Is a guest bathroom a luxury? Not anymore! Its presence in houses and apartments is becoming more and more commonplace. In new buildings and cottages, an additional sanitary room for guests is usually provided at the design stage. In older buildings, it can be allocated as a result of redevelopment.
Area, location, functionality
Experts recognize that the most successful location for a guest bathroom is in the hallway, in the hallway, or near the guest rooms, if any. Accordingly, in two-story houses and apartments, the guest bathroom should be located in the same place as all the main guest rooms. As a rule, this is the first floor.
The contents and functionality of the guest bathroom will depend on the frequency of use and purpose:
If you plan to use the spare bathroom yourself (at times when the main ones are busy), or if you have frequent and long visits from guests, in this case it is worth installing a bathtub or shower in addition to a sink with a toilet.
If guests are coming rarely, the family is small and one bathroom is more than enough for you, it is possible to be limited to a minimal set of sanitary ware.
The same criteria are key in determining the area allocated to the future guest bathroom.
If you are initially buying an apartment with a guest bathroom and have not yet decided how and what to furnish it with, then, on the contrary, the amount of square meters at your disposal will be the main guide in determining the functionality and set of sanitary equipment.
Planning
Once you’ve decided on the ergonomics and fillings (plumbing fixtures, mirrors, furniture or drawers for storing soap, towels), you need to figure out how to arrange it all in the limited square footage. Installations and modern built-in showers can help.
Visually expand space – mirrors, glass surfaces, LED lighting, skillfully emphasizing the details, contrasting color combinations
An excellent solution for small bathrooms – all kinds of niches for storing small items, which can be hidden behind the mirrors and protrusions. An ingenious solution: the use of retractable shelves (acting on the type of “bottle holder” in the kitchen, but designed to store towels and shampoos). This option and looks very stylish, and saves space wonderfully!
A few more tips when setting up a guest bathroom with limited space:
Choose a shower instead of a bathtub, or do without them at all.
Consider showerheads without trays.
Use corner sinks and showers that take up less space and make better ergonomic use of space.
If you are planning to make repairs by yourself, without the help of a designer, then do not forget to take into account the minimum distances. There is such a science of ergonomics, and Neufert wrote more than one book on it. So, between the centers of the devices should be at least 70 cm. From the edge of the toilet bowl to the wall or other sanitary appliance – at least 20 cm (from the center of the toilet bowl to the wall 50 cm). Free distance in front of the bathtub or shower: from 70-80 cm. Functional distance in front of the washing machine: at least 60 cm.
Design
Some people believe that the guest bathroom should be a “calling card” of the apartment. Others, on the contrary, give it a “secondary role”, making more effort to furnish and decorate the master bathroom. We recommend sticking to the “golden mean”.
The style of this room is often connected with the interior design of the whole apartment. Loft, Provence, art deco, classic, eclectic… A fundamental difference can make some dissonance in the perception.
However, if a certain style in the house is not visible, then by color and finish, you can safely make the guest bathroom fundamentally different! For example, in a bright apartment with a predominantly calm color scheme, it is quite acceptable to add a dark or bright finish to the guest bathroom.
Do not forget about the lighting. A bright touch to the interior of the bathroom can make an unusual lamp, descending from the ceiling almost to the level of your eyes, or a rectangular lamp, reminiscent of the office, as well as the original LED lighting.
Another fashionable method: the use of porcelain tiles, imitating natural materials (wood, concrete, marble surfaces).
Decorate and refresh the interior sinks, original shape and unusual color, chrome details in the finishing, interesting combinations of glossy and textured parts.
The floral bathroom in the rustic style looks delightful and also represents the picturesque scenery of the French province of the same name. The look of the Provencal interior, dominated by pastel colors and natural motifs, creates a calming atmosphere, so it is often used to decorate bathrooms.
Canons of arrangement of the bathroom in the rustic style
The successful location of the French provinces near the Mediterranean coast, surrounded by vast lavender fields, requires Provencal interior saturation with sunny colors, gradations of purple and blue tones, colorful patterns and floral ornaments. Interior items of light and pastel colors should prevail over catchy colors of plumbing, furniture or accessories.
