You’re my obsession, Farm Sink. You may be SO last year (actually these were apparently a big deal in 2017), but I 100% agree with  Design Chic , totally in love with the look of these antique farm sinks.

Last night I met with my contractor, Mike, at the “rental cottage” (which we’ve named it, so I will call it that from now on). I am SO excited!! He has already done so much work. The marred mildewed floors are all pulled up and the disgusting dilapidated appliances are all out. There’s already a hole in the wall in preparation for the barn doors, and I can tell the space will feel much more open that way. Also the closet has been demo’ed so we can put in our ikea hacked closet system (once i muster up enough nerve to actually go to ikea and pick one out).

The hole in the wall, and i’m not talking about the bar in Austin (though that bar makes FANTASTIC tacos!). I decided to add barn doors so the tenant can decide if he/she wants to make the apartment feel more open or if an actual closed- off bedroom is ideal. Also, when its time to sleep, the doors can be shut for privacy.

Here’s my demolished bathroom. I love it! It’s on its way to the clean slate phase. The death of the past, soon to move on to the introduction of its re birth. It will be gorgeous and the site of many wonderful gifts!

First we discussed the bathroom in great detail. As you can see, it is TINY. Maybe it is hard to tell with no reference, but seriously, it’s the size of a hallway. Not as tiny, apparently, as Mike’s guest bath, but in my opinion its TINY. I’m still excited because I have big things planned for this bitsy space. I’m looking into a 30″x 48″ window on the back wall to open up the space and to allow in abundant natural sunlight. The window will be right at the shower and is large, so I am  looking at one that can become opaque by the push of a button! It has been challenging to remember this isn’t really MY space to live in, its a rental. So I have to stay neutral and universal with my choices. My “homework” , assigned by Mike,  is to pick out tiles and a sink/vanity. It is harder than I thought (but still totally fun) because there are SO many choices. My designer, David, recommended Daltile (daltile.com) and Mike recommended Emser Tile (Emser.com) so i’ve been perusing both websites while waiting for story board revisions to come in at work. I’ve also been looking at small bathroom ideas on pinterest. I want to give the room the illusion of space. Here are some ideas I am considering. Maybe someone out there reading this will have some input:

This was my inspiration for the window. I originally wanted to copy this entire bathroom, but now that i’ve thought about it, I imagine its too many lines for my ity bitty space,  and will be an eye sore. I do like the mirror, the colors, and the idea of a floating sink (more floor space is better).

 

I apparently am into navy, black and blue, and my eye is drawn to subway tile. I love this bathroom. I love the contrast of the floor juxtaposed against the wall, and I adore the wallpaper (which is shocking me!).  At least I love this photo of this bathroom. Would i love it in real life? I am not sure. Also, is it something a renter would like?

 

Maybe something like this would be better. I love the floor. It is pretty and seems like it could give the room an illusion of depth. The glossy subway tiles filed with white grout appear cleaner than the subway tiles in the first photo. The all white ensemble would reflect the light and give a sense of space, maybe?

Mike liked the idea of a floating vanity. He did say with such a small space, it is better to have less on the floor. I love the one in the first photo. I found it in two places, both cost a fortune.

Smart to have a shelf above the sink, since there is no vanity space. Which actually could be a problem for renters. No vanity space is No bueno, really. Mike and I did discuss a linen/storage closet at the end of the bathroom, but under the sink cabinet space may be imperative. Not sure its worth putting expensive design over functionality in this situation. Maybe it would be better to find a nice sink that does have under cabinet storage. I do love this though, and it seems compact which is perfect for this particular bathroom. Of course I would want it in navy. In case you are interested, here’s where you can find these:

Antique Farm Sink by Kohler Amazon $1200

 Farm Sink on Houzz for $1400

I will keep searching for floating wall mounted vanities. So far….yuk. I like the farm sink. I haven’t even begun to think about what color to paint the half wall that will not be tiled. haha. I’ll get there!

It’s interesting how its hard to take my own taste out of it and be neutral. I’ve never been “average”, so it is a challenge for me to try and think like “the masses”. It is difficult to put my head into the mind of the “average Joe” when I truly believe each and every one of us, at least deep down if not evident on the surface, is totally unique. I do love that I am practicing my decision making skills. For a long time (like, my entire life), I made decisions based on what would make other people happy and/or what would keep me far away from conflict. Now I will need to make executive choices based on this cottage being a business. Let’s be honest, I would be so excited if one day I could build another unit over the garage, and then call the triplex an ACTUAL Bed and Breakfast/Hotel! I am happily energized by doing research, and making these choices. I am improving my visionary skills! And if I pick something that doesn’t work, we can (and will) change it!

More to come! Mike is sending possible kitchen layouts soon.

 

xoxo

QJ