It's a small bathroom located in the attic eaves.  But, being in the eaves, also is part of the charm. 
 

At this point, I don't really have an overall before picture, but it has a tub and no shower, and the current sink is located in a corner.  As most small bathrooms go, storage is an issue.  I'm hoping we can come up with some hidden storage in the walls.

The challenge is creating good functional design, while keeping true to a summer cottage feel.  This bathroom has exposed wood beams, and rustic charm. 

The picture below captures one of the main features of the bathroom, the window that sits right above the tub.  I particularly like how the wainscoting wraps around from the window edge.  My clients' current sink cabinet is made from an old dresser.  While this dresser below isn't a sink, it could easily be converted.  The fresh, white wainscoting with the wood dresser is a great cottage combination.

(source)

Another tub and window combination, but this time has a tile wrap on the walls from the window frame.
 

(source)

This is a wonderful use of hidden storage.  These open cubbie shelves look to be taken from in between the studs in the walls.  It's a great trick if you don't have to deal with plumbing or electrical.  The mirrored medicine cabinet is wonderful with its mirrored sides.

(source)

One of the major questions in the Maine cottage is whether to pull the tub and try to install a shower.  Below is a shower installed in an attic eave.  Although in this shower, I would use a frameless shower door wall. 

(source)

I pulled this photo below because I liked the mix of white with the wood vanity mirror and tub caddy.  Sometimes just an accent of wood will soften the starkness of the crisp white trim, tile, and floor.  The lamp sconces are a nice touch too.

(source)

More hidden storage in the eaves...

(source)

While my clients' are not looking for this much formality (below), I like some of the elements, such as the storage cabinet.  And if a shower doesn't work in my clients' bathroom, a handheld shower could be installed with the tub. 

(source)

A great dresser or side board retro-fitted to be a sink.  The added storage baskets underneath give the empty space a wonderful fill and can be used for towels, extra toilet paper, or even things like a hair dryer.

(source)

More furniture looking sink cabinets.  More great storage underneath. 

(source)

I love the charm of this sink cabinet.  And, such simple carpentry.  This type of sink cabinet would be very cost effective.  The most costly piece would be the material used for the countertop (in this case - marble).  The curve along the backsplash sides really give it great detail.  And, the sink skirt!  So fresh and feels like summer time.  

(source)

The Maine cottage bathroom has a corner sink which is a challenge when considering storage and countertop.  Mounting of a mirror and good lighting presents a challenge too.  In order to pull the cabinet to a flat wall, plumbing would need to be moved and adds much cost.  Corner sinks are not impossible to achieve both form and function, just needs good planning.

(source) 

Below is the BEFORE kitchen. 

It previously was a rental property when these photos were taken.  We will be keeping the size of just about everything, seeing that neighborhood code does not allow for exterior growth of these homes.  That's the charm of this little inlet, the fact that there won't be mega-sized vacation homes.  Much of our design goal is to keep the small, somewhat rustic charm of the cottage. 

While just about everything in the kitchen will be replaced, we particularly like the skirted sink, the wood countertops, and the wonderful view of the water.  Water is everywhere you look!

I'm a big believer in more space is not necessarily better.  With careful and honest assessment on how a space will be most used, this wonderful cottage kitchen can become very functional for two and even in preparing a dinner for entertaining new neighbors and friends!

From my initial assessment of this space, the refrigerator is the problem.  It takes up way too much real estate in this limited kitchen. 

The photo below is of the BEFORE dining space.  You're able to see into the kitchen and the dominant refrigerator.  In this dining space is this wonderful empty wall, just calling out for charming added storage.  We won't be opening up the kitchen to the dining space, instead keeping the kitchen walls to utilize up storage and to keep the kitchen separated. 

This inspiration photo below is such a smart use of a very small space.  It's light and airy, but yet full of smart storage.  Refrigerator drawers were first on my list for the Maine cottage.  It blends so beautifully with small spaces, opens up more counterspace, and there are no door swings.  You can see the refrigerator drawers on the lower left in the photo below.   The Maine cottage also has a walk in pantry / storage area down the hall from the kitchen.  We may be utilizing that space for a small freezer. 