Rustic style in the bathroom is easily recognizable, if you create a design project strictly take into account the basic principles of this interior genre:
For the arrangement of a room designed for showering and various hygienic procedures, you should choose a large-sized room. Bathroom design in the rustic style provides for the installation of large-format furniture and a massive font, the use of numerous homespun textiles and ceramic accessories. In order for the abundance of details of furnishings to look organically in the picture of the Provencal interior, you need to allocate a room with an area of at least 15 m².
The interiors of bathrooms in the Provencal style provide an abundance of natural light. Therefore, the construction of a wide window opening with panoramic glazing is welcome. The large window frame should be made of wood and equipped with massive shutters.
In the absence of the possibility of installing a window opening as an alternative, you can use the idea of installing a dormer window in a private home.
Every detail of the Provencal interior eloquently testifies to the peculiarities of home improvement in France in the XIX century. Simplicity of rustic life, complemented by original handmade things – the main feature of the concept of this interior genre.
Modifications of finishing materials
The bathroom in the rustic style is treated as a single space. Therefore, to decorate the floor, walls and ceiling, it is necessary to select finishing materials of consonant colors with type texture and texture. Allowed to make a barely perceptible boundary on the Provencal picture of the interior by finishing the floor and the lower part of the walls with plaster of one color, and the ceiling and the bordering fragment of the walls with paint of a different tone.
Tiles in the bathroom in a rustic style should be chosen with a matte surface. This distinctive style of design categorically does not accept modern fashion trends that involve the use of glossy glazed tile. Relevant for decorating the walls of the bathroom to apply textured decorative plaster with expressive veins and roughness, through which the brickwork walls may be barely visible.
Stone masonry will look unusual in the area where the bathtub will be installed. It will harmoniously echo with the monochrome tiles of porcelain tiles used for flooring. When choosing natural stone for wall decoration, it is important to leave the natural material in its original form, without using decorative paint or plaster.
Basic color schemes of rustic style
When selecting finishing materials, furniture, sinks and other interior items to improve the bathroom in the rustic style, it is important to pay special attention to the tonal design:
To create a background, you should use ceramic tiles, textured plaster or wooden wall panels in pastoral colors: light blue, pearl, light gray, ashy, sandy, beige or cream. Details of furnishings of all colors would look expressively on a white background.
The light color scheme perfectly harmonizes with all kinds of tones of the palette. Therefore it is very easy to create balanced color schemes, which dispose to a pleasant bath, removing fatigue and soothing after a day of work.
So that the white background of the interior picture does not seem impersonal, it is important to choose colorful bathroom accessories in a rustic style: dispensers for liquid soap in olive color, aquamarine mats or pistachio flower pots. Cotton or linen curtains in pale pink with bright purple embroidered wildflowers will look organic on a window with a whitewashed frame.
The pastoral aesthetic of Provence creates a feeling of being in nature and promotes relaxation while taking a shower.
Wall finishing variations
When choosing cladding materials is important to consider the size of the bathroom. Inherent in the Provence panel wall panels will visually reduce the area of a cramped room, and the single-colored bright tile will expand the boundaries of the small-sized room.
Wood wall panels will combine flawlessly with solid color board or lining, made of moisture-resistant thermal boards. When choosing tiles, it is advisable to use a non-standard element of modern decoration – tiles with natural motifs, applied through the use of technology of decoupage technique.
Non-trivial bathroom decoration will definitely satisfy the aesthetic tastes of those who like to create a non-trivial environment in the house. An excellent idea can be the use of wooden wall panels with moldings and wallpaper with natural motifs: images of flowers, climbing plants or birds. The main thing is that the ornaments and patterns should not focus the attention of others, but only emphasize the natural aesthetics of Provence.
When choosing wallpaper and wall panels for a room with a high level of humidity, it is important to pay attention not only to design, but also to their performance properties. Finishing materials should have a high level of moisture resistance and form stability.
