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A Decor Question For You!

OK, so here’s one of the little decor challenges going on with our home-to-be:

The bathrooms.

They’re not bad by any means…but they don’t have a ton of personality. Which is a good thing, in many ways. So many possibilities!

This is the “main” bathroom. I kinda like the striped wallpaper halfway up the walls, but don’t love the overall effect and heavy reliance on…burgundy (those curtains have got to go). I’m really into sort of lacy, country-cottage-y bathrooms…but this one definitely doesn’t lend itself to that kind of look, what with the dark marble and all.

I was thinking something like this might be a nice way to update what’s already there. Maybe with a bit more color involved.

And this is the bathroom that’s more out-of-the-way (it’s sort of in the basement, but has some natural light) and that I’m planning on making my home-away-from-home (I am so excited to finally have a bathtub). So this one can be girlier and softer: I’m thinking about soft whites in mixed textures, or the aforementioned lacy/whimsical look.

Like this.

In short: I have some ideas about what I’d like to do with each space…but what I’d really love is some outside perspective.

Any ideas?



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  • Lorna Q

    The curtains stick out in the first picture…the burgundy and the lace (?) are not particularly appealing, IMO. New curtains would make a big difference. Pop of color perhaps? Also could you sub out the gold faucets for something a little…newer? More sleek or chic? 

    Just some starting ideas!

  • http://barnardbabyblog.tumblr.com Adrienne

    In the main bathroom- I’d first get rid of the gold!  Either replace, or spraypaint!  Then- I’d probably buy some stick and peel tiles to cover over the dark current ones that just don’t work with what they had going on with the walls- its like they’re mixing Country Cottage with Italian Mansion!  OR- just pull out all the lightness from the tiles with accents so they don’t look as dark as they do.  I might even consider frosting the shower so you can’t see the dark tiles inside it- really what were they thinking?
    The other bath- I think you could embrace the floor tiles and do a total fun retro/mod look- I’m thinking reds and pin up- but that doesn’t seem to be the vibe you want down there- I think the biggest issue in that bathroom is the wall tiles- but maybe that’s an easy fix?  Are they just peel and stick or marble?  The only other potential problem I see in there is the tub- that doesn’t look a soaker tub- you may need to upgrade ;)  Have fun!!!

  • jordanreid

    oh, such great ideas! i added a couple of photos to the post above to show my initial thoughts. the peel-and-stick tiles are a good idea, although i’ll have to look into whether they work in bathrooms (because of all the moisture).
    and YES re: tub upgrade. one day :)

  • jordanreid

    totally. i’ve been pawing through urban outfitters’ curtain collection, but none of the ones i like seem to work with the tile.

  • Adeline

    I’m a big fan of bright and sunlit bathrooms – or at least that look like they are.  To offset the harsh white, b&w,  marble and tile elements, I’d add in some colour (maybe a bright but not toxic green? like soft curtains to filter the light?) and some wood texture. Esp wicker baskets or elements, with a spider plant hanging from the ceiling or by the window. (personal bias here, I’ve always liked spider plants in bathrooms, go figure)

    Basically, warmer elements while still keeping the area bright and breezy and free of knick-knacks. They’re fun, until you have to clean the space.
    Also, the house I grew up in had clay foor tiles and I *loved* that. Maybe not what you’re going for though!

  • Angela Juarez

    The “out of the way” bathroom is looking a little cold.  I’d say bring in some plants/life and warm it up with a great rug, girly shower curtain, and super plush towels.  

