A retreat from the world and stress, and at times a hideout from family. Our sacred sanctuary, bathroom design can set the tone for decompressing.
This beautifully designed master bath below shows the focal point. The VANITY! This double vanity boasts quartz countertops, undermount dune shaped sinks, open shelving and drawers. The custom cabinetry is accented by shiplap as a backsplash to the ceiling with framed mirrors under dual overhung brushed nickel lighting. Widespread faucets set in the same brushed nickel finish unifies all the hardware finishes on the vanity cabinet.
This is a perfectly styled modern contemporary bathroom vanity. Yet the shiplap wall gives the design a more coastal feel especially with the blue and white contrasting colors. White always enhances primary colors. It causes them to pop!
If you’re a home owner updating your master bath or only bath, you can make subtle changes that can give you the look of it being custom designed, without the hefty price tag attached.
Design Tip #1 – Change the light fixtures. The featured photo has overhung lighting which is great for task lighting as well as it being reachable for replacing light bulbs and cleaning. Brushed and Satin nickel finishes are the most popular with my clients. Unlike Chrome which is a shiny surface and more difficult to maintain because of fingerprints and water stains. Stainless steel has that same tendency. If you prefer silver versus gold or brass, I recommend Satin/Brushed nickel for fixtures and vanity hardware.
Design Tip #2 – Update your mirror. Most old bathroom designs have that Hollywood lighting with the big round bulbs as their main vanity light. The mirror would cover the entire length of the vanity (50-60 inches of mirror). During the 60’s that style was a trendsetter. Well in 2017 that will not work. Framed mirrors that match or compliment the vanity is what is now on point. You can find them at Home Improvement Stores, TJ Maxx, Bed Bath & Beyond, Home Goods (my favorite), Marshall’s and Burlington to name a few.
Design Tip #3 – Backsplash vs. Drywall? Backsplash please! Adding this design element is an easy and inexpensive way of updating your bath. This technique protects the sink wall, highlights the countertops, cabinetry and fixtures. Shiplap is trending now, which is 2×4’s cut to size stained and/or painted and installed the same as backsplash. Glass, Mosaic, Ceramic and Porcelain tiles are still popular. 12″x12″ tiles such as these can be a weekend DIY Project. Cost $5/per sheet. Based on the dimensions and where you want your backsplash to be, will determine the cost.
Purchasing a cabinet with the countertop and sink already attached can save you time and money, especially if you have a lower budget. Get inspired by this master bath and it’s vanity. Small changes can do wonders!
