STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

ViViDogWear · Kate Spade

The remodeling begins...

Elle · Hermes

Well, having been knee-deep in remodeling for the last 2 years, my advice would be to try to keep some continuity in the style and quality of your materials throughout the place. That doesn't mean everything has to be the same color or style or that you can't have some unique features though.

Personally, I'd skip that vanity. I really love it too, but it's very taste specific and would look out of place with the tile you've chosen and the 'feel' of the rest of the house. They have some nice stock cabinet options at Home Depot/Lowes and occasionally at Costco - they're relatively inexpensive, aren't terribly generic, and would fit with a wider range of styles IMO. I'd personally go with a dark cherry or white finish on the cabs, and add a granite top (they come premade w/ sinks installed at HD!). Then depending on the color of counter you get, I'd probably do a light-ish neutral beige or light gray on the walls. A light but still earthy green could be nice too. If you're dedicated to finding something 'special' for the bathroom, head out to a few furniture auctions or scour Craigslist for an antique sideboard or small dresser that could be repurposed as a vanity - it's a neat look, and would likely be alot less cost-wise than the mirrored option.

Suasoria · Chanel

I agree that the vanity (while gorgeous) is probably not the best choice for a place you're going to sell or rent.

Dark wood toned vanity, brushed nickel hardware and fixtures, light countertop, and a neutral wall color like pale green tea would be more appealing to potential buyers. Can't go wrong with a zen spa feel in a bathroom these days!

And if the mirrored vanity is a good price, get it for your next house, one you want to live in for a long time.

ViViDogWear · Kate Spade

Thanks ladies! However, I bit the bullet and I just couldn't resist! Went and bought the vanity at lunch and now that it's at home I think it'll be OK. The tub and toilet are white as well.

BTW I didn't meantion - the web price for the vanity: $1500.
I got it for $500! Still less than anything I remotely liked from HD or Lowes.

It's definitely a piece I will keep when we move (and probably just replace with a cheaper stock piece). There's a complete set at Costco that I did think was great - it was just too big. One day when we're done I will post pics and hope it will turn out nice.
Thanks for the advice! I like the idea of the light beige - like Anthropologie color!

P.S. Elle - I love scouring Craigslist and the flea markets! My whole "single gal" bedroom was done that way all shabby chic. But the DH isn't too fond it. I can't wait to have a large enough guestroom to move all that furniture into. :)

Elle · Hermes

Well, that seems like the perfect compromise - you get your vanity now and get to take it with you to the next place

!

My style has, uh, evolved since husband and I moved in together. I love finding interesting things and repurposing them, and while he generally goes along with things I have a 'vision' for he is so not on board with anything shabby chic, so I had to give that up. Instead I spin the style as looking like it's a collection of things that has grown over time, picked up here and there instead of a housefull of things that look like they were purchased as a set and trucked in all at once. I think the look is much more interesting when old and new sit side by side, so I'd tuck a few of your pieces in around the house and he can just deal with it!

Using a sideboard or dresser as a vanity is a fantasy of mine - it wouldn't have to be super fancy and carved; I think a mid-century piece with vessel sinks would be a nice take on the idea too. Will have to wait for the next house (or the one after that) for me too though, because we already remodeled both our current bathrooms

.

But I digress - I'm glad you get to have your cake and eat it too!

AllieGurl · Marc Jacobs

that vanity is sooooo amazing, I want one too! I have been really into mirrored glass latly :)