Sunday, June 14, 2009

Design a Bathroom Around This



Have you ever seen that Kohler commercial that says "Design a house around this"?

If not, here it is:




Well, the sentiment "Design a room around this" sprang to mind when I saw this old, metal toothbrush holder at a flea market near the HGTV Green Home. I paid six dollars for it, and love its "Country Living" look.




I know, I know, it sounds crazy to design a room around it right?
Maybe it would help if I gave you an idea of what I see when I look at it...

I see smooth, old metal and porcelain handles like this...



...and tall zinc tables with beautiful lines, holding white enamelware pitchers filled with fresh white blooms...




I see generous amounts of vintage fabric, skirted across the front of my vanity...



I see birdcages & baskets, filled with candles & towels...



I see chipping paint...



And I definitely see a chandelier hanging over my tub...





These are just a few of the things I see when I look at my little six dollar toothbrush/glass holder.

FYI- Don't worry my fellow Germ-o-phobe's, the holder will purely be for looks. I plan to use a small, antique drinking glass in the top of the holder (for flowers, of course), and a few, decorative wooden toothbrushes (with quotes on them) in the bottom part. :-)

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36 comments:

  1. KathiJune 14, 2009 at 5:52 PM

    Lovely dreamy bathroom! I can see it too...

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  2. UnknownJune 14, 2009 at 5:52 PM

    I love the 1st Bathroom picture, the mirror's are gorgeous.

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  3. JessicaJune 14, 2009 at 6:02 PM

    Love all of those pics... basically describes my dream bathroom as well! :)

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  4. cynthiaJune 14, 2009 at 6:11 PM

    when i read the title that commercial was exactly what i thought about!

    i love your $6 find!

    and i love love love the vintage scale in the photo!

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  5. Marfa (formula for a life)June 14, 2009 at 6:25 PM

    Feel free to come to my house and test drive your bathroom ideas in mine. I'm willing to sacrifice ;-D

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  6. NancyJune 14, 2009 at 6:54 PM

    You have such amazing things planned. I have a lampshade I want my bedroom to de "designed around". Once I'm ready (just bought my place) I am going to purchase one of your consultations. Can't wait to see how the bathroom turns out.

    Good Luck!

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  7. The Country NestJune 14, 2009 at 7:17 PM

    Great bathrooms, I would love one of those. Design a bath around this shows how a creative mind works...look what came from it. Hope you share pics of what you do with your find. I enjoy your blog so much, you never disappoint me.
    Hugs,
    Donna

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  8. preppyinnewenglandJune 14, 2009 at 7:38 PM

    Such warm cozy bathrooms! Yes, I do believe you can start with one small or big element and be creative as you want! Thanks for posting.

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  9. KristenJune 14, 2009 at 7:43 PM

    What VISION you have! I cannot wait to see what you do with your bathroom!

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  10. UnknownJune 14, 2009 at 8:00 PM

    I would love a bathroom like that, too! The toothbrush holder is so neat...great find!

    Nancy

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  11. AshleyRJune 14, 2009 at 8:07 PM

    I can't wait to see the finished product. I know it will be GORGEOUS... just like the rest of your house!

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  12. BrightonJune 14, 2009 at 8:09 PM

    whew. I was going to advise you to get a tetanus shot...

    It will be beautiful like all the rooms you do : )

    ps- Ceiling and walls are painted in Anne's room...should be soon for the reveal!

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  13. Melanie ElissaJune 14, 2009 at 8:14 PM

    I LOVE that toothbrush holder..what a awesome find!! It just sends your mind in decorating ahhh!!

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  14. Teri and her Stylish Adventure Cats June 14, 2009 at 10:01 PM

    I love your wish list. and your flea market find...

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  15. DixieJune 14, 2009 at 10:54 PM

    I've got a tin bucket on the front porch.. could you help me design a bathroom around that! I'm needin' help.

    ps.. adore your bathroom design...

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  16. LeenJune 14, 2009 at 10:54 PM

    Oh yes, you will definitely need a chandelier above the tub!

    Love the toothbrush holder, it is darling!

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  17. SuzannJune 14, 2009 at 10:59 PM

    Awesome Flea Market Find. Truly one of my all time favorite commercials too. Your inspiration photos and ideas are perfect!

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  18. Rachel~Wildflower Photography Studio and Wildflower CreativeJune 14, 2009 at 11:07 PM

    Beautiful bathrooms...I would take any one of them! :)

    This is the first time that I've visited you blog. I'll be back for more!

