French Country Master Bathroom (and the Tale of A Gorgeous Bed Crown)

Oops, there it is!

It's a master bathroom that I've never shown you because I.Haven't Really.Decorated It.Yet.

I have a clue about what I want to do, but I have BIG ideas and they keep involving a lot of cash and my hubby building frames for giant artwork, etc. etc...Errrr, he's a little behind on my projects and I guess I'll forgive him since he works long hours and he's such a doggone cutie. (He'd roll his eyes right here). So I thought I'd show you the bathroom, discuss one idea I have for the windows and you can throw in your input too. Maybe together we can figure this out!

I know it's 'in' right now to leave windows blank with no curtains, but I feel like something around the windows warms up the space. Our issue is the windows are on the back side of the tub, so if we want to open and close the curtains, it's going to be a pain to reach. I'm thinking of doing some sort of remote control shade that's hidden by a cornice. I could have stationary curtains on either side if I wanted.

A cornice? Like from the 90s??

Yes, I said cornice, lol. I just got back from visiting the Biltmore y'all. You know, the largest privately owned home in America? I want a fancy cornice so I can pretend to be the hillbilly cousin of the Vanderbilts. Actually, what I'm really into is architectural carvings and I thought how amazing would it be if I could get a huge carving to put above the window and use it like a cornice. See my dilemma? Now where am I going to find this huge architectural carving that will fit exactly over my window....Help me think on that. In the meantime, I'll show you what started this grand idea so you can have a visual of where I'm going. I saw this bed crown on Ebay. It is the bomb. I LOVE THIS.

Hubby says he's not into bed crowns.

Hubby never mentioned he's not into window crowns....hehehe. 

He's learning that he needs to be very specific around here.

The bed crown is only 24" inches wide, meanwhile each window behind the tub is much wider than that. So even if I bought two of them, they are just not wide enough to put over each window. I've even pictured a similar but flatter carved piece sitting on top of a wooden cornice board. I've looked high and low for a picture that would give you a good idea of what I'm talking about but I can't find one, so I'm hoping you can imagine it.                

Sigh. Wouldn't it be dreamy?

That bed crown though. It's really what I'd love to have in here.

Hubby just wants curtains.

He's talking about function when I'm talking about gorgeous bed crowns here? That silly man.

I'll discuss the artwork next time around and possibly spiff it up for Christmas. Also, maybe it's time I learn to use some tools. I asked for some once and sweet hubby bought me a whole set of pink tools. 

Shhhhh....don't remind him that I've never used them. He now carries a pink screwdriver in his truck.

I love a man who is confident.

See you next time.

Love,

Elizabeth 

Why can't the woman just go buy a set of curtains at Target like a normal person? Bed crowns? Who does this? She's exhausting.

The Powder Room

HEY Y'ALL! Happy June! May kicked my tail and I'm just recovering. My oldest son graduated college AND has his own apartment (WHAT??) and Bear has been either practicing or performing in three different plays in two different cities at least an hour from us...so that's where I've been. Hello Summer!

So now that I've slowed down, I wanted to give you a peek at the powder room. I'm showing you one side of a two sided bath. There are no windows in here, so excuse some of the lighting on the pics. Past the arched sliding door is a vanity, shower/bath and a closet, and that side is attached to my oldest son's room. I consider the half that I'm showing you the powder room, since it opens up to the hallway.  Also, I didn't want ONE MORE TOILET TO CLEAN by having both a powder room and a full bathroom for my son. (I'm so over cleaning right now). 

For years I have wanted an old piece of furniture to double as a sink vanity. In searching for an old dresser to add a sink to, I happened upon one with a bowl sink already added at an antique shop in Tennessee. I wish I had some before pics of it, but it was a 'tiger' wood. Lots of grain going on. It wasn't the color I wanted but I loved the shape of the piece and the drawer handles. Thankfully our cabinetmaker has been amazing and agreed to paint it for me and he designed a place in the drawer area for the plumbing to go.

Two different paint choices later (the first coat was cream, which was a big fat NO after seeing it), it ended up a glossy black. The cabinetmaker painted it with a paint that is normally used on boats so it would withstand water a bit better. There's no countertop other than the wood top of the dresser and I'm learning after almost two years that even with boat paint the water droplets, etc are wrecking havoc on the paint job. I will probably have to put on a countertop in the near future. (i'd love to try soapstone!!)

It's fun to decorate with unusual items and this shield was suggested to me by my friend Steve - see some of his decorating here, he's fantastic. The shield was a prop that Russell Crowe used in the movie, 'Robin Hood'. Steve knows where to find about anything and when I told him I wanted a medieval look, maybe a family crest or something like that for above the toilet, this is what he found. I couldn't decide if I wanted to pull the trigger on it and when I finally did, it had been sold.  I was shocked to find it on Ebay a few weeks later so I snatched it up. I don't know if Russell Crowe/Robin Hood shields hold their value or not, but it's a fun conversation piece. 

If you are conversing in the bathroom and all. :) 

Still in progress, think I'll add something to the far blank wall. I keep seeing these cute little paintings with animals dressed in clothing riding bicycles etc. on etsy ...Hubby would think they are weird but I love them. :) OR maybe I could turn this into my library bathroom??? Shelving upon shelving with books galore?? Give me your ideas!

If you'll notice I have mixed finishes on the lighting. That was not on purpose, the chandelier was actually originally in Hubby's closet and it kept getting hit when he opened his door, so we moved it. I don't follow rules on decorating (is there a rule on this?) so I thought it worked out pretty well.

What unusual pieces have you found to decorate with? And anyone have any comments on soapstone countertops? You like? You don't? Let me know!

Have a great day!

Love,

Elizabeth

P.S. With summer here, as you've already seen, I will be posting a lot less than normal to have more time with family, but I miss you guys!

P.P.S. I'm humbled to say was featured on The Dedicated House a couple of weeks ago as their most viewed post listed on the Sunday Showcase! Good times!

You wouldn't be impressed with this 'most viewed post' business if you saw how many times Elizabeth tripped in a day. Bless her heart.