Reader Space: A Little Modern, A Little Farmhouse, A Whole Lot of Function!

Ready for some bathroom eye candy?  Today's feature is full of prettiness, inspiration and tips anyone can use!

I think that wood finishes are making a huge come back and I couldn't be more thrilled about it.  In fact, I have been on my own personal kick incorporating wooden elements within many rooms throughout our home.

Lora, who writes over at Craftivity Designs, recently renovated a small shared bathroom, and she did it with a beautiful mixture of wood tones paired with modern elements.  Not only that, she managed to add a lot of functional storage, some that also doubles and display.  The bathroom feels far from cluttered and Lora did a wonderful job integrating storage for her entire family.

I am honored to have her stopping by today to share more about her recent bathroom renovation.  Here she is now.


What is the main function of the space?

"Our upstairs bath is where our family of 3 gets ready in the morning and cleans up at night. Since we are sharing this space as a family, it has to be functional for all of us... storing everything from my son's bath toys to my curling iron!"

Any superstar tips for keeping it organized?

"Be intentional when planning your space! Prior to the renovation, we evaluated how we were using the space 'before' and what we needed from the room 'after' for each family member. This included things like a step stool for my son, hooks for bath towels and a bench to place a change of clothes. One thing my husband and I discussed several times was whether we'd lose too much counter space if we switched to a double-sink vanity. In the end, we decided the value of having two sinks for our shared bath was more important than the counter space. Plus, when there are less surfaces to collect clutter, we are better at storing items where they belong."

What items did you find were essential when organizing this space and why?

"Our new vanity is a foot longer and several inches taller than the old vanity, and that extra space is so valuable! We are able to store all of our everyday-use items in the vanity; along with hand towels, washcloths and the cleaning products that we use in the bathroom. We use open shelving to store the items that we use less often within pretty containers."

What did you do to go the extra mile and "make it pretty"?

"Add layers and texture! I am always inspired by rooms that feel layered and full of texture; and I wanted our bath to feel the same way -- even if it has to be very functional. The cool, grey tile is layered with a rag-tie rug and a woven jute bench. Rustic wood shelves, a dark vanity and burlap mats in each piece of framed art, were all ways to warm up the white walls and marble vanity top. The shelves are filled with everything from glass containers to fluffy towels and ceramic dishes. Even though the room feels clean and modern, it doesn't feel utilitarian or cold."

What items did you DIY to stay on a budget?

"We knew we were going to purchase a vanity, vanity top, toilet and tile, which are all pricey items. Therefore, I tried to save money when it came to the other elements. The mirror is actually that same mirror that was over our old vanity. It was "builder-basic" and boring; but a new coat of stain transformed it into a great piece. Our window treatment was created with two place mats and and some no-sew tape for only $4!

Another thing we did to stay on a budget was work with our sage green tub. It's in good condition and is surrounded with white tile and it just didn't make sense to replace it, or even worry with trying to paint it. Instead, we used green as an accent to all the neutral tones in the room and the tub looks like it fits right in!"

How this space impacted your life for the better?

"Well, we actually freed up some space in our linen closet {yay!} because we can fit so much more in this new bathroom. Items that were stored in the hall are now located right at hand within the bathroom, right where we need them. The new tile floor and carrara marble vanity top are easy to keep clean and the vanity is large enough that we can store the cleaning products in the back behind our toiletries. I love having cleaning products located in the room in which they are used. The large vanity top and double sinks make it easy for two of us to use the bathroom at the same time. We have plenty of room! Choosing two wall sconces for over the mirror and Porter Paint 'Delicate White' keeps this small room really bright, which makes things like applying eye makeup and shaving so much simpler. I could probably go on and on with all the things I love about this space; but I really am so amazed at what all we can fit in that room without it feeling cluttered. A combination of hidden storage, open shelving, wall hooks and container storage has made it an incredibly functional room." 

The marble counters are luxurious.  The wooden shelving is charming.  Those peg hooks?  Totally coveting them!  The storage under the sink is simple yet smart with the pull out drawers.  And I couldn't agree more that it is so handy to keep cleaning supplies right within the bathroom if possible.

I love how Lora used vertical space for shelving above and a bench below.  The shelving above is storage central while the bench acts as a place to sit during her little's bath time or to set out clothing and towels.

And how about the window box with more organization and display space?  I just adore that it holds baskets of toiletries and a hurricane for paper products.  Way to mix form and function Lora!  In fact, I think you knocked the entire bathroom far out of the ball park!

You can find many more details and photos regarding this bathroom makeover and all of the organizational solutions Lora put in place here.


Did this sweet bathroom leave your heart feeling warm as well?  What is one small bathroom storage solution you just couldn't live without?



*  All images courtesy of Craftivity Designs

ATTENTION!!  Want to be featured in a Reader Space edition?  Have an awesome organizing story to share?  I am looking for projects that have made a positive impact to your life, big or small.  They can be anything from an organized drawer or cabinet to an entire room.  Please submit your story and photos to iheartreaderspace@gmail.com, and I would heart to feature them right here on the blog!!  Photos should be high resolution and unedited.  Please include a description of the project, including any costs, inspiration, and how it has changed your life and routine for the better!  Oh, and no worries my friends, we will NEVER judge "before" pictures because that just wouldn't be nice!  Only love goes on at this blog!