Kim Myles: Life, Style and Design

Interior design maven and host of HGTV’s “Myles of Style,” Kim Myles, will answer a question submitted from an ESSENCE.com reader every day. Kim believes that interior design should offer a lifestyle that’s chic, vibrant and attainable for every homeowner or renter. “My goal is to offer simple solutions that help the average person achieve the look that they want without going into debt. There is absolutely no reason for great design to be overly expensive or exclusive,” she declares. Today’s topic: My tiny bathroom needs help Dear Kim, I definitely need your help. Whenever anyone comes over my apartment they make comments about my bathroom. I live in NYC and my apartment, like most of my friends, is tiny and laid out weird because the buildings are so old. My bathroom is so small and the toilet bowl is right next to the door so you cannot open it if someone is sitting there. The steam furnace is also there and there is a fogged window in my shower so there is natural light. I rent so I don’t want to invest too much, but I am looking for ways to make the bathroom space seem bigger. I think I made a mistake with the color paint and towels though. It is now painted a blue and grey and looks like closet with all of my and my husband’s stuff on the counter. KIM MYLES:  Oh, the New York bathroom! It’s a challenge, but it’s totally possible to make it feel a bit more open. I think you’re right about the color scheme, so I’d encourage you to go classic black and white. I have a tiny bathroom myself, and I painted it to great success using Behr “Luster”–white with just a hint of pink like a pearl. I’d hang a white shower curtain with classic details–think black piping at the border, and then add black towels. As far as your toiletries are concerned, they should be stowed in an attractive manner. Clutter is death to small spaces, and there’s no reason for all of your stuff to be out when guests come over. Consider vertical shelving behind the commode, and a series of decorative black boxes for storage. Read more:

• For more “Life, Style & Design” stories, click here.
• Kim Myles: Before and After
• “Myles of Style” Makeovers

Need help selecting furniture for your space? Have a disagreement with your spouse on a color to paint your walls? Toddlers making your home look like a storm rolled through it and need help adjusting for their mess? Send your design question to webmaster@essence-online.com. Please keep the questions brief and as detailed as possible. Remember, the more information you offer, the more Kim will be able to help!