Posts in Bathroom Design

We’re starting a new series on our blog called “Farmhouse Finds,” each post will consist of a round up of items in a different fixture or decor categories to help you design a bathroom with a modern farmhouse feel. With the modern farmhouse design gaining traction in suburban areas, thanks to HGTV shows like Chip and Joanna’s, “Fixer Upper”, we want to help you navigate the web to help you find farmhouse gems for your bathroom renovation. In today’s post we round-up twelve farmhouse vanities we are currently loving from Wayfair. Click on the links to find out more about these fabulous vanities

Guelph farmhouse bathroom renovation vanity

Bathroom DesignLisa DurantNovember 12, 2018guelph bathroom remodeller, guelph bathroom renovations, Guelph contractor, wayfair farmhouse vanities, farmhouse vanity, farmhouse design, guelph bathroom designComment

Get A Grip On Grout: How To Pick The Right Colour

(Image credit: Derek Swalwell) — (Image credit: Derek Swalwell)

Oh, grout....often an afterthought in a bathroom renovation for many homeowners. With so many decisions to be made, the colour of the space between tiles barely seems like a significant design element, but au contraire folks, it can transform the whole look. The colour of grout determines whether the eye is drawn to individual tiles or the overall pattern of the tiles.

THE THREE BASIC APPROACHES

Decide whether you want your grout colour to match, complement or contrast the tile. Each will have a different effect on the tile pattern and overall room design. If you choose to match grout, lines are less pronounced, which puts the spotlight on the tile and not the way in which it is laid. It can make space feel larger and is best for beautiful tiles with a basic layout. When you complement the grout tile with neutral colours like greys, beiges, and browns it's usually just a safe bet. You might not hate it, but you might not love it either. The point is that it'll just work either way. However, when you contrast the grout color to the tile, you're drawing attention to the pattern and layout of the tile. You see this happening often when designers and homeowners who want to accentuate detailed geometric or decorative tiles. Some people love it for the bold, busy, and historic look.

EXPERIMENT

We recommend using a grout selection chart with removable samples to help you decide. Lay out your tile and move your grout sample around and in between your tile. This will give you a better idea of the overall effect. I like to have a wet clothe around just to wipe over the tile to get a truer sense of how it would look sealed as well. Our favourite brand of grout to use is Mapei for their wide selection of grout colours. Psssst, they also have grout with glitter for the love of all things sparkle.

LIGHT VS. DARK

There are pros and cons to both ends of the spectrum. Light grout looks fresh but are prone to showing dirt and usually requires more cleaning. darker grout hides dirt and stains better so you can get away with cleaning it less but they are more prone to fading. Colours in the middle like grey, beige, tan, and light brown are the easiest to keep clean and less prone to fading, but may not alway be the slickest looking colour against your tile.

Bathroom DesignLisa DurantJune 25, 2018Mikro Renovationshow to choose grout color, how to select grout color, bathroom grout, bathroom design, bathroom renovations guelph, bathroom design guelph, guelph bathroom remodeller, guelph bathroom contractor, guelph contractorComment

5 Decor Ideas for A Bodacious Botanical Bathroom

It's finally starting to feel like spring here in Guelph, like really, truly. Branches are budding and flowers are blooming! I wanted to share my current picks for spring inspired decor to incorporate this fabulous season's trademarks into your bathroom!

1. PATANZZI SLATE BLUE WALLPAPER

From Designers Guild

Put up some subtle floral wallpaper for a dash of spring all year round. Revitalize your perspective on what may have been “your mother’s or Grandma's style” – what’s old is new again, and what’s vintage is valued. Why? Because I think we can all agree, it looks fabulous. Make your grandma or mom jealous with a hip new age floral print wallpaper.

2. Blush and Blue Leaves Shower Curtain

From Society6 by PrintProject - $68.99

A shower curtain to swoon over. Blush pink leaves contrasted by teal blue leaves. Perfect for those who don't like anything "too floral." It's not exactly floral...its botanical!

