apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I don't know, I like the idea of something a bit modern. A thick, black frame with a black and white photo in it.

Editor: what line of reflection? You're looking at the wall reflected in two mirrored doors of a medicine cabinet opposite the wall. The line is the edges of the two doors.

I think a simple photo or painting in a plain frame would be a nice contrast to the frou-frou trim. Or just leave it as is, or paint the walls a color and leave the trim white if your landlord is ok with that.

or what about sccattered hooks with jewelry on them? I'm thinking strands of pearls hanging from vintage-looking hooks, perhaps a collection of different hooks? Bohemian-style I guess.

I agree with Terri, but...
I think more importantly, you should hang artwork that you really like, in whatever color scheme you like.
I would like to see something with some color in it.
Maybe some nice botanicals?

http://www.art.com/gallery/id--b12134/botanical-posters.htm?ui=DDFE96A2BC834AFE8E4C188E1A72AFDE
http://www.art.com/gallery/id--b4094/leaves-posters.htm?ui=DDFE96A2BC834AFE8E4C188E1A72AFDE

If you don't like the idea of modern, you could always
hang artwork in frames that would compliment the
"froufiness" of the plaster borders, and go more traditional.
http://www.pearlpaint.com/shop-Frame-656SL-Silver-Ornate_37200_37820.html
http://www.kingofframe.com/

I like wigglebutt's idea (and name-tee hee). I also think a collection of small prints or B&W photos would look nice. Try mismatched frames all painted the same color.

I agree with Zoee about botanicals. It doesn't have to be giant cabbage roses, but something more simple and graphic. But a simple botanical, with a nice wide mat, would dress the walls nicely without overwhelming. Would you consider painting the wall a light color and then doing sort of a drybrush on the raised plaster?

We have an apartment in Park Slope with a whole lot of plaster ornamentation too. We love modern furniture, so that's what we have--as well as a lot of modern art--and we think the combination is fantastic. Check LivingEtc's website for the Brit take on this. I agree with zoee--go with what you really love, and it will look right! And, if you're still looking, check out the Brooklyn Flea. We've seen some great pieces there.

Black and white photos would li=ook great in there. There are plenty of "old school" b & w phtotos that aren't super feminine, such as old modeling photo shoots (Richard Avedon phots come to mind...)

Putting art in a bathroom can destroy works on paper or canvas because of the frequent, drastic changes in heat and humidity. So if you're inclined to put art, don't put up originals or anything expensive. I would actually consider putting another mirror in that spot - an oval or interesting shaped one with some fancy etching along the edges.

keep it simple

something bold and graphic that is the opposite of the plaster and fixtures - maybe a frameless canvas

I have no idea what Aaron is referring to...

...but I'd simply paint the entire room - trim, mouldings and all - in a bright matte color - perhaps pink or a dark teal.

Because of the froufiness, I'd recommend keeping the number of colors you use to a minimum, so a black and white photo/print would look nice. If you do use color, try to coordinate it with the other bathroom accessories and then it should feel cohesive. I wouldn't hang jewelry in the bathroom because of the humidity - they'll oxidize/rust really quickly.

Thanks, everybody! I'm afraid I can't really paint in there (just renting) but I love your ideas. Good points about the humidity & temp changes.

I like LitNerd's suggestion & am thinking the cluster of small, framed prints would be good. Sort of an old-fashioned configuration, but with prints from various Etsy sources, perhaps? I think some unusual nudes could be interesting, since, you know, it is a bathroom after all.

Here's what I think you should do:

Get some matte-finish Aura paint by Benjamin Moore in whatever Wedgewood-type color you like -- a dark blue-grey, or that grey-green, or whatever, and use a matte-finish white on the decorative stuff, so the whole place looks like a big old wedgewood cameo.

There's something kind of modern about that, but it will be kind of delicious, I think.

The reason it needs to be matte, is that that's how that Wedgewood stuff is, and in the Aura paint, it will still be washable, scrubbable, etc.

It will be delicious. Seriously.

I agree with Curtis,
You don't need to do anything but paint the wall with the correct paint to enhance the innate decorative beauty of the wall.
That is enough.

Curtis and dewi, are you reading?!
Just above your comments Amanda says she CAN'T paint.

I would leave it alone, if you want to put something modern, then think less is more. If you want to put something in that bathroom, think about installing this light fixture:

http://www.ligne-roset-usa.com/Products/lighting/wall-fixtures/Josephine-5d_1315.aspx

I say embrace the frou. Put up some ornate oval-shaped gilt frames, with or without anything in them.

I agree with wigglebutt, and if you are worried about the humidity (I am keeping my jewelry in the bathroom and havent had any problems of rust or similiar, but I guess it depends on the ventilation), just go get some cheap fake pearls and chains. It would look great.