Wednesday, January 6, 2010

The most under-utilized space in the house

Our master bathroom is huge. It’s practically as big as our bedroom, and that’s only a slight exaggeration (our bedroom is also a little on the small side though). The reason the bathroom is so big is because of the Whirlpool soaker tub, which we thought was a pretty sweet feature when we first saw the house:


However, since we’ve lived here, this is how we’ve utilized our tub:
1) A place to haphazardly drape pajamas and other clothing items that we’re too lazy to put away
2) A place to put my drying rack for hand-washed clothes
3) A ledge for dust-collecting tealight candles (as part of a pathetic attempt to make it look “romantic”)


 In fact, I can count on one hand the number of times that we’ve actually used the tub for its intended purpose. Most of those were probably during the sprinkler system and sod projects, when we wanted to wind down and soak our aching muscles. It’s really sad that the tub is so under-utilized. I’m not sure why we don’t take advantage of it more often, other than the fact that it takes a long time to fill, and it takes a LOT of water.

It would also probably help if this corner of the bathroom was more inviting. Don't get me wrong, the 10-foot ceilings are great, but they also make for vase expanse of empty wall that’s screaming for some TLC (a common theme throughout the rest of the house). Perhaps some candle sconces like these would make for a cozy atmosphere?


This one is probably too small (and much more than I want to pay), but I really like the style!

I've had these two mirrored sconces sitting on our bedroom floor for the past 3 months because I haven't been able to commit to a place for them yet. (I got them on sale at Z Gallerie for $15/ea!) Maybe the bathroom should be their new home?

 
I’m also intrigued by the vinyl words and phrases that you can apply to your wall, like those from Uppercase Living. I’m particularly fond of this one for the bathroom:

"Soak Your Troubles Away"

Now wouldn’t that look lovely with a sconce on either side? However, I’m not sure that these vinyl words will adhere very well to textured walls like ours. And I don’t want to spend $21.95 only to find it doesn’t work. Anyone have any experience with them?

Here’s the other idea that would be pretty friggin’ cool. There’s a cable jack above the doorway and enough room for a small, flat-panel TV. Nice, huh? Except that I don’t want to spend the money on a TV that’s just a pure luxury. So, scratch that idea…for now.


Truth be told, I’d probably rather trade the soaker tub if it meant having a larger bedroom, or a larger shower (with two showerheads!). But we’ve got it, and I think we’d be more likely to use it (or at least less likely to use it as a clothes rack) if it were all beautified. Do you have an under-utilized tub, or any other [cheap] ideas on how to dress ours up?











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9 comments:

micah said...

Put those ZG sconces in there somewhere... and maybe some artwork??

Amy @ Design-Aholic said...

I really like the phrase on the shower wall... And, what if you painted one of those walls a different color to break up the space since it's 10 feet tall? I could see a large square piece of art on one of those walls! And yes, I agree with Micah- put those sconces up! I like them :)

The Brick Cottage said...

Wow! I am way jealous of your large bathroom! Our bathroom is so tight that there is nothing under utilized in there--although if we didn't have a dog our actual tub would never be used except for draining shower water (we're strictly shower people). The scones you have are awesome and I'm in agreement that you should use them in your bathroom.

kristi.w. said...

Oh my gosh, I am beyond jealous. We both love taking baths, and I've always wanted a jacuzzi tub.

Here's an inspiration pic:
http://www.centsationalgirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/bathfromside.jpg

You could do a cute frame around some art or a mirror, some pillar candles on elegant candle holders, a vase with flowers. Definitely hang up those sconces. I say, go for the spa feel. :D

Amanda @ Little House on the Corner said...

Thanks everyone for your comments, and thanks for the inspiration picture, Kristi!

Looks like I'll finally end up hanging our sconces somewhere :)

The Whispering Creek House said...

ugh! we have the same problem! o love how they look but dont use it enough to make it worth it ..i tred to talk my hubby into replacing it with washer and dryer but alas..to much money!

Kelly @ turned UP to ELEVEN! said...

I wish I had this problem ;). A thought about the cute vinyl saying. It might not stick to your wall but I bet you could make a cute cut out of wood to adhere it to and hang it between the sconces :)

I never take baths but I have never had a tub this nice either. Just remind yourself its a huge selling feature even if you don't use it - it will always make your home a top seller if you ever move :)

Our bathroom is SO small - I hate it!

Pauline Wiles said...

You know, with Valentines Day coming up, I hope you can evict the dust bunnies and just hop right in there together!
I love the sconces you have and agree the lettering would be fab. I know what you mean about them sticking to textured walls, though - I've avoided them too. But presumably you could stick them to a piece of wood to make your own sign, or something?

Anonymous said...

What a great resource!

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