Update a Basic, Beige, Builder's Bathroom with 5 Simple Steps (and less than $100!)

We all have seen / had / know someone who has a bathroom like the one in my rental. It's functional, spacious, there is nothing really wrong with it, but it is just a bit boring! There is nothing defining it.

The trouble with rentals, of course, is that you cannot do much about the major fixtures and finishes, but it's amazing what a little decor can do to give a space like this some glamour! I made 5 simple and affordable changes and really changed the look of my rental washroom! (See the 'before' here).

 1. Interesting Mirror: The tough thing about rentals is they often come with a basic sheet mirror. If you can take it down and replace it, that's a great option, but you can also mount mirror on mirror. I found this octagonal mirror at Good Will for $4 and simply hung it from a chain. 

2.  Art Work: I painted these black and white abstract pieces for the bathroom. They add an instant chicness and also some personality to the space. Each blank canvas cost me about $5 at Michael's.

3. Black and White: The thing about beige is that it doesn't always pair well with colours. Although technically a 'neutral', it does not go very well with brights. Black and white helps to add a freshness and glamour, without clashing or competing with the beige finishes.  Navy also looks great! Avoid colored towels as well. Nothing beats the clean, crisp look of hotel whites, and it's easy to tell when they need washing. 

4. Unique Accessories: Add a few accessories that tie into your neutral colour scheme, while providing a little bit of unexpected whimsy. Here, two foo dogs found at the flea market guard my sink. I also covered up my kleenex box with a vintage bamboo case which helps relate the tones in the oak cabinet (which I am not a huge fan of) to the rest of the space.

5. Declutter: Try to keep the facewash, toothpaste, body wash, etc. tucked neatly away within the cabinet, at least when guests come over. 

Bonus points for fresh flowers!

Here is a little look back at my original concept sketch, and the before and after!

 

I'm officially convinced that black and white can fix anything! Tiny changes with BIG impact, people.

Hope you all had a great weekend.

xox

Flea Market Find: Staffordshire Dogs

A few weeks ago I hit up the Aberfoyle antique market with my best friend Laura.
This flea market is the shit y'all- the oldest and biggest in Canada and home to amazing finds such as the bar cart I got last summer that I am still working on styling....shhhhhh.

Ever since Lindsay posted about Staffordshire Dogs here, I've been what one might call obsessed.

So when I happened upon this beautiful pair for $25 freakin dollars at the flea, well let's just say I was happier than a camel on hump day.

 I'm still hunting for the perfect spot to put them, but for now they are enjoying creeping out my friends lounging on my side table....I also need a new side table.

Here is some more Staffordshire goodness so you, too, can become obsessed:

^Christine Dovey via Style at Home

^Naomi Stein via Design Manifest

^ via Lonny Mag

^via Little Green Notebook

^Anna Spiro via Gracefully Searching

I'm especially smitten with my girl Hannah's adorable salt and pepper shaker version:

^via Champagne Lifestyle on a Beer Budget

Still on the hunt for my turquoise foo dogs though, the regret continues to haunt me. Can you believe I'm really more of a cat person?
xo

Wednesday's Sketchbook: Foo Dog (in Progress)

 Obviously I'm still mourning the loss of the pair of foo dogs that I left behind.
But, rather than pout in bed I'm using it as inspiration for a little art this week!
He's taking longer than I anticipated because of all the intricate detailing.
Can't believe it's Wednesday already!
xo

Foo Dog Regrets

Usually, I try to live my life with the motto 'No Regrets'.
Today, however, I can't help but feeling like a complete regretful foo....l!

You see, when I was in Florida the other week we went to a big antique and flea market and I found the most incredible, large scale, turquoise foo dog pair. They instantly reminded me of Jen's in this bookshelf styling:

via Made By Girl

 And Naomi's in her old loft:

via Design Manifest

Ahhhh! How good are they? I could cry.
Alright..back to my story.
I looked at the price tag and they were $60 for the pair. But the booth was having a take 20% off everything sale, bringing them down to $48. I love that flea markets have no tax and I bet I could have bargained them down a couple dollars more!

But, for some reason...I left them.
I think it was partially that I didn't know how much foo dogs were worth (which, by the way, turns out is alot more than 48 dollars...I should have known!)
and partially because I was trying to spend wisely and save while on vacation (and I really don't have a spot for these).

Either way...I REGRET my decision, big time. If Florida wasn't a 24 hour drive away I'd race back there right now! Instead, those foo dogs will haunt me for the rest of my life. Seriously..I may never get over this.

Have any of you ever left behind an item you wished you hadn't?