Ask the designer
QMy new bathroom suite is white — but should I paint the bathroom white too?
A. As the bathroom is one of the smallest rooms in the house, most people use a light paint to open them up. However, as white is also the most common fixture colour, I’d suggest some subtle colour to liven up the room. On-trend grey is a chic alternative to white or cream for bathrooms and goes with most colour schemes. Try a soft grey such as Dulux Chic Shadow or Grey Pebble to create a calming spa effect. Consider splashes of yellow or yellow and grey striped shower curtain to brighten up a grey bathroom.
Q. The bottom half of my bathroom walls have wood panels and the top is painted — any ideas for redecorating?
A. The type of wall covering you’re talking about is ‘wainscoting’ — panels placed on the top or bottom half of the wall for decorative effect, with the rest of the wall either painted or papered. The most popular type of wainscot is beadboard (also known as ‘tongue and groove’ board) — the vertical lines of which can add instant character to your bathroom. Classic white wainscoting looks great against a darker wall — ranging from neutral taupe to bright lime green or even dramatic navy blue. Or you could go for the reverse: light walls with dark painted or stained wainscoting. Patterned wallpaper on top is another good option. But be sure to invest in thicker, vinyl-coated paper suitable for rooms with a high moisture content and stick to a soft neutral colour that complements the paper on the panels. Try www.charlesnewhaven.ie.
Q. I love all things vintage — but do you think the interior trend is too over-the-top for my bathroom?
A. Kitchens and bedrooms have already been given a glamorous vintage makeover — and this Spring, lavatories are getting the 1920s treatment too. Retro splashes of colour, geometric patterns and vintage-style sinks, faucets and bathtubs are just some of the ways to achieve the look in your loo. White, pale pink or green porcelain tiles, mosaic floors and black accents — all the rage in the twenties — are also making a comeback. In keeping with the era, opt for freestanding bathroom furniture and built-in cabinets. Finish with pretty but practical Art Deco accessories such a towel ring, soap dispenser tissue box and vanity jar.
Q. I’m replacing my old bath. What type should I go for and where can I buy it?
A. First decide if you want a tub at all. As the standard Irish bathroom is quite small and concerns over water conservation have increased, showering has become more popular than bathing. If you’re not into bubble baths, consider either going without or a P-shape shower bath that gives the best of both worlds.
When it comes to picking a tub, it’s all about location, location, location — save on plumbing costs by keeping your new bath in its original location. Three-wall alcove baths (also known as recessed baths) are the most commonly installed type of tub. But some other options included a corner tub or jacuzzi bath for two or drop-in tub, which may be raised on a platform or set below floor level. To make a statement as you soak, go for an antique-style freestanding tub. Take a look on Bathrooms.com and Idealbathrooms.ie for ideas.
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