My Bathroom Remodel: The Spa Shower

Our bathroom remodel started because we had a crack in our tile shower floor.  I was not heartbroken at all!  Our house is 20 years old and all the tile was stark white so it wasn't fun to keep clean.  When my husband and I started putting our ideas together for our bathroom remodel, the shower was of special concern to us. 

I began researching different ways to design a spa shower.  My husband thinks BIG so his ideas were much like this one.  He liked the idea of having various showerheads and dual showerheads.  I liked the idea but realistically I knew that would be extremely expensive, require some extensive plumbing and really didn't fit our space.

I loved this one.  It has the various showerheads but is still within reason for the space.  Hower, it too is pretty expensive.  Some of the other features I like about this cubby for my shampoo, conditioner and shaving cream.  The bench is actually functional and inviting.

The shower below, has no door.  I loved the idea of not having to clean a door!

 Then I ran across this one I liked the idea of a spa shower door that would swing in so that you could keep the door open to allow it to dry and prevent mildew.

In the end, we kept the single showerhead and chose fixtures in bronze.  I went to a local tile store I have used a number of times and asked for a lot of input as to what was slip resistent and easy to clean.  I knew I didn't not want a natural material because they are harder to keep clean.  I also knew I needed something affordable because frankly we have a number of other projects we need to do in this house. 

I went with a larger tile on the walls to cut down on grout lines.  Then of course we went with a smaller tile on the floor and ceiling.  It is amazing how I have no problems keeping this tile clean!  When the grout starts to get a little mildew I just pull out a "true" grout brush, a little tile cleaner and scrub it clean!

 My husband designed a bench seat that we could actually use to sit on.  He decided not to have a box seat because that would require another drain inside of the box.

Then my husband added a cubby for our hair products and a seperate cubby for our soap.  Brett actually did the carpentry work and we hired a professional to tile the shower.  There's some expertise involved in laying tile for a shower and we didn't want to risk losing that.   

Last, we chose a boarder to give it a little more design. 

I love the final result.  In the end, I realized that there was no overspray from the shower.  I got to looking around and found that this was becoming fairly popular.  I decided that I enjoyed not having to clean a door; my shower staying dry and clean; and being able to actually enjoy the beauty of the tile other than when I was in the shower was a plus!

I hope this has inspired you.  Stay tune for the next feature of My Bathroom Remodel:  Redesigning Existing Cabinetry.
 

Until next time, take your time because your best designs happen over time! 

Lisa

My Bathroom Remodel: Clawfoot Tubs

Remodeling a bathroom is exciting but definitely overwhelming!  My husband and I have remodeled quite a few of our own and for clients of his when he was in the construction business.  We've learned something from each remodel.  Our latest remodel is our master bathroom and we have throughly enjoyed the outcome and special touches in it!  Join me in a series of blog post telling you about each of those special touches, including our clawfoot tub, spa shower, additional storage space and final touches.   

Our clawfoot soaking tub is where I will start.  I remember as a child going to family member's homes who had clawfoot tubs in their bathrooms where ring shower curtains were added later to convert the use of showering.  Remember?  

 Although I saw the issues with showering in one of these, I still always wanted one in my own home.  When we started planning our master bathroom remodel I decided to ditch our BEAUTIFUL jet tub and incorporate a clawfoot tub.  Who wants to fight me for this beauty?  ;)

 

Believe it or not, it ended up at a men's hunting club!!!  I'm sure they felt as manly as my husband did waking up to it each day.

I began my search by pricing clawfoot tubs at local hardware stores and found them to run $1500 or more.  Keep in mind, that didn’t even include the plumbing!  I was fairly certain that “new” was not how I was going to go but I wanted to see what was available. 

I looked around at antique stores, junk stores, Craigslist and companies who specialize in iron products.  Allen’s Ironworks in Tarrant is where we ended up purchasing ours.  Our friend, Larry Foster, assisted us with the purchase.  First, Larry helped me to determine what size of tub I could have.  Then we he showed me how different the claw feet could make the tub look.  I wanted my tub to have pretty feet! 
 