The other thing I love about this kitchen below is the open shelving.  The stacked plates, cups, and creamers mix so nicely with the art and potted plant. 

The stove is from Viking.  They make a 24 inch freestanding, stainless stove - wonderful for tight spaces. 

(source)

Below is another great example of hidden refrigeration.  This wall incorporates refrigeration above and freezer drawers below.  Regular cabinet storage is added above and surrounding the refrigeration.  If refrigeration drawers are not enough, this idea may be a solution.  Although, you loose added countertop space with this plan.

(source)

I added this photo below to our inspiration list because of two elements: the pot holder bars and the open side shelves. 

The pot holder is a huge space saver.  These large and bulky items are difficult to store in that they take up both height and width space.  By utilizing about 24 inches of wall width, lower cabinets are not needed for these item.  Lower cabinets can be saved for oven space, dishwasher space (maybe a single dishwasher drawer), and a refrigeration drawer. 

The open shelving looks like it may have been taken from the wall, the space in between the studs.  It's a great trick to use when trying to carve out more storage.  The dry wall is taken down and the depth is used as shelving between the studs.  A standard distance between studs is either 16 inches or sometimes 24 inches.  This gives a shelf width of around 14 inches once the interior is finished off.  Shelving should be adjustable to accommodate a variety of needs.  I particularly like how the countertop runs into the shelving area, giving the countertop and even bigger feel.  

This trick can be done anywhere there isn't also plumbing and electric running in the wall.

(source)

I was so charmed by the photos below.  While this cottage kitchen is larger than the Maine cottage kitchen, it has many of the same elements we are looking for. 

I was first drawn to the wood countertops and the sink skirt.  I love the clean line of the drywall backsplash and the wood countertops, where there is not the standard band of backsplash.  Not having that band of 4 inch backsplash helps keep the lines simple.  The undercabinet lighting is great too. 

(source)

What a great sink area. 

The undercounter mount again keeps things uncluttered.  By not making the sink decorative (such as a white porcelain apron or farmhouse sink would be) the countertops have that nice continuous line, actually making the countertop feel more expansive.  I also like the sink apron fabric coming up to the countertop height, rather than lower on a farmhouse sink. 

And, speaking of sink aprons... how charming!  They are so great on so many levels.  The space below the sink can be loaded up with all sorts of needed storage, utilizing pull out wire drawers so there's no digging around.  And, these aprons can get thrown the the washer / dryer, just be sure to pre-wash and dry the fabric before sewing them up.  Since they are simple to sew up, changing out fabrics is an easy way to re-decorate!

(source)

Same kitchen as above, stove side.  Not sure where the vent is on this stove, maybe between the burners.  Great microwave shelf.  All microwaves do not need to go above the stovetop.  It's important to decide if you even need a microwave.  We gave up our microwave over a year ago (growing health concern in their use) and it's amazing how I don't miss it in the least bit.   When every inch is important, asking these questions makes a huge difference in space planning.

Great wine bottle holder next to the stove.  This narrow space could also be used for cutting boards and baking sheets by standing them up on end.

(source)

Again, same kitchen as above.  Believe it or not, this kitchen was built from Ikea products.  I realized this when I saw the little, metal, under cabinet shelf with the hook and cups.  I've used the same little metal shelf and hooks in a desk space for a teen desk in her bedroom. 

Great use of space for the cookbooks, too.

(source)

(source)

What a wonderful kitchen design (below).  I love the idea of the plate racks on the windows.  While this isn't something we can do in the Maine cottage, I love the thinking beyond the obvious. 

(source)

In this little kitchen below, I like the open, slatted shelves under the sink.  This open shelving under the countertops is easy to access and there are no door swings as in closed cabinetry.  It may even be a space saver because not having to build cabinet boxes, you gain more space.  The downside to this design is being able to see the items below.  If the open shelves are few and large mixing bowls and casserole pans are stored, it may end up having a cottage charm. 

Small kitchens bring endless ideas for smart space use.  It's one of my favorite design puzzles.  It pays off to spend some time really considering what is needed and not needed, and build from there.  Keeping things functional and uncluttered is a goal that can be met, creating a cottage kitchen that's a pleasure to work in... no matter how small.

