'Splish, Splash'

"Splish, Splash, I was taking a bath..."

Come to think of it, when was the last time you redid your bathroom? Not recently, I bet.

What are you going to do if you unexpectedly have a bunch of guests wanting to a’splishin’ and a’splashin,’ reelin’ with the feelin,’ movin’ and a groovin’ in your bathroom? Will they take the party somewhere else if they see your dated bath towels and amenities?

A tight budget is no reason to keep you down. The bathroom is the one room in the house where less is always more.

1. First, stock up on mini soaps, hairbrushes, towels, robes, toothbrushes and toothpaste. Think ‘hotel,’ but with the warmth and comfort your home can bring. Future guests will appreciate the gesture and not feel like they’re imposing should they forget to bring bath essentials.

2. While painting a bathroom a different shade sets the tone, you might not have enough time for a quick paint and dry. Picking a small handmade tile for your wall and inserting it with the rest is the fastest way change the face of your bathroom.

3. Change your vanities and shelving units. Protect your belongings from getting damp or wet in a new vanity – it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. When I remodeled my bathroom a few years ago, I replaced everything but the tub and bathroom wall tiles above it. But even with the new flooring and paint job, the biggest difference came from the shelving unit above my toilet and drawers next to the sink.

4. Curtains. From American country, to retro, or beach. Whatever your style or color preference, make sure your set of new curtains can withstand moisture and staining. The curtains should be easy to remove and clean, when necessary.

5. When it comes to applying makeup or shaving, having adequate lighting is key. You’re also going to need a good mirror. After leaning over my sink to apply my makeup in front of the mirror, I decided to place a smaller magnifying mirror next to the sink. Now, no more leaning over the sink and ruining my blouse.

6. The bathroom can be a place for rest and relaxation. Let the candles
take care of the romantic lighting. Use scented oils or incense for aromatherapy and get that bubble bath going!

Splish, splash, now you have a new bath!

-S. Gonzalez


*Photos courtesy of everythingturquoise.com/

'Channeling Chanel'

Amidst the release of films chronicling the illustrious Coco Chanel’s life, steamy love affairs and beginnings of her fashion house, another house of ‘Coco’ finds itself back in the spotlight.

At the Cannes Film Festival this past weekend, film critics debated Chanel’s rumored love affair with composer Igor Stravinsky – the subject of the film “Coco Chanel and Igor Stravinsky" (bottom right). But few people know that not so far away in Scotland, the mansion where Chanel retreated to with another former lover is set to undergo a facelift.

The second Duke of Westminster, named Hugh ‘ Bendor’ Grosvenor, bought the dilapidated Rosehall mansion (below center) in 1924. The French designer (shown left) decorated the 20-room mansion, which hosted the likes of Winston Churchill and other friends of the duke.

Inspired by the same French designer who still garners attention 30 years after her death, businessman Muhammed Sayeed Cohwdry purchased the property in hopes of restoring Rosehall to its former grandeur.

The plan is to transform Rosehall House into a luxurious country club, catering to the elite in search of holiday accommodation or a new home. Cohwdry plans to divide the mansion into seven apartments and to add an additional 12 houses onto the estate.

Despite the renovations, Cohwdry, 53, promises to save what remains of Chanel and decorate anew according to her aesthetic.

“I want her touch to remain in the house,” the businessman told Herald reporter David Ross.

And there is a bit of the Chanel touch that still lingers within Rosehall’s crumbling walls.

According to the Herald and building reports, Chanel’s signature beige (a radical decor choice at the time) and browns are consistent throughout most of the rooms. There is a splash of green for the downstairs cloakrooms, chimneys made of painted timber and the floral wallpaper adorning one bedroom was reportedly hand-painted in France.

But what of the new decorating to come at a place once visited by fashion’s most prized and sought after couturier?

Would Rosehall channel the spirit of Chanel who created the infamous little black dress and the two-piece tweed suit? Would there be a wallpaper painted with interlocking C’s – as found today on quilted Chanel bags?

Can you imagine walking through the drawing room of Rosehall House where a fire cart, which dates to Chanel’s time, stays there still? Rising above the smell of timber is the scent of Chanel no. 5 perfume.

The designer once said: “There have been several Duchesses of Westminster, but there is only one Chanel.”

Chanel always leaves her mark.

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of jenniebinsc.wordpress.com,8333696@fotopic.net and fashioncopius.typepad.com