Ideas for ceiling design
The ceiling in a Provencal bathroom is characterized by the installation of oversized beams, covered with white paint. Designers allow the use of moldings with minimal decorative design.
The appearance of imperfection looks unique and successfully emphasizes the individuality of the style of Provence with inimitable features. Venerable designers practice decorating the ceiling with paintings depicting marine scenes, endless expanses of lavender fields, blooming gardens and other landscapes of the French province. Due to the maritime climate the presence of imitation traces of weathered, sand and salt on the finishing materials is welcome.
In the central part of the ceiling must be a massive chandelier with a wrought iron base, fabric lampshades or glass lamps made in the form of inflorescences. A beautiful interior composition can be created from the type design lamps and sconces mounted above the mirror.
Criteria for choosing sanitary ware
The sink in the bathroom in the rustic style should be selected in tandem with the font, faucet, toilet-bidet and other plumbing. These main attributes of the interior picture have distinctive features:
rounded shape;
curved supports;
details with an antique effect (covered with brass, copper or silver).
Three-dimensional sinks made of snow-white earthenware or cast marble are the best choice to follow the basics of Provence concept. The cabinet for the sink must be able to support the weight of the heavy-duty sink. This is why it is a good idea to choose solid oak or teak, that is very sturdy. It may visually resemble a compact console or a roomy cabinet.
In a Provencal bathroom, every object of the interior should have a time stamp, recreating the traditions of bathing rooms of the XIX century. The easiest way to create the appropriate atmosphere is to install a non-trivial bath font with high curved legs, covered with bronze or nickel.
Features of the selection of furniture
A characteristic feature of furniture in the rustic style is the roundness and curvature of frames, the presence of scratches, cracks and scuffs. Often the furniture in this design style is covered with white paint or its derivatives – the tone of ivory or seashells. After painting, bathroom furniture in rustic style is decorated with a method of artificial aging:
After painting and drying, the fronts of furniture products are treated with sandpaper in a chaotic manner, as a result of which there are traces of scuffs.
Several coats of craquelure varnish are applied to the surface of furniture decorated with white paint and treated with sandpaper. As a result, the front of the cabinet acquires the distinctive look of vintage furniture.
The fronts of the furniture are decorated with floral images made with colorful paints and specialized stencils.
The surface of the joinery is covered with a stain, some of which is wiped off with a damp sponge. The unevenness of the coating creates an antique effect.
In addition to the cabinet under the sink in the Provencal bathroom, you need to install a rack or cabinet-penny for storing bath accessories, a chair or an armchair for the convenience of changing clothes. It is advisable to choose furniture made of rattan or vines. The photos of demonstrated furniture models will help you to choose the original details of the interior. An organic addition can be a wicker basket for linen.
Bathroom in the rustic style: accessories
Bathroom in the rustic style is unthinkable without numerous accessories that emphasize the charming aesthetics of this interior genre. In the role of finishing touches in the picture of the Provencal interior can be colorful rugs on chairs, linen curtains on shelves or windows, hanging pots, wrought iron holders for towels, a mirror framed in a baguette with a decoration of seashells.
Provence, devoid of the excesses of modern interior fashion, each day finds more and more fans of incomparable natural aesthetics, which creates a sense of peace while taking a bath or shower. This style of design allows you not only to create a cozy atmosphere in the house, but also provides the opportunity to feel the convenience of a functional interior with the prevailing quality furniture and plumbing.
To be honest, the rustic style doesn’t really work for real rustic homes. This design trend has swept the world, and all sorts of offshoots from rustic modern to “beachy” have emerged. If you’re looking to update your bathroom, the rustic home aesthetic can be a great choice with a simple color palette for true privacy and tranquility.
1. 15 Shades of Gray
This elegant rustic bathroom is perfect for the Yorkshire real farmhouse it’s in. The tub on legs makes this space absolutely luxurious, and the decorative tiles and matching artwork create a glamorous flair.
