6 Ways to decorate with a Garden Stool

The garden stool has been a trend for a few years now and we will love it...always.  Why? we love the options that a garden stool offers (yes, we are all about multi-purpose pieces).  But we also love the look of a garden stool - they can add a great pop of colour and texture - plus they are easy to move around. 

Here are some great ways to use a garden stool:

In the shower - a garden stool makes a great shower seat.



 As Extra seating - tuck these easy to move garden stool under a console table or sofa table.



As a Side table - indoors or outdoors, a garden stool makes for a great side table.



As a Coffee table - short on space? A set of garden stools is a great option for a coffee table in a small space.  Plus they can be some extra seating if you need it.





 In the Bathroom - by the tub!  If you are lucky enough to have time to soak away the log day... a garden stool is a great spot for your book, towels or a cup of tea (or glass of wine)



In the bedroom - garden stools are so versatile and can even work in a different areas of a room.  the bedroom for instance, a garden stool is a great option for a bedside table but is also great as a corner chair side table but also a series of 3 would look great at the foot of a bed.

We Answer Wednesday - How to make a kids' bathroom kid friendly but not too childish

"We are a family of 5.  My 3 kids share a bathroom in our new home - which is great! I would love some ideas to make the bathroom 'kid friendly' and fun but still stylish since it is also used for out of town guests. We have a great palette to work with - it's all white!"

What a find! A home with a full bathroom just for the kids, that can really make life easier!  Being able to make their bathroom 'kid friendly' will be fun  and easy - they will love it, too!

Since your bathroom is all white, your options are endless.  Because this bathroom is also going to be used for other guests - we highly recommend sticking with some neutral tones that will work well for all ages. So even if you were going to do a bathroom renovation, we would still suggest staying in a neutral colour palette (paint is easy enough to update but tiles and counter tops are more involved and costly). If the all white palette, is just too much white, we love the look and feel of a fresh bathroom so if you are open and considering paint - opt for soft grey tones or perhaps even light blue. To add the fun and kid friendly touches - accessories are the best way to go!  Easy updates that are affordable and not permanent!

 

 Accessories can really add to a basic bathroom - bath mats, shower curtains, towels, art are all great ways to add some colour, texture and pattern to the space.

For the decor, you may want to choose a theme for the bathroom.  A theme will give you some direction when it comes to putting it all together.  Does it all have to match? No. But it is a great guideline for when you are shopping. A nautical or beach theme are both popular ones because they do translate well with kids and adults, plus they are calming and soothing.  You don't need to go over board with a theme just a few touches can set the scene. See the image below for some inspiration on how to go light with a theme. The colour palette is soft and light.  The art and the oar towel hooks are a unique nod to the theme, it's cute for kids but suitable for adults sharing the space, too.

When it comes to kids' bathrooms you need to make it accessible and organized with them in mind.
For instance, hanging towels on a hook is much easier for them.  Hang your hooks at a height that they can reach.

 

We love this paddle with hooks paired with simple nautical themed art.

Towels are another great way to add some colour and/or pattern to the bathroom.  For a little extra fun and organization, we love monogrammed or personalized towels like these ones from Pottery Barn Kids







 

 A shower curtain is another great way to make a colourful 'splash' in the bathroom - print, texture and colour. We love to select a common thread in terms of colour in the towels and the shower curtain. Kids LOVE colour but it can get crazy, if you let them! So we suggest a great basic palette like this one with navy blue and white and then add yellow, orange, green or red to this classic colour combo, with towels, soap dispenser etc....Again, a great balance for everyone using this space.





Art in a bathroom really adds visual interest and really completes the room.  There are some great pieces for kids.  Some of our favourites are so simple and smart since they encourage daily hygiene and bathroom chores


These Superhero Bathroom Rules available on Etsy

Wall Decals are also a great addition to your bathroom walls.  Again we love the idea of 'Bathroom Rules',a great reminder for kids.



Organization is so important.  So labeled jars, bins, baskets etc...are a great way to keep the kids organized. Be sure to keep the routine simple and consistent.

These floating shelves are a great idea if you are low on counter space. Having them personalized with every day items is a great idea

 

If you do have more counter top space, try small baskets or even mason jars.



 Other accessories can really add the fun in a bathroom - soap dispensers, shower curtain hooks, hand towels, Kleenex box, trash can and more.  There are many sets in many different themes,perfect for kids!





The best advice when it comes to adding decor to a bathroom that is shared with adults and kids - is to not go overboard.  So if you have a kids' theme shower curtain maybe go neutral with most of the towels (the hand towels can be a bit punchy since they are small) or if you want the shower curtain and towels more basic then have fun with the art and accessories (like these Monster ones seen above).  When every element of the bathroom is a kid piece or theme, that's when it is no longer adult friendly.  But have fun - the bathroom is a perfect space to get whimsical and creative!

Pamper yourself!

8 great ideas to pamper yourself in your own bathroom!

As a new mom I take any chance I get to treat myself. Days at the spa are a thing of the past so I transformed my own bathroom into a perfect getaway! You can too and here's how:

1 -- Get some new towels. White is classic but you could opt for colour too, it is really up to you. Find towels that are plush and cotton (better absorption). You do not have to spend a fortune on quality towels check out your department stores as they often have fabulous sales!

2 -- Bamboo bath accessories. They can make any bathroom look like an organic getaway. Bamboo has a natural warmth about it and a calming effect. Look for bamboo mats, waster basket, soap dispenser etc. but don't over do it on the bamboo...

3 -- A new shower curtain. Can really spruce up a tired bathroom. Look for something that works with your existing colour palette or something that evokes the mood you want to create.
Stick with something cotton, not vinyl, it looks more chic.

4 -- Furniture pieces. Yes, furniture! This is best in a large bathroom, for example a small side table can look very elegant next to a free standing tub and is a perfect spot for a glass of wine, candle, a book or the phone.

5 -- Functional decor. Use tall glass vases and fill them with bathroom items such as Epsom salts, soaps, cotton balls - it is useful, appropriate and looks stylish!

6 -- New hardware. Can transform a bathroom instantly! It is an easy fix and not expensive. This can make cabinetry look current too.

7 -- Plants. Add some natural elements to the space. Look for bamboo which does very well in rooms with little sunlight and damp spaces. If that is too much maintenance, add some tall vases with natural sticks. Anything natural adds calmness and serenity to a room.

8 -- Lighting. Change out the basic lighting and add some thing special. We kepth the pot lights but did a beautiful pair of glass pendant lamps over our vanity. Candles can also change the lighting and atmosphere in any bathroom (an easier and less expensive option).

If you cannot get to the spa, bring the spa to you.