Bathroom Renovation: Let the Planning Begin

I have to preface this post by saying this: I am from a VERY transit family. Personally, I have moved 13 times in my 26 years of life. So, when my husband and I started looking for a house I knew that I wanted something that I could make my very own, a fixer upper if you will. Boy, did we ever get a fixer upper. We have had everything from rotten floor boards to a hole in the roof. Meh.. You get what you paid for!

Now that our kitchen is 99.5% finished I've started thinking about the projects we still have ahead. This summer is all about landscaping and the deck, but I want to think about something else, the guest bathroom. It is a tiny little thing which has a cast-iron bathtub, a very pathetic toilet, and the biggest vanity you've ever seen. I have decided to keep the tub, but everything else has to go. Here are some inspiration photos I've pulled. I'm stumped on the walls but there is plenty of time to think about it. What do you think?

Here

Here

The Container Store

Here

The Home Depot

Inspiration: O Brother, Where Art Thou

Every since attending my first bluegrass jam with my college roommate I have been intensely in love with the music. I love the interaction of the instruments, the earthiness of the sound, the often amazing lyrics, everything. My dad was the one who introduced me to O Brother, Where Art Thou. First, I mean, who can resist George Clooney? Not this girl. Secondly, it's just an amazing film. This is one of those movies that inspire me, the color schemes, the hats, the dirt and the story line. I can see reclaimed wood, canvas and rough cotton fabrics, denim and mens shirt blue, sisal rope, cornstalks, industrial school house lighting, natural light and simple furniture. That is what this film makes me think of.

What movie inspires you?

What's Your Style?

Besides making my wallet cry, this house has done something else to me. It makes me wonder about my sense of style, what it is, and if it's even coming together well. Back when I was still doing hair I used to tell clients to collect photos to find what they gravitated towards. Well, it's about time I take my advice! I do believe style does evolve, but here are some of the components to what I think is my sense of style....

First.... Nautical Prep

This photo still incorporates the prep, but it brings in more color. I cannot deny my intense love of yellow, hence why I am currently in an intensive search for a rocking chair like this one.

This one is probably one of my favorites. It involves color as well as a sense of an updated nod to all things vintage. I spend hours in our local Salvation Army searching for lamps I can update and tea cups to turn into sculptures. I believe whole heartedly that the past should always be acknowledged in design. It adds comfort and nostalgia into rooms that can feel overly "done" and cold.

So what is your style? I encourage you to start your own portfolio of photos like I have. It really has helped, though it has not staunched my fears of not being able to pull my home together.

Still to come: My vintage lamp makeover! I'm pretty stoked about this so keep watching.

All photos are borrowed from Apartment Therapy and Design Sponge.