the dirty details of MELROSE

After posting some beautiful detail images of bathrooms, I decided to snap a few pics of Melrose's dirty details. I was searching for a tray for our master bathroom and finally found this rustic, concrete stone to hold a few items. It fits perfectly on the comode (doesn't that sound better than saying toilet!?) and helps fill the negative space on this side of the bathroom. 

Our guest bathroom is much simpler, but I hope to add something else to this area - maybe an antique picture above!? I found these quaint ceramic jars at Scott's Antique Market and this tray at Anthropologie. I love the gold accents! I'll share more full pictures of the bathroom soon ... especially since I painted it Newburg green ...

MORE DIRTY DETAILS

So, not only have I been mesmerized by console sinks, but also by beautifully styled toilets and sinks. I know this seems so random, but I enjoy paying attention to the small details that most people over look. Like I mentioned, our guest bathroom is super tiny so I am trying to maximize counter space, but I can't help to think the sink and toilet look so empty without some sort of decor. It's as if they are screaming style me, please, I feel naked! Do you feel this same way? [If you don't please disregard this post - I know a lot of people aren't as OCD detail-oriented as me. I promise, no hurt feelings!]  Here is some inspiration that has been helping me accessorize both of Melrose's bathrooms.


I have been toying with the idea of installing a shelf above our sink in the guest bathroom for counter space, but right now I have a small soap dish mounted. The candy bowl filled with nail polishes is a fun, colorful idea - and fresh flowers always add a punch of color. 

Another shelf concept with fresh flowers and apothecary jars.

 I wish I had the room for a stool - here's an example of a styled tray for guests

And here is what I have been collecting items for in our master bathroom - some sort of tray filled with bubble baths, salts, perfume, scented soaps, and some personal touches.

Do you use your sink and/or toilet for accessories, or do you go for the minimalist look? 

METAL CONSOLE SINKS

I'm back from my vacay! I still wish I was there, but it's back to the real world for me. Well, the other weekend I followed through with painting my bathroom Benjamin Moore's Newburg Green. It really looks great and is still as bright as ever in the daytime. I am finishing up some last minute touches before I share before and after pictures, but accessorizing the bathroom really got my inspiration wheels turning. Since this bathroom is tiny and lacks any counter space, I have been researching optional shelving. I didn't find too many solutions besides the ordinary, but I have become fascinated with metal console sinks. What is your opinion on them? 


Yes, you do loose storage/cabinet space which may not be ideal for all bathrooms, but boy are they gorgeous! They give the impression of industrial style with the exposed pipes and metal legs, but chic and modern at the same time. Whether it is marble, tile, or a painted wall, these look beautiful in a clean white space. Check out these fabulous bathrooms below. 

This cute blogger has glamourous style and taste - check her home tour - you won't believe the before and afters! I was fascinated with her sources too - a perfect balance of spending your money on the big items that make the most impact and saving in other areas.

via white + gold

designed by Suzanne Kasler for Architectural Digest April 2012 via splendid sass

 a darker approach, but just as gorgeous

 via lonny mag

 what beautiful combinations of marble in here - do I spy three different styles?

Jenna Lyons' former bathroom via simply smitten

all other sources via my pinterest board

Are you sold? Would you give up your private storage under the sink to install one of these? 

GUEST BATHROOM: inspiration

I stumbled upon this fabulous room color the other day via pinterest and I knew right away it would soon make its way to Melrose's guest bathroom's walls. Currently the bathroom has a high, solid white chair rail with faded mint green walls to the ceiling. Nothing exciting. 


I posted this amazing black bathroom a while back and I love the dark, rich feeling the color conveys, but I just don't think black will do with Melrose's scheme. So, when I saw this deep teal I knew it would be perfect for our bathroom that is overpowered with natural light and white. I now introduce you to Melrose's future friend, Benjamin Moore newburg green. 

Here are some pictures of rooms painted newburg green.

all images via

What do you think? Paired with whites and creams and a pop of color, it really makes a statement in these rooms. With the color only extending about 3' above the chair rail to the ceiling, I think newburg green will be a beautiful, bold color to play off of. The existing tile in the bathroom is a white and pale pink square pattern so I think this rich teal will help neutralize the girl-y pink. 

This is the tile along with the other colors I hope to include in the bathroom (fyi, it is hard to match swatches on the computer so don't judge me too much). 

newburg green, white dove, pale gray, soft emerald green, pale pink (existing tile)

I'll post pictures once the progress begins! Wish me luck.

B&A: MASTER BATHROOM

This is the first before and after post and the only room completely done. I can't decide if that is because it is a smaller square footage than the other rooms, or because it needed the most work? Either way, I think it turned out great and I love it. I can tell Melrose is happier too.

The previous owners updated the bathroom by installing a new granite counter top vanity and new tile flooring, but left the red paisley wall paper and boxy medicine cabinet. At first the yellow tile really scared me, but all she needed was a face lift.

before

goodbye red paisley

I all ready had all the hardware picked out + the color scheme. I knew I wanted to play off of the bedroom colors so I expanded from there. I chose Benjamin Moore's Horizon for the paint color. Against the yellow tile and bright lighting it appears baby blue, but in other lighting it appears more gray.

[BM virtual fan deck]

thanks mom and dad for your help!

finished

I love mixing gold (glass jars) and silver (hardware) together. Something about the richness and contrast of both metals...throw in rose gold and you would really have a fabulous trio.

Since the bathroom leads into the bedroom, this is a small hint of the scheme for the master. Now, the yellow tile is not so bad - I actually really like it. All she needed was a new accent color.

[mirror. glass shelf. towel train rack. jars. rug. shower curtain.]

BATHROOM INSPIRATION

My first B&A is going to be the master bathroom, but first I wanted to share some of my collected bathroom inspiration images. I like bathrooms real simple, clean lines, nothing on the counters, clutter free! I really LOVE gray subway tile, but that will be in my future house. ;) Enjoy!

[cote de texas]

I really like the hardware in this bathroom - the towel train rack, mirror, and glass shelf + the subway tile. This looks very similar to the accessories I picked out for the master. [katy elliot]

Love the beadboard and the all white looks so fresh and clean. [this is glamorous]

Chic idea of mounting a shelf along the chair rail. [brabourne farm]

[unknown] 

I like this idea of having two different vintage mirrors hanging to create separate his and hers areas. Again, love the subway tile. [unknown]