By Candice Olson
Every woman wants
– and deserves – a room of her own, preferably a relaxing oasis
where she can be quiet with her thoughts and escape the daily
stresses of life.
By Candice Olson
Every woman wants – and deserves – a room of her own, preferably a relaxing oasis where she can be quiet with her thoughts and escape the daily stresses of life.
I set out to create just such an oasis for one of my clients, who was six months pregnant with her second child. Her husband and first child ruled the roost, so to speak, so we decided together to create a Zen oasis just for her in the en suite bathroom.
I decided the presiding theme in this room was going to be decadence. This bathroom was going to be the most indulging spot in the house through the incorporation of soft romantic furnishings and accessories.
Since the house was fairly new, the owners were living with a stark and sterile bathroom, with builder’s white paint on the walls and cheap cabinets and vanity. I wanted to get rid of the hospital feel, yet still keep the color contrasts to a minimum.
Deciding to bring life to the space through texture as opposed to color, I began by painting the walls a very gentle mocha color. The floor already had neutral tile, so I kept it as it was and brought in two small rugs in dark natural tones that gave a visual anchor to the space.
There were two focal points in this bathroom to which I wanted to pay attention. The first was the large vanity, which, since it wasn’t of great quality to begin with, we decided to rip out. I had a custom cherry wood vanity designed that maximized the use of the space, reaching all the way to the wall. The solid surface countertop was in a natural stone color, and the flush one-piece sink within it made for smooth lines and easy cleanup.
This bathroom was built with inexpensive Hollywood lighting centered above the plain slab wall mirror. I remedied that by bringing in a simple beveled mirror and flanking it on either side with old-world, gold-gilded iron sconces. The black pearl crystal chandelier I hung over the soaker bathtub wasn’t something most people would think to do, but remember – we were going for full-on decadence in this bathroom!
The corner soaker tub was the other focal point that needed help. Because it was flanked by windows, I wanted to take advantage of the natural light while still providing privacy. I covered the lower portion of the windows with an opaque film that still lets the light through. I also draped the windows in a romantic, sheer fabric in a soft white. For a final touch of decadence, the inner and lower hems were edged with a whimsical bead trim.
The toilet was conveniently hidden behind a French door at the far end of the room.
The room was large enough to have its own linen closet, so on top of it I placed a small TV/VCR/radio at eye level – when you’re relaxing in the tub. This will allow Mom to catch up on her favorite shows or listen to music when she’s soaking away her cares.
Oversized plush towels, body oils and beads, candles and lots of sparkly glass made up the final romantic touches.
Interior decorator Candice Olson is host of Home & Garden Television’s ‘Divine Design.’ For more ideas, information and show times visit www.HGTV.com or www.divinedesign.tv.