Secondly, I learned that the plumbing was the most expensive part and that for the most part the plumbing is fairly standard from tub to tub when it comes to prepping your area and dimensions.  I was able to order the plumbing from Allen’s Ironworks.  Within 3 months, a tub came into Allen's that I fell in love with much like the ones below. 

Can you imagine why my 8 year old daughter was concerned? The next hurdle is where my love for decorating came in!  I wanted to make sure I chose just the right finishes for our antique tub.  This by far was the fun part!!!!   

I tend to be more conservative so I started out looking at just a simple white finish.  However, I began finding some really unique ways to finish my tub though so I decided to consider something different. 

I saw several tubs finished in bright bold colors and fell in love with them but they really were not the style of my home.  If I were a contemporary girl, I really would love this look.  Don't you?

 

When I found this one, I fell in absolute love with it.  However, I was a bit scared of how the finish would turn out and it was a bit fancier than my style. 

 

Then I saw this one and thought about going with it but decided that I really wanted my space to be light and airy.
 

I finally decided to do a little something different while still remaining conservative so I had my tub's pretty feet bronzed.  Once I chose the finish, Larry had the tub sent to a man who does all their glazing and this is how mine turned out. 

  

 

Having an antique claw foot tub in my home is really a joy!  I love the relaxation that it has added to my life and the uniqueness it brings to our home.  The best part of it is that I added this to our home for a fraction of the cost of a new clawfoot tub.  The plumbing was about 2/3 of the cost and I spent a total of about $1800 for this part of the project. 
 

Hope you found this inspiring!  Stay tune for the next feature of My Bathroom Remodel:  The Spa Shower. 

I'd love to hear from you!

Until next time,

 

Lisa

 

 

High Space Vignettes

Creating vignettes above cabinets and furniture is a great way to display items you've collected over the years.  To do this, keep a few things in mind.  First, you don't want so much stuff that it looks cluttered.  Choose your items wisely and limit them.  Secondly, when working with cabinets, create a vignette above each section.  This helps the eye pause at each section and take notice of what is up above.  Last, choose items that are large enough to see from down below. 

 

 

This is a picture of the kitchen cabinets in my own home.  I have displayed various pieces that I have gathered over the years.  My goals here were to find items that would bring more of my color palette into the room and that would contrast against the rich chocolate paint.  One of my favorite items is the log cabin that my father and I made for a 3rd grade project.  I'm so glad I kept it and lugged it around from house to house until I found the perfect spot for it in my home.  Isn't it precious? 

   

 

Here is a beautiful picture I found of an armoire with a collection of different textures of containers.  I love the mix of weathered wicker and terracotta.  Actually, I love everything about this room! 

 

 

Even modern spaces look great to display pieces up high.  Years ago, I had a friend whose home had alcoves, high ceilings and lighting centered in each alcove above his cabinets.  He displayed local artwork in each alcove.  I wish I could find a picture of it but this was the best I could do!

  

 

Here is a picture I found of another kitchen with cabinets decorated above.  I love the geese above the cabinet spaces.  I don't think they ever go out of style!

 

 

Above my dining room china cabinet, I added a pop of color to the room by painting a large basket I already had a pale blue.  I had an antique terracotta birdhouse that was given to me almost 20 years ago by a lady who was in her 90's at that time.  Her parents had brought it with them to America from Holland.  Then I added a small mossy basket at the end to give it more life.  Notice that I put my largest piece on the left and my smallest piece on the right.  We naturally look at picture starting high on the left and move diagonally to the bottom left. 

 

I hope you have been inspired to either create or rearrange items in your high spaces.  Remember, vignettes are pictures of what you want the eye to see.  Feel free to share with me obstacles you have.  I'd love to help!  And I'd love to see things that you have done in your own home. 

 

Sincerely,

 

Lisa

Wall Collages

Wall collages are a great way to display a collection, fill a wall, and add interest.  There's countless ways of what you can hang and how you can hang it.  First, gather all the items that you'd like to hang.  You can hang photos, plates, or even an assortment of various pictures and architectural pieces.  Next, find a space you'd like to hang your collection.  Take the items and arrange them on the floor in that area.  Be sure to consider furniture and accessories that might block the view of the collage.  You'll want to get a measuring tape, level, pencil, nails and hammer to help in your project. 
 

