Inspiration for the Master Bath

So when I got my cancer diagnosis a couple of months ago, I had this vision that I would have lots of time to compile, compose, and post about upcoming projects and ideas. Then the reality of constant nausea and fatigue made writing posts all but impossible. As for my current cancer status, I have an update at the end of this post. But since I am sure you are here to read about inspiration for my master bath, lets get to the point of this post.

I have talked about our creating a master bath out of an awkward bedroom adjacent to the master since the early days of this blog. In my last post, I got the floor plan and layout resolved. I have pretty much figured out just what we’re going to do, but before I get into the details (future post), I thought it would be a good idea to check out some of my inspiration first.

Let me begin by establishing that we want a modern bathroom, but we also live in a house built 167 years ago, long before indoor plumbing was the norm. So while it is a priority to have a modern bathroom, I also believe it is imperative to acknowledge the history of the house at the same time. The first indoor bathroom in the house likely came along in the 1880’s when many other modernization’s were done (it is also likely in the same space as the only  full bath currently in  the house. As such, my plan is to create a bathroom using materials which were common when bathrooms were becoming the norm, while avoiding modern plastics and trendy tile. (There will of course be a few tweaks.) I want the space to feel as though it has been there a long time, but has had updates done over the years.

[Image: This was my first inspiration image which I found back in 2017. In many ways it is still one of my top inspiration images. I love the marble topped sink console, the wainscoting, and the shutters on the windows. I unexpectedly love the color of blue chosen. Also love the basket-weave marble tile floor. Source: BHG ]

But before getting to that, there are some key elements which I know will be a part of the room. Including mosaic tile on the floor (with underfloor heating), beadboard wainscoting, antique lighting, custom cabinetry, and of course, a sense of drama because who wants a plain boring bathroom?

So, let’s get the pretty pictures going!

[Image: Whats not to like about this simple yet lovely and very vintage bathroom. Love the tall bead-board walls and that sink is absolutely beautiful. Source: Old House Online ]

[Image: How very Victorian this bathroom is…. The finished wood beadboard wainscoting was very common in the late 19th century in the homes of those with means. Source: Old House Online ]

[Image: From the first time I stumbled across this image of a shower enclosed in what is essentially Eastlake style wood, I was blown away. Source: Zillow ]

[Image: In the same bathroom as the Eastlake shower above, is this beautiful double sink using what looks to be an Eastlake dry-sink. Stunning Source: Zillow ]

[Image: OK, I have already decided that this is the route I plan to go for our sink base. If you follow my instagrams (@ourphillyrow), you will know that I acquired the perfect dresser for this a few months back. Source: Green Door Design Blog ]

[Image: How cool is this copper towel warmer? Of course, I am assuming you must have hot water circulating through it to work, but still the idea is beautiful. Source: Etsy]

And some tile inspiration…. I have always had a soft spot for cobalt blue tile…

[Image: I have always been a sucker for cobalt blue tile. It is a bold move, but it is also classic in so many ways. Source: twodrops.co ]

[Image: This tile is really beautiful because of the variation in tones. It is Santorini Blue by Riviera. Source: ADEXUSA ]

And now for some really pretty bathrooms! They’re not all my style (some are though), but each of them is still beautiful to me.

[Image: Such a bold yet beautiful bathroom. The black tile is the perfect counter to the stunning red wallpaper. Source: SoutherClass.Tumblr ]

[Image: This sink is so beyond extra! This is the powder room at House of Brinson which they redid for One Room Challenge last year. The sink is vintage to the house, and so damned beautiful. Source: House of Brinson ]

[Image: Another favorite bit in the House of Brinson’s powder room is this vintage art deco light fixture. It’s just so fabulous Source: House of Brinson ]

[Image: OK, the wallpaper caught my attention first. But the combo with the black tile is really beautiful. I also love the built in ledge shelf behind the toilet. Source: Pinterest, unable to determine  original source ]

[Image: This whole look captured me at first glance. I love the color of the wainscotting, the brass hardware, and even the sconces. The wallpaper sets it off well. Source: Planete Deco (French of  course) ]

I have so many more inspiration images on my Master Bath Inspiration board on Pinterest (because I know you have all the time in the world to look at my Pinterest).

[Image: Click the image above to visit my Master Bath Inspiration Board on Pinterest]

Whats next?…. There is a theme running through several of these images… I will expand on that and explain how it has changed my plans much more than I thought.

Cancer Update: In the eleven weeks since the tumor was first discovered in my esophagus, life has been quite the roller coaster. I wrapped up 25 radiation treatments and 5 chemotherapy sessions. Then I went through two weeks of hell, which is normal as my body was under siege during those five weeks. As I write this, I can say that I am feeling much better, still nauseous, still overly tired, and still fatigued…. But better.

Next up, I go in for a PET/CT scan at the end of next week, and then meet with my entire medical team a couple of days before Thanksgiving. Depending on where I am at, I hope to know then, when I can expect to have surgery. Fingers crossed that it will be before the end of the year.

The surgery will be pretty serious, I can expect to be in the hospital for about nine days, and then bed-rest for six to eight weeks. Then, I am looking forward to a full recovery and getting back to life. I cannot wait to dive back into our house and finally make it a home.

One final note…. I have received so many personal emails and messages, I am very touched by the outpouring of support from everyone really. I have tried to respond to each one, but if I missed yours, please know it wasn’t intentional. Truthfully, I have hit a bit of a wall with all this, and sometimes I just need to binge watch ‘Room to Improve’ with Dermot Bannon (available on Amazon Prime Video) and forget all that is happening.

And lastly, I do not know what I would have done without my amazingly devoted, helpful, and patient husband Y. He truly is a gem for which I am endlessly grateful to have discovered (and married). I am a lucky man indeed.

Parting Image:

[Image: I first stumbled across this little vignette at Roger and Chris’s (now former) Grey House in Sharon Springs, NY back in 2014… The image still captures me. Can you tell I like bold? Source: Roger + Chris –  Grey House ]

Till next time. . .

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