An old farmhouse is not without it's challenges when it comes to renovation. I wanted a bathroom that was simple, that somehow remained true to the French aesthetic and yet was practical and comfortable at the same time. Bathrooms are my place... they are where I love to relax, to ponder, to find solace....A strange notion I suppose, but the bathroom has always been that place for me.
I thought about the kind of bathroom that I would love to spend time in and that space I imagined is more a living kind of room than a functional place. Yes, practical matters must be dealt with but for me a bathroom is so much more than a place to brush the teeth and dry the toes. My bathroom had to have a bath...and a large deep one at that...I wanted the bath to be freestanding so that nearby I could add a chair or a small table to hold the books, the beauty bits, the magazines and the candles. I like to read in the bath, adding more bubbles and hot water as I turn the pages...I adore a long soak to think things through and plan....ideas for the blog, places to see on the weekend, what to wear...all things great and small cross this mind of mine when I am beneath the bubbles...
The bathroom in the farmhouse is a generous size with a separate shower so the luxury of space made this haven of mine possible. The walls are a matt plaster finish in a taupe/beige colour that has an irregular patination, the hand basins are set in French style commodes and the taps are nickel. The floor is very rustic with terracotta tiles throughout....Nothing fancy, nothing slick...just French cosy country...
One of my very best places to be....xv
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image shot by carla coulson and styled by vicki archer - exclusively for living4media
It has been awhile since my last visit here, but everytime I do I become so inspired, what a great post..you make me want to go and fill my bath, soak and ponder...
ReplyDeleteVicki, I knew right away that this image was yours and Carla's--I didn't even need to scroll down. You definitely have developed a clear vocabulary together. But the post...just made me...so sad! In leaving our last rental, I gave up my lovely bathtub and now have the tiniest shower possible. I have to spin in a circle to get clean! Certainly no room for dreaming there.
ReplyDeleteBon WE!
Mmmmm...matte plaster.
ReplyDeleteI'm drooling.
Have a wonderful weekend, Alcira
nerochronicles.com
I couldn't agree more, I have similar bath and tiles, but as space is more of an issue in our town house, they're in the bedroom, a whores boudoir some might say!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds so lovely! I, too, love baths, but it never occurred to me to create space for a chair or table on which to place my candles, glass of wine, book, iPod, etc. I am always searching around on the ground to find these things while in the tub. Not very relaxing. Haha. Thanks for the inspiration. Happy Friday! :)
ReplyDeleteWell I could get lost in this bathtub! A glass of champagne and a candle and I'm good for an hour.
ReplyDeleteI hope that you have a wonderful weekend, Vicki.
Teresa
xoxo
Dearest Vicki,
ReplyDeleteI am so agree with you! My bathroom is a place to relax, to be on my onw! I couldn't miss it!!
This picture is so beautiful and gives such a wonderful and relaxing feeling!! Love love love it!!
Happy weekend!
xx
Greet
It's beautiful - gorgeous colour and looks so calm and uncluttered. I'm also a huge 'long soak in the bath' fan - such a perfect place to think ......
ReplyDeleteToo lovely and cosy.
ReplyDeleteI'm officially, and after your post, in weekend mood.
Bon Weeky to you too!
A reminder..........I shouldn't always be in a shower-hurry. Maybe this weekend? Another lovely styling/photo by V & C. Happy weekend. XO
ReplyDeleteSo incredible. I can't wait until we are able to have a deep clawfoot tub. It might be years away, but I am thinking about it!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I have a big, ancient cast iron tub that is the love of my life. It's perfect for soaking away worries, sore harp playing muscles, gardening injuries...
ReplyDeleteMine is painted glossy white. I really want to put tongue-in-groove paneling over my irritatingly textured bathroom walls (they're hard to clean). Someday...
In the meantime, I'm coveting this bathtub caddy with a wine glass holder and candle holder built right in!
http://www.amazon.com/Taymor-Chrome-Bathtub-Candle-Holder/dp/B003EV6D2Q
I can imagine how lovely it would be to soak in that tub with those exquisite walls and I love that you have massed the candles together.
ReplyDelete.. lovely post .. re the click, I saw Patina Style in the bookstore last weekend ... looked great ... happy weekend
ReplyDeletehmmmmmm it is time for a long soak! Lovely xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
ReplyDeleteSweet scented candles make for soft light perfect for a long bath!
ReplyDeletei am tortured by this image.
ReplyDeletei want to be in THAT TUB.
xx
Yes exactly! Wonderful post and so glad to hear your philosophy of the bath. I eliminated the sitting room off my master bedroom so that I could enlarge the bath-room. There's an arch separating the shower area from the bath and it's painted in French grey and light taupe with white trim, the colors inspired by the choice of marbles.
ReplyDeleteA room indeed! Now all I need is the time to spend there! What a lovely picture of your candles set in the wide vase, and the magnificent rustic floor. Dreamy.
Your bathroom is perfect Vicki......I would , like Renée, love to be in that bath right now !!
ReplyDeleteI love your new blog layout but, I will always associate you with the candle/votive image !!
Happy, happy week-end to you and yours. XXXX
Beautiful Vicki! I agree, It is a luxurious time to soak away a days aches, time for oneself, always a good thing...
ReplyDeletexoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
You may need to sit down for this... I don't have a bathtub. Do you feel absolutely awful for me? It is on the "to do" list - one of these days. For now, the bathroom is simply a place to take a shower, which is a little bit heartbreaking, don't you think? ;)
ReplyDeleteHave a fabulous weekend,
xx
Is it just me or is your new font very difficult to read?? Enjoy your blog but today was a struggle against the type.
