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. :-)

36 comments:

Kathi said...

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

Unknown said...

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

Jessica said...

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

cynthia said...

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!

Marfa (formula for a life) said...

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

Nancy said...

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!

The Country Nest said...

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

preppyinnewengland said...

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.

Kristen said...

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

Unknown said...

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

Nancy

AshleyR said...

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

Brighton said...

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!

Melanie Elissa said...

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

Teri and her Stylish Adventure Cats said...

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

Dixie said...

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...

Leen said...

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

Love the toothbrush holder, it is darling!

Suzann said...

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

Rachel~Wildflower Photography Studio and Wildflower Creative said...

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/

WhisperWood Cottage said...

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

Tales From My Empty Nest said...

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

Martha said...

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!

Abbie said...

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

Unknown said...

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.

Stacey @ The Blessed Nest said...

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

ennoid said...

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

Sam said...

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

Tammy said...

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

Mary Michael said...

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

Tales of Whimsy said...

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.

joanne said...

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!

joanne said...

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!

Unknown said...

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.

Prairie Girl Studio said...

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

Prairie Girl Studio said...

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

Richella Parham said...

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!

Lavender Bath said...

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