Sunday, March 17, 2013

Vanity


Plans are moving along nicely.  My refinancing has been approved and
I expect to have my appraisal this week.  

I've also started plans for the new downstairs bathroom.  I've always thought my biggest challange for both bathrooms would be to find a unique and interesting solution for the sink.  I've always envisioned something old paired with something modern.

I stopped by Darby Road in Waltham to see what I could find.
The gray Swedish chest would be beautiful.  


I'd pair it with a modern rectangular vessel mounted on the top.   I'm not a huge fan of the bowl vessel sinks; they just seem a little precious.  This nice chunky one that would allow you to wash your face without losing half the water onto the counter.



This is one of Darby Road's custom pieces.  I like the idea of cabinet doors better than a piece that has drawers.  You could get a shelf or two inside without having to deal with shortening the  drawers.


It's got some nice details and can be painted in any color so it 
could fit in to almost any design scheme.



I love the corner detail on this chest.   Really different hardware too.



This is another Darby Road piece that could be transformed
into a handsome country vanity...



...that you've maybe seen on my Bathrooms Pinterest board.



This isn't at all an option but isn't this amazing?  The sink and
counter sections are all porcelain.  Perfect for your country house!



Not for my house, but I love this Chinese chest.  It's got a beautiful patina.
And I think it would be gorgeous with a copper basin on the top.




A table is another option.  I love the turned legs on this Swedish piece.



It could look like this only with one large sink.  Yes, it lack storage but I love
how little visual space it takes up.  




 It's unfortunate that every one of these pieces is too big.  The architect's plan shows a 30-inch sink.  I think I could push that to 32 inches for the sink but all of these are 36" or larger.



This table could be fairly easily modified.  If the top were removed, the front and back rails
could be trimmed down.  I used my photo editor to add a shelf to the bottom.  



Kind of like this.   It's no much better than
having a basket of towels sitting on the floor.

I like the marble top too.



So I think this is the one.  I've drawn up plans to alter the piece 
so it fits and I'm heading to the bath store to figure out the sink and other fixtures.

See you there.



Note:  I regret that I had to put the word verification back on.  I was getting overwhelmed with all the spam comments.  It was either add add word verification or turn off anonymous comments.
I know it's a pain; I'm sorry.

46 comments:

  1. Yes, I love the look of that one too. The legs are just enough detail...simple and graceful. I'm anxious to see the rest of the bath unfold!

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  2. Love your plans! You may already be planning this but if not, consider getting a European bottle trap - instead of the curvy, standard sink trap. It will have nice streamlined, finished look to it.

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  3. I liked all the different chests. The one you picked is lovely. I love marble with an under mount sink. Not only does it always look nice it's easy to clean. I might be alone here but I'm not a fan of vessel sinks. They're a real pain to clean and I keep thinking in a few years people will be groaning its so dated. I can't wait to see what you do. You have such a beautiful home.

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  4. I am totally in love with this look. It's going to be amazing. Will you keep it that color or change it? Brilliant on the vessel -- I am so NOT a fan of bowl vessels, simply because I just look at them and think "crack," "chip," then "I'm screwed." I could never live with a chipped sink (just a quirk of mine, but the substantial rectangle is gorgeous. Cannot WAIT to see how this turns out.

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  5. You never fail to amaze with your good taste and attention to detail.

    I'm coming this summer you know and this time I'm def coming into the city.

    Maybe I'll get to wash my hands.

    xo jane

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  6. It looks like you are enjoying the process!

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  7. Oh, lovely. You will choose something perfect and I love the pairing of the modern sink with those older cabinets. Just wonderful. I will admit that I totally hate those flat bottomed sinks - they look like they would always be dirty and nothing would drain properly and there would be bloody toothpaste sitting on some flat part that would not drain. But how we must suffer for beauty. One would just have to take some cleaner and rinse it often...it is perfection...and don't make the sink so high you can't get your hands in. Those vessel sinks always sit too high and for someone like me (5'5") I am lifting my arms up to get down into the thing.

