August 18, 2007
One Man's Junk
You might remember back when I was pregnant (almost 2 yrs ago!) I got busy and painted the upstairs bathroom so that it would be nice when my mother came for a visit.
All these months later I had been biding my time, absolutely sure the furnishings I really wanted would fall into my hands.
A couple of months ago we went to an estate auction. An older gentleman was selling off everything in his outbuildings. Some of it had been around since his grandfather was a boy. Some of it had been collected over the years and then cast aside.
Up for auction came this old beat up bureau that had been in an open barn for over 20 years. I was once deep dark almost black in its finish but now was so weather worn that it was greyish white.
I knew that piece of furniture. It most definitely was not a bureau. I was a buffet to a long forgotten dining set otherwise called a sideboard. I knew this because I have one almost exactly like it, twice as big, inherited from my stepfathers estate. The large buffet is in my bathroom used as a dressing table and linen storage.
I knew that removing the top piece with the small mirror it would fit perfectly in the upstairs bathroom. I really wanted it. Someone else bid on it but at $50 they quit and I won.
It has been sitting upstairs for about two months aclimating itself to the temperature and humidity of our house.
Wednesday night I set about cleaning and began oiling it. Colby was mad to the point of tears that I was putting that "nasty old thing" in their bathroom. I told her to get over it. When she paid the mortgage she could decorate the house. She got madder. Stomped and huffed. Told me how it was too big to fit in the door. It was too big for the room. It was disgusting and ugly.
I ignored her. Put it in place. Rearranged the linen storage and all of the upstairs toiletries.
I think it looks pefect in there. It is the look I wanted to achieve. It certainly sets off the clawfoot tub.
The only thing left that I would like to do in this room is to have hardwood floors put in - but they have to match my existing pine floors and to have crown molding put up. I have some glass shelves I am going to have Steve put up tonight tomorrow night.
Heaven help me. He will certainly gripe about it.
The flower arrangement is there to help take the eye away from the pipes that come up from the floor. The type of tubs I have the pipes are exposed and do not run inside the walls.
Colby now loves the look.
I knew she would.
Posted by Angie at August 18, 2007 12:01 AM
Comments
It's beautiful and quite a deal for $50.
Posted by: Jackie at August 18, 2007 11:35 AM
It looks lovely, Angie! That bathroom reminds me of my grandmother's. She lives in a 100+ year old house and her bathroom is HUGE with room for actual furniture. She used to have a giant tub right in the middle of the room, but when she got older she had the room redone, took out the tub and put in a shower because it was easier for her to get in and out of. She has peach instead of pink but the feel of the room is similar, even without the tub. The sink setup is identical!
Posted by: Badger at August 18, 2007 12:23 PM
oh I love it and I love even more when you said you pay the mortgage you get to decorate. So very mom of you my mom used to say the same thing. It looks awesome!
Posted by: kate at August 18, 2007 05:49 PM
Angie, you got a real bargain there! I am glad that Colby likes it now. Maybe someday she will learn to trust her mama's taste and knowledge!!
Posted by: kenju at August 18, 2007 10:51 PM
Angie, you got a real bargain there! I am glad that Colby likes it now. Maybe someday she will learn to trust her mama's taste and knowledge!!
Posted by: kenju at August 18, 2007 10:52 PM
Gorgeous!
Posted by: liz at August 19, 2007 11:36 PM
We never doubted it would look great. Tell Colby "momma knows best, may as well get used to it" lol.
Posted by: Hope at August 21, 2007 07:17 PM
Lovely! I love the clawfoot tub. I'll have one some day.....
Posted by: Pam at August 21, 2007 08:51 PM
If you want 'original, aged pine', check with local Habitat for Humanity Reuse Centers. Many of them have De-construction teams, who 'deconstruct' and recycle all reusable parts of homes being torn down.
My co-worker donated his house for deconstruction - all items in good condition were sold in the Reuse Center. He traded it for a tax deduction.
If you are okay with 'updated' pine, check Lumber Liquidators for unfinished pine. You will have to sand and 'finish to match', but it may work just fine.
Good luck. Your home is gorgeous!
Posted by: renn at August 22, 2007 10:49 PM
Gorgeous! Now, would you please come finish my bathrooms? Thanks.
Posted by: InterstellarLass at August 23, 2007 02:56 PM
It looks beautiful!
These kids - they've got to let us work our magic before they moan and groan!!
I'm going to do the master bath and the kids' bath next. My kids' bath is probably the size of your tub! LOL!!!
xo
LBC
Posted by: LadyBug Crossing at August 25, 2007 10:03 AM
It looks beautiful!
These kids - they've got to let us work our magic before they moan and groan!!
I'm going to do the master bath and the kids' bath next. My kids' bath is probably the size of your tub! LOL!!!
xo
LBC
Posted by: LadyBug Crossing at August 25, 2007 10:04 AM