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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ever have an experience at a spa and wish you could recreate it at home?  Well, with these simple tips you take you normal functional bathroom into invigorating spa retreat.

The most important thing is to set the mood.  Think about how to stimulate all of your senses.

• Light: If it is in the evening, dim the lighting, and add some candles.  If it is in the afternoon, use natural light to give your bathroom a more natural feel.
• Touch: Add some texture with a fabric shower curtain. Designer shower curtains made with fabric such as nylon or polyester come in hundred of different designs and colors.  Choose one that adds some luxury to your bathroom.  Also, use a robe when entering and exiting the shower. There is nothing like the feel of a soft clean robe on clean skin.
• Sound:  Either find some calming music on the radio or find a favorite CD and play it while you are relaxing in you bathroom
• Smell:  Scent such as Lavender and Chamomile calm the body, use scented bath salts or body washes.  Also, scented candles can fill the room the aroma of your choice.
• Taste:  Cut up some fresh fruit and leave it in arms reach and have a glass of water handy to rejuvenate your body after a long hot bath or shower.

It doesn’t take much to turn your bathroom into a spa retreat.  With a few temporary accessories, such as candles and a fabric shower curtain you can have an afternoon  of solace and rest.  Now it’s up to you to relax!

It’s all in the details:

Think about your linens.  Do you want to go with solid towels or printed?  And what about your shower curtain.  Today contemporary choices go from simple to extravagant.  Here are some of my favorite black and white shower curtains:

By adding a flower or a colored rug, this black and white bathroom goes to the next level of style.

You don’t need much to transform your bathroom into a contemporary masterpiece.  The key is to keep it simple, yet interesting with a mixtures of prints and textures.  There are no rules to this latest trend, have fun!