    Rachel

    http://littlebitvintage.blogspot.com/

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  19. WhisperWood CottageJune 14, 2009 at 11:50 PM

    You already have it designed! I have a similar inspiration for my master bath, but my toothbrush holder has some chippy cream paint on it! :)

    Amy

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  20. Tales From My Empty NestJune 14, 2009 at 11:52 PM

    Beautiful ideas for the bathroom. Love the old toothbrush holder! Great find!! Love & blessings from NC!

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  21. MarthaJune 15, 2009 at 3:35 AM

    A great piece -- we have something similar in our bath -- it has a place for a glass and a place for soap -- not as chippy as yours -- you'll like it!

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  22. AbbieJune 15, 2009 at 8:00 AM

    Oh I am SO impatient to see your bathroom!! I love the idea of taking something you love and building around it.

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  23. AnonymousJune 15, 2009 at 8:06 AM

    Cue: big sigh from me. These ideas are all so delicious. Can't wait to see what you come up with, I know it is going to be beautiful and inspiring.

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  24. Stacey @ The Blessed NestJune 15, 2009 at 8:09 AM

    Love it! Sometimes inspiration just grabs you :)!! Those often turn out to be the best rooms!

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  25. ennoidJune 15, 2009 at 8:11 AM

    Great find! It looks like it should be flipped upside down though, with the bell as the base???

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  26. SamJune 15, 2009 at 9:03 AM

    I love your plan for the toothbrush holder, especially the wooden toothbrushes with sayings. Brilliant!

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  27. TammyJune 15, 2009 at 9:11 AM

    Beautiful inspiration. It sounds like a dream - I'd never want to leave. :) Have a great week!

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  28. Mary MichaelJune 15, 2009 at 9:19 AM

    Love the vision! Can't wait to see how it tunrs out!

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  29. Tales of WhimsyJune 15, 2009 at 10:54 AM

    What a vision! I love the birdcage idea! I would never have considered that. You should do a segment on all the cool things you can do with birdcages.

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  30. joanneJune 15, 2009 at 3:42 PM

    Hi Layla- Can't wait to see what you come up with! Home Depot has these (plastic)panels that look like the old fashioned tin ceilings- would be perfect to use around your tub as you are planning! they are about 1 ft X 2 ft panels and come in a few different colors/finishes. Ours are displayed near the tile department. Check them out!

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  31. joanneJune 15, 2009 at 3:42 PM

    Hi Layla- Can't wait to see what you come up with! Home Depot has these (plastic)panels that look like the old fashioned tin ceilings- would be perfect to use around your tub as you are planning! they are about 1 ft X 2 ft panels and come in a few different colors/finishes. Ours are displayed near the tile department. Check them out!

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  32. UnknownJune 15, 2009 at 7:39 PM

    I would so love a chandelier in our bathroom. How relaxing it would be.
    Oh well, I can dream for the day we become homeowners.

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  33. Prairie Girl StudioJune 15, 2009 at 10:02 PM

    totally totally TOTALLY! the vintage whites on whites ... a bit of old brass ... white porcelain ... white flowers ... mmmm ... love the mirror on the shelf and love the window in that pic ... oh your bathroom is going to be divine with any of these elements ... glee!
    prairiegirl

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  34. Prairie Girl StudioJune 15, 2009 at 10:03 PM

    totally totally TOTALLY! the vintage whites on whites ... a bit of old brass ... white porcelain ... white flowers ... mmmm ... love the mirror on the shelf and love the window in that pic ... oh your bathroom is going to be divine with any of these elements ... glee!
    prairiegirl

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  35. Richella ParhamJune 17, 2009 at 8:53 PM

    HI Layla--

    I've visited your blog many times, but only recently have I discovered that leaving comments is a Good Thing.

    I am excited to see what you'll do with this bathroom. I think you're right to take your time and make this a special space. My guest bathroom stayed plain and utilitarian for a long time. When I finally got around to doing something with it, I found myself wanting to make it really special for guests. I really appreciate it when someone goes to the trouble to travel to visit me, and I want them to be glad they came.

    I'm guessing your guests are always glad to see you, but they'll be especially glad to have a beautiful space to call their own when they're at the Lettered Cottage. Good luck!

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  36. Lavender BathJuly 14, 2009 at 1:02 AM

    You give a good inspiration....I love the pictures....Thanks

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