The Medicine Cabinet Dilemma
Oh, the medicine cabinet. That humble, unassuming fixture that has divided the design world for decades. Are you team “must-have storage solution” or firmly planted in the “stylish mirror” camp? Well, friends, buckle up because I’m about to take you on a journey through my own personal medicine cabinet woes.
When we were renovating the bathrooms in our mountain house, I found myself in a serious predicament. On one hand, I’m a self-proclaimed minimalist who craves clean, uninterrupted lines and surfaces. That big, bulky medicine cabinet just didn’t fit the vibe I was going for. But on the other hand, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t need the storage. Where else was I going to stash all my potions and lotions, not to mention the kids’ ever-growing collection of toothbrushes and hair accessories?
The Search for a Stylish Solution
I scoured the internet, determined to find a storage solution that wouldn’t compromise my design sensibilities. I stumbled upon all sorts of clever ideas – floating shelves, side vanity cubbies, even barn door-style cabinets. But none of them quite hit the mark. They either looked too cluttered or weren’t practical enough for our daily needs.
And then, like a beacon of hope in the storage-deprived wilderness, I discovered the holy grail: the custom-built, hinged mirror with hidden shelving. [1] Cue the angels singing! This was it – the perfect marriage of form and function. A beautiful, seamless mirror on the outside, with discreet, adjustable shelving tucked neatly behind. Genius!
The Custom Conundrum
Of course, there was a catch. This custom solution wasn’t exactly budget-friendly. We’re talking a cool $1,200, not including the construction costs. Gulp. As much as I loved the idea, I just couldn’t justify that kind of expenditure, especially for a powder room that would only be used occasionally by guests.
So, I had to get creative. I enlisted the help of our contractor and came up with a plan to build shallow, recessed shelves behind a hinged mirror in the kids’ bathroom. Sadly, some crossed wires during the construction process meant that plan never came to fruition. Cue the sad trombone.
The Wall-Mounted Compromise
Defeated but not discouraged, I turned my attention to the more affordable, wall-mounted medicine cabinet options. While they may not have the same wow factor as the custom built-in, I have to admit, some of them are surprisingly chic. [2] From sleek, seamless designs to vintage-inspired frames, there are plenty of stylish choices that won’t break the bank.
In the end, we opted for the Pottery Barn Vintage Medicine Cabinet in our master bath. It checks all the boxes – discreet storage, a beautiful frame that complements the rest of the space, and a price tag that didn’t make me cringe. Sure, it’s not as glamorous as my custom mirror dreams, but it gets the job done without sacrificing style.
Finding the Right Balance
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to bathroom storage. It’s all about finding the right balance between form and function, and being willing to get a little creative. Maybe that means embracing a sleek, wall-mounted cabinet. Or perhaps it’s carving out some hidden shelving behind a gorgeous mirror.
Whatever route you choose, the key is to resist the temptation of just shoving everything in the nearest cabinet or drawer. Take the time to really evaluate what you need, and find storage solutions that work for your unique space and lifestyle. Because at the end of the day, a beautiful, clutter-free bathroom is truly a sight to behold.
So, are you #TeamMedicineCabinet or firmly planted in the “mirror as artwork” camp? I’d love to hear your thoughts! And if you’re still searching for the perfect storage solution, take heart. With a little bit of creativity and a healthy dose of determination, I have no doubt you’ll find the perfect fit.
[1] Knowledge from https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/blog/why-designers-hate-most-medicine-cabinets-some-genius-alternative-bathroom-storage-solutions
[2] Knowledge from https://www.extraspace.com/blog/home-organization/room-organization/hidden-bathroom-storage-ideas/