our pink bathroom: in progress...

This is a post where I am going to share the good and the... not so good while we are in the middle of redo-ing our bathroom.

For those of you who are new to my blog, this is what my bathroom used to look like. It was very pretty and white, but we wanted to do a little experimenting with color. 

 

We decided to paint our bathroom Farrow and Ball "Pink Ground". We removed the white linen shades and replaced them with burlap panels. 

 

 The big problem? We tried changing the color of the mirror frames and they came out too yellow. Ugh. So I'm copping to the mistake, or as I like to call it: "the not quite right yet"! The drapery rods will eventually be the same color as the mirror frames, once we get that figured out.

 

We replaced the hook rug with a weathered traditional rug that picks up the aqua accents as well as the color of the burlap. Oh my, that mirror frame really looks yellow!
 

The vintage painting on this wall was one of the key inspirations for this room. The wood around the painting (which we found after we removed the original ornate white frame) will be the inspiration for the mirror and drapery rod finish.
 

The towels, from Bed Bath and Beyond, are the exact aqua color that is in the painting and in the rug.
   

So for the next week or so, I will focus on the beauty of the rest of my bathroom while we work on the mirror and drapery rod finishes!
   

I hope you had a restful weekend. Here's to another inspiring week ahead with. What will you be working on?
 
 xo

Brooke

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Comments

[Sara Baldwin]

Hi Brooke,
I wish you lived nearby, I'd hire you to style all the photos that Christine and I try to take of our mosaic installations! Staging photos properly is a rare skill, and you've done a amazing job here. And your bathroom looks fabulous. Way to go! I also checked out your kitchen--would you mind telling me how large the tile inset over your stove is? we're designing some standard size panels for our customers to inset over their stoves and i wonder if we have all the sizes right. thank you for sharing such a lovely project.

[pamela]

The mirrors are easily fixed, and my soul, that's a beautiful room. Bubble baths every night!

[callie grayson]

Looking beautiful!! love the corner windows at the bath! *sigh*

I am in the middle of demo on my bathroom, whole house is a dust bin!
Hope to be finished very soon.
xx
callie

[Belly]

I love it so much better in pink! The ottoman and the low etagere are seriously gorgeous.

[Kathy]

It's all so lovely, that pink ottoman is the icing on the cake.

[A Gift Wrapped Life]

Exquisite Brooke. I would have never thought the frames too yellow because everything looks perfect. Enjoy. XO

[kj]

Beautiful. Love the vintage painting -- what an inspiration piece.

[Brillante]

I love this bathroom. I am thinking, have you tried a matte silver for the frame and rods? Would you hang the chandelier lower? It is so beautiful but so high up. The small bamboo cabinet is charming.

[Acquired Objects]

I'm sure you'll find the right color for your mirrors in the meantime the rest of your bathroom is amazing! Funny but I was just searching for the perfect bathroom sconces for our bathroom we just remodeled. Enjoy your Sunday!

[teresa]

I love, love , love this bathroom.....We are forever painting. {the cottage} I have a little blue tile bathroom that I will be working on next...just not 100% sure what to do with it.....but coming here always fills me with ideas....
Thanks
Have a wonderful day

[Nancy Hood]

I am so happy I found you! Was visiting at Veranda Interiors and noted a 'pink bathroom redo'. That drew me in and I can't wait to explore your site and read all these beautiful posts! I'll be giving you a shout out on my site in the next week or so and will be sure to leave you a comment with a link. Have a great week!

[a-m]

Oh the pink now highlights all the other beautiful fittings in the room. An amazing transformation. And just adding the pink ottoman brings it all to life. You constantly inspire me. A-M xx

[Sara Palacios]

I believe that you are getting better and better, this is a very sophisticated room. The aesthetic of it says that has been conceived by an artist. Don't worry about the mirrors they are perfect. Congratulations.

