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Thursday, April 15, 2010

Small but Spa-Like

My journey in blog land started with the posting of my Master Bathroom on Rate My Space web-site two years ago.

 I met a community of people that were like- minded in their love of all things related to design. I was invited by a couple of people to come and look at their blogs. Blog??!!! What the heck is a Blog?

 Well, you all know what happened next. A whole new world was opened to me. I had no idea that there were so many wonderful people writing about their design experiences and observations.

I was immediately hooked. I kept looking at more and more blogs and quickly realized they fell into categories. I sorted through them and found so many favorites that I liked to visit on a daily basis.

 I also was fortunate to be able to join in a couple of chat rooms and meet the most amazing lovely people and have developed blogging friendships. Many of these wonderful new friends encouraged me to write a blog. Of course I said,” No Way!!”

 I thought about it long and hard for over a year or more before I jumped in.

 I must say now I am so glad that I jumped. Blogging has been nothing but a positive experience for me. It is creative outlet that I did not even realize I needed at the time.

 So, my blogging friends that leads me to the present. I realized that I did my 100th post on Monday so in memory of where it all began I thought I would do a post on my, Small but Spa-like Bath!!


master bed and bath 027
Here is the picture that started it all. It was actually featured on the HGTV website and used in one of their commercials that they posted.  It was a pretty fun experience for me since I had never done anything like this before.
I love the ocean so I knew I wanted ocean colors in my master bath. This room is 6ft wide by 10ft deep.That is why I called it Small, but Spa-like. The sink area is divided by a small wall and a pocket door for privacy.
The original design for the sink area had Thasos pure white marble. When the top came it had some discoloration so it was sent back and I compromised with white tile.

The white tile is handmade tile so it has more depth to it than some white tile. It is by Summer House, purchased at Expo, when they were still in business.

 The blue-green mosaic back wall tile is by Sicis Iridescent in the color Fern#3. When the lights are on , it shimmers with an iridescent quality. I knew I wanted this to be a focal wall and this was the perfect wall to do the entire wall.

I saved over $100 by not tiling behind the mirror. The vessel sink was chosen for it’s color. I love it but in hind-sight I might have chosen a white porcelain bowl instead

.
master bed and bath 030
I chose a rectangle frameless mirror. Since I had a round bowl and everything else was either square or rectangle I chose oval backed sconces in brushed nickel.

 This decision was made because right next to the entry to the sink area is my armoire which has a powder finish on brushed nickel. I love shiny nickel and wish I had chosen that.

You know what they say hind-sight is always twenty-twenty. I was careful to choose sconces that did not project out to far. They needed to feel as if they were a part of the whole back wall.

Master Bed and Bath 2 010 (785x800)
This picture shows my armoire and the pulls. I ordered extra pulls when I ordered my bedroom set from Ethan Allen and used them on the vanity.

 I designed the vanity with three components from Thomasville at Home Depot. The finish was so close to the armoire. I projected the middle section and angled the sides for interest. I have radiant heat flooring which is heavenly in the winter.

 The floor tile is porcelain and it looks very much like travertine but without the maintenance. It is  a very beach sand color with a soft  alabaster grout.

As you go through the pocket door you see the focal wall in my shower. I designed the back wall to be almost like a picture frame.

 I did not realize how much math skills would come into play in designing the back wall. I worked very closely with my tile man and this is how it came out………

Master Bed and Bath 2 019


I love everything about my shower. The shower head is incredible and puts out just the right amount of water to be soothing. I have two cut-outs on the side walls. Both have the mosaic tile backs.

 I actually got together all my shampoos and beauty products and measured them to figure out the size of the cut-out.

 I also have a bench and to figure out it’s dimensions I sat down and measured my toosh. Yes, you heard right I measured how much space I needed to sit!(I will never disclose this measurement!) I also put my foot up to see what would be a comfortable level  to shave my legs. I hope this is not TMI!

Master Bed and Bath 2 018


I wrapped this very small room with a tile wainscoting  in order to keep the eye flowing and to make it seem a bit larger. Here is a small corner of what it looks like……………
Master Bed and Bath 2 021 (781x800)

I learned a very expensive lesson about the clear glass shower door. Did you know that clear does not mean without color?

All glass has a green tint to it unless they take out what makes it have color.  When I placed my order I asked for clear glass and when it came in it was GREEN!

 Yikes! The company said I should have ordered the Diamond series to get colorless glass. I was not told of that option at the time. Long story short I  had to order Diamond series glass to get the clear without color.

 I now have a beautiful green custom cut shower door in my garage. Like I said it was a very expensive lesson. I had to have it custom cut because of the shower bench.

 The attached wall is 1/2 thick and the door is 3/8 thick. I also made it taller in order to not cut the tile frame work with the top of the door. Hard lesson but I do love the end result of my master bath.
Now you know the in and out’s of my Small but Spa-like master bath. I hope you have enjoyed the tour!
Thank you to all of my loyal readers for your constant support and your wonderful comments. It still is amazing to me that anyone is out their reading what I write. You all are the best community of clever and creative people around!!

