A long time ago in a land far away when I first started writing this blog….
…..my farmhouse bathroom was featured on a really really big website.
I couldn’t believe it.
I was so excited and told anyone who would listen and called my mom and my sister-in-law and several random neighbors to tell them the news.
It was the best thing to happen since sliced bread….
….and spray-on self-tanning lotion. 🙂
![Numbers[1]](https://thistlewoodfarms.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Numbers1.jpg)
And then I read the comments on the website.
Yikes.
Double yikes.
You see….the readers of the website didn’t really like the bathroom. And they didn’t hold back their big opinions. They let me know. They thought it was too white and too bland and told me the before looked so much better and why didn’t I leave the shell toilet seat when we remodeled.
I know….right?
But in hindsight and with the wisdom of over two and a half years of writing this blog…..
…..I completely understand.
There was something lacking.
Something that would have made all the difference and made them overlook all the white and the farmhouse charm and the claw foot tub and the replaced shell toilet seat.
Something so understated and simple that it brought the entire bathroom up a notch…..
….like rope feet for the stool. 🙂
I’m just sayin’…..prepare to be amazed.
Easy Ten Minute Decorating Idea
Rope Footed Stool
(don’t blink or you will miss it)
Supplies:
stool
rope
hot glue
Step 1: Start gluing the rope to the chair leg
I know this sounds simple….but here’s few tips.
Go slowly. Let each layer set before you proceed.
Cut the piece of rope before you begin….this makes it so much easier to wind around the chair leg.
Step 2: Continue winding and gluing the rope
When you come to the end….cut the rope at a diagonal and tuck under the last layer.
Glue in place.
Step 3: Repeat steps one and two for the other four legs
It took a few minutes….but it completely changed the look of the chair and updated the space into 2014.
So amazing big website….in case you are still featuring bathrooms….
….I think mine is finally ready for a close-up. 🙂
PS I’m so happy to be part of the 10 Minute Decorating Ideas series hosted by Laura from Finding Home.
Be sure and stop by her blog for more 10 Minute Decorating Idea Inspiration.
PPS If you’re looking for some fun headboard ideas….I just posted some over at the Lamps Plus blog.
It is the little touches that make all the difference! I adore it doll!
BTW I do love what you did, rope or no rope.
I love your bathroom! Would you share the wall color please? We are hoping to update our guest bath this summer & maybe we will go with this color! Thanks Kari Anne!
YOW, harsh is not the word! First off, you are right . . . It is YOUR space. I prefer the white - the original dark woodwork is just that, dark and drab. Not KariAnne. Bright!!
Who were those people who said those things? I love your bathroom. They obviously have no taste :) The rope thingy is very cute. xo Laura
I love your bathroom numbers, white and all. The rope just puts icing on the bathroom cake. And I am a FIRM believer if you can't say something nice , Bless those evil commentators hearts, don't say anything at all. Obviously that huge blog saw something worth publishing -- and your ideas are publish worthy!! And I agree with you -- I don't know what I'd do without no-sun self-tanning lotion. My gosh I'd actually have to sit out in the sun -- doing what???? There is too much to do. Big hugs to you!!
Love it - the perfect touch to make the whole room shine!
Ok, so I love the bathroom and I love the stool with the rope but please tell me about this self tanner. I just have to have the name please! Thanks Darling!
Jane! I am so all about it! It's from Loreal and it's called Sublime Bronze. It doesn't streak and the color doesn't look orange at all. :)
Ooh, thanks for telling us. Until last year, I was a huge fan of Jergen's gradual tanning lotion--but they changed the formulation to be "odor-free" and unfortunately, it didn't react with my skin the same way ... cue my 7-year-old daughter saying to me in the grocery store parking lot, "Mommy, your legs are orange!" Sigh. I'm not sure which would make me feel worse, rude people commenting on my bathroom decorating or grocery shopping with orange legs. Probably the first. I have watched your classy responses to rude commenters and have admired you for it. Maybe I'll be you when I grow up. :) I love your decorating style. I wish I had your energy and enthusiasm for the work of redecorating/remodeling but for me, it's a slow process. I'd rather be baking.
I love this idea! And there is nothing wrong with white! You go girl! Love it all. Best wishes, Julie
I would die in that dark depressing bathroom! Your version is a million times better. I LOVE your farmhouse style! The blue and white is beautiful. I like your positive attitude. You are amazing!
I think your bathroom looks great! I do have a question about the numbers. Are the numbers on the baskets and drawers assigned stuff holder areas (like towels, personal hygiene products, cosmetics and the like)? If that is the case it is genius. I love items that do double the work, organizational-wise and beauty-wise. If you explained the reason for the numbers in the link to where the people were not being exactly nice to you and appreciating all the work and planning you put into your redo I am sorry. I couldn't read something this early in the day that would niggle at me all day and send me into a rant. Have a great day!
