An Air of Calm
Style Saturday Series
Post 3
If you have been connected with me for just
a bit of time, you will have concluded that I am not a minimalist when it comes
to decorating. As much as I love clear and uncluttered surfaces, I am a huge
art and antiques creator and collector – and until I move into a bigger space,
changes in layout and features are likely to happen often, so that my family
and everyone visiting, get to enjoy a different, refreshed look often.
Having said that, bathroom – the smallest
room in this tiny place, measuring just 4 square meters, had to be an
uncompromising oasis of calm. I mean, how do you introduce spa quality
tranquility unless you maximise the illusion of space. For someone who happens
to love white, the choice of main theme was easy, even though the evolution has
taken us few stages. Mainly because of time and budget it had to be a
compromise of the best quality paint, coupled with the best artistic and design
skill, a lot of prep and a carefully planned execution (because this is the
only bathroom facility in the house), as well as the knowledge and dedication of
a talented plumber. He is not only experienced in his field, but comes armed
with patience, because artist’s eye won’t allow any shortcuts and moving few
inches, if that doesn’t fit her vision….
Of course, I have documented the entire
process, but I will refrain from sharing all of those photos with you, as my
intent here is to make a statement that small bathroom, on a budget (and with
time restrictions) is absolutely achievable – and I will argue that it is a
must. Bathrooms are, and should be - our intimate place where we get to feel
safe, comfortable and loved. Our entire home is a reflection of how we feel
inside, and furthermore – our homes either inspire us to bring our best to the
world, or they don’t. And if they don’t I really want you to ask yourself why!
Practical changes are easy to make (yes, on
any budget – I have done this in my own place, and also for clients on numerous
occasions), but you have to make a shift in your mindset first of all. You have
to see yourself worthy of living your dreams and not just settling for second,
or third (or worse!) best. You may need a little loving guidance and an insider
knowledge, but you have enough skill to put it all into being. Just trust me,
and more importantly, trust yourself on that!
Yes, I am aware that this is a completely
different article about the makeover of a tiny bathroom. The white oasis of
calm keeps extracting a sincere (and completely unexpected) WOW! from everyone
who sets foot inside, from family and friends who come to visit and stay, to
estate agents and different professionals who have come by for different
reasons. You can imagine how that makes me feel. I love it. I love their
reaction, because I react the same way every time I go inside.
It is not a small feat, nor an
insignificant thing to have a smile on your face every time you enter this
calm, light and bright, but warm little bathroom. This is exactly the feeling
you should be aiming for when designing a space in which you can both relax at
the end of each day, and feel invigorated to face every new day.
I do hope to inspire a refreshing thinking
when it comes to your own bathroom. The un-clinical, airy, spacious and crisp
beauty of my completely white bathroom surprises even the most avid colour
lovers. And I will tell you why – because, the white is there to maximise the
available space, and create the illusion of a grandeur, but the subtle faux
marble on the back wall, the hand painted water effect on the tiles inside the
shower enclosure (in mixes of ultramarine and indigo blue), and the antique
kitchen unit which was transformed to house the freestanding oval sink and tap,
as well as the natural baskets and quirky hand made wooden boat and shells collected
on family holidays – they are the real stars of the show. They are what makes
people say WOW! Without a fail, they feel the connection, the warmth and the
meaning behind it all.
Don’t let the size of the room, or the
simplicity of the overall feel, fool you. This was a project that took a lot of
thought, planning and consideration – followed by hard, and carefully timed
work, acquiring the precisely right things (from sourcing the antique cabinet
and designing it to fit in with the design scheme, to sourcing the designer
suite and tap and fitting it within the budget without compromising once on the
style I wanted to achieve).
And I am sharing all this just to show you
it is very much possible for you to create your own dream, in your own home. My
friend, I wish you never ever to settle for anything else other than your
heart’s true desires, especially when it comes to where you live and how you
live.
Remember – You Are Safe Here
This is the sacred place between our souls. Thank you for sharing your visions, dreams and ideas. Your courage to be vulnerably seen will always be respected, and you will be treated with nothing but kindness and compassion. ♡
I do hope you have enjoyed this little
story of words and photos, and that it has sparked an idea inside you. If you
need more inspiration, please get in touch, I have so many resources, both completely
free and as a service I offer professionally, as an interior designer. There is
no reason that in 2020, or whenever you are reading this – you may think that
your dream home is not within your reach, right now! Get connected today – you are
going to love what unfolds before you. Sending you my best!
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