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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

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April 18, 2013

French Country Bathroom Makeover

French Country Bathroom Makeover www.atthepicketfence.com

So, is it French Country or Country French? Do you know? Is there a difference?

I mean, I don’t want to be going around saying the wrong thing! It would be like all those years I was singing along to certain Aerosmith songs and didn’t know (or understand) the lyrics until one day it was pointed out to me that I had been singing them wrong.

How embarrassing! And eye-opening! 😉

Yesterday I shared with you how I made my peace with burlap when I added this Burlap Vanity Skirt to our downstairs bathroom.

And now I’m thrilled to be sharing with you the rest of this space.

It’s come a long way!

DIY burlap bathroom vanity skirt at the picket fence

Wallpaper in a small, dark room like this can have such a dramatic impact.

Unless it’s ugly. Then it’s dramatic for all the wrong reasons.

This room had very ugly wallpaper in it when we first moved in. When we attempted to take it down, we realized that it had been attached to walls which had never been properly finished and the walls started peeling right along with the ugly wallpaper.

It wasn’t in our budget to have someone come in and re-finish the walls so we did the next best thing. Put up more wallpaper!

I love my yellow damask wallpaper. I know it’s not for everyone but everyone doesn’t live here.

This leads me to my next question for you.

Do you say “damask” with the emphasis on the “da” or the “mask”?

I never know so I tend to alternate between the two. Although if I alternate between the two within the same sentence the person I’m talking with will look at me like I’m a crazy person.

I get that a lot.

framed beveled bathroom mirror at the picket fence

french country bathroom lighting at the picket fence

bathroom vanity www.atthepicketfence.com

french country wall art www.atthepicketfence.com

Since my daughter still can’t quite reach the faucet a stool is a necessity in this bathroom. I gave a basic white wooden stool a makeover with paint and a darling graphic courtesy of The Graphics Fairy.

It looks very French Country, don’t you think? Or does it look very Country French? 😉

stenciled step stool www.atthepicketfence.com

Having a full bathroom downstairs is truly a blessing since we often have guests staying with us and the adjoining office often does double duty as a guest room. The bathroom also connects to a hallway off the family room in a “Jack and Jill” style.

french country bathroom www.atthepicketfence.com

I can never find shower curtains that I really like so I always end up using regular curtains. These were yet another great TJ Maxx find!

french country bathroom shower curtain www.atthepicketfence.com

 

french country bathroom wall art www.atthepicketfence.com

Oh wait! See that magazine peeking out from the basket?? Does that answer my first question? I mean, this is my most favorite magazine so shouldn’t I go by what it says?

french country basket www.atthepicketfence.com

Now, I’m even more confused!

Oh well, I guess it really doesn’t matter whether it’s Country French or French Country, right?

I mean, when I look back at how far this bathroom has come all that matters is that it doesn’t look like this anymore!

This is the only Before picture I could find of this space. It was taken when we first toured the house.

Can you see the reflection of the rest of the bathroom in the mirror?

bathroom before with graphic

I guess whether it’s French Country or Country French isn’t that important after all.

French Country Bathroom Makeover www.atthepicketfence.com

All that matters is that it is much improved and I LOVE it!

Thanks so much for stopping by to visit me At the Picket Fence today,

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45 Comments Filed Under: Bathrooms, Beadboard, Decorating, DIY Tagged With: bathroom, bathroom makeover, country french, damask wallpaper, french country, french country bathroom, wallpapered bathroom

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Comments

  1. Leslie Stewart @ House on the Way says

    April 18, 2013 at 6:15 AM

    What a gorgeous bathroom! I have a half bath with wallpaper. I love it. It gives a nice look to a small space. Thanks for sharing.
    Leslie

    Reply
  2. Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says

    April 18, 2013 at 6:26 AM

    Love the wallpaper and the accessories. Gorgeous. Hugs, Marty

    Reply
  3. Jill Flory says

    April 18, 2013 at 6:33 AM

    Vanessa, that is a lovely lovely bathroom! and you are so right – everyone doesn’t live there – YOU do! I have had to remind myself of that fact a few times throughout my journey with my home decor! I have family and friends who just do not get the all white thing and they about break out in hives when I paint wood! But I like painted wood so painted wood it is 🙂 Now if I can just convince my husband that the oak china hutch will be SO much more lovely in white – heehee!
    oh yes, I usually call it French Country but I thing Country French must mean the same thing. and I never know how to say damask either. I like DA-mask. But I did an online pronunciation once and they said it DAM-ask. Sigh. English is a hard language! Have a great weekend!

    Reply
  4. Shenita says

    April 18, 2013 at 6:53 AM

    Vanessa, what a lovely bathroom. I love the wallpaper! French Country or Country French…it’s beautiful.

    Reply
  5. Cheryl / Point of View Creations says

    April 18, 2013 at 7:18 AM

    That looks amazing! So bright and elegant. An amazing difference.

