Monday, October 11, 2010

The Eye of the Storm

*The calm found at the center of a cyclone*

I would like to share with you the one room in my house that is my "Eye" in the storm.

It is the Zen to my Zany,
The Calm to my Chaos,
The Neutral to my um.....not Neutral?
Anyway, you get the idea!

This is our Master Bathroom...


While in the rest of the house you will find lots of warm reds and greens and yellows, this room takes a decidedly different turn.
What I was the most excited about when we saw this room was that it had it's own bathtub. You see, I'm a bath-taking kind of girl and I was thrilled to finally have one of my own that I didn't have to move toys out of prior to stepping in!

Here is the only "Before" photo I have of the space...


And now, that same area looks more like this...


The tub faucet was the only one we have ever had to hire someone to replace. It went from looking like this...

To this...
The sink faucets were also a builder grade chrome and we ( I say "we" meaning my wonderfully handy hubby!) replaced them with these...

Remember that project I put off last week when I went to get the supplies and wound up buying those great new boots?
Well, despite being sick, we finally got it done this weekend!
I have always wanted to frame out the mirror and after seeing many of you folks do your own bathroom mirrors, I decided it was high time! But, in my cold medicine induced state of mind, I went and forgot to take a really good "Before" photo, so this is all I have of how it looks pre-frame...

Bad, blurry photo...I know! But, here is how it looks now!

My sister did this in her guest bathroom recently and gave me the great tip of making sure to paint BOTH sides of the molding, since it will reflect the unfinished side in the mirror!
And Debbie, over at Debbiedoos recommended using this handy stuff to hang the molding on the mirror...

I gotta admit that I was skeptical but Debbie was right! It was so easy to do and worked like a charm!

Here is a larger view of the mirror now
Here is a close-up of the border tile

I absolutely fell in love with the detail in this pattern!


Here is another look at the windows before with just basic blinds

I knew what I wanted for quite some time, but I always ended up falling in love with window treatments that were major budget busters! So, I waited, and waited, and waited until I finally found these...online...at JC Penney...on CLEARANCE!

They ended up being about $20 each! They have a privacy lining and are considered a Soft Roman Shade. When they are all the way up we have a view of Mt. Hood...and our neighbors.
Here is a closer look at them
I love me some fringe!

These prints hung in the powder room of our previous home and they just seemed to fit perfectly here.
You may also notice the wallpaper here. We decided that unlike the rest of the wallpaper that we found in this house, we actually liked this! So, it stayed and I love the subtle stripes. 
This rug was used in the Master Bathroom of our previous home and it, too, seemed to be meant for this new space.

In a sea of light and neutral, these deeper tones help to anchor the space.
The previous light fixture was just a builder grade chrome bar with no character whatsoever. I really wanted some kind of gorgeous wrought-iron scrolly light fixture. But, it wasn't meant to be. When we took off the old light we realized that there was a GIANT hole cut into the mirror and the only way to cover it up was to get a very long fixture. This was no easy task! This is the only one we could find (and we looked EVERYWHERE) and I guess it is starting to grow on me.
More details... 





And, I just have to share with you one of my favorite photos EVER...my boy, holding my hand, on his first trip to the beach


Oh, I miss those chubby feet!

You know, I read that the "Eye" of the storm is always an indicator that a cyclone is gaining strength. I guess that would be true in my home too. Just when you think you have found a place where peace and tranquility exist, your sneaky 3 year old decides to dump out 2 bottles of Liquid Foundation into your makeup drawer and promply wipe it up with your brand new shirt that happened to be sitting on the counter!

I think we may have to start calling her "Cyclone"!
Have a great Monday from this
Southern Girl at Heart,
Vanessa













 











47 comments:

Unknown said...

Beautiful bathroom, looks like a very peaceful and relaxing space for Mom. I remember those days, when I just said Calgon take me away! LOVE the window treatment, great job and thanks for sharing.
Sandy

Unknown said...

Beautiful bathroom, looks like a very peaceful and relaxing space for Mom. I remember those days, when I just said Calgon take me away! LOVE the window treatment, great job and thanks for sharing.
Sandy

Tamara Jansen said...

That is one beautiful bathroom re-do! congratulations on a wonderful metamorphosis :)

Melanie said...

I'm a bath girl too. Every.single.night.

My hubby tells me to go take a bath because it will make all my troubles go away:) And it does.

You bathroom is beautiful. I love the neutral colors. I usually have a neutral bathroom too since the rest of our home has warm colors in it.

Did you just add trim to the mirror? I normally buy my own mirrors but our new home already had mirrors up and I am going to have to do something to them.

NanaDiana said...

