Amazing Bathroom

I came across this photo and had to share.  I just loved this bathroom.  A few things to notice:

1.  The recycled shutters- of course.  They put everyone's super boring white wood blinds to shame! Notice how they are "too big"- it doesn't matter.  They can also be too short and work as well.  As long as they cover your naked body- they are perfect.  ;)

2.  Notice the side of the tub is wood.  (not to mention that it is the furiously popular white ceruse finish wood).  Builders and contractors all over seem to think you need to make  "tile selection" for this area.  - Well- you don't.  I love wood panels on the side of tubs.  Classic and beautiful.

3.  Look at the beautiful architectural arch.  You don't have one?  Maybe you could add one.  Look at your space.  Think outside the box. 

4.  Love the chandelier, love the accessories, love the stone.  Love it.  Love it.  Love it.

Photo from classy in the city.

White Washed Beams

Hi Christine ~

I came across your blog looking for instructions on achieving a ceruse look on wood. Did you ever try it?? I'm at the tail end of a renovation, and my existing dark brown stained beams are too dark for my new scheme... there are 5 of them, however, that peak at 14 feet (it's a big great room), so it will be no small task to lighten them up. My contractor will paint them (because he wants photos asap), but I want a whitewashed look and am afraid his painter can't achieve what I'm looking to do. Ceurse seems to be a good option, but highly labor intensive, especially 10 feet off the ground. Ideas?

Also, any recommendations where to find decorator fabric online? I am afraid to work with a designer -- we've gone over budget on the reno so I have to really watch my spending as I start to decorate.

Love your blog!

anne

Hi Anne,

I am assuming you read this post on creating a ceruse finish. No- I have not done it myself yet- but yes- it does sound like a good option for your room. If you already have a raised rough grain- which is sometimes the case in older natural beams- perhaps the torching wouldn't be necessary. Maybe you could take a small obscure part of the beam and try an application of a diluted white paint over the dark wood. Use the Karate Kid method- wipe on- wipe off. A white wax would most likely be better looking- but the watered-down paint is the easier faster method. If there is enough raised grain in the beams- the white will go into the grooves and wipe off the smooth surface. If the beams have a tight seal- and a smooth finish- this won't work.

Big disclaimer- this totally might not work- don't hold me accountable- I am only trying to help- and without seeing the beams in person it really is just a guess...

Can you buy decorator fabric online? I don't know. I look at them online sometimes- at the manufacturers web sites- where they are not actually for sale- but then order samples and fabric from my San Francisco showrooms. I don't like supporting online sources for such items- I feel like too many people go to the showroom- select the fabric- and then purchase them online. The showrooms then go out of business and there are no local sources to go to at all- and it really is much nicer to look at the fabrics in person. This is what happened with wallpaper- and why it is so hard to find designer wallpaper showrooms.

How to Create a Pickled or Ceruse Finish

I have discussed in the past what I called "today's white wash". In this discussion I had several readers ask me how to create it. To which I reply- I am not that kind of designer- I am not a "Martha Stewart" do it yourselfer. Instead- I am the kind of designer that knows where to purchase wonderful pieces.

However- this morning I was reading my August Martha Stewart magazine- and read an article that I thought some of you might appreciate- on creating a "pickled" or "ceruse" finish. I thought I would go over the 7 step process.

1. Strip the original finish.
2. Fill in small holes and chips with wood filler.
3. A light torching begins to open the filaments inside the grain. (be careful :)
4. Before staining- go over the furniture with a wire brush to further open the grain.
5. Apply a black alcohol based stain with a bristle brush- and use a rag to smooth it out. The number of coats will depend on the wood.
6. When the stain is dry- rub in a transparent water based sealer that locks in the color.
7. Rub on a white wax by hand and then force it into the grain with a bristle brush and terry cloth. Rub off excess with steel wool.
8. Remove the white from the surface- but it stays in the grain- so the wood pattern remains.

Compare these nice step by step directions with these or these. I especially like the response that begins, "I'm guessing." Who would write in if they have to guess? Anyway- I am inspired to try it myself. If any of you do- take some pictures and let us know how it goes! Now- where do I get a torch? Do you think my creme brulee one would work?

I'm sure if we wait a month- there would have been a nice link to Martha's site for this info- but I wasn't able to find one today- I think you are all supposed to go buy her magazine. ;)