Monday, February 4, 2013

My Blue Haven--Simplifying the Bath

"When Wippoorwills call, and evening is nigh,
I'll hurry to my Blue Haven (Heaven). . ."


"A turn to the right, A little white light,
Will lead you to my Blue Haven (Heaven)."

I love the serenity of our Farmhouse Bath. . . .It is often a haven for me after a busy day's work. . . .Lighted candles, soft music, a hot bubble bath with rubber duckies. . . .
a heavenly haven. . . .

  
The Robin's Nest Blue and white wall colors were chosen several years ago during the initial renovation. . . .The bead board on the dresser sink wall, the ceiling, and the tub are that pale blue--the rest of the walls are painted a soft white called Silver Feather. . . .I thought about painting everything with the white. . . .White paint works wonders for a light and bright room--but, for me, too much white can leave a room feeling sterile. Add a touch of a second color and instantly things become more interesting. . . .


I had no idea a few weeks ago just what a challenge I'd have taking our bath from "cottage cozy" to "farmhouse plain & simple." What started out to be a quick room  make-over ended up taking considerable effort on my part--physically and mentally.

I've heard all my life that it's hard to teach an old dog new tricks. I once looked at others and swore I'd never get stuck in the same old rut. Famous last words!

There's nothing wrong with cozy cottage style. It's been updated over the decades as it's popularity continues. But, the challenge was to change my mind set and move toward a simpler look.


Did I learn a LOT! It's not easy to do Plain & Simple. . . .At least not for me.


On the first day, I thought I'd have the bath done by noon--no problem. . . .Two days later, I was still changing vignettes. . . .My tendency toward small groupings of many items was certainly challenged. . . .I found myself removing most of what I'd spent two days of continuous work putting together. . . .


Before

After


Before

After


I discovered the use of a larger piece sure makes a vignette "pop" when striving for simple. . . .

Before
 
After
A splash of color doesn't hurt either. . . .

With color on one side of the dresser sink, toning down to a more neutral grouping seems to be a better choice for the opposite side. . . .

Before
 
After

In a few places, I couldn't decide which vignette I liked the most. . . .



The one touch I didn't change was the clothesline in the corner. . . .For me, it speaks Farmhouse. . .and, it makes people smile at the unexpected. . . .


I learned many years ago that it's a good thing to "reiterate" not only colors but a theme. . . . If there is laundry on the line, there should be a wash tub and clothespins near by. . . .



As I gained a little plain & simple insight, I realized the secret of numbers in the groupings. . . .odd numbers were good. . . .no more than five together. . . .when possible. . . .
My favorite numbers were three and five. . . .The wash tub grouping is a perfect example. . . .the pot of clothespins counting as one. . . .


 I think defining Plain & Simple Farmhouse Style has certainly become all about old fashioned simplicity and charm at our Country Farm Home. . . .


Although I learned so much from this bath challenge--I'm still learning! There's room for improvement. . . . I'm the first to admit, the bath still carries a cottage look to it--a softer, serene rendition of cottage cozy, though, don't you think? Maybe I'm developing my own style, incorporating all the styles I've found most appealing through the years--the style that speaks the most of Home for me. . . .
And, that can only come with time and practice--an on-going lesson to learn. . . .


. . .from my farmhouse to yours. . .





63 comments:

Junkchiccottage said...

Beautiful bathroom. I would never leave the bathroom!!!!! So comfy cozy and relaxing decor. Love it.
Kris

Susie said...

Fabulous bathroom. I love the clothes line and wash tub , so vintage.I think you have done a great job.xoxo,Susie

pballard said...

Lovely post. Thanks for sharing..

Tanya Rachelle said...

Truly charming! I love the clothes line and also the use of small amounts of color- especially red. Gorgeous. There is just the perfect combination of cozy and farmhouse. So inviting.
~Tanya

Ruby and Arthur said...

I enjoy a mix of cottage sweet and farmhouse plain. It makes a more interesting mix to me. I love your look! Jean

Grandma Barb's This and That said...

I love how your farmhouse bath turned out!

Pamela Gordon said...

I think your bathroom is gorgeous. I love the pale blue bathtub. It is all country charming to me. Beautifully done!

Old Time Cindy said...

I agree that too much white looks sterile. Color does add some comfort. You're doing a great job with your decor.
Farmhouse hugs,
Cindy

Anonymous said...

Wow so pretty and clean looking. Nice re-do!

Olive said...

You are doing LESS IS MORE beautifully. I adore the clothes line.

Blondie's Journal said...