    I am sure you have thought of all this and I don't mean to say anything negative as I totally love all your choices and cannot wait to stay with you. haha (I promise I won't, for long). :)

    xo Terri

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    1. I totally agree Terry. I often get to use them in hotels and I hate them. The toothpaste blobs and the too high edges so water runs down your arms when you use it!
      I do love the idea of the table as a vanity though.

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    2. This is an interesting problem because, in theory, a top of any vessel "should" be the same height as any other sink. I just measured and my bathroom sink is 33" high which, for me, is too low. My kitchen sink is 35" which I find a good height (but I'm 6'1"). I was told at the bathroom shop, I should shoot for 36" high for the top edge of the sink whether it's undermount or vessel. I guess I'll find out if it's a problem.

      I can totally understand the toothpaste problem so I expect a little extra maintenance.

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  8. Yea for your refi!

    I've missed your decorating/design posts, glad that we all can look forward to more :)

    I'd get a DEEP sink if you are going vessel type, but it'll be grand no matter what.

    Are you going to paint? Wallpaper? Do tell!

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  9. i truly thank you for this post as it is a journey i am about to embark on with the same perimeters; smallish, country house.....
    the latter is a good choice steve, looking forward to your follow-ups
    debra

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  10. Wonderful post--I love all of them. I think the black with the big porcelain sink is my favorite. I also love your choice--perfect for an urban cottage.

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  11. I loved seeing all your choices. I liked the black one or the one with the interesting corners...but I too love an open piece...and the one that you finally chose will look great with the alterations. I'm so excited to see your bathroom progress. I was getting tons of spam too....so I turned off anonymous comments. I hated to do that...but didn't know what else to do.

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  12. Excellent idea - thanks for including the drawings. I'm a visual learner! Can you find a place for the lovely gray Swedish chest somewhere else. It just screams Steve to me!

    Can't wait to see how this all progresses. Congrats on the financing. Know that is a load off your mind.

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  13. I love the the juxtaposition of a modern sink with a piece of furniture with lots of charm...I have seen this on your pinterest board. I love the little cubbies in that last photo!

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  14. Congratulations on getting your refinancing Steve nothing like having a few extra bucks in your pocket. Love all your ideas for your bathroom and I'm so going to have to start following you on pinterest. I know whatever you do it will be amazing.

    Be careful in the up coming storm it's supposed to have ice mixed in...ugh!

    XXX
    Debra~

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  15. I love all of the ideas for the vanity. Too bad that it is such a tight space. Congrats on the refi.

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  16. I really do like the open look of the table. this is gonna be fun.

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  17. What, no flowers for Jane's Party? Love this post about how you plan to retrofit the table. Looking forward to seeing the end result.

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  18. Congratulations on the refinancing! My own bathroom is in need of a renovation, so I'll be looking forward to all your decision-making. I know it will inform my own process.

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  19. I love to see the design process - what fun! On pins and needles for the reveal.

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  20. I love the look of vessel / basin sinks on top of old tables / dressers! Just be careful about water splashing everywhere! I've had really bad experiences with them in many of the hotels I've stayed in. You see them a lot in Europe.

    Good luck with the appraisal. We had such a tough time with getting a decent appraisal. They were all counting bathrooms and bedrooms. Didn't care about finishes, quality, etc.

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  21. You will luv this when it's ALL FINISHED. I had vintage wash stands put in our baths and had brass sinks cut in. The tops of the wash stands were pretty bad but saved the circles, sanded them and they are now recycled trivets. Waste not want not...kinda. franki

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  22. Your timing with this post was wonderful...we're early in the process of upsizing our downsized home...go figure :) I'll have to sit with a glass of wine this evening and enjoy everything you've pinned...it's like one big fabulous magazine! Thanks
    am

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  23. Can't wait to see what you come up with. These are all great examples. Hope you get the appraisal you're looking for...your home is beautiful!

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  24. Some great options and looks here, Steve. I am really drawn to the brighter yellow cabinet with the doors. And like you, I prefer the wide, rectangular modern basins over the little round ones (and those are being overused now too). I look forward to seeing your final result!
    Claudia

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  25. As soon as you got to the console table, I was like YES! So of course, I'm all over that pick. (But man, that black one is good too.) Ooo, goodie! Another Steve makeover I can follow along with!
    Camille

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  26. I'm glad you got the refinancing approved. Can't wait to see your new bathroom, I know it will be perfect.

