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I was digging through the old before photos, and it kind of blows my mind that this was just last spring.
This was our hairy walls bathroom.
Have you ever taken your photos on your computer, and scrolled through them when you were looking for something? The way our pics are stored on my computer… you can see it all happen in a wave of photos. If you scroll, it’s like life happening in fast motion. I know exactly where we were, and when they were taken… with all the emotions behind them.
At this point, we were thinking, what have we gotten ourselves into?!
And then while it feels a little bit like don’t blink it also blows my mind that it took this long to come so far because of all the codes here. While it feels like we blinked, it also feels like an eternity occurred before we could feel like we actually moved into the house.
So while it feels like it happened quickly, it kind of took an eternity all at the same time.
But we’re so glad we stuck with it.
We’re caught in this odd world where we’re recovering, and trying to feel normal again after so long. We’re almost not living out of boxes anymore {though the basement is an entirely different story}. We’ve been on such a journey… a transformation of our family, we still don’t feel all quite here yet. It still feels unreal. So unreal, that I’m not even sure I’m making sense anymore.
There are so many things we still want to show you. So many photos and fun redesigns on this little house, yet to come. So many things we can’t wait to share that we’ve been working on for our business here. And for some reason, looking back at photos of the entire house, and this little bathroom {The least disastrous of the two} kind of has me all, well, sentimental and stuff.
Especially now that all the little brown hairs are gone. Ew.
We’ve been so focused on getting our children established in a great community and school, and planking ceilings and painting all the things just so we could move in… and running the business, that it’s blowing our minds to take a step back, and appreciate how far we’ve come. We’ve also felt a bit of a disconnect because we’re struggling to feel normal again. Still.
When does that happen? Is it just that it’s a new normal and we haven’t accepted it yet?
Eh. Either way, the kids are digging this bathroom.
We went through a really tough phase to get to the part where we were able to move in. We’re still in a holding pattern on the basement {We’ll be sharing more on that soon} we blinked, and it’s the holidays which kind of throw us for a loop, too… And it’s just a lot to process.
Like, wow. We’re still here. We’re actually still kicking in our little corner of the www, and the world didn’t come to an end when things didn’t turn out quite like we planned. In fact, they’re probably better, in some weird way. Really. And we’ll figure out the hard stuff. We always do.
I mean, we figured out this toilet. ;}
I guess everyone feels that way in their lives, no matter where they are.
And for some reason, this bathroom made me think about all that.
Okay. You’re probably all, Good story, brah. Tell me about your bathroom.
The original bathroom had a bit of an odd configuration, with all things linen closet. So we knew that with 1700 square feet of living space {currently} we had to make it work hard for us. We decided to knock out this little wall that had absolutely nothing behind it, and allow space for all things towels, bath cloths + toiletries. We also originally planned to knock back the closet, but we’re now glad we couldn’t. Because after 4.5 seconds of considering it, we realized the downstairs made it impossible to do so. The staircase runs directly under neath the bottom part of this closet, and it contains a sloped area.
So we expanded the shelving and made it the ultimate storage spot.
And we added cabinets for more of a built in look.
It was all a bit awkward with the doors in this area, so we also simplified with a barn door on the outside.
Because why not?
We can’t wait to feature more on this hallway, and all things hardware and accessories.
We have big plans for this little space. But back to the bathroom because I’m easily distracted:
Here’s a little before of the inside of the closet {the best somewhat shameful shot I was able to grab up during the demo phase}:
And a reality post for now because it’s holding all the things:
If I’m being really honest, I straightened it up before this photo, and even took out a few things so you could see what’s going on. You could store like, ten children in here. And for now it’s doing double duty until we can finish out that basement. Because drugs and linens and stuff.
Not too long ago, I was pulling this number just to get it painted. And then regretting taking off my shoes in an enclosed space. There’s a little PSA for ya.
We’re just thrilled to have so much storage space.
We originally had totally different plans for this bath area. But again, because of rules and stuff, we were forced to think outside the box.
