House renovation is never going to be an easy ride is it? It's never going to be enjoyable whist one is living through it, is it? I am trying my very best not to get irritated by the noise, mess, chaos and inconvenience. As the bathroom is the first room
to be given it's bright new makeover, we still have a long way to go, and I know that there will be a great deal more noise, mess, chaos and inconvenience to contend with before the year is out. And I also know it will be worth it.
My two grouchy bathroom workmen have in fact turned out to be extremely hard working and professional, and are doing a wonderful job. They simply don't appear to like female chitchat very much. The first day I was quite put out by them. But now on day four, I am saying okeedokee, I get it now, I am not taking it personally. I am choosing to either be out of the house dilly-dallying with friends, or ensconced up here in the Attic, and I am doing OK.
So far, as is the norm for us, we have really given the whole bathroom makeover very little thought. Not a lot of research was done, we have flown it a little (well honestly, a lot) by the seat of our pants. We have used a local, independent supplier for everything, and went for simplicity above all else. The bath and shower were selected in rather a hurry from a catalogue. Tiles are plain white squares, no fancy bits. Taps (also chosen in a hurry from a catalogue) are chunky chrome. So far so good, I think it's going to be great. Simple, clean and basic, but great.
Do you know, it suddenly occurred to me this morning that very soon the fun part of renovating this little room will begin, the bit that I can start to get excited about :: the Styling. And I expect by now from the pictures on todays post, you have got an idea of which way my bathroom is going. Its not going to be classic, or sophisticated, or traditional, no no no, that's not my style at all. No, it's going to be light and bright and fun. Of course! And it's going to have crochet in it. Haha, no kidding, I already decided that every single room in my house will eventually have some crochet goodness within, and that includes the bathroom. So I've started making some little triangles to create a mini string of bunting flags, and quite honestly I am getting huge thrills out of this idea.
I have been very inspired by the artwork of Janet Bell, who's paintings I absolutely adore. So I've decided that my bathroom is going to be very much decorated along these lines. The above picture is a greetings card I bought just before Christmas, and is titled "harbour by day". Aren't the colours just beautiful? I love the clear shades of turquoisey blues she uses in her work, and the sight of bright jaunty boats, beach huts, bunting flags and harbourside houses just fill me with joy. And oh how I do love to be filled with joy! I hope eventually that every nook and cranny of my house will give me this feeling. That's my hope. That's what's keeping me going through the noise, mess, chaos and inconvenience.
And talking of inconvenience, right now I really do need a wee, so I must be off. A quick dash to the supermarket to errrm, well, to use their facilities. Byyeeeeee!
xxxxxx
That print is great. It reminds me of Cape Cod, which we're not far from. And it makes me want some summer around here. Can't wait to see the bunting finished. And best of luck with the bath re-do!
Posted by: elizabeth of course | January 22, 2009 at 03:18 PM
That is a beautiful print and great inspiration for a bathroom.
Lovely bunting.
I did have to laugh at you nipping to the supermarket to use their loo. Sorry!
Posted by: A Thrifty Mrs | January 22, 2009 at 03:27 PM
I'm so delighted to find your blog!! Thank you so much for the time you put in to bring such a joyful, bright spot to the day!!! I love your style. Really, really fun.
Posted by: Shelley in SC | January 22, 2009 at 03:44 PM
Oh I can't wait to see the finished room! It's going to be just wonderful! (keep crochet out of reach from loo - you know what men are like about using up the last of the loo paper!)
I think basic white/cream is the only way to go with bathrooms! You can change the colour scheme all you like with accessories and never ever have to re-tile ever ever again...at least that was about as much of a plan as we ever had! Pop in when you get a mo sweetie! I have an award for you! t.x
Posted by: kitschen pink | January 22, 2009 at 03:51 PM
Did I really write about loo paper and crochet in the same sentence? Sorry. Lowering the tone again! t.x
Posted by: kitschen pink | January 22, 2009 at 03:52 PM
We've done loads of serious remodeling as well so I understand what it's like having to leave for ... ahem, a quick moment. It will be worth it, it always is.
I love the idea of a bright and cheery bath and you couldn't have a more perfect starting point than white tiles and chrome.
Posted by: Christina | January 22, 2009 at 03:53 PM
Love your crochet bunting, Luce. I'm sure your bathroom will look fab and cheery and colourful. I remember having the bathroom done in my flat and I had to go to the local gardens to use the public loos! Personally, I'd love workmen who don't want to chat - and particularly ones who don't want tea making every ten minutes (I don't even drink tea!!)
Been into the West End today, much yarn seems to have accompanied me home, eek!
Hen x
Posted by: Hen | January 22, 2009 at 04:08 PM
How funny.... I've been thinking of making crochet bunting!!!! I was going to put flowers on mine - great minds think a like!!
Hope the bathroom will be finished soon, what a pain having to go out for a wee :( x
Posted by: Josie-Mary | January 22, 2009 at 04:50 PM
It sounds as if its going to be wonderful - that card gives me such a happy feeling - and I feel its summer even though its a miserable cold day.
