Well this is a post that I didn’t really know how to write and definitely did expect to be writing, but I thought it was important to be transparent about this part of the process, too. I was going to do a reveal of Greta’s bathroom a couple weeks ago, and then last week … and then I started getting DMs about when we were going to share it, and I kept telling my team — it’s not ready for a reveal. Something isn’t working, and I’m not exactly sure what.
So this isn’t a reveal of the final bathroom, but a look at it in its current state and maybe a few thoughts as to what’s not working and what is and why reveals are actually one of my least favorite things about my job.
To catch you up, you can see where we laid this new tile floor in this post and painted the beadboard and hung the art here. We have since swapped the light and added a new mirror, too. And I like everything individually, but together — hmmm.
This mirror, in particular, is a really great one. It’s an oval and can be hung vertically or horizontally. I envisioned it being hung vertically, but the light overlapped it — which I see often, but for some reason makes me twitch. So I swapped it to a horizontal orientation and it’s fine! It’s fine. It’s just…fine. I also really love the sconce, like so much! But I probably should have gone for something that didn’t hang down. Or maybe I can flip it upward (would that be totally weird?). This combination should, in theory, work, but it’s not working for me…I think it’s the mirror hung horizontally.
I’ve also contemplated for weeks now whether to paint the vanity or not. It’s not in the best shape, but I’m loving wood tones a lot right now, so I’d hate to see that element go. However, I am really missing deep, rich colors in here. Maybe that’s it.
I could easily add some in the form of art. I like both of these pieces (that are looking really washed out here for some reason), and any of my girls would love to have them in their spaces, but this bathroom is in need of something a little more rich, deep, and saturated, I think (I’m thinking something like this and this and this!).
And while I love this Revere Pewter beadboard that blends seamlessly with the floors — do I want blending here? Or…do I want it to be…say….black? Or almost black. Wouldn’t a black with green undertones look so gorgeous with the new toilet paper and towel holders (from here!) and the soft pink towel accents? Maybe a greenish-black beadboard is exactly what we need in here.
This process is what I thrive on. This is the fun part for me (although backtracking in front of hundreds of thousands of people can be intimidating): figuring out the puzzle that makes a room can be so challenging in the best ways. Sometimes when a space is “done” there’s a twinge of sadness because the future of it is so certain. No more finding the perfect mirror or towel or couch. It feels wonderful to be done, but also bittersweet to let it be.
I think that’s why I struggle with “reveals.” They seem so final. Like announcing this room is done progressing. This is the end. I think I just prefer the middle. The doing. The tweaking. The unlocking a new element or idea that changes everything. So while Greta’s bathroom is stumping me hard right now, I feel hope and excitement about the future of it. Now, all in favor of darker beadboard, say aye!
it’s 100% the mirror! and the touches of black in the frames. everything else is shadesof white/cream/brown/pastels. okay, i also dont like the hamper but this is definitely the mirror
It is/was missing a pop. I would off set the pictures and oriente the mirror the long way. Possible then throw a traditional but loud rug in of a Persian style…maybe.
I love the way the tile floor blends so well with the painted bead board and the wood tone of the vanity.
I wouldn’t change these. The wall above the bead board looks so vast and in need of more art, perhaps
in darker frames? It would make a great display for photos or art work and perhaps a pair of sconces?
love the idea of adding in more contrast by painting the bead board black, but it kind of takes away the youthful sweetness of it being a little girls bathroom. (don’t get me wrong i love black.) What about a really dusty french blue-grey to contrast the warm tone of the wood? it would add contrast, but still have a whimsical childlike feel. Just an idea? :)
How did you paint the beadboard? Roller? Brush? Spray? My whole basement has wood stained beadboard. I found during primer that I needed a brush to get in all of the cracks and I’m not sure that I want the finish of a roller..