Resting Spaces
Primary Suite - Before
In this large primary bedroom, having no color on the walls and way too much bold navy carpet didn't appeal to us. Natural light from windows on three sides of the room was, however, a huge selling point. Although convenient, the adjacent primary bathroom also lacked in the style department. With much to do throughout the rest of house, that transformation would have to wait!
By maintaining the existing layout (besides removing the aforementioned bidet), we were able to keep structural costs down. The cosmetic changes were really starting to take shape - we removed the drab tile in lieu of a neutral (not boring) combination of tiles for the floor, shower and tub. A new glass enclosure for the shower was an absolute must! Swapping the outdated brass light fixtures for new statement pieces added the charm that was previously missing from this primary bathroom. By facing the tub surround with bead-board paneling we would bring continuity of materials from other areas of the house.
Primary En Suite -
Renovation Phase
For a year we lived with the bathroom's contractor-grade double vanity and end-to-end mirror, "Hollywood bulb" bar lighting, outdated brass fixtures, and boring white tile. This gave us plenty of time to tackle other house projects and form a great renovation plan for the primary bathroom and walk-in closet. First priority in reorganizing the space to better suit our needs - removing the bidet from the toilet room! The extra space gained was put to much better use as a custom-built shoe rack in the closet (yea!). Then it was time to rework the bathroom ceiling, by changing it to mimic the bedroom ceiling (who needs a bathroom ceiling that vaults to 16' anyway??). Of course, removing the brass fixtures and blah tile did wonders for the space too.
Primary En Suite - After
In our renovation, we opted to install dual vanities in a classic creamy white, topped with distressed ornate mirrors. Teardrop pendant light fixtures fill the lofty overhead space. The neutral colors on the vanities, countertops and floors add softness and keep the space bright. Laying large-format floor tile, marble mosaic tile as the tub surround (boy was that tricky, but well worth it!) and large-scale subway tile in the shower added variety without overwhelming the room. Adding touches like the gorgeous antique chandelier and architectural salvage (hung over the towel hooks) create the farmhouse feel and give age to the newly refreshed soaking tub. Soft blue-gray walls create a sense of calm during morning routines and bedtime wind-downs.
Primary Bedroom - After
For our bedroom, we carried the soft blue-gray wall paint from the adjoining bathroom for a cohesive feel. A mix of dark stained, painted and upholstered furniture fit perfectly into the farmhouse feel we were after. The olive green velvet vintage sofa rests beautifully at the foot of the bed (a bargain thrifted find that we lovingly reimagined). Layers of textured bedding (changed seasonally or when we want to experiment with a different look), a vintage-inspired area rug, and luxurious velvet drapes make this room our haven. Shades of olive green, blush and terracotta in accent pieces throughout the room work naturally with the pale blue background (much like landscape elements against a clear sky). Note the line of the ceiling above the bed's headboard - the angles are echoed in the bathroom ceiling. Comfy, clean-lined chairs and a pale pink hand-painted antique table provide the perfect spot for reading and a beautiful view of the backyard.
Additional Bedrooms - Today
Fresh paint and new carpeting freshened the other bedrooms in our house. We took the opportunity to inject personality and color through furnishings and decor. The antique dresser deserved a jade green punch of color and cleaning the original hardware worked wonders too! Ceramic lamps in soft coral add modern texture to the farmhouse look.
An ombre wall-treatment ties together the grays and blues used throughout the room. Gray-stained boards, framed by a subtle arch, in the custom-built bed (thanks, Dad!) gives a nod to farmhouse style. Natural wood in the refinished chest of drawers and rustic plank shelving warm up the cooler tones.
Additional Bathrooms - Before
Before we could undertake a full refresh in the numerous bathrooms, minor updates would temporarily allow for better style flow throughout our house. Changing the hardware, fixtures and lighting to oil-rubbed bronze was our first step in the right direction. A coat of fresh paint brightened the bathrooms.
The additional bathrooms were filled with builder-grade basics, like the 4"x4" white floor and shower tile, wall-to-wall vanities and mirrors, and "Hollywood bulb" bar lighting. Although the bathrooms were bright, but they lacked any amount of personality.
Additional Bathrooms - Mid-Refresh
Additional Bathrooms - Today
In a shared bathroom, we opted for dual furniture-like vanities and feminine, distressed mirrors (consistent with, but styled slightly different, from the primary bathroom). The patterned black and white floor tile adds character while still keeping with the classic look.
In a smaller bathroom, a salvaged and refinished five-panel wood door hung on a barn door-style track allows maximum usable space. To keep our choices in line, we used an identical white vanity and changed the hardware for a different look. Industrial-style lights mounted above a rope-hung mirror add brightness and masculine details. Notice the floor tile - consistency is key - we used the same large-format neutral tile as in the primary bathroom and laundry room.