How to: silhouette bathroom artwork

Brace yourselves. I went a little risque with my bathroom artwork. I felt like I could because the bathroom started looking all pulled together and polished with the wine crate shelf (post here). The added white accessories balanced the drab, ugly tile and lightened up the bulkiness of the wine crate and chunky vanity. I'm still fiddling around with which accessories to display but I plan to mix modern and vintage for an eclectic look with an updated feel. But more on that later.

On the opposite wall, I wanted to hang some larger artwork that mimicked the simplicity of the wine crate and white accessories but added a little humor and unexpectedness. It needed to be water-resistant, couldn't compete with the wine crate shelf display and incorporate a pop of color.

So what did I come up with?

That's right, a silhouette of my dog taking a dump! 

It's weird I know, but for some reason I this it's hilarious the way a dog proudly sits back into a good lean to take a #2. They always seem so uncomfortable and awkward and I can't help but chuckle every time I see one get into the position. Then, while waiting the 10 minutes for Ruby to eventually pick her perfect spot, I got to thinking about how awesome a silhouette of the goofy pose would look in my bathroom. 

So, I putting my pride aside and creepily followed Ruby around the front lawn with my phone waiting for her to do the deed. Then I snapped a million different photos hoping and praying I got one that was usable. Fortunately, a snagged this one. She was so embarrassed.

 

Next, I grabbed my sketch pad and drew the outline of my little furry roommate so it was large enough to fill the spare 18"x24" canvas I had laying around. I cut out the sketch, traced it on the canvas and mixed the perfect shade of hot pink to fill in the outline.

For the record, I was debating on whether to go hot pink or deep teal. To help make the choice, I decided to pick the shade based on the tile color I hated the most in hopes that it would draw attention away. Obviously, the pink won. 

Overall, I'm really happy with the choice. I think it looks modern, brightens up the space and compliments the wine crate and accessories nicely. Plus it's funny, another way to embarrass my dog and something that, yet again, reminds me not to take anything too seriously.

Next up: dialing up the fabrics. Since the white walls are über stark and the tile is über ugly, my goal is to use texture and color to help blend everything together in a way that makes the bathroom decor seem as cohesive and as pretty as it can be.

Home is where your bed is.

Rainy, cold, gross weather = perfect day to curl up in bed and watch bad TV. Since this isn't an option for me today, I'm choosing the next best thing: daydreaming about a bed upgrade. The easiest way to increase your bed's status is to purchase some triple-digit count cotton sheets in a crisp white. Not only will the purchase make your bed that much more comfortable, it will also look more polished and grown-up.

Another way to upgrade your bed is through the headboard. Lately, I am loving the look of the obviously fake. Meaning, a traditional-shaped headboard painted on a large canvas (or even just the wall) in a solid color. The look adds a nice level of quirk and illustration to a room suggesting a playful tone that clearly doesn't take itself too seriously. Also, it's an inexpensive way to break up the boxiness of a room that can come from the dresser, armoire, etc. Here are some really great options.

 from left to right: the frisky, design*sponge, crooked house

Another idea I am thinking about is creating a headboard out of cork tiles. To add some personality, artistic flair and depth to the arrangement, I would tack on polaroids of loved ones or recent trips, postcard-sized replicas of your favorite artwork, small canvases of simple illustrations and maybe even a few ornate, empty frames (glass removed) in bright colors. I did a quick sketch of what it could look like - I think the picture style, artwork and color choices would be crucial in making the headboard look more like a composition rather than a collaged-mess.