... a job in Boothbay Harbor, Maine!

My long time clients here in Charlottesville, Virginia fell in love last fall with this sweet cottage located on a little inlet, just a stones throw from the ocean.  I've never been to Boothbay, but those who have been there tell me all the inlets are just a stones throw from the ocean.  How fabulous is that! 

These are photographs my clients took during their stay last fall when they decided to make this cottage and town a second home.  I was so honored they invited me to work with them in making this house a summer home.  They are very excited about many years to come, learning more about Boothbay Harbor, and about Maine, and life with new friends and neighbors.  What a wonderful opportunity to assist them in shaping this cottage to meet their needs and fulfill their dreams.

I particularly like this moody photo below with the boats and the fog.  Cozy and intimate.  You can almost hear the gentle hum of a low boat motor or the distant sound of a captain ringing his bell.  My clients told me wonderful stories of purchasing lobster right off the lobster boats in their little inlet.  Heaven!  I'll be sure to bring my lobster bib.

A great photo below, again taken by my clients while touring around Boothbay Harbor.  Just stunning. 

We've had a few preliminary meetings and discussions about what changes need to take place to meet their needs, and about what should to be kept in order to maintain the Maine cottage feel.  I'll be posting some inspiration ideas in the coming weeks, such as how to maximize a small kitchen, using space for multiple purposes, and other ideas and challenges along the way.  My head has been a buzz with this and that, so I look forward to posting as I go.

Have a great week!

When I sat down this morning to write a post, I knew I wanted to share our weekend.  Record it, really.  On Saturday, our sweet dog of eleven years passed away.  Sushi was his name.  He was a Shar Pei and lab mix (we think...).  Sushi found us, or rather, he found my husband.  Eleven years ago, John was at work and had just come back from lunch when he noticed a stray dog in the parking lot.  The rest is history.

Our patient, loving Sushi was such a companion to us all.  Like most families with dogs, they enter our lives when the kids are young and, as the kids grow up, they grow old.  We sent our first child to college last fall.  We had noticed how Sushi seemed to be slowing down.  I remember being in college when my childhood dog passed away.  In just a few weeks, I'll be driving north to pick Frank up from college, glad to have him home for the summer.  We were all sad that Frank didn't have a chance to say goodbye to Sushi. 

Like all busy weekends with kids, our middle son had a ballet rehearsal and our daughter had a theater rehearsal.  Their shows are in just a few weeks so things have been in high gear. 

And.. it was my middle son's prom night.  On Saturday morning we said goodbye to our dog, our family member, with aching hearts.  And on Saturday evening we celebrated Walt's 11th grade prom.  He looked so young, so handsome, and full of life and future.  

We, in the design world, create these spaces - obsess really.  All the while, life is happening in these spaces every day.  Saturday reminded me why I love design so much.  It's creating the idea of home.  And home is the best place on earth. 

Sushi, we will miss you always.... home won't be the same without you.
 

Thought I'd start with the before.... 
(the Afghan rug was a starting point.  My client and I were trying it out while reviewing the design plan.) 

... and not the final after, but the progress after below.

Almost every surface will be changed out when we're finished.  All the plumbing remained in place, so no sinks, tub, or toilet moved.  This space is a nice size, not too large and not small either.  But, it had a few fundamental issues.  One of the biggest issues - all the doors!  The bathroom is entered through French doors.  To the left is a single vanity sink, then the closet door, the toilet room door (to the left of the tub) and then over to the shower door.  To the right of the shower door is the second vanity and then a door to a linen closet.  That's 5 doors and 1 shower door all in the same space. 

The old floor, tub, and shower tile was removed, as were the sinks, cabinets, plumbing fixtures, and lighting.  My client wanted a mix of old world vintage along with a lush hotel feel.  I used a wood flooring that had an old world feel, not too dark or too aged.  Much more to come on this tub space.  It's the first thing seen when entering the room.

The tub deck will receive carrara marble as will the sink tops and shower surround.   I used Benjamin Moore's "decorators white" for the custom cabinet work.  It's a wonderful white to pair with carrara marble.