Lenore, You are brilliant....but I'm not that organized. :)
This bathroom was darling before and after! What a beautiful job. :)
I still have your bathroom picture on my inspiration board for my future bathroom remodel...loved it then...love it still:) Keep up the good work KariAnne:)
Whiners gotta whine! Rope feet, excellent : D
Holy wow. I am dumbfounded at those comments!!! I am shaking my head at how some people can be so mean! I would have done exactly what you did, and painted that ole wood faster than you can say Martha Stewart! And girly frou-frou??? Still shaking my head. I love your bathroom, in the first after pic and again now. The way you decorate your rooms, is what I have been striving for in my own house. I am so glad I found your blog! Keep doing what you do, and know that there are more admirers than haters!
Absolutely Adore Your Bathroom!! The rope feet look totally Amazing!!
I just love everything you do! It looked great before but you are right the rope feet made it pop! Thanks for your great ideas that inspire me as I decorate my 1903 farmhouse!
Everyone is entitled to their opinion. We all don't have to like the same thing. But they could be polite about it. Personally I LOVE your remodeled bathroom. Clean, light and bright and very serene! Good job!
While there is nothing wrong with the original look (except maybe the wallpaper lol), I adore it painted white. It looks so fresh! All of your touches are perfect. Glad you didn't let those comments stop you. :o) Cecilia
You are right....it was pretty (well except for the shell toilet seat....just not me. :)
Glad you didn't listen to the naysayers. Your "after" is so much better! Keep being you, KariAnne.
children MUST have left those comments because I am always saying to mine: "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all!" Constructive criticism is not the same as being just plain mean! That rope tho! It just MAKES the room, doesn't it?
well....I love it.....both before and after the rope feet!
Your decorating is always inspiring and the rope....over the top. : )
We are doing our bathroom upstairs over - in fact the 3 bedrooms also. This will be a welcome addition to the new bathroom. We went to an estate sale last weekend and I found a beautiful metal wash stand and I just happened to have a pitcher and bowl that fits into it beautifully. It still has the towel bars on the side. Now I can't wait till the bathroom is done so I can decorate it. Keep those ideas coming please.
Well, you know I love your style! I have always adored your bathroom! The rope stool is just the cutest idea and I'm so borrowing this for the beach! I have used sisal twine on tables, but not rope. Thanks for sharing another great quick project!
I have been following your blog from the beginning. I must of missed that post. Kind of glad I did. The comments are very harsh and seriously someone wanted you to leave the dark walls and shell seat? Come on! I love the after. So not cookie cutter and the rope on the stool just adds to the room. Love it!
I prefer the after as well, it is very pretty and not at all bland. I bet those other commenters were men (or men in disguise), they never ever think wood should be painted and blah to them!
I'm not sure but I think that is how I found you! I loved your bathroom and I still love your bathroom............. And I love you. Can you believe there are so many meanies left in the world? I was hoping they would be as inspired too! Don't stop encouraging the world with your beautiful smile and rock star style!
Just enjoy! There will always be grumpy people! I want that Kentucky pillow! Sheila
Oh my gosh, I LOVE the bathroom!!!!I don't even know where to begin-I love the shelf with the baskets(I think that's my fave, , the wainscoating , the pedestal sink, the tub, the stool,EVERYTHING!!!!The white is so airy, clean, summery!!!I wish my bathroom were big enough for half of what you've done with yours!!!One question: Can a DIY'er( with a handy, supportive hubby or friend) install wainscotting herself, or did you get a professional builder, contractor decorator?
Polly, The wainscoating was already there when we bought the house. But I've seen it in sheets at Lowe's before! karianne
Where'd you find the cabinet with the numbers on the drawers?
It came from Hobby Lobby (on clearance)!
Do you remember how many layers of rope you used on each leg?
I used 10 layers of rope on each leg. :)
I love this little detail on the chair. For a real nautical look you could wind your way up! Jane xx
I had to look up the big fanous website, and you have to admit some of the supportive comments are great. "It's just paint, the wood isn't gone, nobody stole the wood." Hahaha! I am also not a fan of wood anything except furniture and floors...even then it has to be specific tones. There has to be a delicate balance of respecting the nature of the house but taking into consideration your own taste!! I like the "after" much better.
Oh yeah, and who is the wacko that would keep a shell toilet lid?! Regardless of looks, that seems like a germ trap!!!
It's lovely! But I can relate! I swear, often times things that I think are wonderful and beautiful seems to not be the same for others. For example, we are currently trying to sell a home that my husband owned before we met (that he was renting out.) I thought it would be great to paint the rooms actual colors. Nothing gaudy, but make it seem more 'home-like'. After 3 months on the market, the realtor suggested painting the colonial blue living room just beige. The blue went great with the elegant fireplace/mantle and the slate entryway, or so I thought. I guess in the end it doesn't matter what I like if it helps sell the house. :)
Erin, my husband is a real estate agent. Even thought it's just paint, a lot of people can't get past the colors in a house to see the great features that the house actually has. It's strange, but that's the way it is. I hope your house sells soon. I don't know where you live, but in our city, the current time on the market for a house is 90 days before it is under contract. Best of luck to you!
I loved the bathroom then and now. I actually posted a picture of it on my FB with the comment "Now this is style and ease with plenty of class!" The only thing that did not work for me.... the baskets over the tub. They look lovely, but I am clumsy by nature and could only visualize those baskets plunging into the tub below as I reached for one of them...a long shot for most, but with me an almost guaranteed possibility... You continue to be an inspiration and I always enjoy checking in on your site.