    Reply
  6. Thistle says

    April 18, 2013 at 7:19 AM

    Vanessa,

    LOVE this! Actually….I heart anything burlap! And just for the record….I used to sing, “Jeremiah was a bulldog.” All. the. time. 🙂

    Have a great day rock star!
    karianne

    Reply
  7. Debra@CommonGround says

    April 18, 2013 at 7:21 AM

    it’s gorgeous, and I love all things damask. the burlap vanity skirt is perfect for this spot!, and don’t you want to wring the neck of whoever decided that sizing the bare walls wasn’t necessary? been there and done that!

    Reply
    • Vanessa says

      April 18, 2013 at 7:27 AM

      LOL! Yes, Debra I really did want to wring their necks! Especially when we discovered they had done the same thing to the kids’ bathroom. Ugh. 🙂 Thanks so much for coming by!
      Vanessa

      Reply
  8. Cindy says

    April 18, 2013 at 7:41 AM

    Beautiful! Love the wallpaper…
    Blessings,
    Cindy

    Reply
  9. Marty Walden says

    April 18, 2013 at 7:43 AM

    I have never been a “yellow” person but since we painted our kitchen that color I have been in love with it! It really makes a room feel happy and joyful. Great job!

    Reply
  10. Sherry says

    April 18, 2013 at 8:24 AM

    Vanessa, This is a fabulous transformation! I love the wallpaper and the burlap skirt is wonderful. You can call your bath French Country or Country French…I call it BEAUTIFUL!
    Hugs,
    Sherry

    Reply
  11. Courtenay says

    April 18, 2013 at 9:16 AM

    I totally put the emphasis on the mask part of damask, but I have no idea if that’s right. Also, I really really hate damask and it gives me icky feelings for some reason. But I actually like it in yellow! What do you know? I learned something today!

    Reply
  12. Richella @ Imparting Grace says

    April 18, 2013 at 9:20 AM

    I love your damask wallpaper! I say dam’ ask with the emphasis on the first syllable–don’t know if that’s correct, but I like the way it sounds! I’ve always said “French country,” too, but maybe we should go with the magazine on that! 🙂

    Anyway, your bathroom looks super!

    Reply
  13. Lisa says

    April 18, 2013 at 10:03 AM

    I say damask with the emphasis on the “da” only because that’s how they pronounced it on Desperate Housewives once! 🙂 I have no idea if that’s right. I love the bathroom and I especially like the idea of using curtains for a shower curtain. Lovely, lovely room!

    Reply
  14. Tanya says

    April 18, 2013 at 10:35 AM

    You really did a great job on your bathroom. It looks amazing! I wish my bathroom looked half this good.

    Reply
  15. Judy says

    April 18, 2013 at 11:00 AM

    Your bathroom is absolutely gorgeous. Is it wallpaper or did you stencil the walls? Gorgeous colors and I am in love with your mirror. Awesome photography as well. I’m not sure if it’s Country French or French County.

    Reply
    • Vanessa says

      April 18, 2013 at 11:07 AM

      Hey friend! Thanks so much!! Actually it’s wallpaper. I don’t think I would have the patience for that much stenciling but I know you definitely know how to rock a stencil! 🙂
      Vanessa

      Reply
  16. Daniela @frugal ain't cheap says

    April 18, 2013 at 11:12 AM

    this is absolutely beautiful. Love the Country French look 🙂

    Reply
  17. Sandy says

    April 18, 2013 at 11:59 AM

    Your newly Country French inspired bathroom is truly beautiful, Vanessa. We have a powder room with wallpaper I so adored in the early eighties that has seen its duration. Hopefully, it will get an update before fall.

    Reply
  18. Angela says

    April 18, 2013 at 12:50 PM

    BEAUTIFUL transformation! I always say “French Country!” 😉

    Reply
  19. Kelly says

    April 18, 2013 at 1:48 PM

    I absolutely adore this bathroom! I love everything about it. The wallpaper is actually my favorite part of it too. I like subtle wall coverings and yours is just that. Great choice! I like that you made it less formal by adding the burlap skirt to the vanity too. I spy the basket we share as well. I love it being used to hold magazines! Hadn’t thought to do that. I have another one in my powder room on the back of the toilet holding a plant. I liked my one so much that I went back for another one (that you saw in my bedroom).

    Reply
  20. Debbie says

    April 18, 2013 at 3:40 PM

    I love it and would love it in my house. You’ve inspired me.
    We had the same issue with wallpaper in the powder room stuck to the wall. We solved it the same way, but that was a while ago, and I would like a different look. The damask appeals to me! (I emphasize the first syllable… otherwise it sounds like da mask, as in “put on da mask, we’re holding up the bank.” )

    And I laughed about the lyrics. Oh yes. I did that too. Thought the song “Night Moves” was “Diet Food.” No, it didn’t make any sense. I sang it anyway.

    Reply
  21. Amanda @ Dixie Delights says

    April 18, 2013 at 5:23 PM

    It’s beautiful! I love every inch!!