I think you have found the perfect balance in your bath, simple is definitely not easy! It's hard to limit the things we love but it's nice to know that once we hit that perfect look, it's our very own style.

I like your touches of blue, they are warm, serene and calming. And I love your clothesline! So sorry about your computer. I hope it's up and running soon!

XO,
Jane

Dawn said...

It is all just perfect, I want to see it in person. What a beautiful potty room. I love the close line idea. I have very small bath rooms but love the idea of how large yours is, you can do so much with the space:)

Stacey said...

How could you not love that room? It's always so nice when there's a piece of furniture in there. Love all the touches you've added in there.

chateau chic said...

I think your bathroom is so wonderful!! Keep the style YOU love and you'll never go wrong. I love to hear that others take a while to get it just right like I do.
Mary Alice

Andrea at Opulent Cottage said...

So beautiful, and peaceful! I'm envious!

craftyles said...

Everything is perfect. I'm in love with your bathtub! The washboards are such a great touch. So calm and serene!

Down Blueberry Lane said...

All I can say is whatever it is your doing it looks great. I would love to sit and take a soak in this bathroom. I'm with you on the all white being too sterile~I can't do that look either. ~Susie~

Unknown said...

Beautiful style, no matter what you choose to call it! It speaks to me! Beautiful elegance.

Jennifer @ Town and Country Living said...

What a beautiful bathroom! Love your tub and the vignettes.

Angie @ Knick of Time said...

It looks gorgeous, in a cozy farmhouse way! I'll be featuring you next week at Knick of Time Tuesday - thanks for sharing at the party!

Anonymous said...

Oh, my! Your bathroom is so beautiful! It looks like a dream! Love your pretty bathroom and just imagine how wonderful it must be to take a soak in it.
be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Geneva said...

It's so pretty ... and beautifully photographed! I love all of your little vignettes...you definitely have a decorator's eye.
Blessings!
Geneva

JP said...

Oh, the tub and furniture in the bathroom...you lucky girl!

cynthia lee designs said...

Dru...it is simply beautiful!! I keep finding that my farmhouse style has a little romance to it too...and so does your bathroom.
hugs,
Cindy

Maureen Wyatt said...

It's true that simple isn't easy to achieve but I think you nailed it! Don't be surprised if you find someone else lying in that tub some evening. It will be me! Pinning this lovely room.

Jeanette@Creating a Life Studio said...

Everything is so lovely, Dru. I agree that a little color makes the whites even prettier and the room more interesting. Thanks for sharing your pretty bathroom with us!

Jeanette @ Creating A Life

Pendra said...

Your bathroom is BEAUTIFUL, LOVE that tub! It's a gorgeous combo of farmhouse and cottage... it's your style, changing, progressing, evolving. It's all about finding your own style, your own balance, comfort and feel. My style is somewhere between cottage and farmhouse with a little french twist, rustic with classic, rust with crystals, barn wood and golden finished oak... it's my own style, it has no name, but it's mine... at least today, who knows what tomorrow will bring!
Hugs,
Pendra

Pam said...

Your bathroom is just beautiful! I love the robin's egg blue, its so soft and soothing and I too, love the clothes line with the sunlight shining thru the white garments.
Pam
scrap-n-sewgranny.blogspot.com

A Bit of Colour said...

Oh what a sweet bathroom! I love everything about it! Especially that the tub is in the middle of the floor!

~Kim

Eggs In My Pocket said...

So sweet and welcoming!

Our Neck of the Woods said...

How gorgeous! I am so impressed! I love all the vignettes and thank you for sharing the tips. Wonderful job!

Visiting from Tweak It Tuesday :)
Tammy
ourneckofthewoods.net

Leena Milligan Lanteigne said...

This is gorgeous! So many wonderful vingtage items to look at and admire! Must be a large room - love that! Bathrooms are too small these days, at least mine is! So, so pretty - you did a great job with your vinettes! Hugs, Leena

Leena Milligan Lanteigne said...

PS, I loved this so much that I had to create a Dream Baths board on Pinterest so that I could recommend that others come read your post and see your pics! Really lovely! Hugs, Leena

Cindy said...

Your bathroom befores and afters are all very beautiful. I love your style!!

Melanie said...

Oh my goodness, that is the most beautiful bathroom! I've never seen a tub in the middle of a bathroom before. Simply stunning.

Kelly said...

Love your farmhouse style bathroom! I think you did a great job keeping your vignettes in line with the look you were after. I adore your tub in the center of the room like that too. So charming!

Robin Johnson said...