[La Maison Fou]

Hey Brooke the bath is looking great;
A friendly suggestion or two?
1. You could run a glaze of patins green / blue over the mirror's to tone down the gold.
2. You could use more of a greis color glaze lightly ran over top the golden color too. Then you will have a more subdued more patina like quality in the finish.
Just a thought or two, I recently did just that with a highly gilded frame and it turned out very subtle and muted but very "aged" looking. Top coat with a light wax or low sheen poly for protection.
Can't wat to see the final results!
Leslie

[Ann @ Rose et Lis]

Just lovely! Love the ottoman.

But, I see what you mean by the "yellow" in the frames. My first inclination was to apply silver leaf (but actually aluminum leaf as real silver will tarnish in a matter of days or even hours) and then glaze it to tone it way down. I would not apply the leaf perfectly, but somewhat imperfectly to coordinate with the rest of your period frames.

Have fun with the process- very important!

-Ann

[linda@limein the coconut]

So lovely...and demure! I LOVE all of the art, and the trophy cup! Bravo!!

[Nelja]

The new Bathroom is so cozy, particulary the pink ottoman and the pictures at the wall!
Regards! N.

[sharon]

Love this room Brooke, how wonderful to have the space to put the bath tub across the corner. I bet those mirror frames wouldn't look yellow against a different wall colour.
Sharon
My French Country Home

[Tamra / The Gilded Barn]

My first thought is to just glaze the mirrors and drapery rods with a dark brown (almost walnut) glaze to get more of an antique gold look. This would tie in well with the burlap. But a Silver leaf would also look good and would not tarnish with a good coat of oil base sealer but I would glaze it as well with a dark brown.

Really lovely changes, the pink is beautiful!

[quintessence]

Pink ground is one of my favorite colors - I did my daughter's bedroom in it - it's such a great "stepped on" shade. And while the frames may not be perfect (yet), I certainly wouldn't consider them a major boo boo in the scheme of things. The rest is lovely.

[Ivy Lane]

Your bathroom is stunning..and i KNOW you'll get those mirror frames figured out to perfection!!! Happy Sunday!

Have a Great Week!

[BoxwoodTerrace]

The pink is beautiful and I really like the contrast of the burlap panels with with the pink and aqua towels. Have you thought of having the mirror frames redone in a gold leaf finish? Maybe you tried that and that's why they seem yellow to you? I'm sure they'll be perfect when you're done.
Deborah

[Teri]

HI Brooke love what you have done!!! Will you be at Round Top next week?

[Kathy Wommack]

Absolutely gorgeous!! I love the rough texture of the burlap contrasted with the roses and finer elements. love the small table next to the chair...I agree, you are getting better and better!!

[Millie]

Fabulous new look Brooke, & I love that you've achieved it with just with a few minor tweaks. I'm about to experiment using silver leaf on an old wooden mirror frame. I want to get a soft, slightly distressed patina. I'll let you know how I go.
Millie ^_^

[Leah]

Gorgeous bathroom Brooke. Loved it in white and love it now. I have been following your site for quite a while now. Thanks for your lovely comments on my new blog.

[Rajee Sood]

Hi Brooke,
Love to see your projects evolve. I am a biggy-biggy fan of your style. Your burlap curtains and rug just made me want to leave you this comment of how I look forward to each new post of yours ... :)

[kathysue]

Brooke it is so nice to see a little color in your home. It is a little look back at the downstairs, which I always loved. This feels more like Brooke to me, soft, calm and lovely. I think using gold leaf would be gorgeous. I love gold and blush pink, they just need to be over the top gold not a yellowish finish. I also like silver but that seems more obvious than gold to me. Can't wait to see what you come up with. It will be perfection. When you live in a room it kind of starts telling you what it needs. Have fun and Enjoy the Process, Kathysue

[pam robinson]

hi brooke...
you had done an amazing job on your bathroom! pink ground is one of my very favorite colors and it transforms any room to complete elegance...
xx pam

[mary]

Hi Brooke, I can just imagine long luxurious baths --love the pink shade. The frames don't bother me as they are that little bit of imperfection that makes everything else sing. Maybe just a bit of a glaze. Mary

