Console Vanity Designs

Today I am going to talk about bathroom vanities. Most people don't realize this, but there is a rule of thumb when it comes to vanity designs; if the space for a vanity in a bathroom is 36" wide or less it can only have 2 doors (no drawers) due to spacial requirements and plumbing, if the space is 36"-47" wide you will have what is called a console vanity, and anything over 48" in width typically will have doors and drawers (typically with a bank of drawers in the middle of the vanity when there are 2 sinks).

Today I am going to briefly discuss console vanities and ways that you can take them from their standard look and turn them into a more beautiful and unique design.

http://www.cotcozy.com/curator/rosa/diy-furniture-15063/111067.html

The image above is a standard console vanity, which has 2 doors at the base and 2 small drawers at either side (a false panel is in the middle). This configuration is typically what you will get as a standard layout unless you express to a designer that you want to maximize storage and do not wish to have full doors below.

http://jutehome.com/projects/marin-home/

Now this vanity (pictured above) takes a standard vanity and maximizes space by utilizing 2 deep drawers below the top standard console drawers.

One thing that I would like to point out is that the first deep drawer will typically be "U"-shaped as the center will require a cut out for the plumbing of your sink. The second drawer can usually be a standard deep drawer (no "U"-shaped cut out required).

As you can see, there are ways you can take what most people see as limitations and turn them into something unique and functional. The second console vanity configuration drastically maximizes storage, and also in the end gives a more visually desirable design overall.

Take it from me, this is my career designing kitchens and bathrooms; when you sit down with a designer, do not be afraid to ask plenty of questions and see if they can think outside of the box and create something that will stand out and that you will love!

Take Care,

Leanne.

Relaxation For Two {Duo Bath Tub}

The movies and television have a way of making a romantic bath for two look so romantic and comfortable, when in reality it can be very crammed and uncomfortable for a prolonged period of time.

However, if you want to be able to have relaxing baths with your significant other without feeling like your're packed in a sardine can, you may want to consider upgrading your tub to something along the lines of this:

http://kourtnoelle.tumblr.com/post/30366528913/bathtub-for-two-want-this-so-badly

This two person tub is deep and made to give you both maximum comfort and space to do your thing. Also, notice how the headrests are positioned so that you are at opposite ends, allowing you to have a comfortable conversation with out having to crane your neck around? This is such a great bath fixture, and in my opinion, a necessary upgrade.

Take Care,

Leanne.

Black Claw Foot Tub

I think most people like to have something that is unique in their home, something that you know no one else will have in their home...at least in your neighborhood.

http://anisavonruin.tumblr.com/post/24255767796

Here's something just like that: a black and gold claw foot bath tub!

Isn't this cool? I find that it's a glamorous and stylish spin on a classic bath fixture.

Take Care,

Leanne.

Home Spa Shower Enlosure

Correct me if I'm wrong, but when you're done taking a nice relaxing bubble bath (or bath with oils and salts), there's not many buzz kills as annoying as having to drain the bath to shower off any post-bath residue. You're wet and cold and just want to get dried off, but instead you find yourself fiddling around with shower dials to get the right water temperature.

http://www.houzz.com/bathroom-shower-ideas

Solve that problem with a bath and shower enclosure that are combined together like you see pictured above. So quick and easy, and no more waiting for the tub to drain; just step directly out of the bath into a nice hot shower.

This is a wonderful at home spa feel that is so efficient, and not to mention, beautiful.

Take Care,

Leanne.

Make A Statement With Your Vanity

If you`re in the beginning stages of decorating, or remodeling your bathroom, you may be wondering "how do I make this room interesting?". 

There are many ways to make a bathroom more appealing. For one thing, organization is key; use unique and interesting baskets to hold items such as toiletries and towels, add extra storage with shelving or free standing cabinetry (if you have the space for it), or you can do my personal favourite thing to spruce up a bathroom (and/or kitchen): add an accent wall.

http://stagetecture.com/2013/07/getting-the-most-from-your-guest-bathroom/#sthash.eIQEZD9O.35WOrOcR.dpbs

For an accent wall, you can use a different colour of paint on the wall, a mural or adhesive wall decal, wallpaper, or like you see in the picture above, backsplash tiles.

