Ask the Expert
Send your bathroom questions to Joan Kohn at letters@homespa-magazine.com
I've just invested in a clear glass shower, but I don't know where to store my shampoos, soaps and lotions. I'm using a shower caddy, but it looks dorm room-esque.
Alexandra Bassingbourne, Montgomery, VT
Dear Alexandra,
First, recycle any empties, and store or give away all the "once-in-a-while" and "what-is-this-anyway?" bottles. Try using a compartmentalized plastic-mesh beach tote that you can take into—and out of—the shower. Then store it under the sink or in a linen closet. A small caddy on wheels that can be rolled into your bedroom closet can also help control all that nasty bottle buildup.
Another solution is to transfer your essential products into matching decorative bottles. To identify products, just place labels discreetly on the bottom.
I just bought a home with a newly renovated bathroom with seafoam-green colored tiles.
I would like to paint the walls, but I'm not sure what color.
Alison Colby, Chicago, IL
Dear Alison,
Depending on the juxtaposition of your tiled and painted walls, putting a boldly saturated wall color right next to watery seafoam-green tiles may be too sharp a contrast. To keep the architectural shell of the room feeling graceful and harmonious, I suggest choosing a creamy neutral or pale tint of seafoam.
I have a master ensuite that has a toilet and shower room off of the main sink area. What suggestions can you give me for fixing this space? It's a 1970s original.
Amy Remedios, Tuscon, AZ
Dear Amy,
The good news is that the architect of your house was sensitive enough to place the toilet and shower beyond view! The better news is that you can do even more to correct this awkward arrangement.
The shiny metal screen appears to be an attempt to camouflage the view, but its bold reflective pattern actually attracts the eye, drawing more attention to the space. A short wall (approximately 42" high) with integrated planters could be used to soften the view with nature.
Reimagine this area as a decorative extension of your living room by storing all your everyday grooming tools out of sight. A framed mirror (replacing the mirrored walls), recessed lighting and decorative sconces could also make an impact.
Consider moving the sink to the wall to the right and taking out the cabinetry that faces the door. An upholstered bench or a small chair and side table would set an entirely new tone.
HGTV’s Joan Kohn answers all the bathroom questions you were afraid to ask.
By Joan KohnSHIPSHAPE SHOWER
Dear Joan,I've just invested in a clear glass shower, but I don't know where to store my shampoos, soaps and lotions. I'm using a shower caddy, but it looks dorm room-esque.
Alexandra Bassingbourne, Montgomery, VT
Dear Alexandra,
First, recycle any empties, and store or give away all the "once-in-a-while" and "what-is-this-anyway?" bottles. Try using a compartmentalized plastic-mesh beach tote that you can take into—and out of—the shower. Then store it under the sink or in a linen closet. A small caddy on wheels that can be rolled into your bedroom closet can also help control all that nasty bottle buildup.
Another solution is to transfer your essential products into matching decorative bottles. To identify products, just place labels discreetly on the bottom.
COLOR QUANDARY
Dear Joan,I just bought a home with a newly renovated bathroom with seafoam-green colored tiles.
I would like to paint the walls, but I'm not sure what color.
Alison Colby, Chicago, IL
Dear Alison,
Depending on the juxtaposition of your tiled and painted walls, putting a boldly saturated wall color right next to watery seafoam-green tiles may be too sharp a contrast. To keep the architectural shell of the room feeling graceful and harmonious, I suggest choosing a creamy neutral or pale tint of seafoam.
THAT '70S LOO
Dear Joan,I have a master ensuite that has a toilet and shower room off of the main sink area. What suggestions can you give me for fixing this space? It's a 1970s original.
Amy Remedios, Tuscon, AZ
Dear Amy,
The good news is that the architect of your house was sensitive enough to place the toilet and shower beyond view! The better news is that you can do even more to correct this awkward arrangement.
The shiny metal screen appears to be an attempt to camouflage the view, but its bold reflective pattern actually attracts the eye, drawing more attention to the space. A short wall (approximately 42" high) with integrated planters could be used to soften the view with nature.
Reimagine this area as a decorative extension of your living room by storing all your everyday grooming tools out of sight. A framed mirror (replacing the mirrored walls), recessed lighting and decorative sconces could also make an impact.
Consider moving the sink to the wall to the right and taking out the cabinetry that faces the door. An upholstered bench or a small chair and side table would set an entirely new tone.
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Joan the "Bathroom Goddess" is host, writer and associate producer of Home & Garden Television's Kitchen Design and Bed & Bath Design series as well as the author of three books. She is currently hard at work on book number four: Joan Kohn's It's Your Gathering Space.
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