    I faced a similar problem in our bathroom… Devil’s Ivy does really, really well indoors and in low light and they love steam/humidty so they’re perfect for a bathroom. (Plus they’re super hearty. I seriously water mine like, every other week. If that.) For more “life”, I always have fresh cut flowers in the bathroom. Just a couple peonies or tuberoses – nice and feminine. I also bought great towels (from Target!) – the Thomas O’Brien brand are inexpensive, soft/fluffy, hold up really well, and come in lots of colors. In addition, I added girly touches by purchasing a circular rug that has crochet details around the edge - it literally looks like a big, happy doily on my floor! :)   And I opened up the built in cabinets to display the pretty jars and dishes used to hold make up brushes, q-tips, etc…

    Good luck! Can’t wait to see some “after” pics :)   

  • Elizabeth

    For the main bath you should really look in to window frosting kits for the glass shower- it would really hide the dark tile.  My in-laws used one on some of their windows and I could not believe it was a DIY kit… it looked like they bought the windows that way!  A rug (or two) would bring a lot of personality into the room and also hide most of the floor if you are looking to cover the dark tile and lighten it up.  Changing the curtains will also make a huge difference right away.  Definitely look in to the window frosting!  Here are some photos I just googled  http://www.decoist.com/2012-06-06/diy-privacy-frosting-tips-bathroom-window-treatments/  Good luck!  How fun!

  • Lesley

    I really like your inspration pedestal sinks, get those ASAP! My biggest complaint about my own rounded-edge pedestal sink is the lack of flat workspace in my bathroom. All my styling tools, makeup, lotions, toothpaste tubes, etc. slides right off the sink edge and down into the floor or worse, toilet bowl. Keep the seats down until you get new sinks!

  • jordanreid

    what a great idea! Definitely will look into this. and I agree re: rugs covering up the tile. my only fear is the dogs – they have a bit of a rug issue ifyouknowwhatimean…but that’s what doors are for :)

  • jordanreid

    ahhhhhh yes, didn’t even think of where my stuff is going to go in that bathroom! i don’t know that i’ll be replacing the sinks right away (i may need to just put some kind of storage cabinet in there), but down the line that’s a great idea for a project.

  • jordanreid

    love the ideas of a couple of cut flowers and a crochet rug – and devil’s ivy, huh? will check it out – i have a trip to a garden store in my near future :)

  • jordanreid

    natural elements are a great idea – definitely agree. and i TOTALLY agree about the knick-knacks thing – cluttered bathrooms make me nuts. my bathroom right now is a war zone with kendrick’s stuff, my stuff, and the baby’s stuff all crammed into about two square feet, and it makes me crazy to even go in there.

  • Heather

    I bought and did semi-renos on my first townhouse this year, so I have a few thoughts. If you’re considering changing the floor in the main bathroom, try cork. It’s relatively inexpensive, looks good and is super durable and pretty soft/warmer compared to tile on bare feet – also good if Indy is crawling around in there or (heaven forbid) takes a tumble. If you want to keep the gold fixtures in the main bathroom, consider a “Beverly Hills Hotel” type vibe – the gold would work with that, and I think a spin on that theme might work with your aesthetic. Also, for inspiration, check out this blog (it’s not mine). http://farmerstrophywife.com/category/home-sweet-home/rustic-love-home-sweet-home/ She's a bit more cowgirl than you, but a lot of her shabby-chic stuff looks very similar to the kinds of things you post and she has a LOT of decor posts (she calls them rustic love).

  • Heather

    Also, I know how you love Winners (I’m Canadian). Did you know they have a separate chain of stores that are dedicated solely to home furnishings/accessories, etc.? It’s called HomeSense. I have no idea if they have a location near where your relatives are (I’m on the other side of the country) but it’s worth asking them next time you visit. If you can get to one, you’ll love it.

  • jordanreid

    i never miss HomeSense when I go back to Canada! LOVE IT.

  • jordanreid

    beverly hills hotel vibe…interesting! i really like that idea – i know that everyone’s been saying to get rid of the gold fixtures, but i don’t actually hate them – it’s more that i hate them in the context of the dark marble. i would love to find a way to make them work, and you may have just nailed it!

  • www.5for50project.blogspot.com

    I love both your idea photos.  You have great taste, as usual.  I think I’d like a little color, though I love the airy feel of the second one, and you don’t want too dark for a basement.