2. Bohemian style
Every room in this gorgeous house in Poland is decorated in a bohemian style, with eclecticism and hints of rustic style. The bathroom is no exception, it features a simple color palette of green and white hues, which has become visually more interesting thanks to the well-chosen decor, fixtures and plants.
3. A rustic seaside home
This bathroom exudes Canadian backwoods style. The beach touches make the space feel more cozy and give it a unique feel.
4. Neutral elegance
The bathroom in this Maine condo has a simple color palette, and the combination of old and new makes the room interesting and inviting. The room, like the rest of the house, is inspired by antiques and the gorgeous nature outside the window.
5. Craftsman chic
This rustic Massachusetts home is filled with the owners’ creativity, and many of its most interesting details are hand-painted and decorated. The bathroom walls and bathtub itself were also painted by the owner herself, even the rug she wove herself.
6. Wooden miracle
The rustic sink looks great on a simple wooden cabinet, which will be greatly appreciated by those who prefer a minimalist approach. The round mirror also works great in this space, as does the addition of a cute two-tone stool for bath supplies.
7. Cute Shebby Chic
This bathroom is full of adorable shebby-chic elements such as galvanized metal baskets, charming vases and an abundance of greenery. Imagine lighting a candle and applying a face mask in this soothing space. Not a bad way to relax after a long day!
8. Double Convenience
Here, the owners of the bathroom have turned this small space into a super functional double sink area, so no one will be in each other’s way in the morning.
9. Rustic Minimalism
This room has many cute elements of a rustic coastal home, including shiplap, a large wooden mirror and pretty black and white artwork.
10. Beauty from the barn
The owner of this bathroom chose the mirror because it reminded her of an old barn and her childhood. A towel with a cute floral pattern is a charming colorful addition to this bathroom.
11. Beauty in detail
The owner of this bathroom has carefully considered every touch in her modern, rustic bathroom. She chose a candle, a wicker basket and handmade soap to give the room a homely and cozy feel. And this floral wallpaper is a great choice for those who want a little more chic.
12. Pretty Woman in Pink
Sisters Kelly and Christy transformed an outdated bathroom into a glamorous yet rustic one in just six weeks. Beautiful tile and a pink vanity unit add warmth to the room and make it the perfect place to start the day.
13. Creative Rustic
This room features sleek black and white posters with rustic motifs on a tile wall that don’t make the space too cluttered. This room is simple but stylish, using neutral tones.
14. Nature’s Charm
And this room has a lovely nook with rustic wooden shelves, and color-matched accessories only add personality. The open shelves make it easy to reach frequently used foods in seconds.
15. Rustic Modern
We love the rustic modern bathroom, which also offers plenty of storage space. The black hardware and faucets only add to the style.
16. Tranquil Style
This bathroom underwent a major renovation and looks stunning with marble countertops, gray-blue cabinets and lots of wood accents. Stylish jars, canisters and metal baskets provide functionality and personality.
17. Industrial Notes
This room has an industrial flair with bezeled shelves and other metal accents. The addition of towels and toiletries helps soften the space.
18. French Style
This bathroom has a bit of French style thanks to repurposed dressers and an elegant minimalist aesthetic. In addition, the stool and metal toilet paper basket fit the interior perfectly.
19. white and blue beauty
This room deviates from the black and white motif often used in rustic homes and instead showcases pretty light blue hues. The room is full of texture and the owners’ personality thanks to bright furniture, beautifully patterned wallpaper and wood accents that stand out well against the blue background.
20. Coastal Style
This bathroom in a coastal rustic home features thoughtful details, including an old window that serves as great decor. A cart on wheels provides a tiny but useful storage solution.
21. Small and cute
How cute is this cozy cabin-like bathroom? The space looks even more charming, decorated for the holidays, and we love the metal touches and glass jars used for storage.
22. Splashes of color
Like the shebby-chic style? Then something like this shabby dressing table would be the perfect decoration for your bathroom. Colorful accents and a beautiful mirror complement the white-on-white motif, creating a layered look.
