Bathrooms are not necessarily a part of our homes that are built with the intention of being “on display”. Yet inevitably, they end up being one of the most visited and used rooms in any home, by both those who reside in the home and visitors alike. A bathroom of any kind, whether it is the main bathroom, ensuite or powder room, plays host to many daily routines and tasks.
Alongside the kitchen and laundry, the bathroom rounds out the top 3 “workhorse” spaces in any home. With such a regular and important role in the daily operations, it figures that we should perhaps put a little extra thought and effort into how we’d like it to look and function in order to make the time spent in there as effective and enjoyable as possible.
More than a practical and functional space
When designing a bathroom for your home, it is definitely important that the practicality and functionality suit the demands and lifestyle of the people who will be using it. Given the time spent each day, month, year, in our bathrooms, it’s also worth really considering the design and style aspects of your bathroom in order to create a space that reflects the personality/is of those who are in there so frequently. Having a well-designed and styled bathroom can go a long way making those seemingly rudimentary and necessary tasks such as cleaning your teeth and taking a shower, somewhat more enjoyable than they might be in a plain-jane, cookie-cutter bathroom. Let’s face it, we have to be in there, so we might as well do what we can to make it a pleasant experience!
The Hero Piece: Bathroom Vanity
The bathroom vanity is the place where a lot of the action takes place in a bathroom. It is also the main area that can be used to really dictate the style of the space. Whether your style is classic and rustic or modern and minimal, or anything in between, there are so many options for creating amazing bathroom vanities.
Bathroom vanity style and design
Bathroom vanity styles and designs are as diverse as the people that use them. Depending on your style preference and the size of the space that you have to work with, you might opt for a small and minimalist style single, wall mounted cupboard unit with a sink on top and no bench space included. At the other end of the scale is a double sink bathroom vanity composition. As the description suggests, this one features 2 sinks side by side complete with plenty of under bench storage in either enclosed cabinetry – cupboards or drawers – or open shelving, or a combination of both. Bathroom vanities can also be impressive floor standing units in various shapes and sizes with plenty of room for storage.
Colour choices for bathroom vanities
If you want to inject some unique personality into your bathroom vanity, then adding some colour is one way to achieve that. However, it is usually recommended to keep the colour palette of the main bathroom vanity items such as the cabinetry, bench top and sink relatively neutral. Use tapware, greenery, and accessories to add much-needed splashes of colour. It is much easier to swap out or replace those smaller items once your tastes change or you feel like a refresh.
There is certainly no “rule book” to bathroom vanity colours though, so if you want to create a truly unique space by including burnt orange feature cabinetry, or a blush pink bench top, or anything else really, then, by all means, you should do that. Just make sure that you are truly in love with the idea before you go ahead with the execution, as it can be costly to remedy in the not too distant future when you change your mind.
Add texture and interest by using a range of materials
Keeping the colour palette neutral doesn’t have to mean a plain and boring bathroom though. There are so many different materials available for bathroom vanities that you can still create something unique and inspiring whilst maintaining a neutral base with timeless style.
Natural materials such as timber, concrete, and stone can be great choices for creating beautiful feature bench tops or shelving with plenty of texture and style. Glass, fiberglass and porcelain can also add an interesting element.
When choosing your materials, keep in mind that natural materials may require additional attention and maintenance in order to withstand the day-to-day bathroom activities and keep them looking their best. For example, timber will require regular staining and sealing to avoid damage from the water and marble is a soft stone that may react with the acid in some bathroom cleaning and beauty products and can also crack if in contact with heat from appliances such as hair curling and straightening irons.
Choosing products that are sealed with high-quality paint or polyurethane finish can make them much more durable for use in the hardworking bathroom vanity unit. A professional painter will be able to achieve a range of finishes to suit your desired style.
One-of-a-kind with re-purposed and recycled furniture
Custom designed bathroom vanities are one way to create a special feature for your bathroom. Another way to get a truly unique bathroom vanity unit is to re-purpose or recycle other pieces of household furniture. Give a timber sideboard, cabinet or dresser a new lease of life as a bathroom vanity. Keep the rustic and worn look that is full of character or completely repaint it for an updated and refreshed look. Add a sink, tapware and maybe some new handles and your one-of-a-kind bathroom vanity is complete.
Bathroom vanities can really create a special and unique style in your bathroom space. Whether your style is classic and rustic or modern and minimalist, with the right touches you can make the bathroom a place where your daily tasks don’t seem like such a chore.
At Highlands Handpainting we can help to create the functional, yet unique and stylish, bathroom vanity that you are looking for. Contact us on 1300 662 112, submit an online enquiry, or visit us at 12 Graham Hill Road Narellan NSW to discuss your handpainted bathroom vanity projects.