The Making of a Powder Bath: the reveal

I can’t believe I am finally able to share our finished powder bath. This space may be small, but it took a lot of sweat equity and time to complete. The design was simple. I wanted to make the space have a more organic and minimal feel and this meant paring it all back. You can see the BEFORE here and the PROGRESS here. I painted the space Sherwin Williams alabaster which is a warm white that we used throughout our home. The Mr sanded down the previously deep red vanity to the raw wood. I still need to seal it, but it’s been over a year and hasn’t sustained any damage yet so we shall see. We also added this hardware. I changed the ornate mirror to a simple wood framed one I found at Home Goods for a mere $35.00. Although I was tempted to use this one, but budget ultimately won. We changed out the lights to something more minimal and used my favorite silver tipped bulbs to add some interest and keep the space from being too bright. The piece that made the biggest impact was adding the marble. This marble seriously makes me swoon. It’s the cherry on the sundae, the icing on the cake, and every other happy inducing metaphor out there. This marble is also part of a God story that leaves me breathless.

I had the honor of helping my bestie streamline her design for her cottage remodel. She knew what she wanted, but with so many ideas out there it can become overwhelming quickly. I simply came in and made sure all aspects worked together, adjusting where needed, finding the perfect paint colors, and trouble shooting old house problems. Simple enough for me. During that season, little Kellen came on many a site visits and sourcing trips as he was homeschooling due to the height of his sickness. In turn it meant he befriended quite a few tradesmen. In the end my friend had marble left over from her own install and gifted the rest to me for this space. I was giddy to say the least. That in itself was an overwhelming gift, but then the installer who befriended little K and I gifted us the installation. What makes it even more wild is that on install day he showed up with this Alabama White. He saw it and he stated he knew it was meant for me and hoped I didn’t mind the change. I not once told him or anyone else that this was my dream marble. I have no doubt that the Lord orchestrated this from the beginning. I know the story was not to be found in the finishing of my bath even though that feels oh so good, but the blessing of knowing that He sees me and my desires even durning a season when we were just surviving. I was seen during a season of feeling hidden. A season where life stopped yet He was progressing it in a space and in a way that speaks specifically to me. So in short I guess you can say this post is brought to you by God and His miracle.

As I've mentioned earlier this space was meant to be filled with simple changes. One’s that wouldn’t break the bank or entail major structural changes. This also meant that I had to become creative in certain areas. One area that drove me bonkers is that this built in shelf is off center. I just could not keep “seeing” it every time a walked by. Solving the problem ended up being as simple as adding these tassels I found in Sugarboo one day. It somewhat tricks the eye into making it all feel more centered even though it is not in the slightest. They act as art in the space and didn’t set us back financially.

Besides the marble this faucet was the other biggest change. It’s minimal and clean in feel. The polished nickel is currently my favorite finish. The warmth the nickel brings was just what this space needed. Chrome would have felt too cold paired with the over all warm finishes that are currently in this space. The polished nickel is the perfect mix.

Originally the previous homeowners didn’t have hardware on the cabinet, but I knew functionally we needed it. Once I saw these at Rejuvanation I fell head over heels. I love the way the matte black pops off the raw wood vanity. Plus I love the weight and feel of them. Ikea now has a similar looking version that is lighter on the wallet, but for me these were worth the splurge since we didn’t need many.

This space is now a favorite one. If it wasn’t weird to just hang out in there I probably would all the time. Grateful for good friends and new friends who made this space what it is.

Shop the Space:

faucet: by Speakman in polished nickel

hardware: Rejuvanation in matte black

hand towels: Target {I bought in store, but they look more griege/beige in person than online}

sconces: Industrial Light Electric

lightbulbs: silver tipped

handsoap: method {I buy the refill packs to save on waste}

Inspired

I knew I did not want a whole month to pass without a single post, but at the same time I am lacking for said post. We have family in town, my boy has been sick and I had a bout with something. The camera hasn’t left the cupboard even though I actually have some house progress to share. Can’t wait to show you all! I really am beside myself excited. So for today I thought I would share a few posts from others that left me inspired…

this cabin has all the natural elements and texture I adore

this podcast by Jen Tringale with Meshali was oh so good. Great lessons in persevering and faith. Part 1 & Part 2

We are about to start our laundry room and this one is exactly the feel I have in mind for ours.

