Bathroom Design Challenge 1: A Hall with a View

Sometimes when I walk into a home, I really wonder what the architect was thinking. I would take a guess that at least 30% of American homes have the awkward situation of a hall that ends with a bathroom. If you’re fortunate, the view is of a towel bar or blank wall. If you are unfortunate, the view is of a toilet. Many of us choose to ignore and accept this vision, or we leave the door closed.

I remember one home we worked on about ten years ago, as you walked up the stairs to the second floor the first thing that welcomed you was the commode in the bathroom across from the landing. When we remodeled that bathroom, one of the things we did was move the toilet across the room to a more private location. Suddenly the view of the trees through the window took precedence.

Not everyone has the option to move a toilet. It can be very expensive or even architecturally impossible to relocate a toilet. So what other alternatives are available besides closing the door?

First off, think of the doorway as a frame. What are you framing? Many times, towels and towel bars are a part of the picture. While we try to make them look as pretty as we can, towels are just not interesting. Something needs to pull focus.

If you aren’t dealing with a view of the commode, place art work within the space – preferably something long and narrow that will fill the door frame. Since the doorway is your “frame,” I recommend something on canvas without a frame. The surrounding wall area becomes your “matting.” If you want to draw attention to this space, then paint the wall a dynamic color that contrasts the walls of the hallway. If you want this space to blend with the surrounding hall, then paint the wall a color similar to hall color. I would not recommend wallpapering this wall, most “mattes” around paintings and photos are solid colors, not patterns.

Take this a step further by adding an “Art light” to showcase the artwork. (This is great if you entertain and you find people asking where your powder room is.) A low-voltage MR-11 or MR-16 placed in the ceiling typically works best. Housings with an adjustable socket allow for maximum control in illuminating the artwork. For added drama, put the light on a dimmer instead of a switch.

The same applies, if you have a view of the toilet through the doorway. This time, hang a framed piece of art above the commode. The “Art light” should be aimed so that no light spills on the toilet. The sought-over effect is to draw attention away from the fixture.

You may be tempted to install the lighting yourself. However, I would recommend you find a contractor or electrician who has a history of installing these lights. The size of your artwork and the angle of light along with its beam spread will determine the type and placement of the housing. An incorrect housing and/or placement could result in a less than desirable result.

Written by Imperial Kitchens and Baths, Inc. designer, Stephanie Bullwinkel, CBD.

The Better Business Bureau Improves Rating System

Angie’s List has one, Service Magic has one, even the online YellowPages has one – it’s a rating system representing consumer confidence. From low to high, how does this company treat their clients?

The Better Business Bureau is now applying the same thought to their rating system. The old ratings were based on how a company resolved its complaints. But the limited information provided often left consumers in the dark and reputatble companies were misrepresented. Replacing "satisfactory" and "unsatisfactory", are insightful ratings shown as letter grades A+ thru F. The new system provides more specific information. Where Imperial Kitchens and Baths, Inc. once had a “satisfactory” rating we now have a more meaningful “A+.”

“In today’s tight economic times, these ratings not only spotlight the honest and ethical companies customers look for, but the ratings components also assist companies to see where their operations may be improved.” Says Steve J. Bernas, president and CEO of the BBB of Chicago and Northern Illinois.

The new ratings take into account 17 weighted factors, using objective information and actual incidences concerning the business. For more information about the BBB’s new rating system and specific rating factors, visit http://www.bbb.org/.