 

This is a collage in my daughter's room.  She chose some colorful bird pictures from Classic Home Decor and at 8 years old lugged them up to the front desk to let Carol know she was purchasing them!  Aren't they great?  Then I had a cross-stitch picture my mom made me about a mother's joy in having a daughter, so I passed it to Adelyn.  My mother in-law gave Adelyn a picket fence with hooks to hang hats and accessories on so we decided to use it as well.   My centerpiece is a large cork board that Adelyn displays her artwork on.  Then we used several pictures Adelyn created that I framed. 

My husband and I have tried to decide where to display family portraits.  He made the comment one day that he really didn't like that I had family pictures in our guest bathroom.  (Hey!  I didn't have anything to hang so I used what I had!  lol!)  I knew he was right so I pulled my collection together and decided that our next portrait appointment would be a new 11x14 of our family.  I chose to go with bronze, gold and brushed gold frames.  I took in mind that I wanted to balance the size and coloring of the frames.  I love how it turned out and it compliments the other artwork in the room.  Next on my list to do is to create a collage of extended family pictures from mine and Brett's childhood until today.  It will be a while before I can collect all the frames I need to get that project started but I've already started gathering the photos. 

This collage was done in a dining room I have been working on.  I found these great wall sconces and a peacock plate to start the collection.  The homeowner added to the collection.  When I was creating this collage, I had to keep in mind the possible placements for the custom floral arrangment I made for her.  This is a collection in progress so I'm hoping to add at least a few more plates to the bottom portion of this grouping.  I'd love to add some dark weathered wicker flat baskets to give it more texture and pull the dark wood up onto the wall.  Isn't it beautiful start?  Remember, Great Design Takes Time!

  

Botanical prints are in.  In my office, I have created a collage of botanical bird prints.  These are from vintage botanical books.  This one was created symmetrically so that everything is balanced. 

 
I could go on for days about wall collages.  They are a great way to display a collection, fill a wall and add interest.  I hope you have been inspired and are able to put these tips into use.  Please share with me any questions you may have.  I'll be glad to help!
 
Sincerely,
 
 
Lisa

Outdoor Spaces: Do Something Unexpected

Outdoor spaces are a great way to extend the space of your home and provide a place to entertain, relax and unwind.  Every home no matter how big or small has an outdoor space.  Often we neglect these areas and don't use them to our advantage!  Don't we?  With spring here and summer around the corner, now is a great time to work on the areas we have.  Outdoor spaces are a great place to decorate with something that is unexpected, like an old mirror, door, chandelier or window frame. 

One day as I was leisurely driving down the road, I saw a beautiful garden with an ivy covered wall.  As I was driving by, I noticed that the owner of the home had propped a large mirror, probably from a bathroom renovation, against the wall and had trained ivy to go around it.  It was gorgeous and unexpected!  What a great way to re-purpose something that might otherwise have gone to the landfill!  Mirrors are something we don't expect to see outside but are a great way to reflect a beautiful outdoor scene.  Above, you'll see how this homeowner used a mirror to create a console table area.  It reflects a beautiful scene across from it. 

 

Entertaining outdoors is a great way to enjoy cool nights and moonlit skies.  It's also a great way to expand your entertaining space.  Old wooden barrels can serve as a way to create serving tables.  I used mason jars with votive candles to hang in trees, line the cobblestone pathways and decorate tables for mine and my husband's wedding.  We all have them sitting around so why not use them? 

To add a burst of color to your fenceline, use children's old rainboots!  Instead of throwing away my daughter's rainboots, I have kept them to tack to my fenceline and plant flowers in.  My mother in-law also shared an idea of using old Crocs by lining them with sheetmoss and planting flowers in them.  I think this year I will pull out my daughter's rainboots and Crocs and do just that! 

This is a pretty elaborate covered patio.  We would all would be so fortunate to have one like this, wouldn't we?  I love the use of the colored glass bottles.  Also notice the round mirrors hanging on the wall.

No matter how great or small, there's one thing about it, everyone has an outdoor space to decorate.  Carefully planning your space is important to maximize the use of it.  Above is a beautifully decorated balcony. 

