Make-Over: A Dated Bathroom Becomes a Tranquil, Moody Oasis

Are you a shower or a bath person? I love a soak in the evenings - the hotter and more bubbles the better! We lived in an apartment for one year without a bath and I missed it so much. To me, the bathroom has always been a place to escape, and unwind after a long day (preferably with a great book and a glass of wine!).  It seems Jeska Hearne, creator of the beautiful blog Lobster & Swan (and owner of beauty and lifestyle shop the future kept) and husband Dean feel the same. The pair recently stripped out their dated bathroom in East Sussex, England to create a tranquil oasis in which "to inhale, exhale and let the peacefulness soothe the senses" and the result is a-ma-zing! 

Before

The bathroom had been in a semi-ripped out state for a while, and the couple longed for somewhere they could relax surrounded by plants and incense!

Inspiration

The pair took inspiration from rustic bathrooms filled with reclaimed treasures and were looking to find "as many beautiful textures and finishes" as possible.

I was thrilled to see one of their sources of inspiration was Nadia Dole's bathroom which James Gardiner and I captured for my first book Modern Pastoral! I'll never forget the peaceful spot, high up on a hill in Vermont which felt entirely private, save for the odd deer and bear wandering passed the window! Check out more bathrooms that inspired their renovation here.

After

Due to a busy schedule, the bathroom was a year and a half in the making (without a shower or sink - yikes!), and now their haven is finally complete. The space is a delightful patchwork of of items they've bought, salvaged or made by hand against a deep, rich Off Black hue.

"We love the mood and darkness in here, at night we can sink into the bath with the windows open and feel at one with the night air. In the day the sun filters in through the frosted glass and reflects the gold and white highlights of the vases, pots, frames and decorations."

The bath caddy was "made in minutes" from driftwood, this rustic bath tray* is similar,  antique wall mounted brass candle holder.

"The colour throughout is Farrow and Ball Off Black, we used Modern Emulsion for the walls and ceiling and Estate Eggshell for the wooden panelling – (made from upcycled doors that we rescued from a house that was being knocked down in our village)!"

"The handmade curtains around the sink hide a multitude of cleaning products and other bathroom paraphernalia that is uneasy on the eye!" 

Curtain from Green Fibre, the bath and sink taps are by Bristan Renaissance (found on ebay) 

 "Black walls also make a great background for plants, each frond and leaf is visible and highlighted."

Rectangular Shower Tray from Victoria Plum, tiles from Mandarin Stone. 

Be still my beating heart!

Could you imagine going for a look like this in your bathroom? Just in case you're feeling super inspired - there are a load more pictures and a complete write-up of all the items in this beautiful space over on Lobster & Swan here.

Before you get out the sledge hammer - you might also like to scroll through this bathroom archive (loving this traditional Swedish bathroom with a modern twist - one of my all time favourites!).

What does your dream bathroom look like?

Have a wonderful, relaxing weekend -  see you Monday!

Niki

Photography: Lobster & Swan shared with kind permission.

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A Charming Danish Summer Cottage on the Island of Fejø

It's officially the summer holidays here in Scandinavia. From Smygehuk in Sweden to Rossøya in Svalbad,  OOO's are on, the midnight sun is shining and cool, blue waters are lapping at the shores, waiting for the first of the 'morning dippers' to arrive. Forget fancy holiday plans - many Scandinavian's retreat to summer cottages, where they enjoy a simple life and make the most of what nature has to offer. Every July, part time teacher and part-time PR rep for Stolbjerg Copenhagen - Sidsel Garsdal, her husband Jakob and their two children Carmen (9) and Bror (5) take a 15 minute ferry ride out to their very charming cabin on the small danish island of Fejø to relax, be together as a family and in Sidsel's words: "make magic out of everyday life".

 

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Round jute rug*, wicker basket*, vintage school poster*

Boucherouite rug*, grey sheepskin*, I like this round rattan table*

As with most Scandinavian summer residences, Sidsel's cottage has a relaxed, down-to-earth vibe and has been furnished in a simple, understated way, with no two pieces the same. "Most of the furniture here is vintage / second hand and inherited from our grandparents or bought at flea markets etc." confirms Sidsel.

This differs greatly from year round city dwellings, which often tend to be stricter with a more contemporary touch. "The furnishing here is more playful than in our Copenhagen apartment. I was aiming for a classic Danish summer house look, but also felt inspired by Southern beach houses. This is why I chose to paint the floors turquoise!" explains Sidsel. 

Since life at Scandinavian summer cottages tends to be centred around the great outdoors and soaking up the abundance of light before it starts to fade, nature becomes a central theme indoors too. Sidsel has drawn the surrounding nature indoors using vintage school posters*, plants, pretty botanical themed bedding and a mix of natural textures.

Making the most of what nature has to offer includes daily dips - rain or shine. And it's not unusual to see our Nordic friends cycling / walking to the nearest shoreline in their dressing gowns (the more worn the better!) to take their daily dip. "I love being close to the sea," enthuses Sidsel. "We start and end our days by the sea which is a two minute walk from our cabin. In spring and summer it's a house rule to go for a swim everyday."

What an idyllic way to spend the month of July, don't you think?

I love the way Sidsel has decorated their cabin too - relaxed yet with so much character! Is there anything that caught youy eye?

If you'd like to see more and check out snapshots of their home in Copenhagen too, hop over to Sidsel's wonderful instagram feed.

You also might like to check out one of these charming Scandinavian summer cottages: an idyllic swedish summer cottage,  a beautifully simple retreat on Gotland and a Swedish island cabin. Guh! Our Scandi friends have got it so right, don't you think?!

What are your plans for the summer? (or winter for friends in the Southern Hemisphere!).

If you're heading this way, don't forget your dressing gown!

Niki

Photography: Sidsel Garsdal

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