FarmHouseUrban

Soapstone sinks and other powder room inspirations

Hi there you. Happy first day of Spring! It's the time for new beginnings, fresh starts and picking up where we left off. New Year's Day just doesn't work. Now seems a much more fitting time for reevaluating, purging, getting organized and making changes doesn't it?

For the next two weeks the house will be under a shroud of tarps and paper, as the painters complete the inside. In the meantime, there are still a few things that need to be selected. On the top of the list is the powder room sink. The room is narrow, so the sink has to be small and the counter space wide rather than deep.  

Here are some powder room photos I've filed over the years for future inspiration.

Ashley Goforth Design

via la dolfina

I really like this style with the corbels on each end that join into the backsplash. As far as material goes, necessity is the mother of invention and at this point budget and time have run out.  The walls are black and I'd like the sink surround to be, but black stone is hard to come by in a remnant. Soapstone is a great option. The more I looked into it, the more I liked it. Especially the way it looks when it is natural (as in NO maintenance).

Any advice or suggestions on Soapstone? How does it wear if left unsealed? Do you like it?

Postcards from Cabo

If you are contemplating vacation destinations, I highly recommend Mexico. The food, people, music and climate can't be beat. To entice you, here are a few photos from our trip last week. In chronological order...

grapefruit margarita on the rocks, no salt, no sugar, por favor

Remember my big quandary about bathtubs?  It's over. I'm a free-standing convert.  Looove the Venus on the half shell affect.

One evening we explored the colorful old town of San Jose del Cabo. The nearby Cabo San Lucas, has a very different feel with a lively nightlife and a new high-end designer shopping area.

The Bla, Bla, Bla silver collection is available at any of the three Bla, Bla, Bla jewelry stores, including the Bla, Bla, Bla kiosk at the Cabo airport. 

 

a bicycle cart of sweets and nuts

If you're feeling daring - freshly caught seafood, offered raw from the back of this truck.  Lots of hot sauce options.

This restaurant was one of the first homes built in the 1800's.

Hotel  Casa Natalia

Inside Hotel Casa Natalia is the best (in our opinion) restaurant in Cabo - Mi Cocina.  We've eaten there the last two times we've been to Cabo and both times it was excellent.  A blend of Italian and Mexican cuisine.

For info on the hotel click here.

For info on Mi Cocina click here.

 

I have more to show you from Cabo in the next post- like my souvenirs!! I think you'll like them! Plus a 'How-to-Get-This-Look' from Mexico for an outdoor room.

Tomorrow is my first 'real' photo shoot for my new website and portfolio! I'm very excited. It's a family room project I recently completed in Ross, CA. I'll show you some behind-the-scenes shots.

Also coming, a post on one of my most recent Estate Sale finds - and inspiring rooms to go along with it. I would love your thoughts on this one!

So please check back in, or if you prefer to have your posts delivered to your inbox, just hit the subscribe button and follow the easy steps.

Bathtubs - Built-in or Free-standing?

We're at the point in the design of our master bathroom to make a decision about the bathtub. With all the choices in beautiful bathtubs these days, it's really difficult to know which way to go, especially when it comes to built-in or free-standing. Based purely on aesthetics, I would choose a free-standing. They can be so architectural - like works of art... The quandary is - where does one put soap, shampoo, candles, etc? A small table is one option, but I'm not crazy about that look. Perhaps a window sill, but since we need a shade for privacy, I don't think it would work for us. If space allows, installing shelving on one or both ends is a possibility.  

Over the years I've collected many photos of bathrooms I love. I've never had a master bathroom until we moved to this house 4 years ago and it has no tub (shower only) so I'm taking this decision very seriously! It appears that the decision is being made based on function over form this time, but you never know!  It ain't over until the fat lady takes a bath!

Here are just a few of the many photos I've filed away for inspiration.  

Free-Standing

Barnsley House

Cote Maison

Kay Douglass

This one and the two below are a Waterworks tub I have always loved.

The ottoman below appears to have a top cushion upholstered in terrycloth.  Looove it!  I bet it's on casters too.  I could see putting a simple silver or pewter tray on top for all the bath accoutrements.  

I adore the bathroom below, although it doesn't really fit with the architecture (or size) of our house.  It's so clean and uncluttered.  I also love the arched cabinet shaped like the hallway.

House Beautiful

photo via mls listing for home previously listed in Watermill, NY

House to Home

Love the tub, love the sconce, love the floor. Don't love the olive green table.

Flagship Restoration Hardware in San Francisco (my blurry camera phone photo- sorry!)

Erin Martin

Built-in

House Beautiful

William Hefner

Alexa Rae

via stars and butterflies

This one by Jim Howard is a great example of a sort of hybrid.  I love that the oval shape was made more visible by the curved trim detail and marble surround. 

What's your favorite?  Any suggestions for storage I haven't mentioned?  Free-standing tub owners - where do you put your stuff?

The house projects are morphing from happening in phases to one big phase, so I'm a little crazed right now! Kid's rooms are still being worked on too! I can't wait to show photos of my son's room - it turned out great!  Stay tuned for more progress reports, inspiration file room photos, product reviews and everything in between!