Mariella Cruzado has always understood the importance of a comfortable and organized space, but the founder and lead designer of Splendor Styling in the D.C. area said that idea came into sharp relief during the pandemic, with so much time spent at home.
"I realized how important it is to have a home that we truly love and enjoy," Cruzado said in a phone interview. "I knew that before. It’s been my job for a long time, but it turned into a more meaningful thing."
That’s even true in the bathroom, where crisp white towels and co-ordinating marble accessories can create a sense of calm and order as you start your day, Cruzado said.
"If you go to your bathroom and everything is on the floor and the colours don’t match, or there’s dingy brown or blue towels, it’s going to create a sensation of mess and put you in a mood before you even realize it," she said. "That’s why it’s so important to keep personal spaces clean and organized."
We asked Cruzado to suggest items that can enhance storage and organization in any bathroom, while also being visually appealing.
She says trays can help corral the items you use every day, while natural materials add an organic feeling to any room. She also likes to add metallic finishes, particularly gold tones, to any room she designs. A hamper with a lid will also help keep your bathroom looking neat and tidy.
"Decorative items don’t have to be complicated," Cruzado says. "In a small space, you have to make every piece count, even your trash can."
To squeeze in some extra storage, Cruzado suggests using a small shelf in a corner for everyday items or a grouping of shelves on the wall or above the toilet for towels and washcloths.
For a clean, uncluttered look, Cruzado suggests ditching the cardboard box that tissues come in and using a clear acrylic container instead.
— The Washington Post
