Posted by
Abigail Pugh
Monday, March 11, 2013 2:45 PM EDT
Call it aging, or call it ‘honing one’s aesthetic’ (I don’t mind which and it’s probably both), but these days, I believe in sweating the small stuff. It’s just that something you see, operate, handle and caress (OK, maybe just the first three) several times a day, gives back a surprisingly huge amount of value over the years.
Ergo: if you’ve got $5,000 — and not a penny more! — to totally revamp your bathroom, you might be better off spending a big chunk of it on delicious hardware, even if that means holding onto your old tub for a few more years.
Swoon-worthy Shelving
Via www.greenteadesign.com
Towel storage for the aspiring zen master/yoga teacher/high-minded minimalist, this shelving unit (currently on sale at $580) will last a lifetime…or many.
Soap Dispenser
Via www.mybigcommerce.com
The buckety lines and slightly squared corners of this little dispenser ($60) make it pretty as well as hardworking. It’s by Piero Lissoni for Alessi. (You’ll want one for your kitchen too).
Loo-tastic
Via www.torontovanity.com
In my opinion this triple chromed beast ($117) looks more like a high-end car accessory than a toilet brush. (And anything that cleans a toilet without looking much like a toilet brush, is surely a good thing.)
I Heart Bamboo
Via www.umbra.com
A little bit mid-century (if you squint), a little bit art deco, and a lot of great storage for your razor, your soap and your foot-scraping-devices. This shower caddy by Luciano Lorenzatti for Umbra ($50) is made of bamboo, so it’s more earth-friendly than wood.
Edwardiana-Rama
Via www.pandb.ca
Recreate the days when the landed gentry rang a little bell for the maid to go upstairs and draw water for the bathtub. Or, OK, you can just buy this cool brass towel rack ($275).
Gracenote or budget-suck: what’s your opinion on these beauties?
Don’t forget to visit our Bathrooms Guide for even more decorating inspiration.