Posts Tagged ‘ocean’
Ocean Inspired Drawer Pull
This is another piece that we were lucky enough to receive in the last auction surprise, and is easily one of the most unique ones we’ve ever had. The design is that of a more modern piece while maintaining the classicism of pieces we have once loved in grandparents and other relative’s homes. We found this piece in decent shape, though it still needs some work before we can replicate it.
One of the most beautiful parts about this piece is the delicate swirls that surround the raised circle in the center. My guess is that the artist was inspired by the gentle ocean waves, and decided to capture them forever in brass. Of course, this decorative design element is also the most difficult to clean. All of those little groves love to trap dirt and grim and make it near impossible to get out. So what do we use to get into the grooves? We have extremely sophisticated equipment that is specially made to reach down and clean all that gunk out. That’s right; a toothbrush. These are perfectly designed for a myriad of cleaning projects, especially when it comes to restoration.
This is a great accent piece on any dresser or nightstand, as well as cabinets and drawers in your kitchen. Simple little extras such as these can really add a little something extra to make a room feel cozier and more personable. This would also be wonderful element to have in your beach house, or any other coastal inspired dwelling. With so many different finishes to offer, this is a wonderful choice for even the pickiest home decorator.
Where would you feature this piece in your home? Would you use it as an accent piece on certain cabinets, or would you create a uniform theme? If so, send us a picture and we will put your home online – you could be famous!
Creating a Nautical or Oceanic Themed Bathroom
Decorating a bathroom may prove to be one of the greatest challenges faced by a homeowner because of the lack of free space and permanent placements of the fixtures. Remodeling a bathroom is a lengthy and costly process – sometimes taking several weeks to nearly a year to complete depending upon the extent of the renovation. While this is sometimes a necessary route when plumbing is bad, fixtures are damaged or there is another significant problem with rotting or damaged tiling – a simple revamp can be a quick and inexpensive solution to a bathroom that is simply dated or past its prime.
A standard “full bath” in the United States typically refers to a room with a bath/shower combination (although this is not required – sometimes only a shower is available), toilet and a sink. Depending on the style of bathroom it may have a small cupboard or shelves installed. Since space is limited in most bathrooms, most bathroom hardware is designed to be small, provide storage and attach to the walls. Common hardware includes towel bars or rings, toothbrush holder, soap dish, robe hooks, cabinet knobs/drawer pulls and tissue holder.
Creating a common theme in the bathroom is a great way to unify the look of a disorderly bathroom. This can be easily accomplished with the use of a common design, finish or general theme. Since the bathroom is focused around water, there is no better place in the home to introduce a fun and novel ocean theme! This can be easily accomplished by replacing dull cabinet knobs with a fun pewter starfish design or installing a new towel bar with a clamshell pattern. When creating a theme it is limited only by the imagination – using a mixture of knobs will create an eclectic pattern that will tie together without being over done. Introducing blue bath towels or small nautical patterns on guest towels can tie the look together even further.
When choosing a finish for the bathroom the most popular choices are polished brass and polished chrome – these provide a mirror like surface and are relatively easy to match when using different hardware from different manufacturers. Other great choices could be brushed nickel, oil rubbed bronze or even an antique brass. The advantage of these less common but still beautiful finishes include a less cleaning and maintenance (a shiny surface will show water droplets and fingerprints more easily). Please remember that these finishes are not standardized as well and different companies finish may vary.
Helpful Hints:
If you are replacing existing hardware measure all pre-drilled holes carefully. Not all hardware is the same size and the center to center spacing will need to be the same if you plan to use the original holes.
All the hardware in the bathroom should be the same finish – including the doorknob. If your bathroom finish is different than the rest of the home search for a “mixed finish” door knob set that will allow you to use one finish on the interior side of the door and a completely different finish on the exterior.
Branch out in your decorating style – if oceanic themes don’t work create an exotic look with Japanese Bamboo patterns or a classic roped design.
