Master bath makeover: Need Some Serious Help!!!

[new_mom_mry]

So I am including a few pictures of our master bathroom which right now is outmostly boring. I also don't like our towels (Bed Bath & Beyond) in terms of quality, so willing to part with them in a heartbeat. I guess I truly need suggestions for how to arrange/decorate our vanity and also the shelfs that are on the side, and anything else that comes to mind (wall?) I also need suggestions for which towels/bath mat/bath accessories would best go with our bath (would love something that is high quality and willing to spend the money). Only caveat is that breakable objects can't be placed on the side shelfs because of our toddler. Thanks so much in advance BBB style gurus!!!

[lcarlson90]

Are you open to painting the walls? My first thought is that painting the walls a nice color would add a lot of interest. Maybe a sage green? I would also get a new window treatment if you can. I am not a big fan of mini blinds. Maybe a nice roman shade? Maybe a faux-potted plant would add some interest on the vanity.

[kara97210]

Agree with PP, painting could really update the space and add some contrast. I was thinking a lighter, blue-green and then you could use a similar color as accents.

We have open shelf in our bathroom too and I have baskets there with bath toys for the kids. They usually use the bathroom downstairs, but not always, and they always get into the shelves so I wanted to put something there that they could access.

[new_mom_mry]

Are you open to painting the walls? My first thought is that painting the walls a nice color would add a lot of interest. Maybe a sage green? I would also get a new window treatment if you can. I am not a big fan of mini blinds. Maybe a nice roman shade? Maybe a faux-potted plant would add some interest on the vanity.

I suppose I am somewhat open to it, though DH might have objections (would need to discuss with him...) I suppose I was hoping to add color with towels/accessories/decorations, etc. but painting is also something to consider.

any specific suggestions for a faux potted plant?

[boolady]

I would at least paint the window sill under the window. All of the other trim in your bathroom appears to be painted white...your baseboard and your door. I think that would lighten things up a bit. I would also switch out the window treatment for something softer. I like the roman shade idea. If you don't want to paint the walls, then I would get some towels and other linens with a pop of color so that everything's not so neutral. I don't know what your decorating style is like for the rest of the house, but I would get towels in white and the aqua color here, to jazz things up a bit. I think the colors go well with your tans.

http://www.garnethill.com/garnet-hill-supreme-towels/bedding-home/bath/towels-mats/163924

I can't tell if you have a hand towel bar or ring, but I might put one on the wall at the end, to the right of the window, to add some color there or find something decorative to hang on the wall. In terms of faux plants, I think a fern or an orchid would look good on your vanity since it's a bathroom. I would also consider a potted faux topiary of some kind...a boxwood or something like that.

http://www.ballarddesigns.com/boxwood-topiaries/accessories/topiaries/42339

http://www.ballarddesigns.com/angel-vine-topiary/accessories/topiaries/42264

I would get rid of the matching lined-up bottle thingies on the counter, get some glass jars with covers, and put stuff in them--- bath salts, cotton balls, some other decorative filler, something with dimension.
Like this:
http://www.potterybarn.com/products/pb-classic-glass-canister/?pkey=e%7Cglass%7C156%7Cbest%7C0%7Cviewall%7C24%7C %7C77&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-NoMerchRules-_-

As to the shelves on the end, I'd keep the idea of baskets, and fill them with non-breakables, like the rolled up white washclothes you have, or ones in a color to match towels, but stand them up the other way and fill up the basket. Get a matching basket and fill it with sea sponges or some other bathroomy thing that won't break.

ETA2: I really dislike (sorry) the light fixture. Is that in the mirror, or above? If it's above, would you consider removing it and having someone come put sconces in the mirror, or above the mirror? Sconces in a mirror add a lot of light because they reflect well off the mirror. I'll find a pic.

[BDKmom]

I suppose I am somewhat open to it, though DH might have objections (would need to discuss with him...) I suppose I was hoping to add color with towels/accessories/decorations, etc. but painting is also something to consider.

Since your wall space is a bit limited, it may help just to do a more interesting window treatment and maybe some wall decor next to the window. Right now there is just too much beige on beige. I would look for a window treatment with some nice color and texture, then pick some towels from there.

ETA: This site has some nice Roman shades. I like the second one, "Floral Roman Shades." Comes in nice colors with some good textures in the pattern: http://www.selectblinds.com/roman-shades.html

For the vanity, maybe a silk flower arrangement with coordinating colors? You wouldn't need anything too big. Places like Michael's and Hobby Lobby often have good selection, but can be a bit pricey. I would check Kirkland's, if you have one near you. It's hit or miss, but you may find something you like there.

[cvanbrunt]

Maybe an interesting light fixture. It's hard to tell from the pic but I think its just a bank of bulbs.

[new_mom_mry]

thank you so much ladies! love all of your ideas--keep them coming! so to sum them up, if DH refuses to change the paint color, then we should get a roman shade instead of the blinds, a faux plant (a boxwood topiary or a silk flower arrangement) to go on the vanity next to the window, some decorative glass jars to go on the tray in the middle, and some new towels/bath mat....

