Friday, April 24, 2015

Ideas For The Bathroom

I've been working on ideas for redoing the bathroom. It's a nice-size but after living with it for three years, it's time to address the issues we have:

1. The way low vanity:

I'm only 5'3" but it feels low to me! Annoying for me but what about for others who are taller? Very uncomfortable, I'd think!

2. The tub.
Although it's a nice deep tub, it is starting to crack on the bottom. (Lacking support?) And don't get me started on trying to make it look clean! I've scrubbed and scrubbed but it still looks dingy. Gross.

3. White tile.
Who in their right mind puts shiny, solid white tile on their bathroom floor? Ok, maybe you like that look; however, it's not for me! It shows every speck of dirt, every drop of water, footprint, whatever. It.drives.me.crazy!

Needless to say, I've wanted to redo it. Here's my ideas:

First off, the vanity. I saw this one at Pottery Barn and loved it's rustic look. The price? Not so much. Maybe Bruce could build one? Hm, he wasn't too keen on that idea. 

But then I saw this on Kim's blog, Tidbits & Twine:
Swoon! I love everything about it! Weathered, a piece of furniture, loads of character!

Bruce liked the idea of using an old piece of furniture too. He told me to start looking for the right piece. We measured and I started looking. Nothing. Everything was either too long or too short, drawers not in the right place, not the look I wanted, etc.

Then in Canton this month, I spied this:
To say I made a beeline for it is an understatement. I might of ran (well, almost).  It's the right size and configuration, solid wood, beautiful carving on it, AND I love how it's painted! The price was right too. Score! It came home with me. :-) 

Next, the floor. There are no tiles under the old vanity so that means I get new flooring! Woohoo!

Here's what I'm thinking of - wood look ceramic tiles:

I love the look of wood floors and with the ceramic tiles, I can have them in this space! 

Lastly, we're kicking around the idea of replacing the tub with a large walk-in shower; we hardly ever soak in the tub and in the future, getting in and out of a shower will be easier. (I know that's down the road but after dealing with that issue with a broken leg, I'm thinking of that). That said, being able to soak after a long day of working outside would be nice. But I'm really leaning toward a big shower -I'm just not sure yet. (Oh and before you ask, this is our only bathroom).

I'm excited to get started on this - just need to finalize the details/decisions and block out the time. Soon though, very soon!

Have a wonderful weekend,
Cecilia

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Heartwood

When we bought our farm and I started blogging about it, I wanted a unique name that described not only the beautiful place but also everything we felt about it.


I came up with several names:


There was Three Crow Farm for the three crows that were always around,


Belhaven was a resounding no,


Tanglewood was a strong contender as the woods are very tangled from years of neglect


but none ever really resonated with us. So we just called it "The B Farm" since our last name starts with a "B". Not very original but it worked.


Fast forward almost three years. Bruce decided to cut down the dead trees along the driveway.

There were a couple fairly close together - when he cut the second one, we saw this:


A heart shaped trunk.

Bruce cut some slices of it and then he causally said, "We can name the place 'Heartwood'".


Oh. Yes. That's perfect. Our hearts have been completely captured by our beautiful little farm and woods.


So the B Farm now has its official name:

                                                                "HEARTWOOD"

And as for the heart shaped tree trunk slices - we are going to figure out how to make a sign either to hang by our someday new gate or maybe over the fireplace.

Do you name your places? I'd love to hear what they are.

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

What I Love About My Bedroom

I'm in love with my bedroom at the farm. I wanted a peaceful, relaxing room to sleep in, with of course, some farmhouse whimsy thrown in. I think I achieved that!  Every time I walk in, I heave a deep sigh of happiness. Just what I was after!

So what's my favorite part? That's a hard one - there are several things I love in this room.

I love the color of my walls. I was a bit worried when I first started painting them that it was going to be too dark. It's not. Instead, the color adds a richness and cocooning feel that was lacking with the plain white walls.


The curtains and furniture are neutral in color too. That way there isn't a lot of visual noise and I can control the amount of bright color by using accessories; in this case a few pops of color from my artwork and red accents, like the quilt Bruce's grandmother made us.

Also, I really love my new rug - I bought an indoor/outdoor one - it's soft underfoot but has a great textural look. Perfect!

source

My old door turned headboard with its metal accent piece is another thing I love. I actually found some tin ceiling tiles I think will work in the panels, so I will be replacing the metal piece with the tin eventually. It's such a great farmhouse look!



And of course, I adore my sliding barn door. I wasn't too sure about my paint treatment but after living with it a couple of weeks, I really like it. Plus, we don't have a door that eats up floor space. :o)




I love all the things that say "this is us". Like the bench with its stenciled saying,


the artwork that reflects country living,


Currier and Ives Four Seasons Prints


farm stitchery - a thrift store find

the pet portraits of my boys I painted in a colorful, whimsical style,

Herbie and Buddy - these make me smile every time!

 and then small touches like my posh rabbit, old toy truck (mine), tractor (Bruce's), wood crate, fox, and rooster lamp.







Last and probably most important, I love our bed and soft sheets. They are essential for a good night's sleep!


We splurged and bought a really good mattress then I made sure we had soft and comfortable sheets to put on it. I have to admit I'm a sheet snob...I can't stand scratchy sheets. Parachute, a bedding company, offers luxurious bedding with attention to quality. I really want to buy a set and try them out. Their bedding sounds so sumptuous. Just what I like!

All these things add up to make this a room I truly love and enjoy. And very definitely us!

What's your favorite thing about your bedroom?


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