[Iris]

Brooke, your style is amazing. Loving the pink bathroom...can't wait to see when it's all done. I have to say that since I found your blog, my boyfriend and I have been obsessed with antique books. You style them just perfectly, so inspired. Thanks, Iris

[Kerri]

Hi Brooke, can I suggest you try some burnishing wax? It's similar to furniture polish, but a nice burnt umber colour that will tone down the yellow tinge in your frames. I've used it many times without fail, so it may be worth a try. Good luck, and I can't wait to see the finished product. K xx

[Greet]

My dear Brooke,
Your bathroom is so charming! It is as a little living room! I might think that it is a bathroom in a French house! The pink color is so nice! I love it! And that stool in the middle of it! Superb!
The mirror frame doesn't look bad at all!
I wish you a nice week Brooke!
I am so busy with some projects and today the editor of a Dutch magazine is coming to visit us to look for a photoshoot within a few weeks! I hope he will find our home good enough for a report in his magazine!
xx
Greet

[Deb Martell]

Incredible!

[velvet and linen]

Thank you everyone for your kind comments. I love the idea of a silver leaf look! I think I'll borrow some frame samples from our framer to test out!
xo
Brooke

[velvet and linen]

Hi Greet.

Thank you for your kind comments on my little bathroom.
I trying to create a French European look. I'm glad you think that I achieved my goal!
Congratulations on your meeting with the magazine editor.
I know it will go well. I think the editor will have difficulty choosing only a few spaces.
Your gorgeous home could fill several issues of a magazine!
xo xo
Brooke

[Franki Parde]

Just how does "mother nature" get it right every time...those roses....that seashell....

[Christen]

This looks like a magazine, just beautiful...I like the silver-leaf idea for the mirrors.
Is the F&B paint as luscious as they claim? Oh,and what projects am I working on? Painting, watercolor and gouache on panel, I'm an artist.
Thank you for the beauty...Bless you.

[Heather]

So pretty! I can picture candles lit and a bath with a glass of wine in my hand. :-)

[Sherry @ No Minimalist Here]

Brooke, Everything is so beautiful. Love the paint color and the other changes you made. The bathroom is fabulous and of course I want that tub.
xo, Sherry

[LiveLikeYou]

Gorgeous!! The pale pink makes a huge statement. You inspire me to finish my house!!

[Therese Long]

I'm loving the transformation...
Good design takes time

[Kerry]

I loved your bathroom the way it was and, to be honest, I wasn't sure if I was going to like the change. I should have known! It's so warm and cozy feeling - gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous.

[Robyn]

Love the changes! I do have a question. Where do you put on makeup at? I am putting together a design plan for my own master bathroom. I really like your layout. It is similar to mine, but I am finding it difficult to find a spot for a vanity. I was thinking I'd hide it in our closet. Just curious where your morning makeup spot is at.

Thanks!

[Laura]

Omg, that's just beautiful! I absolutely love the burlap curtains, and the new wall color. The old bathroom was lovely and clean and light, but this is just *perfect*.

[Nodoors.blogspot.com]

Your bathroom is becoming more fab than it already was. Thanks for sharing the process and your thoughts. Love also the tufted ottoman, as well as you silver pumps...

[Dovecote Decor]

Hi Brooke. I love the burlap panels. I'd go for a weathered gray finish on the mirror frames. I was just peaking at your back post on Bobby McAlpine. I just posted a friend's house he did for them. I worship him! Come by and see!
Best,
Liz

[Mona Thompson]

Hi Brooke, I always love seeing what's up at your house. Hands down the burlap panels make the pink work for me. It's a lovely soft pink, but still would not normally be warm enough for me. It's just crazy how the burlap panels ground and warm the entire design. I absolutely love it. And the stool in the center of the room. Pretty perfect. Liz's idea for a weathered gray finish on the mirror frame sounds like a good one. You have a lovely, lovely room. Thanks for sharing.

[mydesignchic]

What a gorgeous bathroom-can't wait to see the finished product...so glamourous!!

