Thursday, March 12, 2009

Some Bathroom Decisions

Well, the decisions were made ... and as much as I'd like to tell you they were tireless, hours upon hours spent arguing over the perfect tile to match the house, the perfect color to work with the light, the perfect theme to fit our lifestyle and still remaining functional ... that wouldn't be the truth. Not the whole truth anyway.

Tonight we picked the tile. Or I should say, I picked the tile, and Scott complied. A daltile product made up of hexagonal and diamond shaped glazed ceramic tiles on a convenient 12x12 sheet. What could be any easier?


The idea here is to mix these tiles to come up with a banded pattern, framing the walls of the room to mimic this inspiration room I found at bungalowinsanity.com:

I'm in love with what they did in their bathroom remodel, so I hope to be able to mimic their hard work with a little bit of ease thanks to the smart people at daltile. And no, they haven't sponsored the project ... but if you're listening daltile, that'd be mighty appreciated!
Next we move onto the shower surround, which Scott chose today all by himself:

A delicate curve in all the right places, a crown molding like finish to the top and the bottom, I think it'll be nice to look at while in the shower, and easy to live with while covered up with a curtain! Of course, you can't pick a new shower or tub without also picking a new toilet, can you?

Great lines on this toilet pedestal and tank make for an easy fit with the detail of the shower surround, and though a toilet isn't a necessary replacement item when fixing up a bathroom, it's a relatively cheap addition - and one you should be proud of. Read: bye bye my Yugo of a toilet!

And talk about ease! The fine people at Kohler also have a sink in the same style as the toilet. Yes, I know - I'm going overboard ... but you have to understand, these are necessary, err almost necessary implements, AND I figure if I'm going to start something, I might as well finish it. So in lieu of the custom vessel sinks I once wanted ... we opted for this classic and clean lined sink, which we'll sink into an antique chest.

Here comes the dilemma.
I am a fan of the lines in Antique French Empire Furniture, like this chest (above). Scott, however likes the lines of the Early American Empire pieces (below).

I suppose the winner here will not be the one who provides the best argument, but the one who brings home the first antique! And, when I do ... I mean, when the winner does, we'll sink the Kohler sink in the top to look something like this:

What a great inspiration pick huh? I think that's the same sink I picked!
Now obviously, I can't think of renovating any space without also thinking about decorating it. I have to confess, there hasn't been much time to put a good sampling together, but this one will evolve over time I'm sure.

Ralph Lauren's Riesling will be a great fit for the wall above the molding. It's a soft yellow shade that has a taupe undertone, keeping it from being day glow or school bus looking in the wrong light. The color of the molding under this RL color is currently a beautiful creamy eggshell. I'd like to keep it, but fear that the need for white paint against the RL will best suit both the tile and the new color palette.
As for accessories:

Vintage over sized Botanical Prints, (mostly of Orchids - Scott's favorite), Sea sponges and body butters, burlap - in an interesting installation (no, it's not the shower curtain!), a beautiful wire urn for a touch of whimsy, and some blue and white Asian pottery for grins.
So there you have it - my budget bathroom redo. What do you think?

22 comments:

  1. Fab-u-lous is what I think! Go Artie, GO!
    xo Isa

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  2. It'll feel soooooo good when it is done! And LOOK good too!!

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  3. I love how you are so decisive and know exactly what you want - the only way to go when it comes to changing decor. Love the vanity btw, xv

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  4. I love everything you've chosen. The sink it the antique chest will be the crowning touch!

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  5. WOW this is going to be awesome! I can't wait to see the end result.

    {{Hugs}}

    Cathy

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  6. I think it all looks really great, I think white in a bathroom for the necessaries such as bath, toilet and basin is perfect to mix with a touch of colour. Like it a lot.

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  7. All your inspiration is beautiful! Your bathroom is going to be out of this world. I can't wait to see the end result.
    ~Michelle

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  8. I'm a huge fan of riesling wine so I suspect the color on your bath walls will be spectacular! Your shower surround is as good as they get (!) I smather body butter on every chance I get .. so I love that too. And nothing tops the look and feel of an antique cabinet in a bath .... all in all I think ~great~

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  9. Artie it is going to be fabulous. I love your plan!!

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  10. Oh, goodness, with YOUR choice of vanities (LOL) it's going to look fabulous...and I am loving your ideas for the accessories!! Love the botanical AND the burlap!

    Suzanne

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  11. I think this is going to look fabulous! Okay, so the surround doesn't spark any interest for me, but everything else sure does. And pssst. I like your chest pick much better than Scott's. Shhh... don't tell him I said that!
    The potty is actually quite pretty. Love the edge detailing on it.
    How long do you think it will take you to do all that tile work? Will you get help from anyone?

    Justine :o )

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  12. I love everything you have picked...it is going to look great! Is that the memoirs line from kohler? This bathroom will now be a classic that will never have to be re done!

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  13. OHHHHHHHHHHHHH.......you have such great taste and style, this bathroom will look oh so gorgeous when you are done. Good luck with your renovation and I like your vanity better (sorry Scott).

    Can't wait to see what you do with the burlap. I will echo someone else's comment, you are so decisive and make it seem so effortless (part of your mad skills Artie).

    Have fun!

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  14. Oh, fun Artie! I look forward to seeing this one come together, you've got some nice choices. I had sinks like that in my old house & loved how unique they were. I'm in the middle of some kitchen decisions myself, so I know the feeling.

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  15. I love love love the tile and everything else too!! You have such great taste. I'm so excited to see the end result.

    Now hurry up and get to work so I don't have to wait much longer!

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  16. Hey....
    I just used reisling from RL in my tiny little bathroom and it looks fabulous.... not too yellowish and not too dull.... Just right!
    I am sure you'll love it and your project seems promising! Can't wait to see the finished project.
    Thanks,
    Wish

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  17. Man.

    You and your sweetie have excellent taste, Artie!

    I love both of those chests you've chosen.

    xoxox,
    martha from Elizabeth Hill

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  18. It looks like it going to be a great! I cannot wait to see some pictures of it finished room!

    TJ

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  19. i love hex tile.........it's so nyc.


    ps
    i am doing a post on pecky cypress, and was thinking of you, and the building of your pergola.....it is supposed to last 150 years.

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  20. I love seeing a sink set in a vintage or antique piece...this is going to look great. My bet is on you bringing it home first. :-) BTW, have you read anything saying how to protect the wood from water splashes? I would love to do this in either my half or master bath one day, but I was wondering if there is something "they" (the experts) recommend to put on the wood to avoid water spots. Maybe just a good "wax" based polish of some sort? Susan

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  22. Love your taste in design--can't wait to see how this turns out!!

    I noticed your dilemma with the vanity. I work at Kohler, and I see a lot in the way of bathroom furniture. The vanities you posted above are gorgeous! Just be sure to "bathroom-ize" them. Wood can be tricky to maintain in a warm, damp environment.

    Kohler has a great line of vanities that are all bathroom-ready. Maybe one of these will meet both of your needs.

    Good luck in your search--looking forward to the before and afters!

    Mark

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