Cant wait to see how it comes on
Sara
XX
I'm still plodding through my boring blanket - hubbie reckons its about 18 inches long now XX (that's the blanket - obviously)
Sara
XX
Posted by: Sara | January 22, 2009 at 05:26 PM
The picture is wonderful! It will make the bathroom look so nice when you add all the great colors with it. One day I will get to a re-do in mine. The bunting will look FAB in there! Almost done with the current blanket so that I can move on to the hexagon blanket. It's absolute torture!! Have a great day Luce!!!
xxxxxx :)
Posted by: Kar | January 22, 2009 at 05:37 PM
I hope the supermarket isn't too far away!!! I bet your bathroom will be a lovely blank canvas for you to add the Lucy touch to it. I am looking forward to seeing the final result.
Posted by: simone | January 22, 2009 at 05:42 PM
The mini crochet bunting is going to be gorgeous! And a house with every room crochet-ified will be truly beautiful!!! Lucy x
Posted by: Lucy Locket-Pocket | January 22, 2009 at 06:49 PM
Having renovated bathrooms in two houses, I know what you're going through! When it's finished you'll have a wonderful room and your crocheting will make it unique. I love Janet Bell's art work. With the exchange rate and shipping, I'll have to save my pennies for even the cards.
Jill
Posted by: Jill | January 22, 2009 at 07:10 PM
Hi Lucy
Thank you so so much for the kind kind words and featuring my card! It has made my day to know my work can raise a smile during these grey days. Love the bunting and can't wait to see the finished results. Thanks again so much xxx
Posted by: Janet Bell | January 22, 2009 at 08:46 PM
Mini bunting sounds like a fab idea! Love the colours you've chosen already! And that artwork is so you. XX
Posted by: LittleGem | January 22, 2009 at 09:39 PM
The Bathroom scheme sounds wonderful. I love the idea of the little crochet flags. I can totally imagine them against all that lovely sparkly white. Oh how I would love white tiles in our bathroom. It is currently covered in a kind of hideous bluey green tile. From floor to ceiling! Not one scrap of painted wall! Chosen by hubbie-to-be's ex which makes it even worse! Would love to rip them all down but as we don't plan on staying in this house for too long there's no point. Just living with them for now. I will go for all white when I finally get to choose. Can't wait to see pics of your finished room. Love that print by the way. Gorgeous colours!
Posted by: Fiona | January 22, 2009 at 10:03 PM
oh how exciting, I love renovating, it's so rewarding once a room is finally finished. Love the idea with your little flags. You could even crochet cotton hand towels for guests to dry their hands on, oh and face cloths for you. Just a thought :)
Posted by: Jo | January 22, 2009 at 10:23 PM
HELLO, I STUMBLED UPON YOUR BLOG TODAY AND I LOVED BEING GREETED BY THE ARRAY OF WONDERFUL COLORS. SO NICE TO SEE IN THE DEAD OF WINTER. AND YOUR CHOICE OF COLORS IN YARN IS DEVINE. I'M NEW TO BLOGGING AND I FIND IT VERY EXCITING. PLEASE VISIT MY BLOG SOMETIME.
Posted by: JUDY | January 23, 2009 at 03:00 AM
I'm right there with you on the styling. What a great inspirational piece. I look forward to seeing the before/after pictures.
Posted by: Annie | January 23, 2009 at 04:38 AM
Love the crochet bunting idea :)
Posted by: Alex Mason | January 23, 2009 at 07:44 AM
I found your blog recently through tracy (cupcakes at home), i love your use of bright colours throughout your home and crochet, brings back the student in me - my uni bedroom was just like one of your blankets!!
I look forward to reading more of your posts, both the previous ones and those still to come!
Aqeela xx
Posted by: Aqeela | January 23, 2009 at 09:18 AM
crochet bunting is fab - love the idea of a touch of crochet in every room! Hope you have a great, peaceful weekend (presumably workman free). Lovely painting too - our bathroom is mainly white with the odd touch of blue, and I'm definitely thinking of adding a similar picture in there - it's just what I've been looking for - am off to check out more now. xx
Posted by: Julie | January 23, 2009 at 01:31 PM
Can't wait to see the finished bathroom, it will look lovely and colourful, especially what we need in these dull dark days! I espeically love the card - wouldn't it be a lovely picture for cross stitching.
Posted by: Marisa | January 23, 2009 at 02:02 PM
I have a bit of crochet in one of the bathrooms too! I'm hoping to have a bit in every room as well! Looking foward to seeing your finished bathroom.
Posted by: Umm Hibaat | January 23, 2009 at 04:02 PM
I popped over after seeing your award on Kitschen Pink, and am so happy to have found you. She is right - you definitely deserve an award! Your crochet projects are lovely, and beautiful photos warming. Good luck with the bathroom remodel; I will be checking back to see what cheer you bring to the space.
Posted by: Shannon | January 23, 2009 at 04:08 PM