Local experts share their best insights for ensuring bathrooms are ready when it’s go time
Written by MARY FITZGERALD
THE BEST PART OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON is gathering with loved ones — opening your home to friends and family and celebrating cherished traditions together. If this is your year to host a holiday party or accommodate house guests, you’ll want your home to sparkle with holiday cheer. To handle the influx of house guests and avoid any mishaps, pay special attention to the bathrooms. Make sure these rooms are in good working order and include festive touches to make your guests feel welcome and comfortable. Happy hosting!
Troubleshoot
Bathrooms will be working overtime with extra occupants in the house, so ensure your bathrooms are ready for the holiday rush. No one wants to deal with a flood on Christmas morning. If you have ever had to make an emergency service call over a holiday break, you know how frustrating and costly it can be. Kyle Hagemes of Victory Plumbing suggests having your drains cleaned to preemptively avoid possible disasters. This is especially important if your baths are older or prone to issues.
He explains that the main drains can be viewed with a camera to see if there are any blockages, and a plumber can inspect for other potential problems before they arise, such as replacing faucet cartridges and toilet tank parts. Small fixes now can avoid big headaches later.
To keep all your guests happy, hot showers are a must on chilly December mornings. Remember, there will be a constant demand for hot water, not only for showers but for laundry and dishes. If your hot water unit is old, you have noticed water in the pan or a lack of hot water, this might be the time to replace your model. Hagemes suggests having your hot water tank checked before the company arrives to avoid cold showers and water damage.
Tonya Reed of Henry Plumbing shares more helpful tips. To prevent holiday backups, Henry Plumbing can perform hot water jetting of the waste lines to remove blockages and build-up. Reed recommends having the water heater flushed and checked yearly. If desired, Henry Plumbing will send a yearly reminder to have this service done ahead of the holidays.
Most importantly, Reed states, homeowners should know where their water meter is located, in case of a water leak, and have a shut-off key on hand, available at your local hardware or home improvement center. Gently remind guests to be careful about only flushing toilet paper down the toilet. Being prepared will hopefully ward off any “National Lampoon Christmas Vacation” scenes!
Lastly, if you battle with hard water, which contains high levels of minerals such as calcium and magnesium, your faucets and glass shower doors may be displaying a chalky film. Reed recommends installing a whole-house water conditioning system to remedy this situation.
Throw in the Towels
For plush towels, bathrobes, rugs and shower curtains adorned with appliqué embroidery and touches of tartan, Weezie Towels can stock your bath, creating a sumptuous, hotel-like experience. “As the holidays approach, I like to focus on creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere for my guests,” says Weezie co-founder and creative director, Liz Eichholz. “Adding a personal touch through customization makes any space look more put together and intentional, and I’m most excited about our new scallop towels embroidered with an intricate Christmas tree icon and our new linen-like paper guest towels.”
On the Clock
Try to see your home through your guests’ eyes — it can be enlightening. You may suddenly realize your bathrooms need a makeover. If so, be sure to allow for plenty of time, as the average renovation spans multiple months, especially around the holidays as contractors’ schedules fill up. The last thing you need when company arrives is to be “under construction.”
Interior designer Anne Pappas of Anne Pappas Interiors advises clients to set realistic expectations for major bathroom renovations. “For a full-scale bath renovation, I recommend two months of design work and six to 12 weeks of renovation (once design decisions are finalized and materials ordered) depending on the complexity of the project.”
Pappas’ Picks
Anne Pappas highlights some of her favorite Savannah shops to accessorize and add holiday flair to bathrooms:
“Leah Bailey Interiors has a great selection of hand linens, and she keeps them fresh with the seasons.”
“One Fish Two Fish is another go-to for great candles, trays and accessories.”
“I love the selection of bud vases and candlesticks from Asher + Rye — their palette is sophisticated.
Kevin Norris of American Craftsman Renovations has noticed that many clients are replacing tub-and-shower combinations with stand-alone showers, specifying textural tile and glass surrounds for a more spacious and luxurious bath.
For a quick facelift, he recommends a fresh coat of paint on walls, ceiling and trim. And even the most tired or outdated vanity can be updated with paint and new hardware. For a touch of instant character, Norris recommends applying wallpaper in his clients’ powder and guest bathrooms. Simple fixes like changing out lighting also brighten up these spaces.
Preparing for holiday guests or hosting a party is a great excuse to spruce up a guest bathroom or powder room. “Maybe it’s time for a new light fixture, paint color or wallpaper,” Pappas says. “Swapping out an old mirror or light fixture with something new can create a big impact.”
Finishing Touches
“A powder room is a great spot for an unexpected piece of art or an artsy black-and-white family photo,” Pappas says.
Bring in the sights and smells of nature by dressing the bath with greenery and flowers, especially during the holidays for a festive feel. “I love magnolia or boxwood garlands draped on mirrors or eucalyptus in a rustic vase for greenery,” Pappas says. “I always put something fresh in the guest bath — ranunculus, anemones, olive branches and date berries in vases. To awaken the senses, Pappas says, “A woodsy fragrant hand soap and candles are great additions before company comes.”
