Whenever I am getting ready to travel anywhere- even just to my moms house for the weekend- I seem to do one thing.
Which leads to about 27 other things that I didn’t even think about doing until the suitcase came out. If you are like me… you know exactly what I am talking about. And it might start with something to do with that whole before traveling ‘ I have to deep clean everything‘ thing… but you know that is just the beginning.
One Thing Leads to Another
You know what comes next after scrubbing & bleaching the grout in the bathrooms, power washing the rugs and washing the curtains, changing the bedding in every room, dusting and hand scrubbing the kitchen floor like you are Cinderella… (oh yes- you know what I am talking about)
Well- you would think you would be done.
But those things all lead to more. Because somehow deep cleaning Then leads to editing decor and then… the ‘now I have to redecorate every room in the house Before going on vacation’ feeling comes on and before you know it- you are grabbing the hammer and nails and moving artwork, switching the furniture around and ordering a whole new set of bedding because for some reason – the one you have just didn’t fit the room any longer.
It happens to the best of us. For some reason- going out of town is a major decluttering and decorating motivator.
The farmhouse style post a couple weeks ago was such a hit- and I got so many notes about doing more posts on ways to add French and Farmhouse (and French Farmhouse ) charm easily- that I am sharing another. Today is all about 7 ways to add some French and Farmhouse style charm to your bathroom- And spoiler alert- you don’t need to be going out of town to give them a go! I have updated the post to include some shopping links to get the look and also added a couple more details that I think you might enjoy.
#1. Use Baskets for storage
I am often asked where do I store makeup and all the usual ‘bathroom’ things you need since I don’t have storage under the vanity or a bathroom closet in this old house. The answer is right in this photo- baskets hold pretty much everything.
So simple and so charming- using baskets as storage is such an easy one. Confession: I am not all about the plastic bins and stackable things that make storage easy. I want storage AND charm.
And baskets are perfect for folded up towels, for makeup for all those bathroom bits we need to be in the bathroom but don’t necessarily want to see out and about. They are also great when you don’t have a closet or a medicine cabinet for tucking things away- and they look charming at the same time.
#2. A farmhouse base for sinks
When it comes to your sink area- oftentimes again- people go for the boxy type units that add storage. Which is totally understandable. I get it- I really do. And I think if you have a beautiful vanity you love and it has storage in it- it is PERFECT. But now you know that a basket can do a perfect job- and so you can use whatever vanity base you would like. I use this vintage laundry basket for folded up towels- and there might be a few other things like extra tp rolls tucked behind them that you don’t see unless you look. We used this one here
This is a console table we converted into a vanity. You can read more about it here.
#3. Use an Old Buffet
This is another option- that gives you a bit of a middle of the road approach. This is a smaller antique buffet that I found at a yard sale that was missing a door on one side-(hence the $20 price tag) but it had the most beautiful detailed carvings and trims. So I took the other door off and we converted it into a sink vanity. Those missing doors are now perfect areas for holding towels- and the bottom center drawer will open for storing make up and other bits.
#4. Clawfoot Tub
Clawfoot tubs just have such a classic farmhouse or antique style charm. I am a BIG bath kind of a girl and do soak almost daily in this spot. (stay tuned for more on a rejuvenating bathroom routine coming your way!) We didn’t have as much space for a longer tub – so decided on this little bit smaller Swedish style clawfoot tub for this spot. This is a reproduction cast iron tub- it took a couple guys to move it on in here- but they do make them in fiberglass versions that have just as much charm as well if you need something lighter.
A Style Tip: Simply removing those clunky big built in boxed tubs and replacing it with a freestanding tub will make your space feel bigger and lighter- and also add a quintessential old charm.
You can find a similar clawfoot tub here. and I linked a couple others below.
#5. A piece of furniture
Not all bathrooms are big enough for adding a piece of furniture- but if you have the space- it can make your bathroom feel much more like a well designed room.
Whether you can add an armoire or cupboard for storage- or just a small rustic chair or stool in place of a more modern one- those pieces will instantly add charm And do double duty holding things or providing a place to sit and get dressed. Find this exact farmhouse style stool here
#6. Add patina
Patina plays a huge part in farmhouse and French farmhouse style- and I cannot get enough of it.
