Saving my 1980's Powder Room!

Through this blog I will be sharing my own personal home renovations.  I have assisted clients for years with the same type of projects, but when it comes to doing it for myself it's a whole different story.  Should be easy, right?  People often ask me what my personal design style is and the assumption is always that my home is formal and completely done.  Nothing could be further from the truth.

Upon moving to the burbs of Atlanta 5 years ago I certainly never imagined we would purchase a 30 year old traditional brick home.  We had lived in San Diego so long and always owned stucco homes with Spanish tile roofs.  Open concept rooms with cathedral ceilings were the norm.  We rented for a year to truly get a feel of the area and although buying a complete fixer upper was not my original intent, the saga began.  Beware of the term, "It has good bones."  Translation, "Major work!"

Being an Interior Designer, one would think that I just snap my fingers and everything in my own home gets done.  You know that old saying, "The Cobbler's children have no shoes?"  I believe it is a pretty common saying regardless of what field you're in.  If it doesn't sound familiar it's the idea that someone with a specific skill is often too busy assisting others that their own affairs go unattended.

Maybe it's a designer’s attention to detail/quest for perfection or the ever changing nature of options, styles, colors and trends, but it’s always seemed particularly apt for Interior Designers.  We regularly complete (hopefully) amazing client work while our own homes become outdated and neglected.  In my own case, my home already was outdated in every aspect of the word.  We purchased it from the original owners who were perfectly content living in the 1980 world of polished brass, vinyl wallpaper, and all the glory that era produced.  I know I’ve spent weeks redesigning specific spaces, only to get bored or tired of what I’ve done before I even get around to implementing it. 

Project Number One: Powder Room

I am certain that upon first view of the before photos, your question will be, "What were they thinking?"  Gold fixtures, gold mirror, molded faux marble counter with inset scalloped sink, oak and more oak, shell motif wallpaper border, and the pièce de résistance, cultured marble toilet surround.

Since we do most of the renovations ourselves, you will see that my husband got the worst part of this deal.  He ends up doing most of the demo, construction and installation, where I handle the painting, finishing touches, and of course the most important job, Project Manager. :-)

Classic black and white tile floors, bead board, and an old dresser painted and transformed into a vanity were the most time consuming parts of the renovation.  My husband made the custom mirror, installed new vessel sink and fixtures, and a fresh coat of paint finished the look I was after.  I had black and white note cards of famous Atlanta Landmarks that I framed to add a little local flare.

Stayed tuned!  This house is becoming a home one room at a time!

Thanks for visiting!