Transforming Ugly Part 2 Bathroom circa 1905

 I hope you won't mind if I gush and giggle and squeal a bit here. I am so IN LOVE with my bathroom...really, I am.

 The Lord of the Manor has worked steadfastly, non-stop for nearly a month on this job. It was a major remodel and I must give him all the credit in the world.
Plaster repair, plumbing, carpentry, drywall, electrical, painting, antique restoration, 16 floor hole repairs, and all that cleanup work.. every single day... Is there anything this man can't do?! 

My Hero

He just came down from the attic, so his face looks a bit smudged, like a chimney sweep... but I think he is quite cute that way.

If you read the post below you will know how far this room has come... from total  Water closet DESPAIR to bathroom  DELUXE!

How about a before and after tour?

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This may take a while.. Lets's go!

This cast iron tub was stenciled in pink on one side, green on the other, the faucets were unspeakably ugly.( I tossed them out as soon he removed them) James moved the tub to the other side of the room, I re-stenciled it,( see post below). All the old wallpaper was removed and this old wainscot was replaced with vintage bead board. All the plaster walls and ceiling were repaired and re-papered. I can only take credit for doing the wallpaper, other than that, I have been working on my book illustrations 24-7, (which is why I haven't been able to visit you, my friends... sorry)

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This is dimensional wallpaper. It is made to look like pressed tin ceiling tiles.

It gives you the same look at a fraction of the cost.  You can purchase this at Lowes, and then paint it the color of your choice.  James chose"Honey Pot" paint. Have you ever papered a ceiling? Oh my gosh! Talk about whiplash.

 This hole in the ceiling was the only entrance to the attic... no wonder we never wanted to go up there, what a hassle it was.

 But no more!  A ladder to the attic... You just pull on that little knob, 

 down comes the ladder and up you go.

 He put in an attic floor while he was at it. Did I mention, our attic had no floor?

(It's really difficult to stash your Christmas boxes while walking on beams), I plan on spending a lot more time in the attic, now that I can arrange things without the fear of crashing  through the ceiling.

One of the most important aspects of this remodel was the clothes closet which was created using the antique Butlers Pantry we picked up in Pennsylvania ( a YEAR after purchasing off ebay) You can see the bits and pieces in the blog post beneath this one.

James built the frame, and reconstructed the  Butlers Pantry... 

to create the best darn closet this old house ever had.

It just about hits the top of the 10 ft ceiling.

We can put nearly EVERY GARMENT in here!!!! This is one side. I collect (and wear) vintage Laura Ashley dresses.. and here they are, all in a tidy row.

 We are ready  for  the linens and towels. 
 

Okay, James built the bones of this room... they are good bones. Now, I get to come in and have some fun doing the decor.

All my years of collecting have paid off. For this room, I don't need to purchase anything to add finishing touches on this "turn of the century" lieu.
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 Here is that funny little sink.  We picked this up for  $50 off Craig's list.
 I found one, nearly identical,  in my Sears Catalog 1910. 
It is advertised as "the most sanitary sink  on the market today" For $10.10... that was a lotta dough back in the day.

Sears began   selling entire "houses in kits" starting in the late 1890's.

I love the sink, just hanging on this wall. I even like the little chips along the rim, but James is changing the handles because they are not original to the sink and very out of place. I can imagine this little sink  in an old Normandy farmhouse. It looks very Country French.

This is the first time I have been able to buy YELLOW towels... I like that.

"HONEY POT" towels!

Garden statues do not necessarily belong in the garden, they make fine soap dishes

And if there is one thing a lady loves it is soap..soap and more soap!

In all manner of containers.

This simple oak dresser was also available for a mere $5 in the 1908 Sears catalog.

 In this century it will hold little treasures, such as:

Pretty  ladies used to perch your hat upon, these were popular in the 1920's and 30's.

 There is also a manicure set, and a curling iron.

 The small razor was one of the first antiques I ever bought. It was the only thing in the shop I could afford at the time, stamped EVEREADY, one of the first razors.
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These vintage bottles have names such as Glostora (which imparts a lustrous gloss and sheen to your hair), Mother of pearl,( which does the same thing) and Superior Pomade.

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 Edwardian ladies were on a beauty quest , just as we are.



This fabulous old print is actually a puzzle from the 1930's, that was never cut into the puzzle pieces. 

  Enchanting little apple pickers in wooden shoes,it's a one of a kind piece and perfect for this spot.
 I can't decide if my bathroom is Victorian, French country or 1930's style. I guess it is all of the above. This is hanging above the dresser.

 Now for the other side of the room... this is a very large room.

 OOPS, I forgot to clean that clutter off the toilet tank.

  When I was about 20 yrs old,  my best friend gave me the tiny Victorian stick  bird cage for my birthday. It is very delicate and the paint is old, cracked and chippy. It is perfect for this wall. AND, it is "Honey pot" yellow!

Beneath it is an old wicker tray with pressed flowers and butterflies.

I had to snatch part of my butterfly collection from the studio.

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A great view from the window!

And into the hallway.

This was used as a shopping basket on wheels, once upon a time, now it will be a clothes hamper.

The worn stenciled floor was re_varnished..

 When you walk into this room, the ambiance is  calming with a sense of history and warmth.
 I feel like I have stepped back in time.....

Maybe I have...

 For a few relaxing moments

Ahhhhhh.... Calgon, take me away.