These amazing French doors were installed yesterday.  They are painted in Benjamin Moore's "black".  All the door hardware is from Emtek. 

Below.....  before of one of the two vanities. 

Hats off to my clients for letting me post these pictures.. they were getting ready to "move out" of their entire bathroom/closet and into their guest space.  A bit of chaos while construction is underway.

.. the progression after...

The closet door was removed and a glass French pocket door was created.  The right and left doors slide on top and will tuck behind a closet system (to be installed a bit later) when the doors are open.  The new vanity will have drawer fronts with glass knobs. 

Below... the second vanity... before. 

Another problem door (linen closet) to the right of the vanity.  The door open in front of the linen closet door is the left French door.
 

After...

I had the linen closet door removed.  My carpenter and I created a space for the old linen closet, using the same opening.  The upper portion will have open shelves.  The base of the open shelves will have a carrara marble countertop as well.  The space below is a pull out laundry hamper with 2 bins (to be lined with custom made canvas bags).  The front of this hamper will have a faux drawer front.  There will also be a full length dressing mirror to the right of the shelves and hamper.  The French doors have such a great relationship to the open wall... all by changing out and re-working all those doors!  Love it!!

The shower will have a carrara marble surround and a heavy glass, frameless door.  The shower was re-tiled in a marble-look porcelain tile and the shower floor is a tumbled marble in a hexagon pattern.   

Lots more to come!  But, things are coming along.  Hope to have my clients moved back in soon and the final after pictures to post soon as well. 

I found it!  And I can't believe it.  Have you ever come across a picture, an inspiration, an object out of reach that you just wish you could get your hands on?? 

Yesterday, I found this! 

It's a cast iron Mercury - three dimensional wall bust (not sure if that's actually what you call it, but you know what I mean). 

I had come across this amazing wall inspiration picture (below) and used it in my post on random art arrangements.  In my post, I mentioned how fabulous the wall bust was and that I had to find one... completely written as a joke.. like I'd ever find one. 

And then.. the sky opened up (at the West End Antique Mall in Richmond, Va) and the gods of the vintage hunt shown down upon me and there it was!  And got it for a song.  

(source)

The tag on my Mercury identified it as such but with a question mark next to it.  My son, Walt, the mythology expert, noticed it sitting on the kitchen table when he came home from school.  He confidently stated, "That's Mercury, or also known as Hermes.. in Greek Mythology."  That's all I needed to confirm the tag id. 

So, in looking up Mercury in Wikipedia, I learn that Mercury is the God of Trade.  (also the God of thieves and travel.. but we'll ignore that part).  How apropos that I found him while on a buying trip for my Etsy shop.  The name Mercury comes from the Latin word merx, which means merchant or commerce. 

Mercury isn't known so much as a merchant in our world, but is known as an element or a planet, coming from the word mercuria.  Mercuria refers to something or someone that is erratic, volatile or unstable.  This is where Mercury's little wings come from, giving speed to moving from place to place.

I'm going with the Merchant version.  I think I'll hang my Mercury fella in my office next to me.  I just love him and can't believe I found him.

What are the chances??

Before...

After...

You can read about my inspirations and find more before photos here.  Although the look is drastically different, I really didn't make many big purchases. 
 

Here's what changed:

all walls painted in Benjamin Moore: Titanium
all baseboards including quarter-round painted in white trim (seems minor to paint the quarter round, but makes a huge difference!)
living room curtain panels received new face fabrics and re-used lining, drapery weights, hardware, etc
fireplace wall window treatments redesigned, got rid of hardware and mounted higher to give a lift to the wall
cornice boards in breakfast nook and kitchen re-used with new face fabrics
new wool rug in family room, custom sized for space but made from a store remnant (huge savings!)
cow hide rug
new side wing chair - sample from a showroom found at Greenfront Furniture (huge savings!)
new custom made ottoman for chair with remnant fabric at $5.99/yd.  (upholsterer was able to make ottoman for less than $250! talk to your upholsterer!)
new small side table under large window in living room
new plug in wall lamps from Pottery Barn on large mirror wall
new throw pillows for sofa and new chair and recovered kidney pillows on Bergere chairs
antique chest of drawers on foyer wall - found for under $200!
all accessories and art are vintage or antique finds, or were items moved from other rooms
 