“Enjoy the Process” Of:

 Blogging and meeting new creative people.

Kathysue

45 comments:

Allie and Pattie said...

Kathysue, it's wonderful and I can see why RMS would feature it- just serene and lovely! Funny, there was just a discussion on a forum I read about how wide a shower bench needed to be for "tushie comfort" and leg shaving!
xoxo Pattie

Jules said...

It's a funny old world, this blog world, The strangest things happen and you meet the best people. I am so enjoying our visits and I am glad you started a blog J

artis1111 said...

This is beautiful!!!! I could stay in there,only if I can take my laptop. hehe Kathy

Carolyn said...

Hi Kathysue,
You did an amazing job on your bathroom-I love it! Congratulations on being featured.
Carolyn

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Kathysue, I have always loved your beautiful bathroom. I love the sereneness of it if that is a word. Great colors and your shower is a good size, not too big and not too small. Ours is too small. I love your sink and adore those sconces!

A Perfect Gray said...

wow! that was awesome. Love the shower doors, everything! thanks so much for the tutorial, you likely save us a bunch. congrats on your 100th post and wonderful blog!

A Gift Wrapped Life said...

Congratulations on your 100th post Kathysue! Your bathroom is sublime, what a wonderful job you have done. I liked how you saved 100.00 by not tiling behind the mirror...clever girl. And I almost made the same mistake for a client on the glass, but I totally think that would have been the glass suppliers fault for not always asking. Have the best weekend. XO

Tammy@InStitches said...

BEAUTIFUL, I love the glass tiles and the way the faucet is mounted on the wall and your shower is perfect !

Jeanette said...

Oh yes, I remember your beautiful bathroom from RMS. I loved it then and I love it now. Has it really been almost 2 years ago? I am so glad you and I both stepped outside of our comfort zones and posted our pictures on RMS. Otherwise, we most likely would never have met,and I am very happy to call you my friend. And, I learned a few new tips from you today, too. You know that one of these days I hope to be able to renovate my own master bath. Hugs, Jeanette

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Kathysue, I love your bathroom and I so remember that it was the most looked at bathroom in all of RMS history. Just gorgeous. Your pictures are stunning too. Love you and hope you are having a super day. Hugs, Marty

Marija said...

Oh Kathysue I adore it! This is such a wonderful post. Congrats on 100 informative and beautiful picture filled posts. It's so apparent that you put so much of your time, energy and self into these posts and I love reading each and every one! This one was extra great because it took me back to the beginning of your experience blogging (I think I found you a month or two in...).

Have a great rest of the week! Marija

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Oh, Kathysue! Hasn't it been fun? Your master bathroom is gorgeous as always...and a star like you! I remember when it was on the front page of RMS and then featured on Micasa! Happy 100th post to you...that's a major milestone! I'm so glad you decided to join us in the blogosphere because you are such a wonderful addition! Happy Thursday!...hugs to you my friend...Debbie

Averill said...

I love your bathroom Kathysue...it's gorgeous and so well thought-out. Particularly love that you used "real" furniture instead of bath furniture or built-in shelving in the niche. It really adds a great level of interest.

Living It At Home said...

I love your beginning your blog story. It sounds so similar to mine, except I wasn't featured on HGTV! I wish! I had never read a blog or visited one. I just happened upon one and was hooked. I decided that I needed a creative outlet in my life and blogging fit for me.

I would like to invite you to stop by for a visit. You have a wonderful blog!

Fifi Flowers said...

LOVELY!!! J'adore that glass bowl!

Tricia said...

Oooh la la Kathysue...what a beautiful oasis! If only my {severely outdated and pitiful} blue master bath was as posh and spa~like as yours maybe I wouldn't be so rushed to get out of there in the morning. :)

Thanks for sharing this with us- your taste is impeccable.

Susie @ Maddie G Designs said...

Kathysue, your bath is divine. I love how well thought out everything is....and love the tile behind the mirror and the choice of sconces. Thanks for sharing your blogging story....and glad I've found you.

vignette design said...

Love your master bath Kathysue. Thanks for sharing and congratulations on your 100th post! Love your blogging story and am glad I met you. I am "enjoying the process" of blogging and meeting other creative people/ bloggers like you!

Gypsy Heart said...

Just beautiful! It has a true spa like feeling and very serene. Thanks so much for sharing!

xoxo
Pat

Kat said...

Good night Kathysue, you've hit 100 posts already? Congratulations! You know how much I love this bathroom, it's one of the first rooms I ever commented on at RMS and I remember how gracious you were to me. What a journey this has been. Big Texas hugs, Kat

Kim@Chattafabulous said...

Congrats on the 100th post. Love your bathroom, especially the whole sink/tile/sconce combo. Lovely and restful. Here's to your next 100 posts!