3.Ridged Terracota Pot

From Anthropologie - $12.00 –$34.00

You can actually just put a real plant in your bathroom, because well...hmmm... let's see (1) it's one of the most simple options, (2) real plants will always be one of my top decor items because it is so refreshing and (3) some plant pots are just so darn cute! Alternatively, you can arrange some of your favourite flowers in a vase.

Tip: Go for fake flowers and plants if you don't like the upkeep

4.PINK TULIPE NO2 POSTER

From Desenio

Desenio is one of my favourite places to get affordable and eye catching prints. Check out their botanical prints and you'll surely fall in love with at least one poster.

5.JAZZ MIX Tile (6" X 5.7")

From TilesInspired - $26.99 per sq. ft. | $145.21 per box

These ceramic scallop or fish scale tiles, whatever you want to call them is the perfect love child of nautical and botanical design. The box comes with a mix of decorative patterns that is sure to be a showstopper.

Well, thats five! There's probably a million more ideas, but I'm not here to drown you in those ideas. Will you be sprucing up your bathroom decor for spring? If you are let us know what you're doing in the comments, we always love to hear your doing

Bathroom DesignLisa DurantMay 15, 2018Mikro RenovationsSpring Bathroom Decor, Floral bathroom decor, botanical bathroom decor, bathroom design guelph, Guelph bathroom contractor, guelph bathroom renovations, Guelph General Contractor, guelph bathroom remodeller, guelph bathroom design, Floral wallpaper, botanical shower curtainComment

Get The Look: Mid Century Modern

The layering of mid-century furniture with modern design details creates an intriguing, intentional space that balances old and new. Mid-century modern inspiration draws from the mid 1930s through the 1960s, a span when design was sleek, elegant and functional, contributing to it's enduring popularity and appeal to today's homeowners. Read on for tips on how to achieve the look in your bathroom and one way we would put together a Mid-century modern bathroom.

Key Elements

1. CLEAN LINES & FUNCTIONALITY

Furniture from this era is characterized by an understated look. Clean lines, curves, and smooth surfaces. It's about geometric minimalism. It plays up the natural beauty of the design with little fuss. Design is usually far from being heavily embellished or ornate. Instead, it is light and airy, boasting neat proportions and functionality. Form definitely follows function in this style.

2. WOOD DETAIL

If there is one type of design that puts a spotlight on wood, it's mid-century modern. Wood detail is the unifying element.

3.LAYERING TEXTURE & COLOUR

Mid-century modern design showcases quality pieces of furniture or accessories rather than decor on the walls. White or neutral colour palettes are typical on the walls, but your space comes to life with accessories, bright colours, various patterns and textures. In a bathroom this can mean mixing fixture finishes, decorative tiles, towels and rugs.

4. MIX MATERIALS & FINISHES

One of the hallmarks of Mid-century modern design is freely mixing materials. The post-war surge of new materials meant the exploration of combining different and contrasting materials. The old adage that you can't mix metals is totally out the window. Get creative and combine different materials like classic wood with a beautiful quartz or marble top. Have fun with it.

5. BOLD & INTERESTING LIGHTING

Lighting usually resembles abstract art pieces adding drama and interest to the room. Think sputnik style lighting with unpolished steel and brass metal work, classic of 1960s mid century modern style. Geometric shapes, globes, hourglass and rings were the dominant shapes.

In the end design is all down to personal preference. Sometimes you may just want a touch of the style style, while sometimes you want to go all out and truly vintage.

GET THE LOOK

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13 / 14 / 15

Here is one way we would style a Mid-century modern bathroom with a neutral colour palette and just a dash of blue. Click on the each number to know more about each product. Want to know how we would finish off this design or want us to personalize a design just for you? Shoot us a message and let's chat.

GET IN TOUCH

6 BathRoom Trend Predictions for 2018

We wanted to do a quick roundup of some bathroom trends we are predicting to see pop up everywhere this year. Although you shouldn't just design your bathroom according to the latest trends, we still like to look at what is hip in the world of design and gather inspiration for each individual bathroom project.

