A good cleaning is probably an overdue starting point, followed by changing out an old theme for a new one. This could mean simply purchasing kitchen linens, flatware, or cabinet handles. In the bathroom, a new shabby chic shower curtain is a great starting point. All it takes is a little creativity, ingenuity, and willingness to think outside of the norm, and you have the ball rolling on a low cost, highly personalized remodel.

Here is a really cool bath tub, with an awesome curtain to accent.

]]> http://www.myuniqueshowercurtains.com/blog/cool-shower-curtains/feed/ 0 http://www.myuniqueshowercurtains.com/blog/beach-shower-curtains-vs-cat-shower-curtains/ http://www.myuniqueshowercurtains.com/blog/beach-shower-curtains-vs-cat-shower-curtains/#comments Wed, 28 Oct 2009 01:52:50 +0000 admin http://www.myuniqueshowercurtains.com/blog/?p=1190 I kind of wish I was at the beach right now because summer is over, and here in Kentucky, we by-passed autum, and now seasonal shower curtains are the new thing and the cats are hibernating!

So what though, right?  The title of my blog is kind of stupid but in our store, we’ve been dealing with the issue of which of the two we want to focus our marketing efforts towards.  Both have avid followers and both have strong potentials for room themes adn decorations.  Growing up, I had a huge beach decoration going in my room, with full wall murals and all; however, our accountant loves cat s and her house is filled to the hilt w/ all things cat.

So now I’m calling for a pole:  of the two unique categories, which would you prefer:  Cat Shower Curtains or Beach Shower Curtains and furthermore, would you prefer a vinyl shower curtain or a fabric shower curtain?

A fabric shower curtain is a great way to make a drab bathroom look updated and sophisticated.  The texture of cotton, polyester, or any other fabric you choose makes the ordinary bathroom become extraordinary.  Think of your shower as window, and dress it to perfection.  How much light do you want to get through, what length do you need, and finally what color and design most coordinate with your decor?  A fabric shower curtain can leave you many options, but one downfall is that you must use a vinyl liner to protect it form water damage…something some people just don’t want to bother with.

Vinyl shower curtains are  much more of your typical solution for the bathtub problem.  Functional and funky, vinyl can keep the rest of the bathroom dry and mildew free and add just the right amount of “unique” to your boring bathroom.  Vinyl is easily printed on and light can easily pass, making your showering expereince much more bright and exciting!  Also, with a vinyl shower curtain, you don’t really need to use a liner, since the curtain itself can act as a vinyl shower curtain liner.

It’s really a matter of personal taste, whether or not you choose fabric or vinyl, but ultimately you can’t forget to go with what makes you most happy, everyday when you walk into your bathroom!

A fun beach bathroom for the whole family!

Beach Theme:

• Features a fun, laid-back attitude.
• Beach shower curtains typically depict specific beach scenes, beach attire, or common beach-associated objects (i.e. sandals, beach ball, palm trees, surf boards).
• Beach shower curtains are many times loud and boisterous in their personality, particularly in pattern, picture, and/or color.
• Accessories also tend to be typical in their beach depictions – again, common beach-associated objects.
• Beach bathrooms appear to be “thematic” rather than natural.

My favorite nautical bathroom. I love the simplicity of blue and white together!

Nautical Theme:

• Features a relaxing, breezy, welcoming, spacious attitude.
• Nautical shower curtains can be versatile, featuring simple stripes, a solid color, or creative pictures, like a sailing emblem.
• Nautical shower curtains are quieter and more simplistic in personality than beach shower curtains, often evoking a peaceful feeling by not evoking patron’s attention.
• Accessories are more catered to items you picture when thinking of Nantucket or Cape Cod – sea shells, coral, rope, stripes, oars, drift wood, etc.  Common colors in nautical bathrooms are whites, blues, grays, and reds.
• Nautical bathrooms seem natural in their decor, not “thematic,” which gives it the relaxing feeling as eyes are not darting from one thematic object to the other.

Below are several examples of nautical bathrooms that can transform the feeling your bathroom evokes in you or guests.  Hope these tips have been helpful and these pictures are inspiring.  Good luck with your bathroom update.

I love the color of the walls in this bathroom and how every few inches is dotted with a seashell or seahorse. The impact is bold yet simple. Beautiful.

While most nautical bathrooms do not appear "themed," here is an example of one that does appear to be nautically themed by the anchor, lighthouse, and boat decor. If your style prefers themed, here's one way to do it.

This bathroom seems to incorporate both the natural and theme effect. The mosaics are beautiful and are calmed by the white paneling. The port holes and other accessories, make it known that there is something nautical taking place.

A perfect example of a nautical bathroom that is airy, relaxing, and welcoming to all guests.

