Last week, a Redfin Realtor asked me to submit a tip for his blog. The request and my recommendation got me thinking about art for your bathroom. What mediums are appropriate, and how would you protect paper art? The moisture and temperature changes in the room make it the wrong place to display expensive original works. So I'm thinking works on paper that delight but aren't costly.
Ceramics and Glass
Creamer by Ragnar Naess, the first potter I apprenticed with after graduating from Pratt Institute.
Art tile, pottery, and glass are perfect moisture-proof choices, installed or hung on a wall. Use a beautiful platter to decorate a surface or place a gorgeous pitcher filled with flowers on a shelf. Whether it's functional beauty like a hand-thrown sink or a tiled mirror frame, or a single object, you can get started by checking out the website for the Piedmont Craftsmen Guild. There you'll have the option of searching by medium or artist.
Metal Art
Interior designer Sally Williams of Colorful Concepts uses lots of art in her projects. Here she used the work of metal sculpture Bill Hickman in a hallway; however, this can easily be replicated in a bathroom to add drama, color, and movement. Bill is a friend, and I have a few of his charming birds in my bath. They're also great as thank you, get well, or just thinking of you gift. They're so enchanting. If you'd like to get some for yourself, I know they're in stock. You can contact him through Instagram or Facebook.
My small collection of Bill Hickman’s birds.
A flock of 75 metal sculpted birds soar through the goose grass creating an unexpected blend of whimsy and elegance. The vibrant, ombre wallpaper begins with a dark plum at the bottom and moves through shades of purple and pink, ending in a warm, creamy yellow glow at the ceiling. Photo by Tad Davis.
Prints
You’ll want to replace this moisture absorbing fiber board with foam core board. It’s easily cut to shape using an exacto blade.
Whatever your image, it will need to be matted and frame. Matted because the matte will keep the print off the glass/plexiglass and a frame because you'll need to make it moisture-proof. Most frames have a removable back section. You'll want to replace it with a foam core board insert and then use frame sealing tape to close the seam between the foam core and the frame. Both are available on Amazon and at most local art stores. Now the piece will have a long life, and you're ready to hang.
One of my all time favorite projects. This jewel of a powder room is in an arts and crafts mansion and is located in the spandrel, the triangular space under the stairs. You think you’re going into a dark stuffy room but are surprised by the good lighting and beautiful color.