Guest Bath Remodel: The Next Two Weeks + Something Pretty

I skipped writing a One Room Challenge post last week. The people-pleasing rule follower in me feels a little guilty, but I’ve created an unsustainable work-life for myself. Something had to give. If anything, I spared you the ho-hum of reading one more post about demo. The entire room unraveled as I uncovered more issues that needed attention.

Naturally, you may be wondering how I will build back an entire bathroom in the next two weeks. The answer is that I cannot. Without a reality show contract and a crew of earnest people creating dramatic moments that lead to commercial breaks, it is impossible. This is real life.

To complicate matters more, I will be in Florida for one week of the two. I was supposed to teach window restoration at a workshop, but the workshop was canceled. However, since I had some vacation days planned for my daughter, we decided to go anyway. She and I have been looking forward to our time together for months. This is real life.

So, that all brings me to what will be done in the next two weeks + something pretty.

What’s Next?

Since I cannot complete the entire bathroom, I am focusing on the side with the toilet and sink.

The custom shower requires a lot of detailed work and planning. Building it will be slow, and I see no reason to rush. The sink/toilet side of the room requires some tricky subfloor work. However, after that, I can put a lot of the details in place for a proper reveal even though neither the sink nor the toilet will be functional for a few additional weeks.

This pivot feels right. It offers a goal and a stopping point, which I need as a raging workaholic.

A Milton & King Partnership

With the plan mapped out, I can finally share something pretty! If you have been following this blog for a long time, you know that I don’t accept many partnerships. In the beginning, my readership was so small that it wasn’t an option, but as my following passed the magic influencer mark, things changed. The opportunity for partnerships increased, but so did my commitment to conscientious consumerism. So, I have said no to companies far more times than I have said yes, and right now, I typically do not pursue collaborations.

Milton & King has entered the chat.

Participating in the One Room Challenge offers the possibility of working with companies that align with my values, and I fell hard and fast for Milton & King fabric. I was immediately drawn to the traditional but playful feel of their prints and colorways, especially Japanese Cranes in green. Our family has a strong connection to Japan. My son is an Origami artist, and he’s been folding since he was a little kid. Then, in 2018, we hosted an exchange student from the Yamaguchi Prefecture. We enjoyed the experience so much that we stayed in touch with the family. So, in 2019 when we took our dream vacation to Japan, it included a visit with Tomoyoshi and his family.

What Will I Sew?

Since BHH was built as a summer house, I lean heavily on nature-inspired decor. It is what I love and what feels right in every room. I was so convinced that the guest bath needed Japanese Cranes that I put the fabric on my mood board before knowing if working with Milton & King would be possible. In fact, I built the entire design around that print. So, thank goodness, Milton & King said yes!

Since there is almost no storage in this tiny bath, I will sew a skirt for the sink and stash supplies behind it. I chose Candy Stripe in charcoal to coordinate, and that will serve as the top and bottom border for the skirt and as a cafe curtain for the window. I haven’t sewn anything yet, but I laid out the fabric to give you the idea. The top border will be narrow, and the bottom will be wider. There will be some gathering, but it will be gentle so the cranes don’t get lost in the folds. They’re my favorite part!

The overall design is very taste-specific, but I am super into it. The bright colors will give the nearly all-white bathroom a whole lot of punch. What do you think?

Now, I just have to get through the long days between now and the end of the One Room Challenge. The adorable skirted sink is the prize.

Be sure to take a look at the other One Room Challenge works in progress. I wish everyone endless creativity and energy during the final two weeks.

Thank you for being here!