With living spaces generally becoming smaller and the bathroom designated as a haven of relaxation, there is a need to get organised and rid it of clutter to truly transform it into a tranquil space where you can daydream.
Instead of tossing out a chest of drawers why not use it in the bathroom as a vanity?
Homeowners are still looking for value when decorating their homes and with inspiring ideas coming from social media sites such as Pinterest, they are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing between buying new products and repurposing existing items.
Liza Watermeyer, Tile Africa’s Retail and Display Coordinator, says this is in line with global trends, which merge consciousness for the environment with conserving your budget.
She says using what you already have is no longer considered cheap, it’s chic and places a strong emphasis on the individual and the ambience that they want to create in their homes.
Although upcycling has gone mainstream, it’s nothing new, and its roots go back to the late 90s where it was also referred to as repurposing.
“What’s nice about upcycling is that it can be done during a short time span, it can be the perfect weekend DIY project and involve the whole family. This is largely because you don’t need any major remodelling done, although if you are in doubt about anything that you’re doing, especially with regard to plumbing or electronics rather leave it to the professionals.”
Watermeyer shares some handy, upcycling tips to help organise and declutter the bathroom...
Exposed piping
There are many items that you may have in your home which can be reused, however, it’s best to note that the bathroom is a damp area and that you need to use pieces that are steam and moisture resistant.
Does your bathroom have elements that remind you of times gone by? Exposed copper piping perhaps? One great way to use this to your advantage is to draw on the existing piping structure to store light items such as towels. Instead of buying another cupboard to store towels, roll them up and stack them on the piping, this creates a rustic look while also saving on space in the bathroom.
Give old drawers and cabinets
Instead of tossing out a chest of drawers why not use it in the bathroom as a vanity? Add a coat of paint or varnish and incorporate your existing basin at the top, this will then be a multipurpose unit that caters for storage and offers the functionality of using the basin too. Another option is to invest in a freestanding and over-sized basin or trendy tap to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the upcycled vanity.
Jars, baskets and hooks
Got some old hooks lying around? Position them on your bathroom wall and hang towels from them. This adds character to the bathroom and is also a miracle space saving tool.
Another take on repurposing products is the use of old door knobs as ‘hooks’ to hang towels on. Watermeyer says old door knobs can provide a rustic look and also allow you to hang slightly heavier items than towels such as bath robes or laundry bags.
Old glass jars can also be reused - line them up on the side of the bath or the edge of the window sill and use them to store toothbrushes, cotton balls and face cloths or as individual storage pots for each member of the house to store their small personal items.
Tin buckets with funky labels also make for pretty storage containers and can be fitted against the wall. Watermeyer says label them according to each family member for that personal touch.
Got some old hooks lying around? Position them on your bathroom wall and hang towels from them. This adds character to the bathroom and is also a miracle space saving tool.
No longer using that old picnic basket? Don’t throw it away. Baskets can be stacked and used to store linen and bathroom ware.
Clever storage
“Having sufficient storage space is one way of getting organised and ridding the bathroom of clutter. Take unique bits and pieces from the home and view them with new eyes. One example involves using tomato crates as floating racks against the bathroom wall. Get them from your nearest fruit and veggie merchant and keep them in their natural state or give them a colourful lick of paint to strengthen and protect them from moisture.”
Watermeyer says these crates can then be used to store bath and shower paraphernalia.
Another area that’s often overlooked is the back of bathroom doors. A towel rail doesn’t necessarily have to be used above the bath or next to the shower. They’re super handy behind the door as additional storage space, especially if you have a large family or live in a commune type environment.
If you’re considering this option, remember to check whether the door will be able to open fully against the wall or alternatively opt for a slender towel rail.
Remember that while you embark on the ultimate weekend DIY project it’s great to have unique ideas that reflect the personality of the owners of the home.
“There are many items that you may have in your home which can be reused, however, it’s best to note that the bathroom is a damp area and that you need to use pieces that are steam and moisture resistant. Be mindful of adding elements that require any electrical work to avoid potential accidents.”
For more information, visit www.tileafrica.co.za.
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