Vanessa-Just popping in from vacation to say Hi! You did a great job on the makeover. What a difference a few details can make. The nice thing is that you had good bones to work with so she just needed re-dressing. Lovely...and I am a bathtime gal, too~

My middle granddaughter did the same thing to my daughter about 2 years ago...only before she dumped it she took all her clothes off and plastered herself from head to foot...not only foundation but eyeshadow and lipstick went into the mix...and then washed the mirror with it..then used Mom's good towels to "clean it up". She has the final few minutes on video tape...we're gonna play it at her wedding...lol Gotta love those 3 year olds! hugs- Diana

michelle said...

What a gorgeous bathroom!!! I am so jealous! I would love to soak away the night in that beautiful tub! The shades are perfect down to every detail! I really love the new fixtures and the frame around the mirror. You did an amazing job on your Zen place! You have a wonderful eye for decorating my friend! :)

Betsy B said...

What a wonder retreat! I love your curtains. They are fabulous and create a sense of luxury and softness.

Becca Bertotti said...

Beee-you-tee-ful dahling!! What a serene spot for you to soak your cares away. I love the upgrades you and your hubs did. The soft roman shades are beautiful ... the frame to your mirror ... the new faucets! Wow! You guys thought of everything. And that view! Love.it.all! (including what little peanut did ... too funny ... although, I would've freaked)! xo, Becca

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Your bathroom is stunning. I love the pretty tile and you did a wonderful job framing the mirror. I need to do that to ours. The picture of you and your son is so precious. I had to smile at the story of your daughter and the makeup. Oh do I ever remember all those days and all the messes. lol Someday they will be sweet memories. Hugs, Marty

Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door said...

What a beautiful and relaxing bathroom! I love the windows and your soft roman shades. What a great deal at $20 each. Thanks for showing us!

Anonymous said...

Your bathroom is beautiful and yes, very, very serene. Well, except for the liquid makeup which by the way will make for a great story when your daughter grows up :)

Courtney ~ French Country Cottage said...

Gorgeous bathroom Vanessa! It looks very serene and relaxing! Love all the details and your mirror looks great framed in! Great job! :)

Anonymous said...

Oh, your bathroom is beautiful! I'm sure you're loving it! Love the changes you made - what a difference.
I have to say I'm giggling about your little incident in the bathroom with your makeup and new shirt! :) Oh, the joy of children!
Be a sweetie,
shelia ;)

Traci said...

I'm such a bath girl too! I love the space. It looks so serene! The faucets are gorgeous!! I've been saying I was going to frame our mirrors but I haven't done it. I need to add it to the to do list!

Katie said...

Beautiful retreat!! Such an awesome view from the windows, too. And great job with framing the mirror! I started on one today, but may need to enlist the hubby's help :)

Jane said...

What a great job on the bathroom! It looks like a very peaceful place to relax and soak the day away. Love the curtains as well!

Jane

The Decorative Dreamer said...

Beautiful bathroom Vanessa. I love the window treatments. They were worth the wait! You did a wonderful job on the mirror frame. I love all your extra touches in this room also. It's very elegant.

KLM said...

Looks great! I'm relaxed just looking at it!

Christie said...

Vanessa, I would have a difficult time leaving this bathroom! It is lovely and tranquil! All the changes you made look GREAT! Love the molding on the mirror and the new faucets! I never notice faucets, but when you show the difference, it is such a BIG improvement! May need to take a look at my 'dated' brass ones! :) Just lovely as always! Gotta just love our kids!! My 8 year old decided to 'wax' her eyebrows 'like Mom' she said, so she took some elmers glue and with a piece of tape proceeded to remove half of her eyebrow! Who would have thought we had to give lessons on make-up and waxing so soon!! hee hee!!

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Your master bath is just beautiful! I love all of the changes you have made. It is very calm looking indeed!

KimMalk said...

What a beautiful relaxing room. I really like your soft roman shades with all of the pretty fringe. Your mirror turned out great and I really like the large light fixture in the middle of it. It's grand looking.

Val said...

100 percent FABULOUS!!! Everything you did looks wonderful!

Lisa ~Suburban Retreat~ said...

Your bathroom is simply stunning! I was just showing the pics. to my hubby when he said ... that's what you need - a step! He's right ... just last week while getting into my tub my leg hit my pile of magazines sitting on the side and knocked them into the bathwater. I need a step just like yours! Gorgeous!

Unknown said...

What a gorgeous bathroom, looks so elegant! Love it!

Gypsy Heart said...

Can I come & live with you? :-) This is such a gorgeous bath ~ you did a superb job with the change in the fixtures, the shades, etc. I love all of it!

So glad you stopped by ~ I appreciate it. I really look forward to getting to know you better.

Have a fun week!
Pat

Bonnie@Creative Decorating said...

It is so very pretty Vanessa! I like everything you did. I want to put a frame around my mirror, too. I am bookmarking this post to remember the tape adhesive!

Turquoise and Trine said...

I just love your bathroom! The window treatments are gorgeous! Now I need to get working on my master bath - it needs a lot of help! : ) Thanks for the inspiration!

Lori
Thrifty Decor Mom

Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia said...

