Stall Size Shower Curtains for a Stately Bathroom

Read article : Stall Size Shower Curtains for a Stately Bathroom

If you have a stall shower, then having a shower curtain is a must for reasons mentioned above. You may not be aware, but apart from vinyl curtains (that are very popular and inexpensive), there are many other varieties to choose from. There are new styles, trends and patterns available that cater to every type of decor.

Types of Shower Curtains

Shower curtains are prominently made of vinyl or plastic. But, apart from these synthetic materials, you will also find curtains made of natural material like cotton, hemp, etc. Let us take a look, in brief, at the types and features of the different shower curtains.

These are the most popular or commonly used shower curtains. They are inexpensive, durable and waterproof or water-repellent. They are also easy-to-use and clean. As they are available in different sizes and colors, you can surely find one that suits the decor and overall look of your bathroom. Vinyl curtains are also found in exciting designs and themes, suitable for adults' as well as kids' bathroom. At the same time, solid color curtains are also very popular.

When it comes to use and applicability, polyester curtains are very much similar to vinyl curtains. 100% polyester is waterproof and easily washable (can be washed in a machine). It does not require any maintenance. On the other hand, you can also consider going for shower curtains made partly of cotton and partly of polyester. These curtains are perfectly suitable for contemporary as well as traditional decor. Vinyl and plastic shower curtains are suited for high-traffic bathrooms.

Cotton Fabric

Now, if you want something more elegant than plastic, then you can opt for cotton shower curtains. They are environment-friendly. They are also available in large number of colors and patterns. On the flip side, cleaning and maintaining these curtains is not as easy as cleaning vinyl or polyester ones. They take a longer time to dry and mildew quickly. However, you can look for cotton curtains that are treated to make them more water-resistant.

Hemp (a thick plant fiber) is yet another variety of natural material used to make shower curtains. One of its many advantages is that it is as mildew-resistant as vinyl; and as environment-friendly as cotton. Hemp naturally has antifungal and antibacterial properties, and hence, does not mildew easily. However, the only side effect of hemp is that it requires longer time to dry. Due to its absorbent properties, it tends to absorb water, and hence, needs extended drying.

The price of a shower curtain depends, exclusively, on the material used. While those made of vinyl and polyester are inexpensive, those made of natural materials like cotton and hemp are pricier. Fabric shower curtains require vinyl liners to protect them from mildew and stains. This may further increase the cost. But, mark it, fabric curtains definitely look more elegant and beautiful than vinyl.

Vinyl shower curtains based on themes are priced slightly higher than others. Due to availability of large number of designs and themes, you will surely find what you are looking for. If not, you can also customize one. Look out for manufacturers that make custom shower curtains, according to your specifications of color, material, design, etc. You can also look for designer label shower curtains.

Shower Curtain Designs

➡ Solid white and beige curtains are the most popular ones they match with most of the bathroom themes. Whereas, the second most common are polka-dotted ones.

➡ You can even opt for other solid colors like blue, green, maroon, black, violet, etc., as they are visually appealing and will also match / contrast your bathroom decor.

➡ If looking for shower curtains for kids' bathroom, then you can find the ones themed on popular cartoon characters, animals, cars, abstract art, etc.

➡ When it comes to themed shower curtains (usually of vinyl or polyester material), you will find that the aquatic theme is quite popular: with designs of droplets, fish, aquatic life, etc.

➡ Lastly, if you are looking for something unique, then try silhouette shower curtains. These are cool, intriguing, and will suit modern bathroom decor.

Shower screens are also, sometimes, used in place of shower curtains. However, they are expensive as compared to shower curtains. Secondly, curtains are more preferred as they are attractive and also easy to maintain and replace. With new styles and trends available, finding the perfect shower curtain to add some style to your shower, has become quite easier.

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Villa with breathtaking views where the elements have been carefully curated

Read article : Villa with breathtaking views where the elements have been carefully curated

Architects: Architecture BRIO
Location: Tala, India
Year: 2016
Area: 2.421 ft²/ 225 m²
Photo courtesy: Photographix
Description:

“The Tree Villa perches on the cliff of a 160 acre hilltop ‘treesort’ property surrounded by a meandering river landscape. The idyllic setting in Tala on the West coast of India, is a stone’s throw away from the Kuda caves. Nearly 20 centuries ago, Buddhist monks instinctively understood the qualities of this meditative landscape and made the hills their home. The Tree Villa was conceived as a celebration of this landscape by creating a series of blurred transitional spaces with different levels of transparency and openness within this forested tropical setting.

Upon arrival, a timber bridge takes the visitor off the forest floor on to a large stilted deck that wraps around the house and culminates on a viewing platform. The constant reminder of breathtaking views enhances a reflective ambience that is mirrored throughout the house.

The architectural elements of the house have been carefully curated, each conveying a message of its own: the bathroom enclosure is crafted out of vertical timber slats filled in with mirrored panels that reflect the surrounding forest and the other forms occupying the space.

They are abstractly reminiscent of tree branches that droop, giving nature opportunities to peek through within a constantly animated shadow play of hide and seek.

The horizontal openness and airiness of the large voluminous space below a dominating thatched roof is emphasized by wrapping it with a layer of operable glass. The curved corners of this glazed wooden framework display a panoramic exhibit of nature. The curves create a sensual kind of luxury and bring softness to the space. A second layer of a tie dyed bordered sheer curtains filters the harsh light during the midst of the day and nestles three other enclosures as well.

The villa accommodates 4 adults and 2 children. The functions included provide for two double beds, a loft bed for children, two bathrooms, a lounge, a place for breakfast or paying board games with an outdoor deck and a large viewing deck. Rather than compartmentalizing those activities into distinct rooms, the main space is broken up by three smaller enclosures that are positioned within it, ensuring a visual connection to the forest in multiple directions from all rooms: a pantry-cum-loft unit, a semi-outdoor bathroom and a curtained bed enclosure act as anchors and define interstitial zones such as the breakfast room and the lounge. The free flowing circulation in between creates visual permeability across the plan.

As smaller spaces within a larger space, the bathroom and pantry-cum-loft are enclosures made out of a wooden slatted framework and filled in with white plexiglass.

The pantry unit contains all the services of the room and a small kitchenette. The top of the unit is accessed with a wooden ladder and provides an additional bed. Looking down on the surrounding forest it is almost like a ‘pirates nest’, a great cozy hideout for young kids.

The enclosure of the semi-outdoor bathroom encloses an outdoor courtyard but also protrudes into the glazed interior space. An old Garuga fruit tree punctures the floor of the outdoor bathroom. One branch enters the room and exits again through the thatched roof. Other branches spread across the outdoor bathroom before exiting through multiple circular openings in the enclosure. A free standing bath tub and the indoor-outdoor feel of the space make it an ideal relaxed setting.

A large luxurious king size bed within a soft linen fabric enclosure can be open or closed off depending on demands of privacy.

A spiral staircase connects to a secret lower level that is suspended below the tree villa. This guest suite is on one side backed by a rock outcrop and on the other side surrounded by a thick forest. You can take a shower here with merely a curved glazed sheet separating you and the forest life around you. A timber floored outdoor deck and attached staircase invites you to take a hike in the forest.

Elements and textures as parts of the structure are focused on coexistence. The monochrome colour scheme of the space along with an eclectic mix of partly restored and partly custom designed furniture pieces give the interior a bohemian vibe. The restraint in the colour palette highlights the surrounding greenery.