ReplyDeleteIt would be my favorite place, too -- it has all the magic ingredients and my favorite combination of rustic yet refined. Now I want to take a soak and read!
ReplyDeleteLove your new header, Vicki!
Have a wonderful weekend!
xo isa
My days are consumed by making my bath just so lately! gorgeous image! Have a great weekend..
ReplyDeleteBest,
Christina
greige
Hi Vicky,
ReplyDeleteAlthough I love your post, I am a shower girl through and through, I think best in the shower and whether I am planning my day, or thinking of something for dinner, it is always in the shower. Perhaps I am too modernised and impatient for a luxurious soak.
Cheers Suzana xxx
I just adore your bath, floor, walls :) I have a claw foot too and the little telephone set (I'm not sure what you call it) I love the idea of the three candles in the glass...gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteLove the photo on your header too.
xxx DJ
Would love to see more Vicki!
ReplyDeleteThat has to be the most inviting bath in all of France. Wondering what makes your favorite bubbles.
ReplyDeleteCatherine
Dear Vicki,
ReplyDeleteWhen I read your new post and saw your new layout, you didn't have a header at all....now I've come back and there is a wonderful photograph of a wall sconce. I LOVE it and, we all have to change things sometimes. It all looks stunning. XXXX
With our ongoing water conservation here, having any kind of bathtub filled to the brim like that would be a dream... let alone one so beautiful and in such surrounds as this. Gorgeous, Vicki! Enjoy the soak... bon weekend. {Love your new blog header/arrangement. Just FYI, I'm finding the font a bit 'patchy'-looking too, but can still easily read it.}
ReplyDeleteI don't think I have ever had a long soak in the bath...one day when I come to France perhaps.
ReplyDeleteSimple and gorgeous, Vicky!
ReplyDeleteA relaxing weekend to you,
- Irina
This is one of the things that made me fall in love with our apartment here in Buenos Aires.
ReplyDeleteThe building is designed by a Frenchman, it is in the French style .. and the bathtub is big enough to swim laps.
I take a shower every morning but there is nothing like a good long soak at night :)
besos, C
That is my kind of bathroom! Simply gorgeous! :) xxoo
ReplyDeleteHello Vicki. I love all your new photos and your bathroom is gorgeous. x
ReplyDeleteI must admit I am very jealous of your bathroom - like you I LOVE to soak - and I fill mine with bubbles and the room with candles. My setting however desperately needs a makover - the bathrooms is 80's and salmon in colour thought I call it tangerine - sounds a little more exoctic! It is on the list of things to do but I would rather spend my money on a beautfiul meal or a trip to France!!
ReplyDeletelove your new header as much as the previous one
ReplyDeletexo xo
just took me my Saturday morning bath ... small heater on, bubbles and a cup of coffee!
ReplyDeleteof course, in my little farmhouse bathroom ... may I stress the word little
The simplest things...I'm in love with the big candles in that glass bowl. Have a wonderful weekend. XO, Mona
ReplyDeleteLove the bathroom. So old-fashioned and cozy! The plaster feels dusty gray with a hint of pink in the candle light. Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI would love a long soak without a knock on the door....do you rent your bathroom out? lol It sounds so heavenly....
ReplyDeleteBlessings My Friend,
I'm somewhat ashamed to admit I'm not a bath-tub gal, but totally understand those like you Vicki who are! Not sure why, but it may have something to do with trying to have a soak in the tub when all the kids were young & spending the whole time listening to them yelling from outside the door 'Mum I'm hungry, hurry up!!' The sheer simplicity of your bathroom has such appeal.
ReplyDeleteWhile I'm the first to embrace change, I miss your old header desperately. Those candles were so beautiful & such an integral part of the French Essence I know & love. The new font is causing issues on my PC, laptop & iPad, but I'm sure that will sort itself out.
Millie xx
That is a beautiful tub. I am afraid if I got in that I might not get out. LOL
ReplyDeleteYvonne
V
ReplyDeletei love the new header!!!
Oh I could crawl into that beautiful, bubbly bath right know. What a perfect spot.... and I love those tiles...rustic beauties. A-M xx
ReplyDeleteOh my .... . guess I've been away longer than I thought:
ReplyDeleteA NEW header for Vicki ?? !
Gorgeous. Of course.
jjjj
Stopping by again to send you a huge 'Thanks'. Meant so much to me.
ReplyDeleteCatherine xo
In my last post you see a bathroom similar to yours!!!
ReplyDeleteYor *new* blog image is lovely!
♥ Franka
I sooooo love a good soak in the tub! I am going to have one tonight after I do a bit of research, then ponder over it all while relaxing in the tub!
ReplyDeleteI love your bathroom! so perfect!
xx
callie
It is a special place for women...love it, fabulous...used to have a claw foot tub in a big bathroom with a hardwood floor and old sink...it was pink and white - still miss it today...;-((
ReplyDeleteHi Viki, love the new look blog by the way! You and Carla make a formidable team. I have been trying to convince the hubby to do a complete bathroom makeover. Spce is an issue in our house but I do have the claw foot tub which I'd like to get re-surfaced in plain white and new floor an wall tiles would be soo nice. I found some Italian tiles made to look like stone at a fraction of the price and then I'd do plain white brick tiles on the wall (large not small) well its a dream anyhow I can only wish. To top it off I found a gorgeous suitably sized vintage chandelier I would hang over the bath mmmm How do you read books while in the bath with out getting them wet? I've always wondered this! xx Corrina.
ReplyDeleteThis is just lovely! Such a divine bath! Enjoy the beautiful day, Kellie xx
ReplyDelete