I love older homes. We couldn't find one in the area where we moved last time we moved. As much as I like my current house, I'd dump it in a second for a vintage one.
Older houses usually have way more character than newer ones. But they do pose some problems...like this one my friend Suzanne has.
Here's what she says: "I have a built-in ceramic toothbrush holder, but not one of my toothbrushes fits in the small holes now that toothbrushes have wide, ergonomic designs. I also have virtually no counter space for a cup (which gathers gook anyway) or any other contraption. I was hoping there would be some ingenious person out there who has come out with an adapter for built-in toothbrush holders. "
She says that she winds up leaving the toothbrushes precariously leaning on her contact solution and they fall down. And the soap dish actually doesn't usually hold soap, but toothpaste tubes (four of them, one for each member of the family...) so a solution for that would be great, too.
So the challenge: How can Suzanne store toothbrushes and other needed items without removing the ceramic holders there now or rendering them useless?
Maybe some sort of a shelf that spans the ceramic holders? Or does an adapter already exist? Or are there other ideas out there?
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8 comments:
Place a narrow shelf or board across the toothbrush holder, making sure it extends all the way across to cover the soap dish too. Wooden spacers might have to be used to make sure self is level. Glue/nail wood trim under the shelf ends and front to hide the two ceramic holders. Use two or more holes in the tooth brush holder to insert a combination of screws and giant washers through to the shelf. This will hold the shelf securely in place. Sand, then paint or varnish to finish. Woohoo, you have solved several problems at once. Good luck however you solve the problem.
Cher
I've been visiting your site for some time but I think this may be my first comment. I too am a Redesigner though not doing it professionally at the time. I love anything decor.
My idea for this would be to use the two built-ins (the toothbrush holder and the soap holder)...assuming they are levelly placed...as the base of a shelf. Then you can place store bought decorative holders for your necessities.
I covered mine with a pre-made crown molding shelf.. if I can I'll post about it tomorrow.... :) I'll let you know .Jen R
Not much help here, but I'm interested in reading what other people suggest, as I have a similar problem in my bathroom (my house was built in 1941).
I store my toothbrush and toothpaste in the medicine cabinet above the sink, because I hate having those things on display (there is only one bathroom in the house).
I've thought of re-purposing the cup part of the toothbrush holder with a small vase, but I'm not sure. So for now, they just sit empty.
I think the shelf idea is a good one & it looks like they are even, so that would be a great solution. even a shelf out of granite or marble would be a nice look.
HI Mary, I posted about my ceramic holder solution if your friend want s to stop by and take a look :) Jen R
I love Jen R.'s idea! I don't have a clever solution, but I had to tell the entire world that I use my toothbrush, I dry it within an inch of it's life and it goes right back into a travel container in my drawer. I'm obsessively worried some crazy germs are going to glom onto it somehow. lol I wish I was lying.
The shelf idea seems to have a lot of merit, especially if she knows someone who can custom cut the wood incase something isn't level. Great idea! I am with you, I would dump my new house for a vintage one any day, if I could, as much as I love where we are now. Nothing compares to the charm! Also, the recipe for squash blossoms looks so yummy, I am wishing I grew squash! :)
-Carrie
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