What should I do with this space?

Question

We recently bought a home that had a built in planter box in the master bath.  There was nothing growing in it,  and who wants dirt in their bathroom?  So I've removed mulch, soil, clay and stone and now have a large tin bucket in there. Any suggestions on what to do with this space.  About 2.5 x 2.5 square by 2 deep.

Pam Walker · Answer

I'd hinge a lid on it & use it for extra toilet paper or bath towels storage. On the lid, I'd decorate it OR you could just stain it. I'd cut the lid to fit flush to the wall & the corners so it would look like a solid top instead of just a lid over the opening & leave raised edges. It would be a hide-away space for extra storage but when the lid is down, you can't even tell it's there. :)

Kar · Answer

I would create a small water fountain with green plants so that I could enjoy the sound while soaking in the bubble bath...

Jacalyn · Answer

Since it looks liske you can't get rid of it, I'd roll up towels of different sizes and stand them up in the box.  Depending on your theme and colors, maybe you could also add some decorative items, like starfish or sand dollars, to make it more fun and visually interesting.    Good luck!

Joan Venet · Answer

Loving some of these ideas. Had thought about the water fountain idea, but I can just see the Jack Russell thinking it's her personal water bowl. lol

Joan Venet · Answer

I was thinking hamper as well. Also like the idea of storage for TP, and other misc bathroom items. Just didn't want to jump too soon on these I then say, 'wish I thought of that'. Thanks for the ideas.

Joan Paxinou · Answer

Since I come from Greece, I would recomend a sea concept. Just some cactus plants and around it lots of pebbles, large white and among it some green glass stones.

Chris Baehr · Answer

I really love the water fountain that karmalaone mentioned.....sounds like what a spa would have ....thanks karalaone for the idea ....I have a similar place I will check more into to see if I can do the same .

Lisam · Answer

From the pictures posted, it appears to be a small space. I would use small glass tiles on the inside, or white wainscot to make the inside nice. Then I would use organizer items to make great use of the space. Example: A nice deep dark wicker basket to roll up towels and stand on end to add height in the corner closest to the window. Or add a nice decorative box with a lid you can open. Store small items such as razors, soaps, extra toothpaste etc. On top of the box, place decorative candle holders or a nice artificial floral arrangement. In the rest of the area, use stackable storage containers to store the small bathroom stuff, eg: makeup, band aides, hair scrunchies, etc. Then place a top organizer with decorative things such as rolled washcloths, fancy decorative soap and perfume bottles. The space will serve as a focal point as well as being functional.

Crg341889 · Answer

Storage. Baskets of tp, towels, bathroom sundries.

Irene · Answer

In browsing through other Hometalk finds, I came across a pic that looked just like your empty planter only it had been made into a fairy garden (only faux plantings). It was absolutely beautiful and would look great in your space. I don't believe I'd ever tire of looking at that - and you could change the scene whenever the mood struck you.

E4lizerd · Answer

storage, storage storage! you could paint the inside with chalk paint, (if you want to go super easy) or just try using contact paper to line it. I also like the water fountain idea, but I never have enough storage, Ikea has some great deep baskets that might work too,

Jeani Miller Miner · Answer

I'd have it glassed in on all four sides about 6 inches tall, I'd line the interior with glass rocks after building the base up so the rocks would be just about at rim level and install canisters of gel to create a fireplace - Soaking in the tub watching the flicker of flames would be bliss. The gel-style canisters do NOT require venting, the flames don't get too high and they're easily lit and extinguished. Sort of like the picture shown in the link. http://www.ethanolfireplaces.com/product.asp?itemid=109&gclid=Cj0KEQjwl6GuBRD8x4G646HX7ZYBEiQADGnzupz5n-Z954xFg6qFXnHaS_EMr1d_iwpeE_36j7QstmUaAmyf8P8HAQ

C · Answer

How about lowering the walls and placing an aquarium in the space? Or just covering the hole and setting one on top? Even a small aquarium gives a unique ambiance to a bathroom, is a lovely night light and is incredibly relaxing to view while soaking in a tub. Add some plants around it and it's practically a spa experience!

Swan Road Designs · Answer

I'd make a framed mirror tray-like top that would just sit into the open space and use the inside as storage for things that 'need' to be in the bathroom, aren't the prettiest and not often used. That would leave other space in the bathroom available for necessities and frequently used items. 
 When the 'tray' is in place you could put some decorative goodies that would lend themselves to being reflected in the mirror.

I'm not a person who is much for 'maintaining' unnecessary things in bathrooms. The idea, to me, of cleaning or having to take care of a fairy garden, etc, is not an option, The moisture and humidity from bathing and showering, dust from towels and paper products, along with overspray from hair spray and body grooming cosmetics would be a negative in my book, My husband and I are the only ones who live in our house and it's amazing what accumulates on a weekly basis in our master bath.

Karen · Answer

Maybe a water feature? Something nice and soothing while you soak in the tub!

Paulinethomsen · Answer

I would cover it with a hinged top, then use it for storage-toilet paper, cleaning supplies...

Barb · Answer

Loved the hinged top idea for storage but how about a water feature?

Chris Holtz · Answer

I would put up a fountain which flows into the planter box. The sound would be very soothing

Barbara · Answer

I love the ideas that would add storage for bathroom essentials. We have so little storage in our master bathroom, thanks to the pedestal sinks the previous owners installed, any space that can be utilized for concealed storage gets and A+ from me.

Joan Venet · Answer

We've decided on a hamper. Putting a lid on it. Hopefully dirty clothes will no longer sit in the tub.

Barbara · Answer

Perfect! Now i wish I had one too!

Carol · Answer

Hamper is exactly what I was going to suggest! Glad you thought of it. Maybe paint the inside a nice bright color.

HouseLogic.com · Answer

Hey Joan, A hamper sounds like a great way to go. We also like the idea of using it for storage. The planter would make a great place to stash cleaning products. Here are a few more bathroom storage ideas: http://goo.gl/9UUnRE

Paula Waleau · Answer

https://www.google.com/search?q=japanese+soak...

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