Remodeled Bathroom

I'm SO excited to have my bathroom back! I LOVE IT.  The pedestal sinks and the toilet match - we bought them at Builder's Surplus.  The tile floor was left over from the Master Bath remodel.  There is wainscotting and a chair rail behind the sinks.  We bought the medicine cabinets from KMart.  The wainscotting was painted with a white high gloss paint.  The walls were painted with Benjamin Moore - Ice Cube Silver in Pearl Finish. 

I collect perfume bottles (even vintage ones), so I put them on top of one of the medicine cabinets. 

One of my favorites are these silver rose votive holders.

I put glass ornaments in the old blue mason jar. 

Est 1973

We got in our family name sign!  It's one of Mom's Christmas presents but she asked if she could open it - she loved it! It was even wrapped in tissue paper with a monogramed D and a thank you note from Susie.  She has some charming items for sale on her Etsy Shop.

Master Bath Remodel

We've always been do-it-ourself-ers, but a bathroom re-model was beyond a DIY project for us.  Even though I've managed remodels, I learned several things I'd like to share - it's different on this side of the project.  Be sure everything is ordered and all materials are at your house before beginning.  Sometimes backorders slow or stop the process.  Also, order extra.  The contractor even measured for tile and we still ended up short. Mom had to make several compromises but it still turned out great (I think).

I found these pictures of what the Master Bath looked like when we moved in.  It's amazing to see how much work we've put into this house.  This Master Bath Remodel was difficult.  The contractor did excellent work.  He caused drama and worked slowly to stretch out his hours for more pay.  LESSON: Pay by the job NOT by the hour.  Here is the before: (We did strip this wallpaper when we first moved in)

Here is the after:

Tearing out the shower wall opened up the room a lot.  Made the room more spacious.  However, choosing items is difficult because we prefer to use a true white rather than an off white or hues of brown.  This limited tiles to choose from.  Some tumbled marble has the white color in it but mom wasn't "lovin it."  For those reasons we went with the ceramic tile.  The 12x12 floor tile was laid on the diagonal to give the illusiuon of a larger space.  The 6x8 tub and shower tile was laid long ways to give a subway tile feel.  The contractor even made a tiled bench in the shower.  There is a decorative tile inset 1/3 of the way up the wall in the shower and tub. 

Mom originally wanted two pedestal sinks.  The contractor was unsure of himself installing pretty chrome plumbing.  Therefore, we went with this vanity.  It is black/brown with a Carrara marble top.  (Behind the vanity is white bead board).  I learned while searching and searching for this that Home Depot and Lowe's have this BUT they don't know that they have it.  =) 

There is also bead board in front of the tub.  The contractor built this:  He did a great job here!  We chose the larger base boards to install.  It gives a more formal look. 

The faucets are my favorite.  They are chrome.  We chose to go with chrome fixtures.  We thought it would sparkle and stand out against the white.  Not only are the faucets beautiful but they have a large height.  I can wash my hair under those faucets if I want. 

We installed 3" halogen lamps with the chrome fixture.  This house has those ugly 6" can lights.  We hate them.  Home Depot and Lowe's do not carry the kits (they have kits to insert in the 6" holes) to update these dinosaurs.  I searched and searched .... and searched.  Mom wanted the lighting Candice Olsen uses. (Her link, takes you to her typical beautiful bedroom with fab lighting).  Lamps Plus in Uptown Dallas has them (or you can order them online and wait a few days).  I also purchased a shower proof recessed halogen light from them as well.  The contractor did a fantastic job installing these lights & filling in with the sheet rock around them.  You can't even tell those gianormous can lights exisited here.

 We painted the walls (without bead board) and the ceiling with Benjamin Moore - Silvery Blue #1647.  It's a blue grey that we used in the Master Bedroom.   In the center of the vanity I filled an antique pitcher with pink and cream sweet pea's and hydrangea's. 

Several years ago, I was thrown into my first bathroom remodel without any guidance from the designer.  I was instructed to choose and order bathroom fixtures.  After installing the fixtures in the soaker tub, we learned that the spout wasn't long enough and the water wasn't running into the tub.  =)  Maybe someone can learn from my mistake.

 Items Purcahsed:

• The Vanity:  The Great Indoors
• The Medicine Cabinets:  The Home Depot
• Sconces & Soap Dispenser:  Restoration Hardware (Vintage Line)
• Satin Faucets:  Belle Foret
• Tub & Shower Hardware: Delta
• Recessed Lighting: Lamps Plus
• 12x12 & 6x8 Tile: Coker Floor
• Tub:  Jacuzzi
• Shower Curtain:  Restoration Hardware
• Mercury Glass Candle Hldr:  Global Views

 

"Expect The Unexpected"

Problem: Mom has two color pallettes that she loves.  The reds and yellows of the French Country and the soft blues of the ocean.  Solution: Finding a way to infuse the two.  When we move to our next home, mom wants the same color to flow throughout the home. 

We walked through a Mercedes Model Home in McKinney and this design firm in Austin did a spectacular job in the decorating.  (I know from experience that creating a fabulous model home is difficult due to financial restraints).  This is one of the best that I've seen. 

The fresh balance of the light blue and red his hard to pull off, but if done correctly, it would be completely unexpected and beautiful.  To get the look, let one color take the lead and accent in the bold contrasting color. Also, use a lot of whites and ground the room with a few black elements.  Like this:

These examples came from Coastal Living:

Projects For Noble James

I wanted to show a few projects I've done for Noble.  The first, I completed before he was born.  (I saw something like this selling for $250 and decided I could do it myself).  I started out priming a large piece of canvas.  I used stencil letters and floated compound over the letters.  Leave the stencil on for awhile - long enough to let the compound dry.  After a few days of drying, I painted the letters with a tiny brush - very carefully.   Using the compound sets the letters off the canvas rather than just painting them on there.  I chose this verse for him to see everyday.  Something that I pray that will instill character in him. 