Acanthus and Acorn said...

Kathysue,

Had no idea what Rate My Space was!? So thanks for that intro. and mostly thanks for sharing your divine bathroom!!!

Having completed several bathrooms, with each word I can relate to nearly every experience you shared. But, all the headaches are worth it when the outcome is this good!

Janean said...

stinkin' fabulous!

like me...i just *fell into it* by accident, actually...i have met the sweetest gals and learned so much.

La Dolfina said...

Oh Kathysue your spa like bathroom is a total success in every way, it's no wonder that it was in an HGTV website commercial. All the thought that was put into shows in every detail! You were so wise to take those all important measurements. I can imagine how much pleasure it has given you.
Bravo on an absolutely stunning Master Bathroom.
I can't wait to see it in person!!
XO

Sally@DivineDistractions said...

Just lovely! The bathroom is so well thought out...material selections perfect for the space...I could go on, but the important thing I want to say is how much I have appreciated your gracious support and encouragement for my blog. I am truly a novice here, and you have helped so much to teach me by your expample. One of these days, we need to have a real conversation!! Congratulations on your 100th post. May there be multitudes more!

Unknown said...

Beautiful Kathysue! You have perfected the spa like experience right in your own home...what's better than that!

Laura Trevey said...

Gorgeous bath!!! Love the tiles....

Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia said...

Oh my goodness KathySue, I would never leave if that was my bathroom! I'm in love with the colors and what a calm it brings! Ofcourse RMS would want to spotlight you! I used to post on RMS and that is where I found my first blog as well, isn't it funny! It's all worth it becuase I get to meet so many wonderful people like you!
XO
Kristin

ashlina {the decorista} said...

GASP! you have taken my breath away! there are no words. literally...i'm stunned. what wonderful taste you have, i never doubted that though, not even for a second.
hope you have an amazing weekend you sweet, sweet woman!!!!!!!! i adore you! xoxo

Unknown said...

Oh, gorgeous bath, Kathysue! It feels like being underwater! What an inspiring story, I love to hear about others' journeys!

Have a fabulous day, and if you haven't had a chance yet, pop by and check out my Catherine Deneuve giveaway! XO!

Maya @ Completely Coastal said...

Love, love the tiles and vanity. So gorgeous!!!

Cathy~Mille Fleur said...

WOW! How beautiful! Love the color...love the glass tile...love it all!

I am so glad you stopped by earlier...feel free to come by anytime!

Enjoy!
Cathy

A Room For Everyone said...

What a beautiful bathroom, the colours are lovely. Thank you, too, for your comments..Rachaelxx

xinex said...

Oh thank you for your kind comment, KathySue. I have always loved your bathroom. It has the prettiest cool soothing colors and most beautiful glass tiles. BTW, I ordered some of the battery operated Chinese lanterns. Please come back tomorrow night cause I want you to see my secret garden....Christine

Cashon&Co said...

oh.my.gosh.
your BATHROOM IS GORGEOUS!!!! I love the iridescent glass tiles and the glass bowl. it's fabulous!! And as always, your story behind what you do and how you were inspired is great. It IS very spa-like. those colours are so soothing. you have GREAT TASTE friend! xoxo

Design Esquire said...

Oh my goodness - this bathroom is absolutely perfection. I love the tile, all the fixtures (those sconces!), the bench in the shower - everything. Great job!!

Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia said...

KathySue, your bath is GORGEOUS!! I wish I could put the tile in the boys bath but trying to do it on a big budget! Thanks for the ideas today! I hope your having a great week!
XO
Kristin

Pauline Wiles said...

It looks wonderful! I'm not surprised the first photo was used in an advert.
Thanks for being so honest about lessons learned, too.

Unknown said...

Beautiful and I love that you included the "lessons learned" for others. I just did a post on spa-tacular baths and wished I saw this before hand. I think I will go and post a link-back to your post here in my comments. Beautiful job!! (and p.s. love the covered dish w/ the soaps in it!)

Mary Ann Pickett said...

Beautiful bath...can you use the extra shower glass as shelving in a cabinet somewhere? Mary Ann

Unknown said...

Kathysue- I'm in love...with your bathroom that is! The irridescent tiles are my absolute favorite! Phenomenal job! I'd never want to leave the bathroom!

JENNY K. said...

Just lovely! I love the colors, the accent pieces. Great job!

lizziefitz said...

I think you could charge admission just to view this post. Very cool ,calm and serene:)

Debbie said...

Hi Kathy Sue,
Your bathroom is wonderfully beautiful. I love the vessel sink and the tile. Since I too have a love of the ocean, your bathroom design would be perfect for me. I can see why it was selected for HGTV. Keep blogging. You definitely have a talent for design. I am so inspired by your blog. Love ya'.
Debbie

Lauren said...

Ir's so pretty Kathysue!!! I especially loooove that backsplash with the sconces!! Thanks for sharing and big hug,
Lauren