Bathroom and kitchen decoration

The decoration of bathrooms and kitchens should be prioritized within the home because of the importance of the tasks performed in them and because they are used by all members of the family at any time of the day.

The possibilities of materials, equipment, distribution and decoration of bathrooms and kitchens are endless, however, we have to follow certain guidelines to carry out our decorative ideas, taking into account the needs and tastes of the client, as well as the budget we have.

When decorating bathrooms and kitchens, we must prioritize the quality of the materials to be used, because in both rooms humidity and the effect of other substances deteriorate the coatings and furniture, especially when they have a poor quality.

Ideas and tips for bathroom decoration

Ceramic tiles are the most commonly used for walls and floors because they are resistant to moisture, easy to clean and cheaper than marble. Ceiling paint should be plastic because it resists water condensation better.

To define the color of the coverings take into account the dimensions of the bathroom and the habits of the clients:

• In very small bathrooms white is ideal, as it brings luminosity and makes the room look wider and cleaner. Instead of white you could use any other shade with a high degree of luminosity or combine more than one color.

• In large bathrooms, the shade and degree of brightness of the color can be managed according to the client's taste and decorative style.

• We must also consider the habits of the clients, since some conceive it as an area to relax -where less luminous colors would be appropriate-, while others pass through it in a hurry, so they require brighter colors.

Provide all areas of the bathroom with the lighting they require. Remember that in bathrooms, in addition to the general lighting, it is necessary to differentiate the following two lighting areas:

• The vanity, mirror and sink area: it should be illuminated from different points with a very clear and intense light. This effect can be achieved by placing sconces on both sides of the mirror.

• The shower or bathtub area: Generally in this area the lighting is done using recessed lights in the ceiling and walls. The light sources should be warmer to transmit a more comfortable atmosphere.

Place one or several mirrors; they could be large, even full-length; you can also play with the shapes of the mirror: rectangular, round, or oval; also, if you put more than one mirror you can play with the balance (symmetrical -axial or radial- or asymmetrical). Nowadays most people prefer shower instead of bathtub and translucent sliding doors instead of curtains, but we must always listen to the client's criteria. Opt for the placement of shelves or cabinets hanging on the wall, avoid reducing floor space.

Ideas and tips for decorating kitchens

When decorating the kitchen we must first consider that it is a place where you work, therefore, we must be concerned above all to place and distribute properly in space all the elements that improve working conditions; for this it is essential that we enable different areas, for example: one for the preparation and placement of food already prepared, another for cooking, another for cleaning, and so on.

Having enough free space is another of the premises that contribute to the welfare of people while preparing food; therefore the choice of modular furniture that take advantage of the vertical dimension of the space, is one of the best ideas when decorating any kitchen, regardless of its size.

Large windows, glass walls and skylight in the ceiling are elements that we must preserve in kitchens to make the most of the benefits of natural light: improves vision, brightens the spirit and favors the mechanism of sleep.

Three systems of artificial lighting should be used in the kitchen:

• General lighting system: It should provide about 300 lux uniformly throughout the space so that things can be found easily, even inside the cupboards.

• Spot lighting system: It should provide between 500 and 600 lux around the surfaces where food is processed. To take advantage of the space