Patterned Tiles

Patterned tiles are entering the bathroom in a big bold way. It's reflective of the renewed focus on craftsmanship and artisanship.

Curbless Showers

There are trends, then there are smart trends. This is why we will continue to see curbless showers everywhere. It's a design with the future in mind. Accessible and sleek.

Matte Black

Matte black hardware is going to continue to have its moment throughout 2018. We're not mad, it's incredibly chic. Much like a little black dress, the crisp, neutral finish works with every style.

Bookmatched Marble

Showcase the natural beauty of marble by making it a statement piece of art in your bathroom. Due to its high-impact look, a small piece of book-matched marble goes a long way, transitioning through the years seamlessly.

Colors

Color has been creeping back into bathroom design again with blue and navy taking centre stage. Gone are the days of being fearful of color in the bathroom!

Brass Finish

Brass will probably still be going strong, it just adds that touch of glamour!

Bathroom DesignLisa DurantJanuary 17, 2018Bathroom trends, guelph bathroom renovations, guelph bathroom remodeller, Guelph contractor Comment

A Bathroom Essential: The Peshtemal Towel

You probably don’t think about towels everyday, but we think you should. It is an essential element of the everyday bathing experience! But take it from us, It’s the simple things like having a better towel that can make this everyday task wonderful. The Turkish bath towel — also called Peshtemal, Hammam or Fouta towels — is experiencing another revival and we want you to know what all the fuss is about!

The use of peshtemals stemmed from their use in traditional hammam bathhouses in the middle east, which was an integral part of everyday life that fulfilled a significant social, cultural, and physiological role in society. Now, peshtemals have made it’s way to pool sides, beaches, spas and bathrooms all around the world! If you don’t have one already, it’s about time you get one, and make it your new favourite bath and home accessory.

Turkish Towels Vs. Standard Terrycloth Towels

Turkish bath towels are made of Turkish cotton — a premium cotton with extra long fibres — and are lightweight, soft, robust, extremely absorbent and incredibly versatile. They are typically larger than the standard towel, yet only weighs about a third of a terrycloth towel of the same size. This is because peshtemals are flat-woven with a smooth, soft texture. They are also known to become even softer, fluffier, and more absorbent with successive washings due to it’s unique material and its superior weave technique.

Fashionable & Decorative

Functional and decorative, turkish towels are all the rage right now, but they always have been, and always will be. They are simple yet refined. The thinner fibres and flatweave means more intricate designs can be achieved for a peshtemal than a regular terrycloth towel. They are timeless beautiful works of art that are sure to impress your guests hanging in your bathroom or draped over the couch. Whether you like bold bright colours or plain neutrals, simple solids or patterns, there is a design out there that will tickle your fancy and fit your home aesthetic.

It’s a 7-in-1 towel

Aside from its use in the bathroom, peshtemals can be used as a scarf, a summer throw, a picnic blanket, a tablecloth, a yoga mat cover, and as a coverup. To add, the Turkish towel's beautiful designs, lightweight, and ability to pack tightly mean it’s pretty much synonymous with beach vacations as their large size and high absorbency make it the perfect beach towel as well, and just having one around the house during the winter months can be enough to inspire a warm getaway.

Eco-friendly

These towels will appeal to the environmentalist in you. In general, peshtemals are made of 100% cotton — a sustainable material — and in many cases naturally dyed! Moreover, peshtemals are so lightweight, they are more energy-efficient than a typical terrycloth towel. They dry much faster, thus don't take on a musty smell...the result - they don't need laundering as often. And when it comes time to wash them, they take much less space in the washer and much less time in the dryer.

Ideal for allergy suffers

Without the conventional loop/pile construction of a standard terrycloth towel, the flat weave and fast drying action mean that peshtemals trap fewer allergens. Making it ideal for allergy sufferers.

Turkish towels are truly a simple luxury that can elevate your bath experience and add a little flare in your life! Have we converted you yet? Here are some of our favourite designs and sources: