Friday, March 2, 2012

Powder Room Reveal.....finally!

God, I'm sick of myself. I've decided to turn over a new leaf, and stop wasting time and energy worrying and stressing about what I can't get here and a) just make do with what I can get here (even though it doesn't really compare with what they can get in the US!), b) shut up already and just spend the money to get when I want from the US and worry about my husband's meltdown later, or c) challenge myself to be extra creative and find a DIY solution.

So after yesterday's spat, I thought I'd better end the week on a positive note, and prove that I'm not always a stroppy cow but that with a bit of imagination, lots of blog inspiration,  months of research and a bit of money spent in the right places, you can actually achieve a room that looks magazine fabulous from stuff you can get here in Oz, if you know where to look and what to look for.

I have been holding off on the final bathroom reveal for months now, because I was waiting on the lampshades to come from Recollections/Early Settler. I ordered them in October when I ordered the lights, and they only just arrived! I know, I could have gone elsewhere, but I needed 13 and they were only $10 with lovely pleated "silk" shades - so I think worth the wait as the closest alternative I found was $40 each.

Here's a reminder of what we started with. This room was originally part of the playroom, which then became the staircase and the powder room. Here it is in the demolition stage.


Walls went up, new window put in and waterproofing.




Here's the Recollections (Early Settler) mirror I got on special for $89. I painted it black gloss.




And here's the famous "giant soapdish" as my husband calls it. I had admired this style of basin on blogs and in US mags for months and was frustrated that similar pedestal basins from the likes of Parisi etc were over $4000, so imagine my delight when I found this at Recollections on sale for $199. Find of the year!


You can check out my original post on Pedestal Basins here, when I was doing the research during the renovation. Here's some of the images I found as inspiration. 

Thibaut Design
Thibaut Design
Pinterest
The lampshades that finally arrived were sweet and simple, but I thought could do with a little something extra. So I added the dark blue braid today which only cost $5. Pretty good result for $15 total.
 

 Here's without the trim.


And here's with the trim. Better don't you think? The walls sconces are from Recollections.


So here's the big reveal. Hope you like the end result. I'm pretty bloody stoked I must say. It's currently my favourite room in the house, and I couldn't imagine a prettier place to spend a penny!







Brushed nickel taps are from Overstock.com. I adore this shape and style.


I have used this Shepherd's Crook style of faucet for the kids' bathroom as well. I think it's so elegant and makes such an impact in a bathroom, giving it an architectural quality.



Marble tiles were $85/sqm from My Stone in Brookvale.


The Thibaut Meridian wallpaper was the big ticket item and so worth the money. I used about 2.5 rolls. It's my favourite thing in the entire house so far. 




Door handles from Domino Brass


Loo roll holder and towel ring from Recollections. I could easily have spent about ten times the money on something very similar from Waterworks, but thought better of it.



Cedar V-joint panelling which is meant to be more durable and water-resistant than treated pine, which we used on all the non-wet surfaces. It's painted Dulux Vivid White semi-gloss as is all the timber work in the house.



The plant pot is from Ikea.


The pendant light is from Recollections (they should be paying me a hefty commission!) Ceiling is painted in Dulux Filippa.


And finally.......with the lights on. 

All images by Melinda Hartwright for Georgica Pond
If there's any detail I've forgotten, please feel free to ask me. Hope you all have a wonderful and inspired weekend.


31 comments:

  1. It all looks so beautiful, I especially LOVE the mirror!
    Mx

    ReplyDelete
  2. I adore the whole thing, job well done. Your blog is such an inspiration to me and has really opened up my eyes to different decor ideas. I especially love how you give details on where you find the different bits and pieces and what paint colours you use, it is so refreshing.

    ReplyDelete
  3. That's hilarious that your favourite room in the house is a powder room!
    But it is absolutely gorgeous - you have come up trumps - and it has a real sense of drama about it with the dark blue and black. Mirror looks great. Have a wonderful weekend, enjoying your new house.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, not only because it's gorgeous but probably because it's the only completely finished room in the house too. Hoping it will have some competition in the coming weeks!

      Delete
  4. Oh. My. It is simply stunning and looks like it's straight out of the pages of a magazine!!! Certainly a most inspiring renovation. You are one talented, creative lady!!! :)
    Angex

    ReplyDelete
  5. Wow you sure pulled it together and it's absolutely lovely. Makes me lust after the next installment.

    Bon weekend to you too
    Carolyn xx

    ReplyDelete
  6. Looks fabulous Mel. You've done a fantastic job. And yes, start concentrating on your achievements not wishing for other things that are not available. You can get the same look you just have to be creative.....and know where to go, of course.

    Have a good weekend.

    Jennifer xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Jennifer, yes you're right - accentuate the positive as they say. I'm taking on the challenge of trying to get the look I want, with what I can find mostly here and see how I go.

      Delete
  7. It's absolutely beautiful Mel. 11/10! You have created a stunning, stunning room. Straight to a magazine I say. Start calling them! A-M xx

    ReplyDelete
  8. You nailed it! I have a massive crush on the wallpaper, oh and the basin, lights, wall panels, ceiling, mirror. The whole thing is put together perfectly... bring on the next room reveal.

    ReplyDelete
  9. It s absolutely stunning! You really have the ability to make a room look gorgeous! Well done, you must be thrilled with it! Also, just realised that we have the same door handles! x

    ReplyDelete
  10. Gorgeous powder room! Did you have any problems with the installation of U.S taps?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Not with these, although I did buy some from Kingston Brass that couldn't be installed because they had a different construction. But the plumber was able to make all the taps I bought from Overstock work. I did give him the specs beforehand to make sure they wouldn't be a problem.

      Delete
  11. I absolutely adore it. so inspiring. I cant wait to see the other rooms in the house.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Melinda, this is amazingly gorgeous!! You should be so proud of yourself for spending your monies wisely and the results are gorgeous. Love the black mirror, A touch of black is the perfect touch!! Congrats on a job well done!! xo Kathysue

    ReplyDelete
  13. It is beyond gorgeous. Thank you for sharing with us.

    ReplyDelete
  14. It looks FAB!! Love how you have put it together and that wallpaper is gorgeous!!
    I'd happily spend a few hours in there each day. x

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hi. Long time looker of your blog but have never commented before. Looks gorgeous as does the rest of your house.
    You probably already know this, but Pottery Barn currently has 50% off international shipping. I've popped a few things in my basket already :) Am loving reading all your updates. Donna

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Great to know, thanks for the tip Donna. May just go shopping now myself!

      Delete
  16. What a fabulous room. Love what you've done with the lights - the braid does make a big difference - but that wallpaper is amazing. I always think that one splurge item makes other cheaper items look equally fabulous. Will look forward to seeing it in a mag soon too - congratulations and enjoy! Annie x.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Applause!!! What a beautiful space! Love the mirror painted black, and your sink is Fabulous!

    joan

    ReplyDelete
  18. STUNNING!!!!! Is there nothing that you can't do Mel? It looks so gorgeous and I am soo envious. I do not have your talent so I have to live vicariously through you! Sad I know. I now have to go and clean my very outdated ensuite and shall resent the fact that it does not look anything like your powder room. Love it!!! So how are you feeling these days? Hope all is going well. Tracey the sad Georgica pond stalker.xxx Also glad to see the overstock taps look great.

    ReplyDelete
  19. You are your own worst enemy Mel! Divine result you clever girl! Without the item by item descriptions no-one would guess you are very creative and with an eye for a tight budget. The wallpaper is of course stunning, but together it ALL looks TOP dollar. If you'd have said you'd paid $250 for each sconce, I'd have thought they were worth it! A wonderfully inspiring post...
    x KL

    ReplyDelete
  20. Absolutely stunning Mel!
    What an inspiration you are. It is a truly beautiful room.
    I know how much work it must have been to hunt, find (and adjust!) items to fit the look you were after - but WOW - what a result! I love the trim you added to the pleated shades - and the black mirror looks utterly divine. So clever. Your choices are just spot on. Especially that dreamy wallpaper......
    Take care and enjoy!
    x

    ReplyDelete
  21. That looks totally stunning - love the wall panelling!
    x
    Melissah

    ReplyDelete
  22. Mel, you should be SO proud of yourself, I love everything about this room...cate

    ReplyDelete
  23. I love your powder room - that wallpaper is stunning, and I love the sink!

    ReplyDelete
  24. thanks for the heads up of where you found the lovely tap fittings, Have been looking for some like that all over the place!
    alicia

    ReplyDelete