I just ordered this name frame from Emily's Chocolate Blue.  Her art is unique to each customer's wants.  She not only does 'birth announcements' but the possibilities are endless. On Noble's, it lists the time and date he was born, how much he weighed and his height.  I also chose a verse for Noble.  Something I pray for him to live by.  "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path."  Proverbs 3:5-6.

This project was my mom's idea.  There are always treasures to find on the beach.  We got a screw lid jar from walmart, filled it with sand, and added some things that Noble picked up on the beach.  It turned out so cute! It was an excellent year for shells...

Farmhouse Wares

I found a lot of cute things for my wish list at Farmhouse Wares.  They have cute must haves from bed, bath, to garden.  My two favorite things from this website are the cupcake stands and the Savon de Marseille soap. 

I don't make cupcakes very often but I can think of cute things use these around the house.  You can pick up a set of 6 for around $40.  Also, check out the cake plates as well.

I'm ready to get my hands on this soap! This Savon de Marseille soap is make from olive oil and vegetable oils and takes two weeks to make.  It's good for sensitive and dry skin.  One cube sells for about $7.00.  I just wish she would sell it with the cute white ceramic piece it's sitting in.

Style Scope

Home Goods is one of our (me and my mom) favorite places to shop.  They have a STYLE SCOPE QUIZ (click on the style scope words for the quiz) to help you defne your style.  You can also win gift cards and a $5000 shopping spree.

My style is Glamorous Eclectic. 

I have wide-ranging interests and influences and appreciate a mix of whatever I deem fantastic.  I would be bored to tears using a matching suite of furniture or could never stand a home that seemed cookie-cutter.  I fearlessly embrace luxury, beauty and fun.  Velvet, silver, graphic patterns, even wallpaper; I understand the old-Hollywood, movie star sense of theatrical extravagance.  I do not understand the minimalist idea of less is more. More is more, so long as it is chic and exciting.

I value creativity.  I am stylish and fun loving, and can be an inspiration to others.  I have a natural sense of drama, and know I have to be willing to take risks—whether with colors, finishes, furniture choices, or ideas—for my home to stand out. My home is happy and lively.

Putting Your Style to Work!

With your style and needs in mind, here are a few tips that will help you make your home a little happier.

1. Your Design Challenge: UNIFY. The good news is, you probably have many things you love and have collected, and no one would ever say your home is boring! You've done the hard part; now you just need to pull it all together. If your furniture seems like a mish-mash, unify it through similar upholsters or slipcovers. When grouping objects, try to find something they have in common. If they share a shape, color or material, they will look like a collection. A tray is every decorator's secret weapon for making groups of small objects look purposeful and sculptural. If your accessories are all over the map, try subduing the upholstery or wall color, so your small items are the stars.  ***Actually, my biggest downfall is object placement.  I look at Bless Our Nest and wonder why I can't do that!***

2. Your Happy Place. Think of your outdoor space, no matter how small, as rooms, and create distinct areas. A pair of chaises flanking a little side table makes a living room. A lantern hanging from a tree or pergola over a table and chairs makes a dining room. A cluster of potted plants on a patio can create a cozy nook, and a single urn or bench placed at the far end can draw your eye, making a space seem longer. Big lanterns with candles sitting on the ground create a sense of space and give beautiful light. Try out new ideas before you start shopping by taking a photo of your area and laying some tracing paper over the print to draw whatever you're planning first.

3. Be Party-Ready All the Time! Food: Devote space in your pantry or on a shelf for go-to party essentials: crackers, dip, chips, nuts—whatever you like to serve. Keep on hand a collection of attractive bowls and cocktail napkins, and you'll be able to set a spread—instantly!

Mood: Nice, flattering light makes us feel good. So nix the harsh, direct light from overhead fixtures in favor of the softer glow from floor and table lamps. Also, keep some votive candles and a couple of hurricane lanterns for setting around the room.

Scent: The first thing you notice about a home is how it smells. Use naturally fragrant cleaning products. If you find a scented candle or fresh potpourri you love, stock up on it. Any scent you like, whether perfume or linen spray, can be used on upholstery, bedding or just spritzed into the air.

~ Design by Barclay Butera

**Let me know what your results were, I'd like to know**

The Mansion Project

This project was a complete re-design - from floors to ceilings. All of the drapery and bedding were handmade. Even the trim was handmade by Ellen Holt. The furniture was all custom made - mostly by William and Wesley. The Dining Room table has mirrored pieces - each being 1x2" with an antique finish. Modern Masters paint was used throughout, as well as some custom car paint to give a lacquered finish. The knobs and hardwarewere mostly by Edgar Berebi, which uses swarovski crystals. The only thing I regret not taking a picture of were her collection of Chanel drawings from past seasons. These were framed with an antqiued mirrored border and hung in the hallway. All the doors in the space were custom designed and made by Cantera Doors. Molloy Art and Mirror (who also made me the entry mirror) made the mirrored glass that is behind the beautiful ironwork.
In her office, I picked out the Osborne and Little wallcovering. The flowers are flocked. I also chose the cute chandelier for her bathroom. (HomeAnnex.com)












In the kitchen, the draperies aren't real. It's actually painted. A Trompe L'Oeil Mural

More pictures