What a pretty bathroom, I would never leave :) I really like the fabric window coverings, so pretty!
I love that you have your grandparents love notes written down in a book , so cute!!
XO

Skooks said...

WOW! What an awesome transformation. Great job. :) I wish I had such a luxurious bathroom!

Debbie said...

Vanessa, it's just beautiful. I am so glad you showed a close up of the fringe on the curtains because I liked it in the first photos and wanted a close up.

I definitely want to frame my mirror! Love the way yours came out and want that here. With the hint from Debbie Dos, it will be easier.

I'm sorry to giggle about the Cyclone. I know it was a mess, but the thought of her trying to clean it up with your skirt made me think of my days with little ones.

I think what you created is a lovely and calm oasis. I can imagine how wonderful it is to lounge in the tub in there.

Two thumbs up!

Debbiedoos said...

That is fantastic Vanessa. We did use different two way tape though it was more industrial and thicker...hey yours are up..just hope they stay up lol! just kidding, they will that stuff is awesome. Your bathroom is so pretty!! Thanks for the shout out.

Pam - @diy Design Fanatic said...

Vanessa, your master bath is gorgeous! I love all of your changes...especially the window treatments!

Richella Parham said...

Vanessa, your bathroom is lovely!

I hope you had a WONDERFUL anniversary. I'm betting that life with your husband is always interesting! Aren't we blessed to have wonderful husbands? I thank God for mine.

I wish you many, many more happy years together. :)

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Vanessa, that is a nice large and bright bathroom with a wonderful view. We have been slowly replacing the brass stuff in our master bath, too. Now we need to do the other bathrooms and some light fixtures. Hubby does not understand replacing these things. men

Savannah Granny said...

I enjoyed so many things about this post it is hard to start. First of all I love your bathroom pre and post redo. Of course post is the greatest, fantastico. The picture of your son and your hand is so precious. I can understand why it is a treasure. Thanks for the info on the mirror frame. I want to do this and the paint trick and the adhesive will be helpful.
I saw you on DIY on a Dime. I chuckled at your remarks about "clearance". When my children were growing up they really thought we were forever visiting "Clarence's" aisle. They couldn't figure out why he had an aisle in every store.
I just started my blog one week ago today. Please come by and visit. Thanks, Ginger

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hi Vanessa...

My friend, your bath is GORGEOUS!!! I love the soft cream or neutrals...as you call it! You know, I have done the same thing at my place. You know how I love all of my rich reds, olive greens, and gold...but this summer I took a huge step and redid my master bedroom and bath in neutrals as well! Ohhh...and I'm loving it! This soft color palette really does have a serene and calming ambiance..doesn't it! Well sweet lady, I think that tub is fabulous! I'm a tub kind of gal as well! Hehe! All the tile is really pretty and I do love the designed pattern on the trim tile! The curtains you chose are perfect!!! I love JC Penneys...I do alot of shopping from there. I think all of my drapes are from Penneys...they often have some really great prices! Love the new moulding that you added to your mirror! It really is in the details!!! Ohhh...I also have the same rubbed bronze fixtures in my bath...I love, love, LOVE them! I have found that they are not only beautiful but they are also sooo easy to keep clean...gotta love that aspect! Hehe! Vanessa, thank you so much for sharing your beautiful bath with us...this was such a treat!

I also wanted to thank you for stopping by and taking a peek at my Cinderella sweater pumpkins! I have really been enjoying our visits, my new found friend! Thank you!!!

Warmest autumn wishes,
Chari @Happy To Design

Honey I'm Home Blog said...

Looks great! Thanks for sharing.

Debbiedoos said...

Thanks Vanessa for joining....This was a great post to share. Debbie

Pam Kessler said...

Very pretty bathroom. Looks very relaxing.

Sarah @ Modern Country Style said...

Wow! What a great post....and what
a great bathroom.

Rather embarrassingly, our bathroom taps are really similar to your 'before' ones. You'll be glad to know that I'm not too keen on them either but I've never found some I think would fit in better with the look of our bathroom, which is quite modern. My search is still on!

Your new ones are gorgeous. I love the darker colour.

Courtney ~ French Country Cottage said...

Love that you linked this up too Vanessa!! Your bathroom is just so beautiful! :)

Anita @ GoingALittleCoastal said...

Beautiful bathroom. The tape was a great idea. I've used the glue and then have to tape it on to hold til it dried. This is much easier!

Be Colorful Coastal said...

Love the details. You really "classed" the place up with your tweaks and touches. Thanks for linking your beautiful bath up with Motivated Monday at Becolorful.
Hope you will visit again.
Pam

Cristie said...

Wow it looks beautiful! I bet you love soaking in that tub and enjoying how great the room looks.

Jessica said...

Your bathroom and view are so beautiful!!

Unknown said...

Wow! What a view.
What amazing colors and decor. It's right out of a magazine.

Saylorsmom said...

I would love to know where you found the glass jars around your tub....thanks.