IMAGES courtesy of Decorex
Looking to revamp? From new sinks to colour combos, these four inspired ideas from Decorex will help you to breathe new life into your bathroom.
Choose a Colour
We’ve come a long way since avocado. Today’s bathrooms demand attention thanks to the creative use of striking brights. Choosing an easy-to-live-with monochromatic base colour for your big-ticket items, sanitaryware and fixtures, allows you to change things up as often as you dare without breaking the bank. Add a jolt of energetic colour – think exuberant canary yellow – and contrast this with a grounding neutral, such as pebble grey. And don’t forget the rule of three: When you pick a colour, use it at least three times in a room. That may mean in towels, sink-side accents, or a piece of furniture in the bathroom.
In-sync Sinks
Before you spend loads of money on a new basin, consider how its material and design will influence your bathroom’s overall scheme. Easy-to-maintain porcelain-enamelled cast iron is extremely durable, but it’s heavy and needs a sturdy support system. Lustrous vitreous china is easy to clean, and is the most resistant to discolouration and corrosion, but can chip. So, too, can handsome cultured marble and other solid-surface materials. When it comes to sink designs the options are countless. Above-counter ‘bowl-type’ sinks, for instance, create a dramatic focal point in the bathroom, while pedestal sinks are a good choice for guest bathrooms where space is at a premium but storage is not a priority.
Curves Are In
Until now, bathroom design has been dominated by clean-edged, geometric shapes… but no more! Smooth, organic lines, circles, ovals and rounded edges are now on trend. The appeal of soft curves and fluid designs applies to everything in the bathroom, big or small, including bathtubs, sinks, mirrors, and even furnishings. And, just as straight lines worked well with other geometrics, the same goes for all things shapely. Pairing curves with curves will not only create a sense of balance in your bathroom but can enhance space efficiency as stylish rounded sanitary ware and consoles can be squeezed into tight nooks without looking cramped or forced.
Grey Matters
Reportedly the fastest-growing shade for bathrooms, grey is both stylish and versatile. Incorporate cool charcoal, granite and silver into a contemporary scheme by playing up texture and alternating finishes – high-gloss marble versus matt concrete, for instance – or go the classic route by pairing blue-grey with natural wood and white fixtures. Dark grey creates drama and flare, while pale grey can be playful and make other details in the bathroom sing. Prevent grey from veering to the dull and dreary by paying attention to lighting – natural light is first prize, failing which, strategically placed spot- and down-lights and oversized mirrors will allow the myriad subtle undertones of this chameleon colour to shine.
For more bathroom decorating ideas, not to mention the chance to see the very latest in bathroom products and design, don’t miss Decorex Joburg, on from 5 to 9 August 2016 at the Gallagher Convention Centre. Decorex Joburg will be open from 10am to 7pm daily (6pm Monday). Tickets cost R110 for adults, R90 for trade, pensioners and students and R25 for kids under 12. For more information, e-mail decorexsa@ThebeReed.co.za or visit decorex.co.za.
