Monday, June 6, 2016

For the Love of the Coast

I've had a love affair with the coast for a long time. The sound of the waves, the smell of the ocean, the sand between my toes are all siren calls. Our hall bath was once decorated in a costal theme since we loved it so.

Every year we'd go to the coast with my mom, my twin sister and her family. We'd go at Easter when the kids had a long weekend - mainly because my mom didn't like the extreme heat of the summer and partly because the rates were still low.
"Beach Fun" by Cecilia Bramhall
Then my mom passed away and it wasn't the same. In the last 14 years, I've been back maybe four times but it was hard. It reminded me of Mom and I missed her.
Me and my mom looking for seashells
When my son left for college, the coastal decor came down in the bathroom and it was given a new look. I let my daughter help pick out the shower curtain and all. But after 11 years, it looks tired and I'm ready to embrace the coastal look again - because let's face it; I still love the coast and the memories are special to me.

Here's how it looks today -  Not a whole lot going on - no artwork on the walls and minimal decor.
 The cabinets need refreshing as the finish is worn. I'd love to paint them white but they are really nice oak (and hubby says no), so I'm just going to refinish them.
The white tile floor is staying and I'd like to keep the walls the color they are. The trim needs repainting and the caulking around the tub needs to be redone, so I'll take care of that too.


Then to bring it back to the sea, here's my ideas for the space. So much fun stuff out there! I found lots of nice nautical-themed decor at Hobby Lobby and other stores. It seems to be everywhere!

One, the shower curtain. I don't want a cutesy or too colorful one. This one from Target is a good example of what I'd like to have although the color is maybe a tad too understated.
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Two, I really like this blue rug from Walmart. It's not a bathroom rug but the colors are nice and remind me of water. Plus it comes in a runner which would be good in front of the sinks.
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Three, add beachy accessories:
 Anchors, boat shelf, lighthouses, rope ball - all have possibilities.




A driftwood seahorse
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Whales and an octopus too!
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And of course, sea shells, of which I have plenty. I need art so I'll put some either on boards or in shadow boxes like these:
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Now that I have a direction to go in, I can start looking for my decor. I did go ahead and get the rug from Walmart and I found a small boat shelf at a thrift store. It needs a makeover but it's perfect for the space.

I am looking forward to working on it. The memories of time spent at the coast with my mom and when my children were young are all so special. It will be nice to have that reminder again.
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As for the other projects I'm working on, the patio is at a standstill. It's been too humid to paint and now more rain is predicted. It's almost there! I promise I'll share as soon as I can.

The kitchen and art studio at the farm are also on hold. I know we'll knock them out when the time comes to really get in there and do it, but for now, it's waiting on the time to do it.

My desk chair is almost done so be looking for that post soon. I'm excited about how that one is turning out.

 I guess the good thing is, I'll have plenty to share over the next few months!


16 comments:

  1. Your bathroom is going to turn out great, Cecilia. Put the picture of you and your mom in there...it's so special.

    Hobby Lobby has a bunch of really cute beachy stuff right now.

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  2. Love the shore theme for a bathroom. Looking forward to seeing your redo. White would be so pretty on your cabinets, or a sea glass green, but hubbies can be stubborn. Admitting that my shore theme shower curtain from IKEA is a little cutesy, lol, but I love it.

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    Replies
    1. Yes they can be. :) I am thinking of staining it darker so it's not so golden.
      And I don't mind cute shower curtains - it's just not the look I'm going for. Lol. Thanks for stopping in!

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  3. Your bathroom will be so cute! I can't wait to follow your progress. Blessings, Cecilia

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  4. I second the suggestion about the pic of you and your mom. It's very special.


    xxx

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  5. The photo of you and your Mom is so precious and reminds me of similar photos from my family's visits to the beach. Love your ideas and can't wait to see how it all comes together.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Sharon. I treasure that photo. I'm glad my husband took it.

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  6. Love your blue and white ideas for your bathroom. The Walmart rug is great. Still smiling about all the fun we had Tuesday!

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    1. Thanks, Eilis! Walmart will have some good stuff sometimes. You just have to buy it when you see it. Tuesday was so much fun! It was great to meet you!

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  7. I so love your plans for the bathroom and that painting is so beautiful Cecilia...you are so very talented!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Shirley! I enjoyed painting it...its of my kids. I think I might find a way to hang it in there.

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  8. That picture of you and your mom looking for seashells is absolute poetry...do you have that framed somewhere? I think you should. I love the coast, but I rarely get to see it :) hopefully sometime this year or next.

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  9. Cecilia,
    This is such a thoughtful post and just like you I had a very special relationship with my Mom. She has been gone 13 years now and I miss her every single day.
    I really am enjoying the direction that you are going with in terms of the bathroom. We had a nautical theme in our last home and I really enjoyed it.
    I hope you are doing well.
    xo
    Jemma

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  10. Cecilia, I can't wait to see your finished plans. I really like all your ideas. I'm not into too cutesy either. We lived for 5 glorious years in Pismo Beach, CA. We both miss it. Maybe I should do a room with a costal style.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Jeanette. I would love to live at the coast. Probably won't ever happen but I'm hoping to go visit in early Fall. It's been a long time since we went. Oh definitely do a room! What better way to remember happy times?

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  11. I like all your choices.
    It will look so pretty when it's finished and the dark wood cabinets look great too!

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