Did you know I LOVE interior design? I have a hard time walking into a space and refraining from thinking how I would redesign it. I often forget the plot of a movie because I am taking mental notes of the decor or layout of the space. I’d rather go to a restaurant for the ambiance than the food. One of my favorite parts of teaching was creating a new space I knew my students would be drawn to. I think that’s one of the reasons I fell in love with photography too. It’s all about beauty, showing off those who bring you joy and capturing the essence of who you are as a person or family. Today, my photography world and design world have collided.
Four years ago, almost to the day, we moved into our home. When we were deciding on this house, a master bathroom gut was a nonnegotiable. I had plans to change just about every other room too. We knew the house had good bones and the studio space I’d been looking. We locked it in and the wheels started spinning. Here’s what I had to work with:
Four years of saving. Fours years of designing and meeting with contractors…I think 9. Months of shopping around and weeks of execution all led to the timeless black and white bathroom of my dreams.
I’ve always been drawn to black and white in design and photography. It’s kind of my personality. Not a fan of the gray areas at all. I like things clean and crisp. I like definition, clarity, concise plans and a path toward the end goal. My chaos is totally organized (at least in my head). I know what I want and I go after it knowing I have the support of my family, great friends and am firmly held in the grip of my Savior. But less about me and more about my bathroom!
I chose to go with gold accents, not because it’s trendy but because it’s pretty. Gold has always been my favorite. 16 years ago when all of the college girls were getting engaged I told Andy I wanted gold bands. The people at the stores tried to talk me out of it. When I’d show of my new engagement ring the other girls asked me if it was a family piece because gold was so “old fashion”. I didn’t care then and I don’t care now. I like gold…eh hem, I mean brass, polished champagne or whatever else showrooms are calling it because they’re afraid to say gold.
I searched endlessly for a DEEP tub that wouldn’t break the bank. I’m not sure those exist, so I almost went with something else. Thankfully Andy said, “Get the one you want. We will just have date nights in the bathroom.” 😉 So, I saved in other areas and can’t wait for my first bath…and date night!
I think the end result is pretty awesome. I still have some artwork to hang, a closet to design and some custom doors to go up, but I couldn’t wait any longer. I only need to have 478 bubble bath photo shoots to pay for it too. Maybe I should rent it out for your date nights? hmmm….
A special thank you to everyone who helped bring my vision to reality:
Alicia Amicone at The Tile Shop
David LaMonica (a.k.a. the Saint who dealt with my OCD while planning the tile layout)- Premier Tiling & Floors
Chris Norris- Chris Norris Construction
Joe Rogers- paint
Dan- Stars and Stripes Plumbing
