a way to keep your bathroom looking great for guests or just yourself, here are some tips from Archway on how to tackle the challenge.
Remove Unwanted Bathroom Items
In other words, purge your bathroom. It’s always easier said than done, but hoarding unnecessary items in your bathroom isn’t going to help anyone. If you aren’t using it, it needs to go. If you have items that you do use, but not on a regular basis, you can move those to a different location such as a closet or storage bins in other areas of the home that have more space.
If you are about to embark upon a bathroom remodel, you can ask your contractor to (with the appropriate safety precautions) route electrical to inside a cabinet so that electric toothbrushes, hair dryers and curling irons aren’t always on display.
Get Decorative
Once you have the surfaces stripped down to the essentials, don’t forget to include decorative pieces to keep the space stylish in addition to functional. Items that work well for this include decorative storage boxes, soap dishes, toothbrush holders, and glass bottles. For something purely decorative, try fresh flowers. They can help to add life to the bathroom, especially if you use a few blossoms in a small vase, or add something that thrives in moisture like an orchid. Try to have about 1 out of 4 of the pieces on display be decorative rather than functional for a stylish look.
Find Your Style
When deciding on how many products and artistic items to feature, you should first consider the overall style of your bathroom. Is it more modern with clean lines? Is it traditional and ornate? Somewhere in between? Us the style you’ve already created in the bathroom and add items that compliment it.
Cover Up Packaging
Have you ever considered covering up tacky product packaging? For example, you can use a refillable soap dispenser or a tissue box cover to make the items that are on display look a little more streamlined. It may take a little bit more effort, but it’s worth it if you want to maintain a stylized look. Plus, if you buy products like liquid soap in bulk, it will save money over time while cutting down on waste.
Get Coordinated
There are many products out there that have the same color scheme or similar packaging. Using those coordinated items can help you create a hotel or spa-like look in your bathroom. Mix in a stylish hand soap, bowl, vase or even towels in the same color or one that compliments, and those products become part of the decor palette.
Use Baskets
Open baskets are ideal for storing frequently used items, especially small things like makeup, because you can pull the basket out and put it on the counter while you hunt for something, then tuck it all back into place after you’re finished.
If you put the items you use on a daily basis in one basket, rather than separating everything strictly by type, it will be easier to find everything you need without having to dig around in the basket. The less work it is to find essential products, the less likely you are to make a mess on the counter.
Add Shelving or a Niche
The human eye automatically reads items that are tucked together as being a group, which makes them feel more like one thing instead of a mess of many items. Therefore, items set on a shelf or in a niche feel tidier and more like a gallery display than loose items on an open surface. Consider adding a niche or floating shelves to an empty wall space for quick access to products you use regularly, especially those for the shower or bath.
Another way of using this technique is to place a few items on a tray instead of directly on the vanity counter, to make them appear more neatly organized. This works even if you have the same number of pieces taking up the same amount of space. Try a vintage serving tray for a traditional look, or match your tray to your other products for a more modern approach.
Do Something Different
Sometimes doing something a little out of the ordinary can make a big difference. For example, instead of having bath soaps sitting on the counter or the edge of the tub, you can place them on a charming stool to suddenly turn them into a fun and stylish vignette.
And don’t forget one of the biggest surfaces in your bathroom: the floor! Adding a colorful rug instead of a typical bath mat draws attention without getting in your way.
Chicago Bathroom Remodeling
If you’re considering bathroom remodeling in Chicago, we hope that you will consider Archway. We offer complimentary in-home consultations and our experienced interior designers can help you create a beautifully styled and clutter-free bathroom that you can enjoy for many years to come. Contact us today for more information on how we can serve you.