Don't you love the look achieved here? I personally am a fan of floor to ceiling backsplash tile. The only thing I would suggest is that you be careful with the size of backsplash tile that you choose. If you have a large expanse of wall and use tiny backsplash tiles, it will look very busy and you will get tired of it pretty quick.

What do you like most about this bathroom?

Take Care,

Leanne.

Organize Your Bathroom Beautifully

One of the key ways to keep your home looking beautiful, and at its best is to keep it organized and clean. Nothing can make a beautiful home look worse than a messy countertop or a floor cluttered with clothes or miscellaneous items. 

Bathrooms are a prime example of this; a once beautiful and clean bathroom can appear a mess once the coutertop is strewn with makeup and other beauty products.

http://pacificartistry.wordpress.com/tag/makeup-organization/

Keep your bathroom organized and looking its finest with unconventional methods of organization (at least for the bathroom). Use items such as the mail organizer pictured above to sort and store items such as makeup, hair products and accessories, and small toiletries. 

You can find so many beautiful organizers in stores like Home Sense, Winners, and Marshalls that are more decorative than the usual metal or plastic office organizers. The possibilities are endless for organization. You just need to think outside of the box.

Take Care,

Leanne.

Natural Wood Baths

Just when you think you've seen it all, you see something amazing like this:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/482829_321428421316982_1194801936_n.jpg

A wooden bathtub. So beautiful and unique.

I saw this while looking through Pinterest and it made me stop and stare. Look at the beauty in the stain of the wood, and all of the movement in the grain. This is not just a bathtub, it is a piece of art.

I don't know about you, but I would love to have this in my home. What do you think?

Take Care,

Leanne.

Serene Rain Shower Bathtub

Imagine yourself after a long and grueling day at work, coming home to relax in a serene bathroom like this.

http://ffffound.com/image/3aa947745715ca1af046f7c6f33d900f4b945805

This bathtub is so cool, and is made even more amazing with the massive rain shower shower head directly over the center. Talk about relaxing, not to mention beautiful.

Take Care,

Leanne.

Vanities Just For Her

Every girl (and woman) should love their bathroom.

For men the bathroom can tend to be just another necessary room in the home to clean up after a long day at work or to get ready in the morning, but for women it is so much more. A woman`s bathroom can be an escape from the stresses of everyday life and routine, a place to come to and unwind: a sanctuary.

This is why a bathroom must be decorated tastefully and in a way that makes you want to stay there to relax and escape. A space you will love, and not consider as "just another room".  So why not design your bathroom in a way that reflects you and your personality?

http://decorchick.com/diy-painted-coral-vanity/

This bathroom for example is perfect for the girly girl, or the woman who loves pink. Using bright and fun colours that reflect you and your personality to paint your vanity like this, while keeping other aspects of the room neutral (if not completely white like you see here) is a great way top liven up your bathroom and add interest.

I can see this as a prefect bathroom for a little girl. Or change up the colour and paint the vanity turquoise, sky blue, or purple. There are so many possibilities.

Take Care,

Leanne.

Honey Bee Colour Palette {Black & Yellow}

More and more we are seeing colour palettes that are inspired by nature. Whether it's pinks and purples from a flower, or neutrals from a sandy beach with stones and driftwood, these colour palettes are guaranteed to be harmonious and beautiful. 

Here are some breath-taking interiors with a honey bee inspired colour palette; bold black and bright yellow.

 http://houseandhome.com/design/graphic-meets-traditional

This bathroom uses black and yellow in a bold chevron pattern painted on the walls to add drama and a contemporary twist to this otherwise traditional bathroom design.

http://adetailedhouse.com/2012/04/11/luxurious-living-rooms/  

This contemporary living room uses a mid toned yellow couch to add a punch of colour and cheer to this monochromatic room. 

http://vi.sualize.us/dining_with_bespoke_dining_designs_wallpaper_image_housetohome_dining_room_color_picture_r1dQ.html

This modern dining room uses yellow accents to liven up the space. With the metropolitan aerial map wallpaper, the yellow accents are reminiscent of the yellow paint on a taxi.

http://www.inspirebohemia.com/search/label/bohemian

This bathroom uses a bright yellow wall colour, paired with black and white accents to create an energizing space with a sophisticated atmosphere. 

Which of these 4 designs is your favourite? I know that I can't pick just one.

Take Care,

Leanne.