No cost changes:

painted large mirror that sits over black cabinet with wall paint
changed lamps around in foyer, living room, and office
moved rug under sofa table to under breakfast nook table
moved artwork to different spots or different rooms
 

Above photo:  I wanted to have an ottoman for the wing chair to use not only for the chair, but also for additional seating when we have a large crowd.  I didn't want the ottoman to always be in front of the chair, as it really eats into the center of the space.  By placing a small sofa table as the side table to the chair, it created a spot for the ottoman to sit when not in use and fills the space under the high sofa table.  The longer sofa table also fills the space under the large window nicely, helping to balance out the wall.  Yes, I put a nail in the window frame to hang the picture!

I just love the antique chest of drawers find!  Makes me happy every time I walk by it.  It has such a great relationship to the dark, cherry wood cabinets in the kitchen and connects the foyer to the rest of the living room and breakfast nook. 

Read more about the foyer before and after here.

I may switch out the chandelier next year to something airy and larger.  Maybe something like this.  I still need to frame the Audubon bird prints in the breakfast nook.  Found the prints in a boxed set of 16 at the discount section of Barnes and Noble for $14.95 last December!  That's 16 beautiful prints for under a $1 each.  I couldn't find them online at Barnes and Noble to link here, but did find them here on Ebay for $28.98.

I wrote about finding this vintage starburst mirror here.  It was one of my original inspiration pieces for this space.  I wanted the mantel to have a more relaxed feel than before.  The metal starburst mirror is the only thing I hung up over the mantel.  The rest of the art leans against the wall.  I knew I wanted the bust to sit up on the mantel too.  It's where I started "feeling" the design for the space. 

I just put these 2 cast iron orbs on top of my cabinet this morning.  Yesterday, we got back from a college visit with my middle son and I had the chance to stop by Black Dog Salvage in Roanoke, Virginia.  I've been looking for a few orbs to place in this spot.  And there they were! 

Now to finish my office re-design.... 

Read more about this 1935 trophy at my Etsy Shop where this Trophy is for sale.

Some inspiring uses for decorating with antique and vintage trophies.

(source)

(source)

(source)

(source)

Have a great weekend.....

Before.....

After.... 

I was interested in un-coloring.  Leaning more on textures, art, and arrangement and editing of objects.. rather than the deliberate, vibrant colors. 

Wall color:  Benjamin Moore, Titanium.  

Inspired by the blog... For the Love of a House.  
 

All the objects below were pulled from antique shops, although not all are actual antiques.  The dome clock was actually my grandmother's, given to me a few weeks ago by my Uncle Karl.  My son cleaned it and got it working.  It's about 60 plus years old and is a wind with a key, 400 day clock.  Meaning about 392 days until the next winding!  My 16 year old son is already "claiming" the clock for his future house.

The breakfast nook was Sherwin Williams:  tomato red.

before....

after....
 

the Benjamin Moore, Titanium is carried through the foyer, living room, breakfast nook, and kitchen. 

Bird prints at breakfast nook to be framed.
 

Next post:  Living room and kitchen before and after.  

As with most extensive projects like this one, there are ideas that seem great on paper, but not on site in the actual space.  That's what happened with sconces I had selected to go over the vanity mirrors.  These are amazing Visual Comfort sconces from Circa Lighting. 

The problem occurred when we held the fixture  up - they were going to have to mount too high and seemed too distant and up near the ceiling.  The sides of the sink wouldn't work because there's just not enough room.   So, I've been re-working the vanity lights.  The soaking tub sits in a nook with right and left walls.  Seems like just the spot for these sconces! 

It's actually something not often seen, lighting over the tub area.  If placed on a dimmer.... instant ambiance.  Add a candle or two and voila!... perfect bath lighting. 

I'll be on the job site tomorrow working out if our beloved sconces will work on the nook walls.  Sometimes things that don't work out as planned, end up creating an even better plan. 

Thought I'd pull together some inspiration.... 

(source)

(source)

(source)

(source)

(source)

(source)

(source)

(source)