Spa-Like and Splendiferous :)
/My clients’ bathroom was quite luxurious when it was built nearly 30 years ago, but now seemed dated and tired to them.
Oh, and the big bathtub…
It was a highlight of many a 90’s bathroom, and it is often the first thing to go when I am helping a client to redesign their master bath and bring it up to date….
But in this case, the tub was essential to my clients—well-loved and often-used—and an added challenge in terms of layout, since its size (a non-negotiable detail) and necessary placement in the corner limited what we could do in the space overall…
So how could we update the bathroom so that it looked modern and fresh, while still having the large tub in exactly the same spot? Would it still look dated? Would it all come together??
Hmmmm…..I can’t wait to show you the results:
We did replace the original tub with a new one of exactly the same model, but in white instead of the yellowy off-white of days gone by. :)
My client requested that the decking for the tub be installed on top of, rather than underneath its top lip—giving the whole thing a much more custom, built-in look which turned out beautifully.
Because my clients wanted a spa-like retreat— a white bathroom with opulent details that really felt like a treat to use each and every day—we worked hard to find the materials that would give them exactly what they wanted, but in a way that wouldn’t break the bank.
We selected porcelain tile that very convincingly simulated marble to wrap the walls, tub and floor (a budget-friendly way to get amazing bang for your buck), and added beautiful real marble accents in the shower.
Floating His & Hers vanities were added, with special lighting underneath to further highlight the beautiful floors and modern details. The quiet grey color of the cabinets we selected compliments the lovely veining in the tile, and the quartz countertops perfectly complement the colors and patterns as well…
We finished the space with accessories to complete the spa-like feel—natural elements of driftwood, succulents, natural stone accents, and other details from nature.
Splendid.
(OH, and did you spot the Minion this week? He snuck his way in once again…tee hee hee. )
Old farmhouse history
/My old house could tell a lot of interesting stories, if it only could talk... And honoring our homes' history is so important both in preserving its style and heritage, while still making sure it suits our needs.
There was just one thing missing...
/
I guess there was only one thing missing in my clients’ brand new, spa-like, luxurious master bathroom…
Minion body wash.
I love so many things about my clients, not the least of which is their joy for life and sense of humor. And I especially love helping them create beautiful spaces that feel like home to them—spaces where one’s Minion body wash fits perfectly on a custom inset marble shelf…
Minions and marble go perfectly together.
Stay tuned! I am so excited to show you the gorgeous Before & After shots from this master bath transformation next week. YAY!
Because you have been caring for everyone else...
/
Earlier this month, as I sat in a room full of other successful women whom I admire, I was amazed to hear the common theme that came up in our conversation…
While we each were working hard to care for so many other people and things in our lives—parents, children, spouses, faith communities, school programs, volunteer organizations, and of course our businesses—the thing that was not on the list, or maybe was near the very bottom— was caring for and nurturing ourselves.
One of the women asked the follwing question:
“It is so easy to treat ourselves—do things that we would enjoy—but we still don’t do it. Why?”
Hmmmm…
Things like enjoyment, pleasure, beauty, gladness, contentment, satisfaction, & joy are the earmarks of a life well-lived, but many of these women admitted to waiting for permission, or waiting for it to be “the right time” before they felt they could pursue these amazing life-giving things.
Our houses show this hesitation to put ourselves first right away when we walk through the door.
It is obvious that we put our own nourishment and nurturing on the back burner when the rooms we live in every day don’t do anything to bring us pleasure or joy.
What are we waiting for?
The picture above is of an office I redesigned for a favorite client a few years ago—-right after she claimed space for herself in her house, recognizing that she needed color, light, beauty—a room of her own to add to her daily enJOYment.
Here is what that same room looked like before…
I love seeing this bright, cheerful transformation.
Now, go and claim your joy!—- TODAY! :)