I've always loved this bathroom, and the added texture from the rope plays nicely off the basket texture, well done! this is a beautiful space. keep doing what you're doing, it's working! and those comments? pffttt. it always amazes me how perfectly normal people allow themselves to splash around in their jerk pool when they're commenting online. I'm not saying they shouldn't be honest, I just question whether they would ever behave that way in person...I certainly hope not, their Moms would slap them silly.
I love your work. I have followed you for awhile now. You know who you are, and when you look in the mirror you can honestly say that you like the person staring back at you. In today's world how many people can say that. I think we can offer advice without resorting to being so unkind and hurtful to people. You just continue creating, blogging, and doing what you do, please know there are so many of us that will continue to follow you. I for one think you not only have fabulous tastes and a wonderful blog, but you are also raising and nurturing four wonderful children. Can anyone ask for anything better than that. A devoted follower.......Betty
I love the Kentucky pillow. Did you make it or buy it somewhere?
The transformation is beautiful. And that rope detail is awesome! I can imagine it must be hard taking harsh comments but I love your outlook on things KariAnne! :)
Ouch, those were not very nice. My mom always told me if you can't say anything nice don't say anything at all. I love your bathroom after so much better. The rope is a beautiful accent and I love all your style. You can come redo my home anytime!
OH MY WORD A SHELL SEAT? i LOVE THE BEACH THEME BUT I WOULD WANT SHELLS IN JARS NOT ON MY BOTTOM! LOVE YOU AND ALL YOU DO!
Oh how awful that you got complaints about anything in your house. Actually I am very shocked. I guess it is a good thing I did not see that post and the remarks...... I might have been bad.
haha I was totally laughing when you revealed the big item that would help change their minds....love you...love the blog...so glad you're able to turn the other cheek to those that don't know how to politely express themselves :)
All I can say is Haters Are Gonna Hate but I am not a hater and I love your "after" bathroom. Keep up the good work!
I love reading your blog and I just love your personality! Keep being YOU!! ;)
I can't believe there were complaints about this bathroom! Gosh, I love it. But, styles were very different a few years back. I suppose some could say you were a 'disruptor'- a person who challenges convention and what we're all so familiar with. I say rock on and be that disruptor!
I'm sorry but I think your bathroom is beautiful and the color is very serene.I love your blog, your sense of humor and the fact that you present yourself and your projects as REAL not always some glossy perfection but a home that was made for your family to LIVE in.
I really like your bathroom. I originally saw it from the big website and followed you since. Please share the paint color. Thanks.
You know we are the biggest fan of neutral spaces and your bathroom is wonderful…adore the clawfoot tub and the number chest - did you do that too??? It's perfect KariAnne!
KariAnne, You were just ahead of the curve with your simple & "light," but beautiful "after" bath! Loving everything you do, I find the rope around the chair legs simple & unique, yet having major impact, because I also agree with Cynthia, above: the texture of the rope connects visually w/the baskets. Please keep giving us all these wonderful design & projects we love!!! Don't ever mind what *I* think is merely a bit of jealousy ... (doesn't sound "constructive!") p.s. If I could, I'd steal away that numbered chest from you, bring it to TX! I have a 10-drawer 2-col. vertical (also on sale, Hobby Lobby) for art/craft supplies, that I love! (Just can't remember what's in which drawer, so DUH! labels are next!!! Now it's continual game of "Concentration"...!)
I thought you were going to say that the bathroom was lacking a big sign that said..."I love it, and that's all that matters!" Haha, great post. It looks fantastic. Always. ♥Linsey
You did a beautiful job on the bathroom! High 5!
I love your home, style, and personal expression! The stool is darn cute, the rope just takes it up a notch! What website, you Rock!
I'm currently sharing Dave's office because we've pulled everything out of my office to remodel. Anyway, I read your original post AND this post out loud and we BOTH laughed so hard, we had tears streaming down our faces. I won't quote Dave but it had something to do with not minding using either version.
We moved to the country about 10 years ago. I have realized that everything can figure how to get into your home. So the practical part of having light colors is so that you can easily spot some crawly or slivery thing before you walk on it or go to bed with it. Luv your style!
What a great, simple touch, that adds just a little pop of rustic, and wow. BTW, your sink is to DIE for!!! Where did you source that (assume its not a DIY?)
I have loved this bathroom since the beginning of time!
As always, love what you do and how you present the ideas! I can always count on you to get me laughing and put a smile on my face
KariAnne, first off, I love the new touch... I love the whole bathroom... I love everything you do... Does that mean that everything you do is my personal taste? nope, but I love the classiness and artistry in your work and I love that you love it. AND I just read the previous post (where everyone was weighing in with their opinions). Anyway, I just wanted to put my 2 cents worth in there... One of the things I like most about you is that YOU LIKE YOU, and you like your stuff and it reflects who you are. Having met you in person and reading your blog for a while, I can say that your confidence is magnetic. I am glad you can hear opinions and roll with it, understanding that not everyone has the same taste, but not "wear" their negative comments.