[Daisy]

A VERY NICE BATHROOM!! You always have the best photos!
Daisy~

[Sue Murphy@life as a house]

Love that little stool and the art work. Design is always a work in progress. I love how it all takes shape one part of the design playing off of the the other. The right color for the frame will fall into place and be so totally unexpected. Don't you find that the thing we struggle with the most in a room turns out to be the best part.

[JeanneW]

Thank you for sharing that designers, make occasional misjudgements too. I'm sometimes frustrated when an object or color doesn't work the way I had thought it would. It's comforting to know that professionals experience it too. The bathroom looks lovely!

[Becky D @ KingsDownRoad]

Loving that bathroom! It's been fun to watch your progress on it. Thanks for sharing!

[Kristen]

The pink is so beauitful,love the tufted ottoman!
Kristen

[Elizabeth Marchus]

Hi Brooke,
Your Master Bath looks lovely and very peaceful! with just the right amount of a retro vibe to it.I think color is very important in our home,it wakes up the senses. I know the colors I have chosen for my home, makes me happy.
Your bathroom is beautiful!
Have a sweet day,
Hugs, Elizabeth

[lindsey]

ohhh so beautiful. i love the shade of pink. its not overly feminine.

lindsey
www.insidestoop.com

[Renae Moore]

Brooke!
It's amazing what a few little changes do. I adore the burlap panels! i just had an off white burlap skirt made for my bed, it's a fun look!
xo

[for the love of a house]

It's gorgeous Brooke! Love the pink. So elegant. I think the mirrors and rods would look fabulous in a weathered driftwood gray!
No worries, I painted my guest bath mirror frmne about 5 time before getting just the right mix!
joan

[Lauren Liess]

BE-utiful!! i love it. of course. everything you touch just feels so peaceful & fresh & aged all at once. (and is always filled with pretty feminine touches that make it.)

[Cindy Sue]

Brooke, it's wonderful as always! Have you thought about doing the rods and mirrors in a walnut color? Or as I just saw on TV, OK, so it was Martha Stewarts head designer, where they stained the wood, heated it and opened it up some, then put a wax on it, very interesting. I don't get around much on the blogging world since I shut down my blog due to health reasons, but I just signed up for your email subscription, so thanks for offering that, a fantastic way to keep up with you and your wonderful talent!

[Jessica]

It's allll good! Even the mirrors! The warmth that the paint and the burlap brought to the party are really quite stunning...it just feels soft and right, cozy...in a glow on the clouds from the sun kind of way. I don't think it could be prettier...
xo J~

[Michelle]

Hi Brooke,

Love EVERYTHING you do!! What is the name of the color do you used on your bead board? And what sheen are you using for both the pink and the white?

Thanks!
Michelle

[Nancy Hood]

Love the new colors!
Gave you a shout out today!
http://johnhoodfamily.blogspot.com/2010/09/some-favorites-of-week.html

[velvet and linen]

Hi Michelle.

The walls are flat and the bead board is egg shell.
Both are painted Farrow and Ball Pink Ground.

xo
Brooke

[le petit cabinet de curiosites]

Love the look of your bathroom . on the pictures , the yellow mirror oesn't look so yellow

[condo Philippines]

Wow! I really really like your pink bathroom. it looks so expensive and feminine. I'm very jealous with it. I want my bathroom to be that beautiful.

Mitch

[Gwen]

Brooke,
Love that you share all the little details of pulling a room together. I have a question as to your "burlap" draperies. Are they a linen burlap fabric or the coarse texture of a basic jute type burlap? That sounds strange to ask you...basic? Nothing I've seen of your work is basic...sorry.
Gwen

[Piper (DailyDivaDish)]

What a gorgeous room! I'm in the process of redecorating our master bedroom. If I just had about 1/8 of your skills - I'd be thrilled.
XO Piper

[Anvaya Cove]

wow very incredible interior design
i love it
looks very beautiful and amazing
godbless

-Jhen