There is something about the weather getting warmer and the beautiful yellow dust all over everything that nudges me to do something for the Porch People. You know, the ones that actually live here and put up with a random china cabinet blocking the foyer and quarts of paint littered about the house in the midst of me working? The ones that drop by for a cocktail on the actual Porch? Those people. Disclaimer: the pollen reference was complete sarcasm.
This is the house that is attached to the Porch.
I think I tend to put aside doing things for my own home because I am always so busy trying to make the homes of others beautiful. I'm a bit flighty and restless when working--I tend to start a new piece or project inbetween coats of paint, so there is always something in progress around here. I decided that I was going to get ontheball with my own redecorating. The best way to get anything done with me is to challenge me that I can't, so here we are: the first 30-day Polyvore Challenge.
The goal is to redecorate (and in some cases finally decorate) one room in my house at a time, using my Polyvore sets as a reference, in 30 days. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can! First order of business...the Guest Bathroom.
My family and friends have all seen my Guest Bathroom. They have seen it at its best and they have seen it at its worst. They know when they come for an event it will be pristine and they know when they drop by for a casual visit it will be a little notsopristine. They know that the ceiling-to-floor curtain actually hides a tub/shower combo behind it and if they are nosey--they know I store my carpet shampooer in that tub combo. So, it has been a long time coming to make the Guest Bathroom over.
Anyhoo, I have been waiting to try FAT Paint's new color, Wasabi, hoping that it would work for my Guest Bathroom's vanity. It is a rich mossy green. After looking at the sample, I decided it was absolutely perfect. So, like a good "decorator", last night I couldn't sleep and clicked over to my Polyvore account to see what I thought I wanted the Guest Bathroom to look like last year. My Polyvore account hasn't seen any action in months on my part (sorta like this poor blog), so I needed to take a peek at my other Front/Guest Bathroom set. I realized that was just not going to work. So, like any insomniac (not quotations there because I go through phases), I decided to make a new one. Some of the elements are the same, but the overall feel is much warmer and more in tune with me.
This is the Guest Bathroom Polyvore from my very first blog, found here:: http://www.porchpro.blogspot.com/2013/02/diving-into-color.html
This set and info on all of the inspiration items can be found here: http://www.polyvore.com/guest_bathroom/set?id=119516995
Let's start with the floor: I have square subway-style tiles and dark tan grout. The white is more of an off-white. I love how easy they are to clean! Goal: already installed (score!!!)
The walls are currently a tan with orange undertones. The new color will be a richer tan. My Sherwin-Williams sample book is presently residing on the vanity, as it is down to two choices. I'm considering painting the trim the same color, but I'll have to have a look at it and then decide if I want the trim a secondary color. If so, I'm thinking ivory. Goal: purchase paint(s) and paint walls and trim
I mentioned the ceiling-to-floor curtain--I can't count the number of times guests have told me they were surprised that there really was a tub/shower behind it, thinking it was just a false panel to add interest. These people also gave away that they now knew where the carpet shampooer was being stored. Gotcha! The new panel will be an ivory linen-like material. Linen is lovely, but I need a fabric that I can toss in the wash and not worry about. Goal: purchase fabric and cajole my Mother into making the panel (ha!)
I have a really great petite chandelier installed, but I am feeling a pendant in there for more light and a less fussy look. Goal: find pendant light for less than $790 (much less) and repaint antique bronze if necessary/install
The vanity. Let's talk about this vanity. It was custom-built to specifications. Not the specifications I gave them, but to some specifications. Right now it is solid white and we removed the horrible feet that were installed on it. New feet are a must. I'm going to add some brown and then overlay that with FAT's Wasabi before I lightly distress, wax and dark wax. Antique Bronze pulls are also veryveryvery necessary. Goal: purchase and paint new feet/install, paint vanity, purchase and install Antique Bronze knobs
Accessories are the fun part of any room! My friend Brandy (www.bfloydphotography.net) helped me pick out two original watercolors at Scott Antique Market and they are the inspiration for the new color scheme. Lots of greens and tans and an overall soft feel. Goal: purchase frames for watercolors
Here is Brandy trying on a giant pair of Emu boots at Scott Antique Market.
It has nothing to do with my Guest Bathroom, but she's adorable and I love this picture, so here it is.
Every bathroom needs a good rug underfoot. I love the modern feel of this one, without being too trendy. Plus, I found it in a washable!!! Goal: purchase rug
Every bathroom needs three things in addition to the obvious: a waste bin, linens, and something to store extra paper in! This waste bin has some great detail, and will add some depth to all of that tan and ivory. Going with white or ivory linens is always a good choice, and I have already found a great set of ivory linens. I use the vanity itself to store all of our beach towels, so there is never anywhere to store extra tissue. No one wants to have to reach into the carpet shampooer storage to grab a roll, right? I'm over baskets, and I love the look of this upholstered crate. I just happen to know someone who has made a few of them (spoiler alert: me). Goal: purchase waste bin, purchase linens, construct/upholster crate seat.
Finally, I need a new sink set in Antique Bronze and a round mirror. I have a few round mirrors around the house, so I may just move one of those and possibly refinish it. Goal: purchase/install sink set and find/possibly refinish round mirror.
I'm excited about this re-do! Can I do it? Sure, I can do, but can I do it in 30 days with all that I have going on on the Porch? The Guest Bathroom challenge starts on Saturday, April 26, so be sure to check the Porch Productions Facebook page (www.facebook.com/porchproductions) for before, during and after photos!
P.S. I'm still going to store the carpet shampooer in the tub.
