Collections

When we first moved into our new house a few months back, we made an entire list of things that we/I wanted to change.  Some of the things on the list were easier than others to take care of, and to be frank, charted on the hideous scale, moving them to the top of the list.  Popcorn ceilings, dark beams, and 80's wallpaper made it to the front of the line of things I had to get taken care of before baby #2 showed up, and that was soon!

 All this to say, there are things still to be done and haven't been marked off the continuing, ever growing list.  For example, the cultured marble counter tops in both bathrooms.  They are practically in good condition, and I would be fine with keeping them around a while, they are just a bit hard to look at.  In our master bath, the cream background is tolerable, it's the pea green swirls that are a bit disgusting.  I mean, really, when was that a good look?  I guess I can just be thankful that it isn't brown.  The times I've seen this combo, I always think about how it looks like something (quite disgusting, and you know what I mean) has been smeared across peoples counter tops or tubs.  YUK!!

My guest bath, however, boasts a cheery crayola "yellow green" color.  For those of you have seen some of my work from the past, you know that deep down, I absolutely love this color in any hue.  I probably wouldn't select it for my bathroom counters, but, I have to say, it isn't hard for me to embrace.....for the time being, anyways!

So, what to do with my "yellow green"/ pale chartreuse counters?  Here's what I did.  I painted the cabinets a fresh white and changed out the antique brass hardware with chrome to match the faucet.  Next, to make a statement, which I love to do, I painted the walls black.  Yes, black.  The bathroom isn't big, but has good lighting, so in that sense, it works.  Following along with the silver tones from the hardware, I painted a few silver stripes around the room.  None of them are the same width or distance apart from one another and I like the inconsistency created by the effect.  

Several months ago, knowing I was going to go bold, and go black, I scrambled my foggy, pregnant brain, and thought of what I could display on this dark background.  This is the bathroom that guests use, and when our daughter/s decide it's time to use the "big girl" potty, they will too (sooner than later, Lord willing).  To balance the chaos from the stripes, I decided to collect a random assortment of silver plated trays and serving pieces.  I shopped in antique malls, garage sales, estate sales, and dug around Canton to find a wide assortment of pieces.  It didn't matter to me what the label on the back said or that most of the pieces were anywhere from slightly to heavily tarnished.  I paid a mere $3 to $8 per piece, which I don't think is a lot.  I arranged them very intentionally, creating a very bright, dimensional, classy, feature wall. The silver pieces take away from the unconventionally toned counters, brighten the black walls and bring your focus on the uniquely detailed work etched onto each one.  

Creating collections of the things you love, and displaying them in an intentional way can make a huge statement.  You don't have to spend a lot of money to create the look.  Dishes, silver, mirrors, candle sconces, record album covers, etc. are all things that would be easy and fun to use.  Be creative and make it reflect your personality.  As in life, embrace what you can't change, and focus on the good.  Soon enough, neither you or others will notice the hideous counters.

Here's how it looks....please excuse the smudges on the mirror. :)