Oh how I love your style! You have such a talent for arranging items together. I am forever finding great examples from you. Who knew a bathroom could be so inspiring! LOL. Seriously, your bathroom is amazing, I love each and every thing you have in there.

Kiki Nakita said...

Wow. Your bathroom is simply beautiful.

Art and Sand said...

Your bathroom is beyond wonderful.

Thirty some years ago, I lived in Jamaica and my neighbor woud have me over for tea every day. She would excuse herself to use the bathroom and I would play with her two children and read to them. I finally realized that she was usually gone for 20 or 30 minutes. What she finally admitted was that she was getting her little bit of relaxation from the kids and was reclining in her huge lovely bathroom in a chair reading.

I think if I came to your house, I might get lost in the bathroom for awhile.

Deborah@Green Willow Pond said...

You simply nailed it! I love the tub smack dab in the middle like that, and that clothes line is adorable. I'd love it if you linked this to my new linky party, "What We've Accomplished Wednesdays." It is live right now.

Have a great week!
Deborah

Unknown said...

Oh my Gosh - I love everything you do - but this? WOW - I need to have a bathroom like this!
Spectacular job!
Hugs,
Suzan

Susan said...

What a beautiful bathroom. It looks so warm and inviting. I love the simplicity of it all, it all looks so fresh! Love the soft blue you chose. This is a great room.

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

Dru, just to show how confused I am, I loved both the before and after photos. lol! You just have such a knack. I try to do my vignettes in three's and fives too. I have an old dresser that I will be painting robin eggs blue to use as our sink in the basement bath. Can't wait till I get the point that you are, creating vignettes. I adore that clothesline too! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann

Julie said...

Very cute & cozy. Love the vignettes!

Heaven's Walk said...

Dru - you created such a sweet, cozy, relaxing room! You are so right - simple is usually better - and you did it beautifully! Love love love your tub! ♥

xoxo laurie

At Rivercrest Cottage said...

Love your bathroom and plan to steal the idea of putting the washboards in a tub. Your wooden shelf is adorable too.

Jamie-So Much Better With Age said...

So beautiful! I love this. You did a great job ;)
Jamie ~ Better With Age

Kathy said...

This is just too cozy! I love all the shutters and absolutely adore the claw-foot tub. I have one I'm renovating and plan to paint it similar colors - your bathroom is an inspiration!
Kathy

Meredith @ The Laundry Can Wait said...

What is not to love here?? It is to die for. Everything tells a story. And I love your advice about reiterating a theme.

I'm highly impressed at your talent here.

Warmly,
Meredith

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

I love your charming bathroom. I really want your tub. Great details

On a Wing and a Prayer said...

I fell for your bathroom! Can I borrow... it sometime? It was like a love story...me and your beautiful room :) I had one once..in blues like you with roses... Fantastic job! just loved!

Anne said...

Your bathroom is so dreamy! How did I miss this post! Every single detail is beautiful! LOVE that curvy dresser!
xx
Anne

Anonymous said...

I love the tall dresser in the corner! congrats on your feature at Southern Savvy Style! Little Bit from www.DecorateWithaLittleBit.com

Wild Oak Designs said...

I love what you have done!! The blue on the bathtub is perfect. Your vignettes are sweet.
come for a visit some time....
Nancy
http://wildoakdesigns.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

Oh it is a haven! So beautiful!

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

Dru,
I know that your bath has been featured all over blogland this week. And that I featured your clothesline a couple weeks ago, but still had to feature you again this week on Share Your Cup. Adore your sweet bath!
hugs,
Jann

Orlando Designs said...

I loved this bathroom, I could so have this in my house!

Stan and Jody Gabara said...

Dru, Thank you so much for sharing this inspiring post. I love your farmhouse bathroom! I'll be featuring it tomorrow at Simple & Sweet Fridays.
Happy Valentines!

Jody

Something Nice and Pretty said...

I adore everything in your bathroom! I especially love the clothesline, your right it does make you smile!
I'm a new follow of yours, I don't want to miss more of your posts!

Rondell

Mahek said...

Love it love it...
I would love such a look , in India with lack of space it's so difficult to have such vignettes

Kathryn Ferguson Griffin said...

It's exquisite! You will be one of the features Monday at the Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. Hope to see your prettiness again on Monday. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

Patty Sumner said...

A gorgeous Bathroom! I love it! So blessed to find you. Blessings!

sissy said...

I'm late, I know but I just had to tell you about my tears.
The coke sprinkle bottle.......
I just wonder how many Monday nights that I helped momma get the clothes sprinkled down, rolled an put in the basket so I could iron the next morning. That bottle that you placed on the shelf hit me very hard. Thank you.

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