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  27. Love it Steve! I can't wait to see it come to life. So glad all your plans are falling into place! I've got some photos of my new decor up on the blog - hope you'll stop by and tell me what you think!
    Here's to spring!
    A

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  28. I'm drawn to the Darby Road piece with the cabinet doors. Too bad that it's too wide. I would love that topped with the big flat sink. I'm not a fan of the vessel sinks either but it's because I think they will be too trendy. I'm at the point in my life where I want my choices to last forever (or as long as I do anyway).
    I think your table choice will be lovely. I love the openness for YOU but for me, that basket would soon be someones bed. :(
    I know you will make it look amazing like everything in your home.
    Someday I hope to add a downstairs bathroom! I want a tiny one where it's all tiled and the toilet and sink are actually in the shower too.
    How easy would life be then?! Ha! Just turn on the shower and all is instantly sparkling clean!
    (congrats on re-fi!)

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  29. Clever, clever, clever. I love the basket of towels on the shelf. The cat will love curling up in the basket of soft towels.

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  30. This is so exciting...excellent taste. I had a bunch of spam too...so I took off the anonymous comments to avoid word verification instead. Not sure it was the right decision?

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  31. Congrats on the refi. I am redoing my guest bath now as well, and have the exact same size as you. I chose a RH vanity sink with glass legs...very 1930's and marble wainscoting. I will have the dreaded towel basket on the floor, I am afraid. I ordered a very shallow "bar" cart from PB, which will hold essentials alongside the tub. It takes up very little footprint, but may not work with your country style. Lots of catalog shopping, I know, but this is SW Florida and not New England with no real antiquing opportunities. Good luck on the appraisal. (BTW, I don't mind verification, but the numbers are often too dark to read.)
    Best...Victoria

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    1. I like that wash stand a lot! And the marble wainscoting sounds beautiful.

      I agree about the numbers. I often have to refresh it two or three or four times to get one I can read.

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  32. Can't wait to see the transformation! Hope you're having a great time along the process...

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  33. I love using furniture pieces in the bathroom. I agree with you on bowl sinks. I like the look of them, but I have visions of taking a chunk out of the edge with something.

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  34. Congrats on your financing!!! finally! I love your ideas on the vanity and the large rectangular basin. I agree on not the hugest fan of the raised circular basins.. have fun with the makeover and hope spring comes soon at your gorgeous house.
    xo Nancy
    Powellbrowerhome.com

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  35. I had a custom piece made with a marble top. The wood is painted black with a milk wash over it. Love it! A word of caution about the lower shelf: I opted to nix it from my architect's plan because it would have been really hard to clean under. I think your vanity would look fab with a wall mounted faucet if you have enough room. Just my two cents.

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    1. Maureen,
      The black with milk wash sounds interesting. I'd love to see what that looks like. I think you're reading my mind with the marble and wall mounted faucet. I lower shelf "should" be high enough so the cats can get under there and dust for me.

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    2. I will email a photo. Warning: I'm a horrible photographer.

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  36. I love the idea of furniture pieces in bathrooms and the last image showing the shelf is wonderful - can't wait to see what you choose!!

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  37. As always, can't wait to see it! So glad you referenced your Pinterest account, btw. Now I'm following. I was tickled to see how many of the same bathrooms you and I have in common!




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  38. p.s. I am so with you on the vessel sinks.

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  39. I do like the table regardless of the unfortunate lack of storage, but that's when you find you don't need that much. In my opinion the smaller bathrooms in older houses look better with the simplicity of one very nice piece and everything else understated. Come to think of it, I'm not crazy about thos big bathrooms with the jacuzzis and the hot tub and the separate shower, etc, etc. Looking forward to seeing the end result!

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  40. I have had both of those bathroom images in my files forever. Had a custom vanity made and used a marble top as well. I'm sure yours will be well thought out and look fab......

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  41. Any of those gorgeous chests would make a nice vanity Steve... And, I like old fashioned pen & paper too when I am at meetings, job sites, and on shopping trips. Hand sketching is a great, efficient tool that I think will never die, especially for us designers!

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