I'm Dreaming Of.......

Someday when I get the nerve, I'll post pictures of what our current bathroom looks like.  I get nauseous just thinking about the tile-clad walls, floor, and countertop, not to mention that the tile is done in varying shades of flesh-tone.  Add to the mix a coordinating skin-colored tub, toilet and sink, and you have a whole pile of dated ceramic and porcelain--none of it good, none of it staying for much longer.  When we moved into the house last year, we thought we could live with this bathroom for a few years--sure, it's ugly, but everything appeared to be in great shape and we know it will be a great deal of sweat equity to take this room apart.  Slowly but surely though, over the past year, the sink faucet is now on its last legs, and the bath faucet drips constantly.  I'm sure the toilet isn't saving the world either, with its massive water-wasting ability compared to new water-saving toilet technology.  Since it looks like a bathroom renovation will be on the horizon sooner than we thought, I've been sort of keeping my eyes peeled for inspiration and a possible "place to start".  Then, last weekend when I least expected it, I came across this little gem:

 My company had a booth at the Midwest Home Show in Minneapolis the weekend before Thanksgiving, and I had the privilege of providing free "designer consults" there.  I spotted this little guy at the National Kitchen and Bath Association's "garage sale" booth, where there were a ton of overstock and discontinued items for sale at seriously discounted prices.  This pretty little sink is from Kohler's Serif collection, and to add to its beauty, the color is Vapour Blue--a gorgeous variation of turquoise and powder blue!  The price on this item was $75, and I told myself that if it was still there at the end of the weekend, I'd purchase it and use it as my inspiration for the (inevitable) upcoming bathroom project.  Imagine my delight when I went back at the end of the weekend, and not only was my sink still there, they were offering an additional 30% off as an "end of show special".  Obviously, I snagged it (for $50 nonetheless), and it's sitting in a box at my house, waiting to be worked into the design scheme for our new bathroom.  Since then, I've had turquoise on the brain, and have started to collect images of blue bathrooms to inspire this design....even if it's still in the very early stages.  Here are a few of my favorites:

House of Turquoise

This ensuite feels more like a glam retreat than a bathroom, which is maybe why I love it so much.  I especially love the un-bathroom-like glass lamps on the counter, and the plush area rug anchoring the center of the room.  Oh, to have that kind of space!

 Lynn Morgan Design

 

This bathroom doesn't scream turquoise, but has intentional hits of the beautiful color through the soft frosting on the shower doors, and gorgeous back-painted glass countertops that wrap the vanity and go to the floor.  What a great way to add color and drama to the space!

 

 House of Turquoise

Now here is a great way to do floor to ceiling tile!  This aqua banding around the entire room is so soothing, and is a great backdrop to the simple vintage fixtures.  I also love the way the aqua subway tile continues into the white without a bulky chair rail tile or other ornamentation.   Sometimes pure and simple is best.

 Southern Accents

Normally, I lean more toward green-blues and turquoise tones, but something about this sky blue bath calls to me.  I love the marble that climbs all the walls, as well as the "imperfect" nature of the glass tile on the tub surround and wall niche.  Stunning.

 

Sara Richardson

I saved the BEST for last, and had to post all of the pictures I had of this spectacular bathroom by Sara Richardson.  I fell in love with this room when it was featured on the first season of Sara's House, and it remains to be one of my favorite spaces of all time.  Just look at that glass-tiled wall in the shower and dark wood detailing at the vanity.  To top it all off, full length drapes?  In a bathroom?  It doesn't get much more glamorous than this!

So I think I have a nice little handful of inspirations as I start thinking about my bathroom re-design.  Of course I'll have to scale my champagne tastes back (a lot!) to make this happen, but hopefully in the end, I'll have a calming, turquoise-infused space to relax and start the day in.  I'll keep you posted!