Why are functional spaces so regularly striped of style? Often bathrooms are way down the priority list when it comes to style, it’s all about how you use the space and get the tasks required done… a space to get in and out of. Here at the My Beautiful Abode studio we beg to differ. Why can’t your focus be on creating a sanctuary a place to daydream and enjoy?
Your bathroom could be and should be a beautiful space.
Bathrooms are either cavernous or miniscule, but some simple design tricks can bring beauty to a functional space. You can start by indulging in everyday luxuries such as beautiful soaps and super-plush towels. Why do we keep the good towels packed away in the linen cupboard? And while we’re on a roll, the silverware in a box? Oprah is known for celebrating her success by splurging in beautiful soft towels. You too can have your Oprah moment by lifting your bathroom with new towels. This is such an accessible, affordable way to bring some form into your functional space. Take advantage of stocktake sales and transform the space. The change in colour and addition of the new soft fluffy texture brings a whole new feel of sanctuary to the space.
The concept of sanctuary doesn’t bring to mind surfaces covered with creams, lotions, washes, toothpaste, hair pins, and in one particular case known to the MBA team, a minion ‘wind’ blaster. Sort out the storage situation and remove the clutter on the benchtop and beyond- we’ve seen the bath used as a clothes hamper in more than a handful of homes, which is hardly conducive to luxurious me time. Turn the clutter situation on the bench into a styling moment by adding a tray or basket to contain the everyday products.
The function of the space should not be exclusive of style.
For parents with small children who have taken over the bathroom- we have some great news. The burden of those plastic bath toys that seem to breed is not a lifelong sentence. Eventually you won’t have those anymore and you will be able to reclaim the space. In the meantime, contain the plastic clutter, and habitually place it in a basket that can drain in the bath. When you are having your turn in the bathroom it’s not too much of a burden to move it out of the room so you can enjoy it in a calming way, as there’s nothing particularly calming about those suspiciously green-bottomed rubber ducks.
A bathroom can balance form and function. Imagine you dream spa experience and add some of that to your own space. It might be some art or a touch of greenery. Engage the senses, light a candle, or indulge in essential oils, and dream of the days when the bath toys are a long distant memory.