If not carefully thought through, a beach bathroom can easily become childish, which is wonderful for a kids’ bathroom, but not so wonderful if for your master or guest bathrooms.  A nautical theme, if not overdone (i.e. little sailboats everywhere the eye can see), can seem relaxing, airy, spacious, and inviting.  Think about how it would feel to escape to a breezy cottage on Cape Cod – this is what your bathroom could feel like with a well-chosen nautical shower curtain and accessories.  Below are a few pictures to get your mind rolling on the possibilities.  Next week, we’ll look more deeply into how to make this style possible for your bathroom.

Sailing inspired shower curtains are perfect additions for a nautical bathroom.

For more of a unique shower curtain go with this porthole curtain.

With the right accessories, a simple striped shower curtain can make a splash in a nautical bathroom.

A luxurious quilted shower curtain featuring common beach creatures dresses up a bathroom nicely without over doing it.

Pros

• Easy installment: A hookless shower curtain is much easier to install than your traditional shower curtain that uses shower curtain rings.  Several videos on YouTube that show how quick and easy installment can be – around 10 seconds.  I particularly like this video.
• Abundant options: These unique shower curtains are all the rage now for designers.  Several great options already exist, but as time continues, more options, colors, and designs will become available.
• Versatility: With little work a hookless curtain can go from your shower to your living room as drapes.  We have talked about reusing or re-purposing your shower curtain, and this is the easiest way.  Simply slide your curtain off your curved shower curtain rod and onto your living room curtain rod, cutting and hemming it to fit your needs.
• Cost: Prices for a hookless curtains are comparable to prices for traditional shower curtains.

Cons

• Purchasing: Although several options now exist for the hookless type of shower curtain, some stores may not carry many options yet.  This means you may need to do research on finding the curtain you like and perhaps ordering it offline.
• Hookless options: Currently, two hookless options exist, (1) large holes created by grommets that require you to have a detachable shower curtain rod, and (2) large slitted holes that allow you to simply slip the curtain around your rod (these are the kind most regularly seen in today’s hotels).  The slitted option can often have less aesthetically pleasing options, which may be a deterrent.  Many prefer to go with the grommetted curtains, but if you do not have a detachable shower curtain rod, you will be unable to string your curtain for hanging.  If this is the option that most catches your attention but you do not have the correct rod, we recommend one like this curved shower curtain rod, which detaches from one side and swivels out for easy curtain hanging.
• Shower limitations: If you do not have a traditional size shower, you may not be able to use a hookless shower curtain.  My husband and I have a clawfoot tub and shower.  We need a curtain that wraps completely around so that all sides are enclosed.  There are several hooked plastic liners that meet this need, however, I have not been able to find a hookless version that does.  Unfortunate for us.

A unique shower curtain may be just what your bathroom needs!

Glass Shower Doors:

• Glass shower doors can range in price from $300-$5000.  And don’t forget that the installation costs have to be calculated in somewhere as well.
• Installation is not a simple process.  Glass shower doors should be professionally installed so that you know they are safely hung and so that they fit snugly.  Improperly installed shower doors can lead to leaking problems, fogging problems, and can be dangerous if they can become unhinged or if the glass was not cut correctly, leading to cracks or breaking.
• Upkeep on shower doors can be a hassle.  Hanging shower doors – the kind that open just like a traditional room door – are not as problematic as sliding shower doors.  Sliding shower doors lie in a track similar to the track that sliding closet doors lie within.  These tracks can collect gunk, soap scum, and eventually build up mold.  Regular cleaning and scrubbing is needed to keep these tracks looking band new.  Both the hanging and sliding varieties also require daily wiping down to ensure that the glass remains clean and clear, otherwise soap scum can create an unsightly haze over the glass, hindering passage of light through the doors.
• Glass shower doors may not be family friendly.  If you have small children in your home, particularly children who still take baths, these doors may not be for you.  First, hanging shower doors are typically only used for shower only  bathing areas.  This means if you home contains a bath/shower combo, you will need to have sliding glass doors installed.  From experience, hanging on these doors is a favorite past-time for young children.  For obvious reasons this can be dangerous.  Sliding glass doors also do not typically create a relaxing atmosphere for your tub, which you may want when wishing to take a rejuvinating bubble bath.
• While shower doors come in several different varieities and may be customized for your home, you may be limited by your options.  A glass shower door cannot be changed out regularly as you personal style changes. 

Unique Shower Curtains:

• Unique shower curtains range in price from $20-$100, and installation is free!
• Installation is easy and simple.  Hang your curtain on unique curtain hooks, or if you choose to go with a hookless shower curtain, hang it directly on a curtain rod.
• Upkeep on shower curtains require little.  The cleaning of shower curtains is quick, easy, and painless.  Shower curtains can be thrown in the washer with a bit of vinegar.  This can be done every few months and your shower curtain will be grime free.
• Shower curtains can be family friendly.  Shower curtains cannot break or shatter, thereby preventing any cutting hazards.
• Finally, a unique shower curtain is not permanent.  These shower curtains can be updated and change as your style changes, so as frequently as every 3-6 months.  Yet, because of their durability, if you so choose, you may keep the same curtain for 2-3 years if you love it.  There are several styles and themes to choose from.  For a family bathroom you could choose from princess shower curtains to cat shower curtains.  For an adult bathroom that is more sophisticated or stylish, options include southwestern shower curtains, black-and-white shower curtains, or Croscill shower curtains.  And don’t forget you have the option of going with fabric or vinyl.  
  