And we decided to add some custom touches in different ways since it’s all in the details. We had the faucet placed in the middle, and used frameless glass to keep an open feel for the bathroom. We didn’t want to close this one off with a shower curtain. That, and it’s easier to clean.
And penny tile on the floor so it all just kind of glimmers in the sunlight. Especially with all the chrome finishes. It also feels really good to walk on barefoot since we’re barefoot people.
We decided to keep it nice, colorful and simple.
It just feels classic.
With a twist.
We also love that the tile goes all the way to the ceiling. And since we decided to also plank the ceilings in this bathroom we installed two vents so that moisture isn’t an issue.
The frameless glass encases it, and the vent helps eliminate any lingering steam.
We also love the light at night, for a nice, soft nightlight.
We added a wall pocket for extra storage inside the bath…
We loved bringing in extra touches of soft color to reflect their fun personalities.
It’s a bathroom that can grow with them over the years.
When they outgrow their rubber duckie hoarding.
The kids are in love with this rain shower head. It’s like rain with style.
Especially when the boys take over full force!
We have all the sources in this post.
These posts are always a beast to write with the shooting and editing… so we’ll be back. Promise.
If you can think of anything you’d like us to cover in the meantime, please let us know!
Have an inspired day!
Sylvia says
Love it! So glad there are codes even if a nuisance……helps to keep all of you safe. Keep enjoying the journey and creating beautiful spaces like this ……. ya’ll are so talented!
Janet says
Hahaha all the hairs! That post made me laugh so hard the first time you wrote it. This bathroom has come a long way! It looks awesome!
Jen says
Love it all! It’s perfect and certainly will grow with them- can’t wait to hear all the details!!!
Dawn says
Do you have a page with links to the items in this bathroom? That double vanity looks exactly like something I want for my bathroom. Where is it from? Thanks.
Carolyn Mui says
Beautiful! Great work with all the little details! I’m curious about whether you find it helpful to have both the scones and ceiling light fixture in the space. Most bathrooms I’ve seen just have sconces or vanity lighting unless it’s a very large bathroom, but I do like spaces to be well lit. My hubby and I are building a house so we’re having to think through such details as well!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey Carolyn! I guess you could say I’m just a big believer in diverse lighting for spaces, but especially bathrooms. For instance, the schoolhouse one over the toilet area, doesn’t put off much light, but it’s nice to have on at night. And the one in the shower doesn’t come on, unless the vent is also on to help with moisture issues, but there’s something about a simple canned light that can add so much. Before we did a redo in our old house for the master bath, we went for YEARS without a light anywhere BUT the vanity, and it was awful because we could never see anything. It was poor planning on the builder’s part. Or I guess I should say budgeting. I also think of course the vanity lights are a must have – We still haven’t finished up our own personal bathroom yet {a few things left to hang like the mirror} so I love doing my makeup in there. I’m just loving the idea of versatility and options, and the ambience that they give. So I guess I said that to say, the more lights the better. That’s my mantra. I have options if I want a softer light, or full blown makeup lighting, which I know they’ll appreciate in the future as teens. Lots of reasons we chose this. I hope this helps!
Jessica Bruno says
Wow what a difference! The bathroom looks great!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thanks so much, Jess! ;}
Michelle says
I’d love to know more about the mirrors ❤️
Elise says
You have such a nac for combining elegance, trend and snazz. It’s a beautiful space, friend!
Naomi Wheeler says
Is there a way to lock the barn door so no one walks in on you?
ashley @ the handmade home says
We’re still in the process of installing a lock since we have younger kids. But yes, there is.
Brooke says
I love this bathroom idea for kids. Can you tell me what color is on the walls?
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you so much! It’s SW tidewater!
Stacey says
Where did you find the hooks for the bath towels? I love this space, great job!
Grace says
Hello! Love that you thought of the humidity in the bathroom. Where did you place your vents?
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hi! Thanks so much – They’re on the ceiling in the canned lights. ;}