Want a European looking bathroom in the USA – help please?
June 29th, 2009
I’m looking to remodel my very, very tiny bathroom in my apartment in New York City – but I don’t want a traditional “American” look. I’ve been noticing some really cool ideas on my last few trips to Europe and would really like to implement that “Chic, European” look here at home in the USA. One thing I noticed is, in Europe, they usually tile from floor to ceiling. Here in the states, except for the shower – we usually only tile 1/2 the wall.
Can you all please give me other ideas, suggestions, decorating tips, places that you know of that sell EUROPEAN or European stylebathroom fixtures (NOT “Home Depot”!!!! That’s exactly the look I don’t want.) I really need good answers.
My current situations is: I’m free to tile all I want. I cannot remove the tub because it is connected to the apartment next door – and removing it would destroy both tubs. So it must stay. Only have room for toilet, small counter with sink.
Please tell me how I can get that look here in the USA. Thank!
And before anyone cracks a joke about it – I think I will not go for the “Italian toilet” look. Like the rest of Europe – I prefer my toilet to have an actual toilet seat. As for the rest of the Italian bathrooms – they are quite beautiful with the glass counter tops instead of formica, (no stains!) and all of Europe – the have found not only a great way to use the limited space they have- but they make it look so darn cool and fun too! My bathroom just looks tiny and dull. Help! I want a fun, cool looking European bathroom!
Posted in Bathroom Remodel Ideas | 
Tags: Apartment In New York, Bathroom Remodel Ideas, Counter Tops, Tiny Bathroom
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Well having been to Italy a few times both the in the country and in the cities I know what you are talking about.
You know some very good examples of baths that have what are you are looking for can be found in old apartments right where you are. I would suggest looking in the newspaper and going to see apartments for rent in the older Italian area close to where you are.
The basic concept being simplicity and function using attractive materials.
Tile is the biggest common denominator between a village and city bath is tile. City baths having more marble and village baths having ceramic tile. A nice compromise is a white 4×6 tile layed in a “running bond” pattern (like bricks are layed) up about half way with a very decorative cap molding where it stops. White tile with a black molding is very elegant looking. And can be found it both types.
For the flooring using a “mosaic” tile (the little ones 1″x1″ or 2″x2″) with a nice yet simple border in-layed around the room perimeter will also achieve your look for older. Newer using marble with a marble floor molding up about 3″
If you stick with “real” materials, real wood, etc. it adds to the picture. City baths seem to have a much grater contrast in materials such as all white tile and dark stained cabinetry. I think for you bath it sounds like I would go with an all white them with chrome fixtures then add some vibrant colors for your tiles and accessories for a more chic look. and or the white and black I spoke of above. a lot of chrome is used also handles, faucets, levers, towel racks.
Unfortunately if you are looking for fixtures such as toilets or sinks they are going to have to be ordered form a specialty store at great expense. You might think of going to look around at a surplus fixture house for items that have been removed from older baths, I’m sure if you are in the city, city there are many at your disposal. I hope