[BDKmom]

We probably cross posted, but I added a link above. They seem to have a big selection. I personally would go with something bold, maybe jewel toned to add some contrast. I also like the idea of a pattern, or maybe several colors in the fabric, as I think it gives you more to pull from when choosing colors for accessories.

I would definitely stay away from too much neutral when picking the window treatment. That would just be more neutral on neutral, and you really need some contrast, IMO, to spice things up.

[new_mom_mry]

We probably cross posted, but I added a link above. They seem to have a big selection. I personally would go with something bold, maybe jewel toned to add some contrast. I also like the idea of a pattern, or maybe several colors in the fabric, as I think it gives you more to pull from when choosing colors for accessories.

I would definitely stay away from too much neutral when picking the window treatment. That would just be more neutral on neutral, and you really need some contrast, IMO, to spice things up.

yep, saw your post after posting my response, thank you!! is it pretty easy to uninstall the current blinds and install the roman shades??

[boolady]

This is what I meant about the scones (though not this style of sconce):

http://thelennoxx.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/janie-hirsh.jpg

[new_mom_mry]

any feedback on this roman shade http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Cocoa-Tahiti-Roman-Shade-34-in.-x-72-in./6277865/product.html plus smaller of the two vases with diffuser sticks on the vanity next to the window (since these go together so well on the picture)? What colors would then work for the towels? Our cabinetry is maple, so I think the cocoa color might be a nice contrast to it.

[boolady]

any feedback on this roman shade http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Cocoa-Tahiti-Roman-Shade-34-in.-x-72-in./6277865/product.html plus smaller of the two vases with diffuser sticks on the vanity next to the window (since these go together so well on the picture)? What colors would then work for the towels? Our cabinetry is maple, so I think the cocoa color might be a nice contrast to it.

Honestly? Too dark. I think that's the problem now. If you had more natural light, all of the dark brown might be okay, but I think you need a much lighter color, or something with a pattern or a floral, like a PP suggested.

[new_mom_mry]

Honestly? Too dark. I think that's the problem now. If you had more natural light, all of the dark brown might be okay, but I think you need a much lighter color, or something with a pattern or a floral, like a PP suggested.

point taken! :) I love color and we have a lot of color everywhere else in the house, but here. I would prefer something modern...which color do you think would work best from these:
http://www.selectblinds.com/romanshades/blackout-roman-shades.html

or these

http://www.selectblinds.com/romanshades/selectstripes-roman-shades.html

[boolady]

point taken! :) I love color and we have a lot of color everywhere else in the house, but here. I would prefer something modern...which color do you think would work best from these:
http://www.selectblinds.com/romanshades/blackout-roman-shades.html

or these

http://www.selectblinds.com/romanshades/selectstripes-roman-shades.html

One of the white or ivory colors from either place, so that it's not so tan that it blends into the wall. I've struggled with too-dark bathrooms before myself. It's difficult.

[marymoo86]

how about removing that mirror entirely in favor of 2 separate framed mirrors with sconces on the sides or above?

[new_mom_mry]

so a question...I am seeing two categories of suggestions here...1) bigger structural changes (e.g., change paint color, change mirror, change light fixture) and 2) quicker fixes (e.g., new towels, new bath accessories, faux plant, roman shade)....something tells me that DH will be more likely to agree to the second set of changes...(his mentality is very much so if it ain't broken and is in good condition, then don't fix it...which I totally get, because he is excellent at investing and managing money without ever being frugal and I truly respect him for that)...nevertheless, I doubt he will agree to change the mirror/light fixture....do you think the bathroom will still benefit from the "quick fix" changes that were recommended to me and could potentially look much, much better??

[kristenk]

thank you so much ladies! love all of your ideas--keep them coming! so to sum them up, if DH refuses to change the paint color, then we should get a roman shade instead of the blinds, a faux plant (a boxwood topiary or a silk flower arrangement) to go on the vanity next to the window, some decorative glass jars to go on the tray in the middle, and some new towels/bath mat....

One thing you didn't include above was painting the windowsill so it matches the rest of the trim in the room like boolady suggested. Even if your husband doesn't want to change the wall color, I really think you should paint the windowsill. It'll look much more coordinated.

