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. . .

For more, see The Farmhouse Bath at Night


Sharing this post with: * Make It Pretty Monday *Show & Tell Friday * Feathered Nest Friday * Home Sweet Home * Be Inspired Fridays *Simple & Sweet Friday * Share Your Cup Thursday * Wow Us Wednesday * Knick of Time Tuesday * Budget Decorating Party * Tweak It Tuesday