It's the time of year when we're all making predictions about what's next, and I'm wondering if 2010 will be the end of the immaculate spa-style bathroom. In many ways, I do think we're going to see a lot less of the 4-star hotel look, and that even wealthier homeowners will keep the amenities but skip the modern and sterile style to incorporate a look more reflective of their own taste, be it high glam or country home. But who has that kind of money right now?Most of us are going to have to figure out a way to work with existing fixtures and cabinets, and style the bathroom the best we can. That's why I think artful bathrooms like these from Marie Claire Maison will be huge this year. Tons of frames and art distract from a less than stellar paint job, showcase your personality and make good use of all the less precious art you've accumulated from flea markets and Etsy. A lot of these rooms scream "la vie boheme", but I don't think that's all this look can amount to. A more uniform selection of black and white photography en masse against a dark high-gloss paint could look super-chic and one huge, couch-size piece over a tub makes a huge statement.
If you do decide you want to give your bathroom a quickie makeover like this, the only caveat is making sure the room is well-ventilated, and no matter what, don't place anything that comes close to an heirloom status in your bathroom.
