BATHROOM ART
Inspiration, Hints and Tips
“Moving Sands” adds a subtle focal point in this serene space.
The bathroom is, without a doubt, a very well used room within our home, and one that as an Interior Designer you put so much of your skill into ensuring the layout is functional and the vibe is just perfect for your client. When planning the bathroom hours can be spent choosing the right tiles and fixtures, but after that it is often just towels and a few nice, functional amenity pieces for decorating purposes.
Why not add some personality and individual style to your bathroom with artwork – yes art, it works so well in the bathroom! Just ask Neale Whitaker, Interior Designer and judge on Channel 9’s ‘The Block’
“I love art in bathrooms”,
Neale Whitaker.
It will set your design apart. The great thing that unlike the vanity or bath fixtures, bathroom art is easy to change. So, when trends change or you or your client wants to a simple refresh, swap it out for something new.
Before you head off and start drilling into those tiles, here is a few points to make your artwork set your bathroom apart:
Ventilating Your Art Space
With all the steam and humidity produced in the bathroom, it is necessary that you have the room well ventilated. Ideally leave the window open or if replacing the window, consider having a vented one and do not forget to use the exhaust fan – this will help reduce the impact steam on your new artwork.
Hint: Have a chat to your electrician about putting a timer on the exhaust fan so it runs for ten minutes or so after it is turned off, this is great to ensure all the steam is removed, especially if you have only mechanical ventilation in the bathroom (mine is set for ten minutes and it clears the room perfectly).
Style and Art
Think about the vibe you want to create. Is the bathroom a personal hideaway, a place to dream of faraway beaches or is an upbeat funky brightly coloured space that would look great with add even more colour? Then choose a frame that compliments your style, many today are simple black or white slimline frames but if you have traditional home you could go all out and add some pizzaz with a intricate gold frame, or even try this in a modern room, to stamp your style. Lianne Manley Photography has a great range from flowers to abstract beachscapes, muted and bright tones –Take a look, there is something to suit every bathroom.
Feeling Zen? This custom piece will add the finishing touch. Chat to Lianne for details.
Choosing The Right Media For Your Art
When choosing art to be displayed, it’s important to avoid anything that is going to attract mildew or warp. Photographic prints professionally framed and with well-sealed backs are a good choice especially as photo paper is often coated. Chatting to Kelly at Frameus, my favourite framer, she suggests using acrylic or perspex instead of glass in framed prints, as it is lighter and does not shatter like glass, (should the unthinkable happen).
Alternatively, Kelly and I highly recommend you consider using a less traditional media like prints on metal or acrylic. Both are easy care, can be wiped clean and very resilient to moisture. Canvas prints can also be used. These along with metal and acrylics can have float frames added to make a more stylish finish.
Sizing Your Artwork
Personally, I love large format artworks as they create a great focal point and add such impact to a room, especially a bathroom. That said, other factors play a part, like what statement you are conveying or how many pieces you are placing in the room. If selecting multiple smaller, grouped together works well, even a tiny print (like the Mona Lisa) centred over a wide cabinet or tucked into the powder room can add an unexpected surprise. Mat widths, if doing a framed image can also change the overall feel of the finished artwork.
An example of how mat width can change the overall look of your image . Image: Colour of Bark
Hanging Your Art
The most important advice I can give on hanging your new work is to call in a professional art installer and follow their advice. Alternatively, your bathroom builder may be willing to drill the tiles or place the hook for you, making sure the hook is rated for the artworks weight. Drilling tiles takes expertise, so I do not suggest DIY.
In regard to placement, I love artwork over the bath, or at the end so you can enjoy it whilst relaxing in the tub. No tub – no problem? Try opposite the mirror so you get a glimpse whilst getting ready. Many bathrooms now incorporate a shelf, and it is easy to utilise this space for your artwork , you can simply lean the new Lianne Manley photographic print on the shelf – or even on top of the toilet cistern, a great alternative to hanging.
Hint : When leaning artwork on a shelf , try putting some rubber matting discreetly under the frame, to help prevent slipping. On wall mounted frames add a small clear “furniture protector” on each corner– this will hold it slightly off the wall, so moisture does not collect behind.
A simple acrylic print of ‘A Glow”, sitting on the bath shelf adds a pop of colour.
No matter the style of the bathroom or the media chosen in collaboration with your client, artwork will set your bathroom design apart. I would love to assist you in choosing the right photographic print to compliment your next bathroom design. Reach out and let’s chat about adding artwork into your next project.