[new_mom_mry]

One thing you didn't include above was painting the windowsill so it matches the rest of the trim in the room like boolady suggested. Even if your husband doesn't want to change the wall color, I really think you should paint the windowsill. It'll look much more coordinated.

so the windowsill is made out of cherry wood and interestingly, our whole house has that cherry/maple contrast (brazillian cherry hardwood floors with maple cabinets in the kitchen/dining room, staircases, etc...) and it looks great everywhere but I think because the windowsill is the only that's cherry in the bathroom, it stands out in an odd way. I would either have to add more cherry colored elements or paint it like you guys are suggesting

[roseyloxs]

What about instead of changing the blinds you get a privacy window film (http://www.amazon.com/Etched-Lace-Window-Film-24-by-36-Inch/dp/B001MYLELC). You could leave the blinds up or take them down all together. Should let a lot more natural light into the room.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41ADB%2BgQ2pL._AA300_.jpg

I understand why people want to paint the window sill white but I like your suggestion about just bringing in more cherry wood. Cherry is gorgeous and I would hate to cover it up with white paint. Maybe you can look into finding a way to frame out the mirror with some cherry wood. Maybe there is some way to do it right over the edge of the mirror like a faux framing? Maybe even frame out the window too with some cherry.

http://www.batamhousing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/bathroom-mirror-frame-3.jpg

[vludmilla]

I would consider adding more moulding around the window. I would also consider getting a somewhat smaller and framed mirror for over the sinks. New lighting would be great as well. For towels, I would get something simple and very light colored.

[elbenn]

I agree with PPs that the window needs updating. I think a roman shade would be great. Molding would also look great around it. You could do a cherry molding to match the windowsill.

I think really luxurious bath rugs would upgrade the room a lot. I think white rugs would look good to make the room lighter. I love these bath rugs:

http://www.frontgate.com/capri-bath-rug/bed-bath/bath-towels-guest-towels/26937

http://www.frontgate.com/caicos-bath-rug/bed-bath/bath-towels-guest-towels/312217

http://www.frontgate.com/sculpted-baroque-bath-rugs/bed-bath/bath-towels-guest-towels/399759

White monogrammed towels always look good--you could have the monogram give the towels a pop of color. Also, some bath accessories on the countertop would be nice. Something like this would look good with white rugs--making the accessories all look very clean and bright:

http://www.potterybarn.com/products/tuscan-bath-ceramics/?pkey=e%7Ccanister%7C19%7Cbest%7C0%7C1%7C24%7C%7C1 0&group=1&sku=4047452&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-NoMerchRules-_-

[123LuckyMom]

Changing the mirror (or just adding a cherry frame) and changing the light fixtures and painting are actual investments in your home whereas buying new towels and accessories is fun, but not as worthwhile an expenditure of money. I bet if you put it that way to DH he'd be more willing to make those changes!

[Babymakes3]

I would frame out the mirror - how to link
http://fullofgreatideas.blogspot.com/2011/04/how-to-upgrade-your-builder-grade.html

http://www.hometalk.com/f00ab29dd0/project/385

Add a tiered basket to the center of the counter - vertical storage takes up less space
I see these alot at Home Goods, Tjmaxx, Marshalls - they come in 2 tiers as well

http://www.potterybarn.com/products/tiered-basket-bath-storage/?pkey=e%7Cmetal%2Btiered%2Bbasket%2Bstand%7C7%7Cbe st%7C0%7C1%7C24%7C%7C2&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-NoMerchRules-_-

Painting the walls would be a big change! Once you pick a color pick a funky rug and towels!

[BDKmom]

so a question...I am seeing two categories of suggestions here...1) bigger structural changes (e.g., change paint color, change mirror, change light fixture)...

I definitely do not see painting as a big structural change. It's a bucket of paint, a roller and a brush, and a weekend, at most, and I think it would give you the most bang for your buck and make the biggest change in the room. And if you don't like it, change it back, and you are still not out much. It doesn't look like you really have that much wall space to cover, so would take much paint or much time.

I also agree with pp that a new mirror and lighting are more upgrades to your home and its value vs towels and accessories that will either wear out, or go with you when you leave.

[Indianamom2]

I agree with the suggestion to paint. It really isn't a big investment but it can REALLY change a room. (I've recently painted two small bathrooms and now I LOVE them. One was a neutral because I was trying to be stylish and modern....but I never liked it. It was just, well, bland.

Now that bathroom is a nice blue grey and I LOVE it.

I also took off the mirror like you have and bought a cheap (I think it was around $50-60 framed mirror. I love the change. It looks much more sophisticated.

[Uno-Mom]

The thing that pops most in that room for me are the unusual faucets and that blue accent. The rest is very much neutral and inoffensive. I'd look for some way to bring out those quirky blue accents. Like painting an accent wall or bringing it into the window treatment some way (either with an interesting window film or some kind of shade).

Totally agree about changing the towels for bright white or something similar. Could you find a really interesting runner? Not with color patterns but an interesting texture all in white?

[katydid1971]

I would go and find a piece of art that you like and hang it on the wall right of the window, you might be able to find something not very expensive at Target or Home Goods. I also agree that painting walls is a cheap and easy way to dress up a room. It looks like your mirror is glued to the walls, if it is it will be very hard to take down and would probably require the dry wall to be repaired. If its clipped to the wall it take about 10 minutes and a craig's list "for free" ad to get rid of it.

[roseyloxs]

Saw this on pinterest and thought of you since you had a few pp's recommend getting a roman shade.

http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2009/02/make-shades-out-of-mini-blinds.html

Did you ever decide on any updates?