 

You know how I talked about the unexpected?  Again, I love the use of the mirror but I also love the use of the lamp.  It brings low lighting onto the covered patio.  Also, notice the way baskets and a wood bread bowl was used to serve guest.  Take a look around your own home and see what you might have to use to serve with. 

This is a beautiful patio and a fabulously decorated table.  My husband travels to Florida a lot for work and family.  Recently, he brought me home one of these shell mobiles.  I wasn't too sure about it until I saw this one in this picture.  Isn't it beautiful?  Also, another way to create a table like this, might be to use old wrought iron sewing machine stands.  When you have large groups, it's always nice to have 1 long table where everyone can congregate together. 

As for my own outdoor space, it falls in line with my philosophy, "Great Design Takes Time."  It's still a work in progress!  Several years back my husband built us a beautiful deck with a patio underneath.  Last year, a beautiful hand-forged wrought iron patio table and chair set came into Classic Home Decor, much like the one that is in the store now (see above).  These sets cost over $1300 new, but again shopping consignment is the way to go and it's only $549. 

Take a look around your own home, see what you might have in storage or what you might have that you can re-purpose.  Whatever you do, do something unexpected and create yourself a new space that you can entertain, enjoy and relax.

Your Truly,

Lisa 

Bringing Nature Inside

This is the time of year that I really notice nature!  After a very rainy winter season in Birmingham, Alabama, I have been ready for spring since February! In the last month, the Red Bud trees first kicked off signs of spring with their brilliant fuchsia on their woodsy branches, along with the Jonquils that pushed up out of the cold wet ground. Following them began the Bradford Pears and Tulips. Here soon we’ll begin seeing Aazaleas, Dogwoods and my Granny Hatcher’s favorite, Gardenias.

Spring didn’t come early enough for me.  I was tired of the rainy, dreary, cold weather!  So did something about it!  I began spring indoors in February in my house.  I started decorating with bird’s nests, forced bulbs, live greenery, shells and dried and silk floral arrangements.

 Here is one of the bird's nests that I added to an end table. I used a stoneware bowl. I purchased the nest and eggs at a decorating shop.

Bird’s nests are a great way to bring spring indoors. You can use old stoneware bowls or crocks, baskets, terracotta pots or just casually add a bird’s nest on a table or shelf. When September rolls around, I put the eggs away as if the birds have hatched and flown away. Sometimes I even add a few fall colored leaves in and around them.

Above you'll see a different type of container used for forced bulb gardening.  Deer moss was added to give it a different look. 

Forced bulbs are fun to plant. They make a great live floral arrangement. last longre and cost less than your average bouquet of flowers. Also, you can plant them any time of year when you plant indoors! For spring, I chose white tulips. The trick is that you need to buy your bulbs in the fall or you'll have a harder time finding them. If you like the idea, I suggest you make a note in your calendar now to remind you later. I used a glass container and added a layer of rocks to the bottom. Then I added my bulbs. You'll want to put the whole packet in so they are close together and you'll have more of a chance of have at least 1 or more blooms at the same time. Next, I added my rocks between the bulbs to hold them in position. Lastly, add just a little water to the bottom of the container so that the water doesn’t touch the bulbs and place them in a sunny area of your home. Eventually, the bulb’s roots will reach for the water and begin to sprout. If you are wanting to time it for a special occasion, plant them about 6 weeks out from the time you'd like them to bloom. This year I planted mine around Valentine’s Day and I timed it perfectly for them to bloom for my Easter luncheon with family. They were a great centerpiece for my table.

Lemon topiaries are a beautiful live greenery to use in the kitchen. You can find these at specialty gardening stores.

Live greenery brings life to a room and creates a touch of freshness to the space. This year, I have focused on adding a small pot to each hard surfaced table top. I've used small urns, terracotta pots and ceramic pots. Anywhere I have a hard surface, such as a glass top table, granite counter top or painted furniture, I add a plant. I have found small plants at Wal-Mart but my best plants have been found at the more expensive nurseries. Succulents, ferns and herbs are fun to work with. It is amazing how a plant can soften the space and add a designer touch to your room!

Using tiered trays are a unique way to display a collection of shell. Adding deer moss in the arrangement adds interest to the collection.

