I was faced with a 100 years old stone shell to reconstruct in any decor I wanted. My problem was I liked everything. Normal, ultra modern , Asian, Louis 1v, renaissance, I loved them all. I had 4 bogs and 2 kitchens to do as well as a deck and a terrace to form from nothing. A self taught, do it your self newbie, I was faced with unlimited decisions, and a restricted budget in which to make the home of my dreams. I determined to let everyone have their input, but I was going to have a Tudor styled loo, named'the Queen's Bath. ' My theme for inspiration was two ceramic tile portraits Of Queen Elizabeth, and her ill fated cousin Mary queen of Scots. I had acquired these for $30 on ebay.
I started dressing my rest room in layers. I imagined a gorgeous Tudor gown, and interpreted the layers of the dress as a room.
First the marble floors, and matching countertops.These I installed with heated flooring so the floor was always warm. Instead of vanities, we used dark mahogany kitchen cupboards with crystal hardware.
the subsequent layer was color. Gold, green, and clay in the marble floors and counter tops was my color palette. Green paint for the walls, and ornamental gold paint for the woodwork and doors. The accents were the key. I dressed my rest room with Tudor garments type fabric, medieval touches, and Renaissance style. Damasks, tassels, and beaded valances improved the richness if the space. The plumbing hardware was 24k gold plated, and the door handles were victorian style brass.
Luxury accoutrements included gold mirrored medication chests, a green heated air tub, with a matching round green sink, and a beautiful tile shower with seating, accented with the same green listello.
The lighting was the next layer. Matching candelabrum, sconces, and a flush ceiling fixture, finished the tudor/renaissance design for the last touches of
The final layer was luxury, so that the space evolved into a spa, with heated towels, attractive art reproductions, and a tapestry of a french garden, my own paraffin wax machine, and a water-resistant telephone. The sunken bath is kitted out with a roman set complete with spray attachment for cleaning my luxurious tub. Of course, the toilet had to be separate for privacy, and that is where the portraits found their home.
Using layers of color, texture, lighting, and art, I created a private plush paradise, for the lady of the estate. Many of these touches were selected on the internet. Renaissance clothes and niknaks, found on diverse sites offered a host of selections. Tudor accents, fabric, hardware, and fixtures were beneficial ideas found on sites with costumes and jewellery.
The Queens became the perfect theme, and the modern conveniences gave me the toilet fit for a royal woman. I didn't need women in waiting to heat my bath water, that's where the Tudor times stopped and the 21st century replaced the privy closet with modern plumbing. My window overlooking the garden is hung with a stained glass panel, for privacy, and implies a wonderful focus when the sun shines thru.
If you have an interest in period garments, historic style, and modern comfort, this is a simple to do project. Hardware, art, and lighting will easily convert any space into a classic luxury oasis fit for Queen. In case one needs more privacy, a gold door leads to a matching dressing room, finished with a matching marble center island, mahogany cabinets, and a combo lock for security!
If you have an interest in the renaissance period, you may additionally want to look at some intricate renaissance costumes and medieval accessories.