23. Cute plaid
The owner of this home added this plaid curtain to her bathroom to add an extra dose of rustic style. A small wooden sign, vintage lighting and dark fixtures complete the room’s design.
24. More storage space
The galvanized metal mirror that the room owner used above the bathroom dressing table feels right at home in the rustic space. And, of course, you can’t get more “rustic at home” than by choosing untreated wood furniture.
25. Stunning tile
This teen bathroom has stylish patterned tile on the floor. The interior is enlivened by cute and interesting youthful decor.
When it comes to choosing a material for your bathroom, granite and quartz are two popular options. Both granite and quartz are durable and attractive materials that can be used to create a stunning and long-lasting bathroom. However, there are some differences between these two materials that can help you make the right choice for your bathroom. Granite is a natural stone that is formed from molten lava, while quartz is an engineered stone made from crushed quartz and resin. Granite is known for its strength and resistance to staining, while quartz is known for its uniformity and resistance to heat. Both materials come in a variety of colors and styles, so you can choose the right option for your bathroom. Granite is a more affordable choice, but quartz is more resistant to scratches and staining.
Granite vs. Quartz in the bathroom: which countertop is best?
Both granite and quartz are suitable for bathroom countertops and have their own benefits. It really depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Granite is a natural stone that is known for its durability and heat resistance. It is also unique in that each slab of granite is unique, so no two countertops will look exactly the same. However, granite does require regular sealing to protect against staining, and it can be prone to chipping and cracking if not handled properly.
Quartz, on the other hand, is a man-made material that is engineered from natural quartz and resin. It is non-porous and does not require sealing, making it more resistant to staining and bacteria. Quartz is also more consistent in color and pattern than granite, which can be more predictable. However, it is not as heat resistant as granite, and can be scratched or chipped if not handled carefully.
If you want a natural stone with unique characteristics, granite might be a better choice for you. However, if you prefer a low-maintenance option that is resistant to staining and bacteria, quartz may be a better fit. Ultimately, both options are good, you can also consult with a professional to decide which one will be best for your bathroom.
The pros and cons of granite and quartz countertops
Here are some of the pros and cons of granite and quartz countertops:
Granite:
Pros:
Durable and heat resistant
Unique in pattern and color
Can add value to a home
Cons:
Requires regular sealing to protect against staining
Can be prone to chipping and cracking if not handled properly
Can be expensive
Quartz:
Pros:
Non-porous and does not require sealing
Resistant to staining and bacteria
Consistent in color and pattern
Cons:
Not as heat resistant as granite
Can be scratched or chipped if not handled carefully
Some people might find it less natural looking than granite
Ultimately, the choice between granite and quartz countertops will depend on your personal preferences, budget and intended use. You can also consult with a professional to decide which one will be best for your bathroom and home.
Granite is a popular material for bathroom countertops because of its beauty and durability. However, granite is also a porous material, which means it can absorb spills and dirt. That’s why it’s important to clean your granite countertops regularly.
General Care
Granite consists mostly of silicates: quartz, feldspar, and mica, and because of this, it shows colorful specks and sparkling veins. This colorfulness makes granite interesting for kitchens and baths. It is one of the most durable stones used for interior finishes. Granite is resistant to heat, water and is not easily scratched or destroyed by acids in the kitchen. In addition, granite has antibacterial properties.
Still, it makes sense to protect the surface of the granite to make it last longer. Produce a special sealer, which seals the surface of the granite and protects it from stains. This product should be designed specifically for the kitchen, so that no toxic substances are formed when the treated surface interacts with food products.
You can also use the following tips:
Always use glass coasters, especially those with alcoholic beverages or citrus juices, and don’t forget the coasters for hot dishes.
Don’t place any messy substances such as cooking oil, cosmetics and oil-based creams directly on the granite countertop surface.
Protect granite floors from abrasives, sand and dirt. Wipe off dust with a dry mop more often.
Minimize floor contamination by placing mats near the front door – inside and out.
When using a vacuum cleaner to clean your granite floor, make sure the attachments and wheels are in top-notch shape, as worn equipment can scratch granite.