    Reply
  22. Pam @ diy Design Fanatic says

    April 18, 2013 at 6:02 PM

    Your bathroom looks fabulous Vanessa! Love the wallpaper and your shower curtain.

    Reply
  23. Lisa @ Lisas Creative Designs says

    April 18, 2013 at 6:17 PM

    Really cute. I love the burlap! Love the walls too!

    Reply
  24. Pamela says

    April 18, 2013 at 6:49 PM

    Vanessa it turned out perfect! I never know what the difference is between French Country and Country French either!;) Thanx for joining THT this week.

    Reply
  25. Susan @ My Place to Yours says

    April 18, 2013 at 7:14 PM

    Nicely done, Vanessa! I love DAMask – and French Country style. 😉

    Reply
  26. Jane @ Cottage at the Crossroads says

    April 18, 2013 at 7:53 PM

    Vanessa, I love your DAM-ask! It’s such a happy, sunshiny color, and that mirror is gorgeous, too! Now, do you say Pee-can or pe-cahn?

    Reply
    • Vanessa says

      April 18, 2013 at 8:36 PM

      LOL Jane! I alternate between those two pronunciations of pecan! Guess it depends on which part of the country I happen to be in at the time. 😉 Thanks so much for your sweet comment and for stopping by!
      Vanessa

      Reply
  27. Anita says

    April 18, 2013 at 8:16 PM

    Vanessa, what a beautiful bathroom! I was laughing so hard when I saw the magazine, lol! Love the little skirt especially and the wallpaper is fabulous. Love that pattern. Thanks for taking time to stop by:-)

    Reply
  28. Lynn Fern says

    April 18, 2013 at 8:17 PM

    It turned out beautiful. I also have a hard time with Country French or French Country.. I love your blog… A new follower for sure!!

    Reply
  29. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    April 18, 2013 at 8:58 PM

    Vanessa…this bathroom is so beautiful…love everything about it, from the color to the lighting to the beautiful prints on the wall….Hey, I call myself Aerosmith lyric challenged too!

    Reply
  30. Becca says

    April 19, 2013 at 3:32 AM

    Potato, Pat*ah*to … I’m right there with you! Vanessa, you did an incredible job with this makeover! I love every single detail about it … the gorgeous wallpaper … the stunning mirror … the fabulous burlap “curtain,” which I want to do myself in our kitchen! It all fell into place like magic! (I have that very same edition of the Country French magazine … one of my faves.) A++++++

    Reply
  31. Wanda says

    April 19, 2013 at 5:09 AM

    Ooooo La La! love it! So frenchy and fabulous! You did a beautiful job. Have a lovely weekend and enjoy your gorgeous bath.~ Wanda

    Reply
  32. Lori says

    April 19, 2013 at 1:23 PM

    Oh, my gosh, what a transformation. I absolutley love the yellow color palette. I have never really been a burlap person, but I your below the sink burlap curtain loos fabulous. The damask wallpaper and the mirror were also excellent choices.. well done!

    Lori

    Reply
  33. At Rivercrest Cottage says

    April 19, 2013 at 3:42 PM

    your new wallpaper makes my heart sing! truly. sing.

    Reply
  34. Mick says

    April 20, 2013 at 8:15 AM

    This is just lovely! I really like all the neutrals and muted tones. The pops of color in the artwork and accessories are just enough. It looks so very relaxing and soothing. Let me make it a little more confusing. My mother-in-law always called it “rural French”.

    Reply
  35. Heather says

    April 20, 2013 at 4:35 PM

    Gorgeous! I love all of the beautiful details you added and that mirror really makes a beautiful focal point!

    Reply
  36. Jo says

    April 24, 2013 at 5:30 PM

    Love the bathroom. Any chance you will share the source for the wallpaper?

    Reply
  37. france says

    June 17, 2013 at 1:47 PM

    You are so awesome! I do not believe I’ve truly read something like this before. So wonderful to find another person with genuine thoughts on this topic. Really.. many thanks for starting this up. This web site is something that’s needed on the internet, someone
    with a little originality!

    Reply
  38. vakantiehuisje frankrijk says

    June 17, 2013 at 5:10 PM

    Somebody necessarily lend a hand to make significantly posts I might state.
    This is the first time I frequented your web page and so far?
    I surprised with the research you made to make this particular post
    amazing. Great process!

    Reply
  39. Becky Decker says

    June 19, 2013 at 1:40 PM

    I am in the process of rewallpapering my small bathroom….and LOVE your wallpaper….what is the manufacturer and name of the paper!!! It’s just what I’m looking for….kind of a color on color but ADORABLE!!!! Great creativity in that mind of yours!!!

    Reply
  40. Lauren @ WallpaperUpdate says

    September 18, 2013 at 1:42 PM

    I just love how you redecorated this bathroom. Everything matches really well. The yellow damask wallpaper really brings everything together.

    Reply

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