I’ve always had a love/hate relationship with trends. The idea of finding the next fresh thing has me excited every time, but the bandwagon jumping and overuse of trends can sometimes feel like a real downer. Things don’t feel so fresh when you see them on every end cap at the store or every pin on Pinterest.
When I worked in fashion I found trends easier to embrace: you bought a romper and when you got tired of seeing everyone else in one, you gave it away. But home decor is often a little more tricky than that; especially when it comes to the bones of a space – the flooring, the trim work, the fixtures. These things can be very expensive and labor-some to replace, so when it came to our master bathroom redo I really wanted to consider what would have lasting power, but could still feel up-to-date.
I love the look of mixed metals in any space, but particularly in a bathroom or kitchen. Since these rooms have less need for fuss and decor, the hardware is really important. I started with the most permanent metal pieces in the room and decided I wanted those to all be similar in style and finish. Because of the wall tile, replacing the towel bars and toilet paper holder aren’t that simple, so I went with the classic chrome finish on those as well as the faucet, the Kenroy Home Riley sconces, toilet lever, and vanity knobs.
You’ll never guess how I got that secretary. I had big plans of finishing this dresser for the space, but in my giddiness, I didn’t measure – I guesstimated. And it was too big. The week before DIY came to shoot our house we went to visit my husband’s grandma in Ohio and I searched every thrift store and garage sale in the whole town. I didn’t find a thing. The last night we were there Grandma’s friend, who is a blog reader, came over to meet me and when she returned home she text us some pictures asking if this piece would work.
It was 9:30 at night and we were leaving before the sun rose the next day. It was the perfect size. Wendy drove all the way back over with it and gave it to me – wouldn’t take a dime for it. Thank you, again, for your kindness Wendy! I simply switched out the pulls, and it’s the perfect little storage piece, adding so much warmth to the room.
It’s hard to believe we really only got to enjoy the space for 2 months before we handed it over to someone else. But I was so happy with the results and I can’t wait to tackle our next bathroom.
How do you feel about home trends? Do you like to embrace them or do you try to stay away?
This post contains affiliate links.
Beth of designPOST Interiors says
That mirror was a great find and I can't believe she just GAVE you the secretary! Awesome!
LindO Designs says
DI-TTO on the trends! I had a hard time deciding to go gold in the bathroom. It's coming around yet still not at the chevron or West Elm trellis rug level. That's when I may regret it but as for now I'm enjoying it.
http://lindodesigns.blogspot.com/2014/07/lavatory-update-interior-design.html
themakerista@gmail.com says
Love the mirror in your new bath!
Joanna @ TheNestbook.com says
I am SO with you on the mixing of the metals! I really love the depth and uniqueness it adds to a room. Love that secretary–what a score!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Joanna!
his little lady says
Oh gosh, I wish I had the patience and creative mind to put together such a beautiful bathroom! Just lovely!!
xo TJ
http://www.hislittlelady.com
laura Madalene says
Wow…that red color painted bathroom I liked the most. After reading your post, I am planning to paint my bathroom with this beautiful color. Amber…wonderful collections you have here on this post. Thanks for this brilliant write up.
Stunning Design of Luxurious Bathroom
themakerista@gmail.com says
I did like it too for quite a while Laura, but I was just ready for something lighter and more clean looking. Glad it was inspiring to you!
Jennifer Lippi says
I think you hit the nail on the head and explained why so many people are paralyzed when it comes to design decisions. They are more permanent and expensive! Love the mirror- it is the perfect shad of gold to mix with other metals.
jennifer@decoratingdeliriium.com
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Jennifer. It certainly can be paralyzing!
Rebecca Castleberry says
I used to think that metals could NOT be mixed…so completely untrue. I love different metals together! Love that mirror so much too! 🙂 I think trends are best when combined with a classic style. Then it balances!
Rebecca @ Hello Creative Blog
themakerista@gmail.com says
I agree, thanks Rebecca!
Autumn Beach says
I love that story about the secretary. Meant to be. 🙂 And I love the look of mixing metals, but – true confession – after having just finished two bathroom renos, I played it totally safe and did NOT mix my metals. Womp womp. I love your approach, though, because my reluctance to mix was based on the fact that this house is our forever home. I know I'm going to be living with these design choices (the more permanent ones) for several years. I SO wanted to pair the warmth of antique brass with my cooler Carrera marble countertop and gray vanity! Alas, I played it safe (boring?) and went with polished chrome. Sigh. Honestly, I'm just thankful to have finally banished the 1980's from our bathrooms. It was a long time coming!
themakerista@gmail.com says
I think that's totally fine! I didn't really…in any sort of permanent way. You got Carrera?! I'm so envious! I don't think playing it "safe" this go around was a bad thing. It sounds just beautiful!
Autumn Beach says
Aw, thanks, Gwen. I DID get Carrera! It was a splurge for sure, but since our "master" bathroom vanity is only 48", we were able to make it happen. I didn't end up going with a remnant, because I didn't care for the veining in the specific pieces, but it IS possible to find remnants of that size, and they ARE significantly cheaper! Just in case you find the perfect spot for some marble in your new house. 😉 Speaking of…cannot WAIT to see/hear more! This is so exciting! 🙂
themakerista@gmail.com says
You'll have to share your source with me, because I'll be needing new countertops in the next few months. You're sweet, I just posted an update on the home situation!
Autumn Beach says
Eeeeeeek!! Just read the new post!!! Off to post a comment on it!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂
Shavonda@AHomeFullOfColor says
Love that gorgeous secretary gwen. Its perfect in the space. You know im a huuuge advocate for furniture in the bathroom and my eclectic loving heart sings at the sight of mixed metals in spaces. I think trends are important for the evolution of design, BUT I think its definitely a turn off seeing the same thing everywhere all the time. I blame Pinterest for that one;)!
emma willson says
Home Decorations with mixed metals looking great. I would like to design my room with this idea of using metal it can enhance charm and magnetism to my room and my life.
Outdoor Timber Furniture
Maya says
I love the wooden makeup brushes where did you get them?
themakerista@gmail.com says
Maya, those were a gift quite a few years back, but I believe they were from Target. They're made of bamboo. I'm sure you could find something similar online!
Yelda says
I recently found your page via another beloved interiors blogger. Can I just tell you I absolutely adore this master bathroom! I am totally on board with you regarding mixing metals, especially in a bathroom. When we were renovating our bathroom, my husband couldn't understand the mixing metals bit– he thought I was making a "mistake." So glad I found your blog– you have killer style! I just started my blog–www.decorenvyblog.com– a few months ago; if you have a chance, would love to have you visit. Xo, Yelda
themakerista@gmail.com says
You're so sweet and best of luck on your venture! Thanks for reading, Yelda!
Zandra Zuraw says
LOVE having a small desk with cubbies in the bathroom! These kinds of unexpected moments are what give a home it's "delight" factor. And you have it in spades! Just found your blog and am so looking forward to exploring your home. –Zandra from Little Yellow Couch
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks so much, Zandra, happy to have you following along!
simplycountryliving says
I absolutely love that bathroom mirror! Great post and beautiful pictures.
Taylor says
I love your floor! We are wanting to use larger hex tile to create a traditional flower pattern in our bathroom–is there any additional info you’ve posted on the process? Did you just have to hand lay each tile? Was it super difficult? Thank you! 🙂
themakerista@gmail.com says
With this I had would pop off the wrong colors on the sheets, lay that and then individually lay the other colors…took me about 40 hours to do the small bath, but I loved the result. Good luck!