  A Croscill black-and-white shower curtain could be perfect for your bathroom!

Essentially, a unique shower curtain can provide your family with a more economic and versatile option.  Glass shower doors can be very dramatic and appealing, however, their cost and lack of flexibility stylistically, may mean they are not the best choice for you or your family.  Because of the dramatic price difference between glass shower doors and shower curtains, we recommend thinking thoroughly about all of the pros and cons for either option before making a final decision.

As we head toward the 135th ”Run for the Roses“ (May 2, 2009) let’s think about how we can spruce up our bathrooms with a rose shower curtain.  When I think of a rose shower curtain in my bathroom, the first thoughts that come to mind are stuffy and draby.  But this doesn’t have to be the case.  Sure, if you’re not strategic, your bathroom can look like it came straight out of Professor Umbridge’s office in Harry Potter.  But with a little planning, you can use your rose shower curtain and make your bathroom come to life with a vintage or modern style.  Below are some helpful points that will allow you to create the style you want for your bathroom.

   

Vintage:

v     Technically, the term vintage means anything made prior to the 1920s.  It’s unlikely you’ll find a true quality vintage shower curtain, but you can purchase a shower curtain that matches the classic vintage style.

v     When thinking vintage, think lace, flat pastel colors (pinks, light blues, yellows, golds, and tans), delicate, and vines.  By vines, I mean patterns that continue across the curtain that are interconnected, almost by a vine.

v     If you’re still uncertain as to how to manage the vintage look, talk to your grandparents and see if they can remember their authentic vintage shower curtain.  Maybe they even have pictures they can show you. 

v     Add the extra touch of vintage shower curtain hooks.  You may be able to find orginals of these, but if not there are several vintage “knock-offs”.

v     Finally, avoid over-doing the vintage style.  The vintage style is most appealing when it is paired with some modern touches and is not overdone with layering of vintage on vintage.  For instance, do not pair a vintage rose shower curtain with a vintage wall paper.  Do not pair a vintage shower with a fluffy pink tub and sink rug and a toilet seat cover.  This can quickly make your bathroom appear to be old, musky, and drab.  Instead, paint your walls a color that makes the intricacies of your shower curtain POP!  The first picture below is one way to NOT do vintage, as the shower curtain and walls have coordinating patterns.  Instead, keep the curtain and paint the walls a light gold tone.  This will make your rose curtain stand out and you won’t get lost in the room.

 

 

 

 

 

Modern:

v     When thinking modern think contemporary.

v     When I think of the modern style I think of the 3 S’s: simple, sleek, sophisticated.  Choose simple patterns or prints and a simple color scheme.  A monochromatic (one color) or dichromatic (two colors), particularly black and white are safe bets.  When you see something that is sleek and sophisticated, you just know it.  Usually it can be something that is luscious but not pomp.  Croscill shower curtains often meet all of the 3 S’s.

v     You can never go wrong with a white shower curtain, black shower curtain, or a mix of the two.  Keep the white and black shower curtain simple and pair it with bold bathroom accessories, like a bright yellow vase and fresh cut red roses.  Black and white curtains especially look ravishing when paired with a clawfoot tub.

v     Often people make the mistake of doing a large print on their shower curtain, thinking this automatically makes it modern.  But this is not so.  These, actually tend to fall under the novelty shower curtain category.

 

  

There are also some curtains that can be both modern or vintage, like the one below.  The accessories in the room and paint scheme will be what determines whether you have a modern bathroom or a vintage one.

 

 

Hopefully these tips have been helpful in starting you on your way to capitalizing on your rose shower curtain, whether you choose the vintage or modern route.  Remember the tips above, look online for several pictures depicting each style, and enjoy the process of transforming your bathroom.

 

-ang

 

 

 

 

 

 

Country Shower Curtains:

• use quilt patterns and textures as an inspiration.
• fabric shower curtain with a pattern
• create a sense of warmth and coziness with neutral and harvest color scheme.  Reds and browns are popular.
• go for a rustic or antique look
• country decorating is a compilation cherished items, new and found, and simply using colors and things that you love.  Each piece should look like it has a story to tell.

Western Shower Curtains:

• think of old western films, with cowboys and indians, as inspiration
• brighter colors, including greens and shades of turquoise
• indian patterns could work
• plastic/vinyl shower curtains could look better.  
• shower curtain rings could match with horses, stars, or cowboy boots.
• have fun and don’t be afraid of taking it back to the old wild, wild west!

Though they sound very similar, they are each very unique.  If your home is already warm and cozy in the traditional country style, then a country shower curtain will suit you well.  If you have a western influence throughout your home, (think cowboys and indians) then a western shower curtain will top off your home decor.  Happy decorating!