One of my favorite local architects Jeffrey Dungan just released a book, The Nature of Home: Creating Timeless Houses. He is gifted and is kind as can be. Can’t wait to explore it. For now though I have been enjoying his own home that was recently published online.

Was grateful for this message on Depression that our pastor shared this past weekend. Depression is a real thing and should never be ignored. I know this from experience.

Any areas you have found to be inspirational lately? Would love to know!

My Healthy Living Must's

If you have been around for the last few years then you may recall that I was in a constant battle with my health. My body would go into an auto immune response yet no one could pin point exactly why. I finally went a more holistic route, after many Dr ordered trial and error that only left me feeling worse. A couple of years ago, she was able to pinpoint a candida overgrowth and food sensitivities that caused my body to become extremely inflamed, ache constantly and left me with chronic fatigue. I went on a strict candida diet for about a year and still to this day I watch what I eat like a hawk. I avoid gluten and eggs like the plague, but have found that I can now handle bits of dairy every so often without going straight into a flair up. I keep sugar consumption low by avoiding most carbs and that includes fruits. My body just doesn't process sugar's well. The most important concept I implemented into my life that now leaves me feeling good most days, more energized and most importantly present for my family was to become conscious of my own body. When I feel fatigue creeping in I get extra hours of sleep at night and nap when needed without the guilt. I clean up my eating once again into the basics of only eating meats and vegetables. I up my all water intake to extreme amounts. Pretty simple really. My next must is to visit my chiropractor on a regular basis. I found this to be key in keeping my body moving and pain free. You can read more about the importance of alignment and the effects on the nervous system here. My mind honestly feels clearer when I leave and my body moves more freely. I find this to be so important that I now I take both the kiddos monthly. Lastly, I am dedicated to my daily supplement regimen. This is the area where my own research in conjunction with my Dr's help in finding what my body lacked is specifically aligned to my own body and what it needs. This list may be different from what you need, but if you find yourself fitting into any of the TMI info that follows then maybe some of these will benefit you too. Of course consult your own Dr to see what your own body needs more of to function as a whole. When choosing supplements I am sure to look at the ingredient list as some can have additives that don't work for me. Below is what I take and why. Overall I encourage all to find the right path for your own health journey. Every body is different and finding this regimen is what brought me back to a healthy way of living. 

Vitamin D - most folks are deficient in this area. D3 is best for vitamin absorption and supports bone, muscle and immune health. I take one pill morning and night. You can read more about the benefits here.

Magnesium - Supports the nervous system. It helps reduce inflammation which leads to my muscle aches and aids in digestion. It also helps with anxiety. I take one 400 mg pill morning and night. You can read more about the benefits here.

aloe vera gels - helps my Irritable Bowel Syndrome by aiding in keeping me regular, helps with keeping my stomach ulcers at bay, and reduces overall inflammation. I take 2 in the AM. You can read more about the benefits here. 

Marshmallow Root - My IBS constipation was severe for years. My stomach would swell as if I were 6 months pregnant and be so so painful. Since taking marshmallow root I haven't been constipated which has been a life long struggle of mine. I take 2 at night. You can read more about the benefits here. 

B12 - this vitamin helps me most with my chronic fatigue. You can read more about the benefits here. I personally use Young Living Super B that not only has B12 but is a blend. The serving size is 2 yet I find my body does best with only 1 in the morning. 

Vitamin C - aids in absorption of iron in which I struggle absorbing. It's good for the skin and boosts immunity. You can read more about the benefits here. I take Young Living Super C which is another blend that I have and love. I take 1 morning and night. 

A pill box for morning and night is what I found to help keep me diligent in actually taking my supplements. No excuses with them already delegated out when running out the door. 

Want to know about Young Living and my journey with oils? I've been using them before they were popular. If only I had the foresight into what they would be become back in 2013. I began when I became desperate with my stomach and esophagus ulcers that were caused by taking too many meds for constant migraines. I was in a constant battle of weighing which pain I could tolerate longer. Email me at paulacoldiron@gmail.com if you want more info.