Shells can be used in most rooms. We use to only see shells in a beach house or bathroom. Not anymore, you'll see shells used in living rooms, dining rooms and even kitchens. You'll see them cleverly displayed on bookcases, end table or even a dining room table. Having a young daughter has given me a renewed love for collecting shells.  As a child, my mother saved shells from our beach trips in a glass jar in her bathroom.  Following in her footsteps, I purchased a jar to put Adelyn’s shells in.  Adelyn has encouraged me to add shells in other areas of our house. We all need someone else to help bounce off decorating ideas, including me!  I have listened to the suggestions of my 8 year old and tried to accommodate her ideas into my decorating as well!



Custom floral arrangements are a great way to bring color to any
room. This is a custom arrangement made using a color combination
 that will work with most any pallet.

Silk floral arrangements are making a comeback with a new flair. If you don't have a green thumb, then this is an excellent way to soften an area and give it a designer look. Adding a moss ball to the top of an urn adds interest. Also, succulents are a big hit this year. You will find these large and small and you really can't tell they aren't real!  Dried arrangements are the rage in floral arrangements. You'll see magnolia leaves with lavender and fresh green hydrangeas.  There are some many ways to use silks.  Creating custom silk and dried floral arrangements is a passion of mine.  We have a number in Classic Home Decor and if you don't find one there, just send me a picture and I'll be more than happy to help create just the right design for you.

There are lots of ways to bring the outdoors in. Just look around at the season you are in. In the fall, bring in pine cones and large acorns. In the winter, add miniature evergreens or a stack of firewood. Regardless, bring some life indoors and enjoy the beautiful nature that surrounds you.

Sincerely yours,

 

Lisa

Great Design Doesn't Happen Overnight: It Takes Time

For years, I've enjoyed decorating my home and the homes of many of my friends and family members.  Several years ago, as my only child, Adelyn, was about to begin kindergarten, I received a call from one of my best friends, Carol Farley.  Carol and I had talked for years about decorating and our desire to have our own businesses.  Carol announced, "I'm opening a decorating consignment store.  Are you ready?"  The time was right.  I needed a new challenge in life so thus I jumped in feet first.  That seems to be how I approach everything in life so why not? 

Now, after being encouraged for a long time by Carol and others to start my own blog, I've decided again that I'm jumping feet first!  I am going to begin by describing my decorating philosophy.  In going into the decorating business, I decided my philosophy was key in how I decorate.  It's really pretty simple.  I believe that "Great Design Doesn't Happen Overnight:  It Takes Time."  I believe this is the most important thing for me to focus on and the most important information for my clients to know.  Let me explain.

Have you ever been in some one's home who just decorated?  Have you ever looked around and felt that everything in the room was brand new?  It was like they had purchased "decor in a box" and wahla!  Nothing was original, was it?  When I go into a home, I first look for items that:

• are unique or original
• say, "Wow!"
• have a story behind them
• are sentimental
• show the client's personality or style

This is the building block of what I have to work with.  I NEVER want to start from scratch!  We all have a history and I don't want to erase that!  I want to work with it.

Next, I begin to look at the client's needs and begin putting a plan together of how to meet those needs with timeless accessories, wall art, lighting, rugs and furniture.  My focus is to not give them that "decor in a box" look, "this room was decorated in ____ year."  The only way to do that is to shop consignment.  I've shopped consignment most of my life.  In my earlier years, it was called, "antique stores."  Now they are called, "consignment stores."  This has been a passion of mine and has been instilled in me by my mother and even by both of my grandmothers.  Some of my best memories started with "junking" in antique stores.

I have found many treasures shopping consignment.  Not only that, but there are many benefits to shopping consignment.  In shopping consignment, you will find items that are:

• unique, one of kind
• from various periods of time
• a fraction of retail prices
• designer and that you may not see in just any store (and you may not be able to afford otherwise)

The most important thing about shopping consignment to me and many of my clients is that it paces you in your decorating!  You can take your time browsing and enjoying the experience of decorating.  It's fun and it proves to be easy on your budget too. 

If you haven't visited Carol's store yet.  Please visit it at www.classichomedecorconsignment.com.  It's a great place to start!

I look forward to sharing with you.  Please tell others about my blog and I want to hear from you so please feel free to leave comments.

With Love,

Lisa