Bathroom Accessory Tips from Waterworks

The right artwork, mirror or throw pillow can elevate the style of a room.  Home décor accessories are often forgotten and can be easily overdone. Striking the right balance is key.

Accessories are important design elements in any space and this of course includes powder and bathrooms. If you are struggling to finish off your bathroom with just the right accessories, you are in luck.

Today, I have the pleasure of interviewing Barbara Sallick, the Co-Founder and Senior Vice President of Design of Waterworks. In 1978, Barbara and her husband, Robert founded the luxury bath company which is known for craftsmanship and artisanal designs. I am excited to have her share tips on accessorizing the bathroom in style.

Simplified Bee: What are some new materials being used in bathroom accessories?

Barbara Sallick: I love natural linen – a material that has long been a tradition in the European bath, but is not as popular in the U.S. Linen is durable and only grows softer and more absorbent with age—many are surprised that it’s more absorbent than cotton. This fall we are launching many natural linens that are hand loomed and quite lovely. From elegant guest towels to crocheted bath mats to richly textured shower curtains.

I have not seen new materials for the bath recently.  However, resin continues to be a great material for the bath.  It is heat and water resistant, is available in great colors (I love our new fall color, purple) and very easy to keep clean.  Resin lends itself to clean modern shapes and is at home in any space.

I also love ceramic accessories for the bath. Here is an opportunity to search for great vintage pieces such as soap dishes, toothbrush holders repurposed as containers for jewelry and waste bins often the output of old English ceramics factories. But there are wonderful new handmade ceramics that add that personal touch as well.  Our new Chatham accessories have clean shapes, slightly irregular surfaces in tones of gray and white. These add an artisanal touch to any space.

SB: What is the best way to bring in bathroom accessories without being too matchy?

BS: I much prefer the personal touch of handmade or found objects that don't match when used as bathroom accessories. Many of our new accessory and textile collections are handmade so that no two pieces are exactly alike. For example, Chatam is kiln fired porcelain that is handmade in a small studio. Beautiful oversized white ceramic soap dishes look great on a counter as partners to more utilitarian nickel towel bars. A small vintage table is useful for candles and well packaged apothacary and more interesting than built in cabinets that resemble the ones in the kitchen.  It is the mixing and matching that makes any space more interesting.

SB: Do you have any creative tips for displaying towels?

BS: I love to layer towels on towel bars.  I start with thick rich white Gotham bath towels folded in thirds; I then add a different but neutral colored hand towel on top of the bath towel; the final layer is usually vintage linen towel with long fringe for additional texture. This inspired many of our new linen towels.

Sometimes I roll towels and place them in a beautiful woven basket and mix the palette for an added color splash in the bath.  Our Waterworks Jute basket is a perfect way to neatly store towels. I am very careful about how I fold the towels and often pile them up on the bathtub ledge. I recommend that all towels need to be folded very neatly and the assortment is limited.

SB: What are you favorite bathroom scents, soaps?

BS: I am not a flowery kind of person.  I think scents that suit my personality  are "outdoorsy and fresh". I love lemon verbena, vervaine, eucalyptus and a hint of mint. Our new apothecary diffusers are a perfect way to diffuse a lovely scent without overwhelming.

SB: You have a guest staying over – what are the three most important things that need to be done in a bath before they arrive?

BS: The bathroom must be sparkling clean for guests from the grout to the water closet. All light bulbs must be in working order and the mirrors clean.  Install a fresh roll of toilet paper, new bars of soap for the sink and the shower. Make sure there is a clean drinking glass.  It goes without saying that your towels are fluffy and newly washed.  And, don't forget to place a container of your favorite body lotion on the shelf over the sink or on the counter. Our new Fresh Linen apothecary scent is reminiscent of how any guest bath should be: clean, welcoming and elegant.

Thanks Barbara for the great tips! All of the home furnishings and accessories pictured above are currently available on Waterworks online store. 

What special ways do you prepare your bathroom for guests?