apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I have a problem with a small bathroom in my house. It is all white and I cannot figure out a way to introduce color (other than accessories). The problem is that the bathroom is floor to ceiling tiles, therefore I have no walls to paint and am unable to hang any artwork, shelves, etc. Anyone have any suggestions on how to enliven dull, white tiles?

ShamWow, can you use those removable hooks to hang artwork? Other than that, you've got to get bold shower curtain, rugs, towels, and counter-top accessories. A colored basket on top of the toilet to hold TP, perhaps?

But is there something I can do to the tiles? Decals? Tile Paint?

You can drill into tile to hang a nail and a piece of art.. or how about vinyl wall stickers or removable wall decals that aren't too busy looking?

Hmm. The drilling has peaked my interest. It won't crack and damage the tile?

You have to use the correct bit!

What bit do you recommend? I think I'll find some left over tile in my basement and practice, practice, practice before I attempt the real deal.

I recommend researching it on this internet thing, since all I know is different surfaces require different bits for success:

http://www.doityourself.com/stry/drillingintotilewall
http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/skill-builder/0,,203839,00.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_2080337_drill-hole-bathroom-tile.html

Here is a video demonstration in a foreign (to me) language (with some English captions) of the procedures outlined in the linked articles:
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/885815/how_to_drill_into_ceramic_tile_without_breaking_it/

This guy has a tip for keeping the bit cool and wet on a horizontal surface. It is apparently very important not only to use the right bit but to drill slowly and keep the bit from getting dull, needs to be kept wet - wait for the end where he tells you how to accomplish same on the vertical drilling:
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/yt-FzwpBI5ZS2U/tile_drilling_tip/

Good luck!

Thanks for the great resource! I was searching around and couldn't find anything too informative. Problem solved!

I had the same issue so I went with a very luxurious black & white them, tried decals years ago, but they fall off. Apparently, you can also professionally reglaze tiles any color you want too. Is your ceiling tiled too? You can always paint your ceiling a bright color.

ShamWow-
You can also get a large poster mounted and shrink-wrapped. It can then be applied to the wall with 3M stickers, since it's very lightweight (and the humidity won't hurt the poster anymore).

Hello,

I am looking for a way to tie two colors together. I have a French Country kitchen with a lot of yellow, deep red, and dark green items. However, my new apartment has light blue paint in the kitchen. Painting it a new color is not an option as a renter. How would you recommend I combine the kitchen I've already created with this new color?


Thanks!

cuteasabutton:
I don't understand the question. If you're moving into a new apartment, what exactly of the French Country kitchen are you taking with you? Actual appliances? Or just accessories?

Pale blue could work with any of the three colors you have, but yellow would be the most French country combination. Can you store the red and green things while you live in the new place, or are they major appliances?

I have a lot of rooster decor, deep red and black curtains, all of my dishes are mustard yellow and red (with roosters on them) & other items such as dish towels, oven mitts, apron, coffee mugs, etc. all match the theme. Everything is on display so I don't want it to clash with the paint color.

I don't know if this will help but here are a few examples of the type of decor I have:

http://www.mcvayslimited.com/images/Home-Decor-Rooster-Rug-Lg.jpg

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51WirHybCPL._SL500_.jpg

http://www.saladotex.com/images/AAA_SC/OLIVIA/2008/SonterraPotrackcropped.jpg

Ah, now I understand. What I'd recommend is that you store your curtains and perhaps a couple of other fabric items, and replace them with a blue-and-yellow Provencal print. That will create a French country context for the rooster dishes and mugs, etc., and tie things together.

Something like this maybe?:

http://www.atouchofprovence.com/product-p/y12202.htm

http://www.french-nc.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=469

ah I love the second one!

I've always liked the yellow & blue kitchens. I think I'll try it out. Thank you much (:

I know this is not a question regarding kitchen's or bathrooms but I was wondering if anyone knew of a local custom curtain maker or good online resources for custom made curtains? thanks!!!

Here is a great article about inexpensive upgrades for the bathroom.
http://www.mydesignsecrets.com/2009/02/23/affordable-upgrades-for-a-cozy-bathroom/

I found this on craigslist:
http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/fuo/1063203551.html

It is Design Within Reach floor samples for sale. There are a lot of them, most not pictured. I assume if something catches your eye, you would know what it was and if the price is good enough, or possibly to check out in person. Downtown Boston. Check it out!

http://www.dwr.com/category/find a studio/boston.do
519 Tremont Street
Boston, MA 02116
Phone: 617.451.7801

Maybe this is happening at all the other locations as well, but I saw it on craigslist.

Katilm81, You can check out http://www.countrycurtains.com/. Don't let the name fool you. They have some very beautiful bold modern curtains. They are out of Massachusetts. Good luck!
http://apinchofcheer.artfire.com

Anybody know of any hidden jewels for fabric stores? I've been to Zimmans but am looking for other options. Thanks.

I have a skinny curtain rod I'd like to hang some sheers from but I'm so bored by all the wall brackets I've seen.

I've been thinking that some simple napkin rings might be a more interesting alternative. This is of course assuming I use the proper screws and wall anchors and don't shatter whatever ring I choose.

Any thoughts? Or does anyone recall any past window treatments posted they could refer me to for brainstorming?

We are re-doing our bathroom and I was wondering if anyone has any experience with the IKEA Freden line of bathroom cabinetry. It says that the color is "brown/black" but the pictures online make it seem black. We chose a dark marble floor that is deep chocolate with white veins. I am wondering if the floor will seem too brown with that sink cabinet. We wanted a black and white bathroom, but I am thinking it will end up more chocolate/white? Has anyone seen it in person? Is it black or more brown? I have attached links to both the cabinet and the type of floor.

My fear is that the cabinet will be more black and the floor more brown and it will clash. Help!

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20141184

http://flooring.builddirect.com/Marble-Tile/marble-floor-Laurent-Brown/Additional_6945_0_10066735_5125_0.aspx

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.