Do not leave puddles of spilled liquids on the granite. Immediately blot, without rubbing, with a paper towel (the puddle gets wider when wiped). Wash the puddle with a mixture of water and mild dishwashing soap; repeat several times. Wipe dry with a soft cloth. Repeat as needed.
Avoid harsh cleaners. Granite may contain small amounts of minerals that are sensitive to acid, so do not use cleaners that contain lemon, vinegar, or other acids. Do not use abrasive powders or abrasive creams designed to remove rust. Stay away from ammonia, bleach, and cleaners that contain solvents or caustics, which can remove the protective sealant from granite.
Safe cleaning solutions for granite
Granite work surfaces should be cleaned daily simply with a damp cloth or a damp cloth with a small amount of mild dishwashing liquid added, then wiped dry with a microfiber towel. For deeper cleaning, fill an aerosol sprayer with equal parts alcohol and water. This mixture gives the granite surface a nice shine.
You can use a commercially available cleaner for stone surfaces. Prepared spray safely cleans granite countertops, floors, walls and shower stalls.
Most importantly, granite surfaces should be cleaned with a soft cotton cloth or mop with a clean rag and use neutral cleaners, mild liquid dishwashing detergents or ready-made cleaners designed specifically for granite. After cleaning with a soapy solution, rinse the surface with water and wipe dry with a soft cloth to remove water stains and streaks.
Removing Stains from Granite Surfaces
Although granite surfaces don’t get dirty, stains can still form on them, especially in areas where food is cooked or in the bathroom and shower. Common stains are oily or organic. An oil stain will cause the stone to darken. Try washing such a stain with a liquid detergent and bleach. Organic stains (coffee, tea, tobacco, and various foods) can be pinkish-brown. Try removing the stain with hydrogen peroxide. If necessary, use only wooden or plastic scrapers. If you have to use ammonia or acetone, the sealer may break down and you will have to re-coat the granite with sealer.
How do you keep your granite shiny?
If you have matte granite, using special granite shine products or polish is the best way to keep your granite countertops shiny. There are recipes online that use small amounts of vegetable oil to treat granite surfaces, but we don’t recommend it. Using a specialized polishing agent every two to three weeks will keep your granite countertops clean and looking like new.
What can not be used in the care of the surface of granite, so that then do not eliminate the unpleasant consequences?
Do not use acidic, alkaline or aggressive cleaners to clean granite. Beware of common household products such as nail polish remover, glass cleaner and bleach. All of these products should never be used when cleaning or disinfecting granite countertops, as these substances can weaken the sealant of the granite surface.
What kind of stains can be on granite?
Granite is a low-maintenance countertop material. Granite is a very durable stone that is resistant to scratches, cracks and chips. Unfortunately, these countertops are not 100% stain resistant.
There are two types of stains that appear on granite surfaces: organic stains and oil-based stains. Organic stains are caused by spilled coffee, tea, wine, fruit juice or groceries. Oil-based stains caused by nail polish, cosmetics or vegetable oil. Fortunately, these stains won’t ruin granite countertops, and they are easy to remove.
How do I remove a stain from granite?
As with cleaning granite, there is a remedy for removing stains from granite at home that does not require the purchase of additional products. Make a paste of baking soda and water. Use the paste to clean the granite surface using a soft-bristle brush, sponge or washcloth. For stubborn stains, you may have to repeat the procedure a second time.
Steps for removing stains from granite
Step 1:
Apply a granite cleaner or baking soda and water paste. Leave it on for a few minutes or until completely dry.
Step 2:
Rub gently with a soft-bristle brush or sponge.
Step 3:
Rinse with warm water and wipe with a microfiber cloth.
Good granite cleaners and disinfectants: antibacterial soap, isopropyl alcohol, special granite cleaners
Bad granite cleaners and disinfectants: acidic cleaners (such as vinegar), harsh cleaners (such as Clorox Bleach, Windex and Lysol), alkaline cleaners (such as sodium hydroxide).