I love old silvered woods, tarnished metals and any vintage style texture. A couple ideas are to add a board to the tub for holding things and add a mirror with old ghosting and brassy old gilded patina and even something as simple as an old brass door knob will add that charm. This rustic board option is ready to go.
#7. Vintage buckets
Trash cans in the bathroom are a necessity but they don’t have to look like your everyday trashcan. I have a galvanized feed bucket in the bathroom for trash currently but you could also easily use a vintage bucket that says ‘Trash’ or other container and it would be incredibly charming.
These are just a few ideas- and all but changing your vanity configuration or ripping out a bathtub and putting a clawfoot tub in- can be done in a snap. So, if you do get the itch to redecorate everything before vacation- you can do a couple of these simple things and call it good and get back to packing for your trip.
🙂
Shop the Look
I have a whole list full of Farmhouse bathroom style favorites over in my Amazon shop- FIND THAT HERE
And I have also linked some other favorites below:
*post contains some affiliate links
I so love your bathrooms, I have done the same with the trash can, I don't have your conventional bathroom trash can. I have a basket in one and a metal bucket in the master bath.:)
It is so much better than a trash can right? I love old buckets and baskets in their place.
Those clawfoot tubs are beautiful, but as I'm aging, I realize how impractical they are. I broke my foot a couple years ago and had trouble using our generic tub/shower. I think my reno will replace the tub with a nice, safe shower.
Safety first always. Tubs can be hard to get in and out of for sure. They have bathtubs that you can walk into now for safety and mobility issues that might interest you- and of course- showers are always good too.
Wow, I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one to deep clean before a trip! Coming home to a clean fresh house sometimes is the best part of the trip!
It is!! That is why we do it!! 🙂
I love your armoire! Do you mind if I ask where it is available?
This was something I found on craigslist- it is vintage
Wow! That’s fantastic. Thank you for your reply. Take care, Charlyne
You too!
Hi! It is one I found on craigslist- it is vintage.
I used to do that deep clean,etc,etc. but I’m now 76, wiTh arthritis, so save myself for my travels. But i still love to do all the decorating myself! Thanks so much for always giving such great advice on updating. Even small changes can be so uplifting and bring joy into my home now!
Thank Goodness im not thE only one Who cleans before going on vacation!
You mentioned reproduction cast iron tubs.
I wouid liKe to know a source on that and also which Do you think is bEtter?
All these bathrooms are so pretty!
Thanks for all these inspirational Ideas!
Thanks so much for your post! Such motivation!
I love 💕 reading your Blog, i get inspired! I just love my home and i work on it to be a french Country Look with all my many ideas that hits me! Thank you for your French simpliCity. ♥️OliviA
Your bathrooms are stunning. So much GORGEOUS character.
I love your house and all the animals and your gardens. I didn’t know deep cleaning before traveling was a thing. I have been a world travel for many years and have never even thought of cleaning first. I try to not leave any dirty laundry but that’s it. I call my daughter on the way Out of town and tell her where I’ve hidden the valuables just in case I don’t make it back.
What is the countertop oF the dresser vanity?
It is just sealed wood in this photo.
Everyone is busy as a bee most days so replies are scarce and probably nobody will read this so I always feel as if I’m talking to myself on replying BUT am I the only one who has never known..and I’m an Amazon daily shopper…that there is a handmade drop down option for things? Who knew! Thank you Courtney! The bath tub wooden tray purchase is one I am looking at here.
Of course, I too get so worked up with cleaning just before leaving for any trip…why is that! Lol!! ha! Glad to know I’m not alone in that.
Love the bathroom decor, design…just love it all! Great job!
again..for whomever reads this crazy reply:0)
cOULD YOU POSSIVLY STYLE A MAKEUP VANITY TABLE? I HAVE AN ANTIQUE WRITING DESK I USE FOR THIS AND LOVE IT, BUT CANNOT SEEM TO GET IT LOOKING RIGHT WITHOUT LOOKING TOO MESSY. THX SUSAN IN ALABAMA.
One of my favorite things about your home and style is that you have such a talent for finding the right piece and then transforming it into the beautiful antique look of your signature style. I’m always inspired and enjoy seeing what you do to make your home so inviting and lovely.
xo,
Karen B.