We’re painting the new art studio. And I’m on a mission to pimp out the potty.
We’re in the hardware store staring at paint chips. Mr. Spouse is there for ceiling white. (Ho-hum. Yawn.) I’m there for rebellion.
Or celebration.
Because this room, this tiny little studio potty, is my place to shine. To break free from the white white WHITE studio wall chains and do whatever I want.
Right now I’m thinking the potty deserves rich raspberry walls. And a blazing orange ceiling.
Because they’re sooo not white.
Mr. Spouse looks at my paint chips and makes a face. “If you’re gonna go orange,” he says, “go ORANGE.”
He plucks the chip from my hand and replaces it with something brighter. Bolder. Positively vibrating.
Is he serious?
Hell no.
This is Mr. Beige.
He’s daring me.
And I accept the challenge.
Somewhere between the paint aisle and the checkout line, I realized this really isn’t about a bathroom.
The paint is just the gateway drug.
Pretty soon I’m hunting for BLING. Cut-glass doorknobs. Lace curtains. And crystal chandelier drops to hang from the recessed light. Apparently I have no self-control.
Maybe there’s a place for all those bunny lights I bought after Easter.
An old mirror with an outrageous frame. A wall vase with fresh flowers. And one of those kitchy dolls with a spare roll of TP under her skirt.
By now the bathroom has become less of a bathroom and more of a tiny jewel box hiding inside an otherwise sensible studio.
The last few months have been full of practical decisions for designing an art studio. Where should the lights go? How many outlets? What kind of flooring? Where does the sink belong?
Thousands of little choices, each one trying to be sensible. Necessary.
But exciting? Not so much.
But then along comes one little room where practicality doesn’t get the final say.
A room that gets to be joyful.
Will everyone love raspberry walls, an orange ceiling, lace curtains, and enough crystal to catch every ray of afternoon sun?
Probably not.
Do I care?
Nope. Not at all. Because there’s something deeply satisfying about creating a space that simply makes me happy.
Don’t need no stinkin’ permission.
No justification.
No “does this go?”
Just “Ooooooh…”
The bathroom isn’t finished yet.
Neither is the studio.
There are mirrors to hang, crystal drops to string, trim to paint, and a hundred other things on the to-do list.
Is it a little ridiculous? Absolutely.
Over the top? You betcha.
And that’s the point. Just thinking about it lights me up inside.
Your Turn
This week’s creative prompt: Follow delight before your sensible brain shuts it down.
WHAT’S YOUR ORANGE CEILING?
Follow it. Even if it’s only one paint chip at a time.
Back next week–
Absolutely love your color combinations! Like a Hindi special! Studio walls have to be neutral to show off the art, but bathroom, not at all. Good for you, Susan!! That’s why you’ve always been my kind of gal.
Hey Hindi–I knew that you, of all people, would approve! xoxo
Not sure if it’s just a mock up in your photo, but I love the way the raspberry walls set off the yellow green foliage out the window. A perfect little painting. Feels very old world museum walls.
Hi Alice–What you see is just a quick snap from my phone, not a mockup. I hadn’t given it much thought but in a few months those leaves with be gold and orange–another focal point with the raspberry walls. Old world museum wall vibes are much classier than early bordello!