If These Floors Could Talk: Bathroom Blues

Hello Darling,

I’ve spent hours, more than I can possibly count - and I’m almost afraid to know - on Pinterest pinning and creating inspiration boards for projects I would love to someday accomplish at our home.

Today, I will narrow my focus from these many boards and pins to the changes my fiancé & I have been piecing together for our main bathroom. Right now I have three bathrooms - two full, one half. We currently do not have a master suite (although, that is on our long list of home renovations to do) so the full bath on the second floor is our main.

The Current Style

We have been battling long-term wear and tear with the current alcove bathtub. I’ve also never been a fan of uninspiring, bland tan walls and linoleum flooring. I’m sure it was beautiful in the early 2000’s, but it’s not my style. I teeter on the lines of elegant, vintage, rustic, farm eclectic, and Gothic/punk. With my wide taste in styles/trends, I always had a knack for stay ahead of the curve. Now, my focus is to blend my mixed styles into the house in ways that play favor to the stunning details from the original craftsmanship.

It’s a beautiful layout for a shared bathroom, and is a focal point at the end of the hall from once you walk up the stairs.

As you stand at the doorway looking in, you’ll find on your left there boasts a surprisingly large acrylic alcove tub with acrylic walls that came pre-made with four small soap dish style shelves. There are two pedestal sinks opposite the tub that don’t feel crammed together, with two white box medicine cabinets hanging above, and double sconce lighting above each box. The toilet sits tucked into the corner just behind the shower. Above the toilet you’ll find large built-in shelving for storage. One large window with massive crown molding sits at the center of attention. Despite being frosted over, you still receive ample daylight. Just below sits an old radiator, seemingly forgotten – but I love the character, the history it holds. I want to know it’s story.

Long before closing, I had picked out color choices for the bathroom but decided to toss the idea aside because something was missing – it wasn’t enough to make this bathroom meet its full potential and I don’t like doing projects that leave me feeling unfinished.

Then I found it – the piece to spark my dream. This double sink, Italian Carrara marble, navy blue vanity with gold fixtures stole my creative heart. This would be the piece to bring my vision together.

Right now, I’m comparing materials and colors of hexagon tiles for the surrounding walls of what will be a new tub. Something that ties together the marble of the vanity, but doesn’t get too far away from the vintage touch of the radiator. Also, I’ve never had to design recessed shelving before. Usually, you see subway tile or square, clean edges surrounding the main walls, with the pattern tile inside the featured shelving because it draws your attention and adds a unique character in an otherwise bland environment (and it’s typically cheaper!)—but I want to go in another direction – so, we’re welcoming the challenge of creative design on a budget!

As the project progresses, I’ll be sharing the good, the bad and the ugly of our bathroom renovation as it continues.

Until next time,

M.E.

Dreams Do Come True

Allen + Roth Presnell Vanity