The Bell of the Bathroom

Running a few days behind here, but I wanted to give you a quick peek at the CB2 Bell lights from this "Updates" post, that we finally got around to putting up in the art studio/guest bedroom.  One half of the room is almost complete.  All that is left is filling and painting the wood trim white + window treatments.  Oh my Lanta!

We have also been hard at work in the upstairs bathroom.  Previously I shared a planning board of everything that was in our bathroom at this very moment--

Split level bathrooms do not give you a lot of room, or light to photograph.  Without natural light, everything just looks orange and muddy. Without further adieu- this is the best I could do.

Everything has been stripped down.  No art, no decor, no nothing.  Minimal.  I have to tell you, I really don't mind it.  I actually like it.  No fuss.

A little side-by-side action:

Then

Now

Up next on the chopping block-- our "master" bedroom.  More to come on it's progress.  Just for giggles, here is the before we moved in shot:

Redrum.

Thanks for stopping by!

Updates, Updates, Updates

As you can tell, I am getting really good at keeping promises.  First blog update this year. Boom.

Up until last week, we hadn't done much as far as home improvements projects are concerned.  However, we weren't too busy to binge watch Making a Murderer, Nurse Jackie, or the last five seasons of BBC Top Gear.  It's cold and we aren't in the mood.  We wouldn't want to blame work for our lack of posts but... work.

After signing on here and there I've noticed a few posts have really taken off.  In January (with zero updates mind you) we had 700 views.  THANK YOU to all of you who have taken the time out to do a little reading.  We are so humbled.  Seriously.  Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and Americana Decor are dueling with DIY Aveda Hair Pomade at the moment, and I couldn't be any more excited.  I really hope these posts have helped answer some questions or given you great hair results!

So.. on with the updates.. with no pictures:

Upstairs Loo:

In this previous bathroom post, we were in the middle of putting everything together only to have everything taken down this weekend.  Tip:  DO NOT use primed mdf trim in your bathroom even if water won't get near it.  Humidity will.  Also, when you are thinking about putting up "wainscoting" in a bathroom, make sure your space isn't the size of a closet.  It is amazing how tiny a bathroom will feel with an extra half inch of board crouching in on your space.

Getting back to the humidity (and water, let's be honest) the MDF boards that we put down soaked up water faster than a sponge.  As a result, mildew turned into mold, and if I really wanted to, I could probably wring the water right out.  First house means lots of little new learning experiences.  We've managed to clean up the mess, but have yet to put the trim back in.  Wood trim, mind you. 

I've compiled an image of all most of the elements we do have in our main bath at the moment. Pictures will come one day, probably.

From left to right:

1. Subway tile was used for our tub surround

2. West Elm Horizon Striped Shower Curtain

3. West Elm Contour Vanity Light

4. Revere Pewter by BM paint color *voted best grey 2011-2015

5. Natural Travertine floor tile

6. Ikea Stockholm Mirror in Walnut

7. Anthropologie Ironwork Hooks

8. Faux Succulent plant from Target

9. Home Depot Glacier Bay Vanity in Espresso 

There are elements in this bathroom that I absolutely LOVE and some that seemed like a good idea at the time.  For example, the vanity.  Don't get me wrong, I love Home Depot, but I am not thrilled at how the sink has held up. The drawer bottoms have already deteriorated after two years of light use.  But, if I had to pick from what we had before and what we have now, well, I'd pick what we had before.  Kidding.  Down the road, I wouldn't mind replacing this vanity with something else less cheap, and lighter in color.  

What I do love about this bathroom is that every time you sit on the toilet, you can search for fossils.  I enjoy Travertine because of the variance in color and texture.  I also like the marigold Ironwork Hooks against the Revere Pewter walls.  It's unexpected.  The vanity light is also a real treat.  It's clean, modern, and subtle but still makes a statement.

Art Studio/Guest Bedroom renovations have picked up again.  Can I get a hell yeah?!  Trim has been put up on the windows, closet door has been installed, and these little lights (in black) from CB2 are getting put up this weekend.  If everything comes together, I should have a complete (but incomplete) room update for you next week!

The Impending List:

• Paint/Patch Windows
• Install  Lights
• Paint Doors
• Touch up walls and trim
• Blinds/Roman Shades**  

**If you have any tips on what type of window coverings you prefer, shoot me a note. 

Smart Home Technology:

Shane was generously gifted a starter pack of Philips Hue Color light bulbs for Christmas from the rents.  There is nothing better than getting super comfy in bed only to realize you forgot to turn the lights off.  The worst.  Now, I can tell Siri to do it for me.  If you're into "smart" technology for your home, these little lights are ranked right up there with the Nest in our book.  Well worth the bills.

That'll do, pig.  At least for today.  Check back next week for a surge of updates on the studio/bathroom/bedroom and maybe a quick DIY project or two.