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First, I'll apologize for all the posts, I don't know how to post multiple pics. I've purchased an ordinary chrome bath towel rack, hand towel rack, and toilet paper holder. I've now found starfish items that I like so, I'm thinking about doing the bath in starfish. Have you ever seen a themed room that is so overdone it looks comical? That's what I'm afraid of if I purchase them, I don't want to cross over into the decorating overkill zone. This pic is our bathroom. The top 1/2 of the walls will be a gray, and the bottom 1/2 is white beadboard. Either way I go, using the chrome or using the starfish items, I'm going to make about 3 photo frames with starfish in them to hang. So give me your thoughts on using the starfish decor, too much or would it look ok? TIA

Towel rack

Hand towel rack

Toilet paper holder

This hangs on the wall and is about 24" wide

First and foremost, it's YOUR bathroom so who are we to dictate how you decorate it? That being said and since you're seeking opinions, it's my feeling that YES, a themed space can become overdone and even commercial as in a catalog display. I feel you don't need to feature so many themed items to convey a feel. In fact to do so may be too predictable and in some cases, less classy. I would much prefer you stick w/ the chrome (or brushed nickle) hardware and then evoke the feel you currently seek via art and/or fabrics (ie, a shower curtain, a rug, window topper, towel border, etc. w/ restraint of course) Even w/ these items, less is more if you desire an elegant and professional outcome. It's fine to evoke a passion, hobby or interest in decor, but do so thoughtfully and sparingly. You can still accomplish the look you seek and it won't look like a predictable and overdone space that sometimes can result in visual clutter. The added bonus is that you can easily change out your "theme" or feel if you use timeless hardware. BTW, some people detest "theme" spaces, but again, it's personal taste. Many prefer a feel vs. a theme.

Timing is everything . I do like the white starfish holders, but again, many prefer a less matchy-matchy feel. If you're drawn to them and don't tire easily of themes, then it may be a good idea that won't break the bank (hardware is easy to change out too). Factor in how many starfish accessories you plan to use and edit if necessary. One large wall plaque, painting or sculpture may provide more impact than a lot of little items that could result in visual clutter.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Froo Froo,

I agree with Froo Froo totally. To me, a room looks more sophisticated when you hint at the theme rather than spelling it out over and over. I personally would go with chrome fixtures instead of the starfish ones if I were using starfish in other ways in the room, but that is just a personal preference. I really like what you have envisioned with the beadboard and gray paint. I'll be excited to see how it turns out. Good luck!

~Lady50

I really like the "holders". I would use those and not the mermaid thingy. Then just use other art work that compliments the colors but not the theme. It will be a very pretty room!

I agree with Grapefruit, on this one. : )

Using some REAL starfish (and some shells) in the bath along w/ the apropos wall color (esp. in a monochromatic scheme when teamed w/ white) can be very beachy/spa like and elegant. A few samples are depicted here...

http://www.houzz.com/photos/ba...hemed-drawer-handles

Love them all! Of course in Sunny FL they are perfect. Have fun and show us when you finish your re-do.

quote:

Originally posted by mountainbeach:
Have you ever seen a themed room that is so overdone it looks comical?

Yes, many times and I think I overdid the rooster theme in my kitchen years ago so have reduced the number of items. Themes/collections sometimes grow without one even noticing or trying.

For me, the problem with using themed permanent fixtures is that I might tire of the theme before long. It's easier to change out a theme if I keep to decorative items that are not attached. Can be expensive to have to change the towel rack, hand towel rack, and toilet paper holder. However you may have a longer attention span than I do! Those holders are very pretty!

I look at it this way . . .

Decorative items are never "forever" -- utilitarian items are.

A lot, too, depends on the cost!

For . . . starfish won't be forever. You'll tire of them after a few years. You may say you won't, but you will.

So in five years or so, you're willing to replace the towel and t t holders, then I'd say go for it.

If they're expensive, and money IS an object, then I saw go with the plainer ones and decorate with starfish.

I have learned over time that things that cost good money and cost more good money to replace, DON'T get something "trendy" or colorful -- stay middle of the road. You'll be happier (and have more money in the bank) if you do!

I am a slow learner and I can cite you chapter and verse about wallpaper, sofas, etc. that I bought and then tired of . . . and I was stuck with because they were too expensive to change out!

Case in point, our guest bath. I DO feel that you can go "wild" with a guest bath -- you're not in it constantly and will, therefore, tire less quickly of it than say a bedroom with the same wall treatment.

I put up a black background monkey paper. It was darling and I did LOVE the bath! Kept towel bars and t t holder. That was in 2005. A couple of years later I found the most DARLING t t holder -- two monkeys holding a rod -- the only thing it was $200. ThAT is a lot to pay for a t t holder. I was tempted, really tempted for I adored the bath and that would have "made" the room.

But sanity got the better of me. I didn't pop. Now 5 years later, (7 years after putting up) I am tired of the monkeys and am looking for a change. I am SO grateful that I didn't buy that "stupid" t t holder. $200, what was I thinking to even consider it!

At least my store has a happy ending -- a roll of wallpaper at a discount doesn't cost much nor does a bucket of paint.

So consider the cost and if you'd be okay in getting something new in a few years when you're tired of the starfish!

Martha

Just in case you need a knob or two I found these.

http://www.pullsdirect.com/ind...n%20%252F%20nautical

Good Luck!

BTW here is our themed bath that Dson uses each day. It has marlins and dolphins on it.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Beau's Rose,

Sailfish on the towels

A print on the wall. Artist calls it a Blue Marlin however I've noticed the sail is wrong. LOL.

So have fun and enjoy your project!

I am going to put it to you straight. As a professional I would advise you to use the ordinary chrome fittings in your bathroom. The starfish towel racks and t.p. holder are definitely in the design overk.ill zone. You are right.

quote:

Originally posted by cocok:
I am going to put it to you straight. As a professional I would advise you to use the ordinary chrome fittings in your bathroom. The starfish towel racks and t.p. holder are definitely in the design overk.ill zone. You are right.

ITA. "One seashell too many." That was Christopher Lowell's sage advice to viewers years ago, cautioning them not to go overboard with themed decor.

Ok, I decided to go with the chrome. Then I'll sporadically add some starfish. The mermaid is a keeper because I like it. Can't wait to get it all done so I can post pics.