At the risk of becoming a 'Style' blog which others, we are only too well aware, perfect with an ease and expertise to which we could never aspire, let us venture to consider the bathroom. And, as we write only from personal experience, our own Budapest bathroom.
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| a general view of our bathroom in our Budapest apartment |
As a room, it opens directly from our bedroom but we should in no way consider it to be 'en suite', a term which is anathema to us with its connotations of hotel chains and Bovis* new homes. No, it is simply our bathroom, as opposed to the one which is set aside for overnight visitors.
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| looking towards the window [our bedroom door on the right] |
Many of our friends, particularly younger ones, espouse today's trend for powered showers, jacuzzi-type baths and wet rooms where, for practicality we assume, tiles abound, often from floor to ceiling and in all manner of colours and designs. Just a tiny bit vulgar, we think. For ourselves, and here we offer a personal viewpoint, we prefer to have none of it. Constant hot water, yes, warmth in winter, a must, a ready supply of towels, always white Egyptian cotton [colours we consider a little déclassé], and we are quite content.
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| a traditional style radiator warms towels in readiness for use |
Curtains we forgo in favour of the existing shutters at the windows; the floor is of parquet; and the bath, purchased in London, serves us well for it is comfortably deep [no regulation wartime 3" of water here] and, importantly, holds the heat. A glass fronted trolley dispenses with the need for a bathroom cupboard and is, of course, always to hand.
And whilst, and at this point we should be the first to agree, it fails to live up to those glossy bathroom images which sparkle from the pages of such periodicals as 'House and Garden', or which are the glory of so many blogs, we, in fact, rather like it as it is.
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| above the day bed a picture by the French artist André Cottavoz |
*for readers abroad, Bovis is a construction company based in Britain.
Dear Jane and Lance,
ReplyDeletePlease don't apologize for the lack of 'bling' in your lovely bathroom as it is one of the most special and uniquely beautiful spaces I've ever seen for the bath rituals of relaxation and personal hygiene....absolutely wonderful and perfect, every single detail!
Thank you so much for sharing...it was a joy to see (and very refreshing)!
xo J~
24 Corners:
ReplyDeleteWe are most flattered by your generous comment. We loved your play on the word refreshing. Now why didn't we think of that!
We hope that you are bathed in sunshine this weekend as we are here in Budapest.
The small upholstered 'step' up to the bath is very sophisticated. And the 'Chaise longue', a little treat.
ReplyDeleteHow refreshingly 'un-footballer's-wives' (if that means anything!).
It is an utterly charming bathroom! I love that you have a seating area, and the trolley is so neatly arranged. But I'm afraid I must pry...where do you keep your skincare, cosmetics, etc?
ReplyDeleteIt would be the perfect bathroom for me! Oh how I miss what is not modern. In London, we always stay at the St Margaret's hotel, or did, and have not since they were bought by a chain, but it is such a modest hotel, so lovely and I spent countless (hours?) in their most beautiful baths. Long, deep tubs encased in wood, a simple sink and nothing more than a huge window to gaze out of that looked upon a garden. Your bath is lovely, just lovely. I particularly like the wooden shutters as opposed to curtains, and am a big fan of art in bathrooms
ReplyDeleteCro Magnon:
ReplyDeleteThe upholstered stool is rather more of a necessity than a decorative item as the sides of the bath are quite high. We have an awful fear, however, that the next stage will be some sort of contraption which will swing us up and over......we have seen such items advertised in the Sunday supplements!!
What a WAG you are where footballers and their wives are concerned!!
Une femme:
ReplyDeleteHow kind of you to be so generous with your praise of our simple bathroom.
The small single door mahogany cupboard which is just visible holds everything that is not showable.
TCFO:
ReplyDeleteThe hotel bathroom you write about sounds absolutely lovely. But, as you say, they are in danger of dying out with 'boutique' wet rooms replacing them at every turn.
We were very tempted by a substantial mahogany encased cast iron bath, complete with built in copper cased shower fitting which although made in C19 London was in an antique shop in Budapest. But the thought of the plumbing and the weight to be lifted up to the second floor....no, it had to remain a dream!
Dear Jane and Lance!
ReplyDeleteThis bathroom is a delight. i love the bathtub, and the divan (!) its cosy but still glamorous :)
Lovely bathroom! Here in Tallinn I actually have two, but none of them is as beautiful as yours. However there is a sauna here which I'm looking forward to try someday.
ReplyDeleteakissfromthepast:
ReplyDeleteHow very sweet of you to say such complimentary things about our bathroom. It can be a very relaxing place to be, especially in winter.
What a nice bathroom! And especially the radiator warming the towels got my attention:) No doubt you're tactful people, Jane and Lance...
ReplyDeleteLa Sombra Sofisticada:
ReplyDeleteAh, the true Swede, forever associated in the minds of the English with a sauna. We do have a second bathroom but that too is without anything over and above normal plumbing.
Sihirli Yazilar:
ReplyDeleteThank you. The radiator really does ensure that the towels are kept warm and dry in winter. For the rest of the year the Hungarian climate does the job.
First of all, I love the title. Second, I have always loved the look of wood with white linens-- in particular towels. There is an elegance there which is difficult to rival with anything 'more fussy.' For years, we had only white and ivory linens until, just this past year, I purchased a set of sand-colored Turkish towels with a red-stitch trim to go on our teak shelving unit in the 'the bath.' It took me a while to get used to them!
ReplyDeleteAs for the nudes, yes, I suppose they are quite appropriate, all things considered.
A happy Saturday to you!
Hello Jane and Lance - the soaking tub is lovely and quite welcoming...just last night I had a good, long soak in my vintage tub. We too have a warming radiator for towels...wonderful in the chill winter months...
ReplyDeleteI've never understood the need for a bathroom the size of a living room. After all, I don't spend all *that* much time in there!
-smile-
Oh my, I AM IN AWE of your exquisite, tastefully done bathroom. I do live in a newer home and have some of those amenities that you speak of, however, they do not hold a candle to the class and beauty of yours. Besides they become outdated very quickly as H @ G will tell you. I am ready (mentally) to gut them.
ReplyDeleteA daybed, a daybed you say, be still my heart!
You are such an elegant couple! Thank you again for letting us peek into your world.
Using your words, Tres Chic
What a lovely, elegant bathroom - it reminds me of the 1920s. The wall lights are a nice detail, and the chaise is so decadent! Does the parquet stand up to being splashed with water?
ReplyDeleteSuze:
ReplyDeleteYou are always so generous in your comments. Thank you so much.
We do rather like the sound of the sand coloured Turkish towels. They conjure up images of sun drenched beaches in distant lands. Lovely!
Yes, the 'Nudes', there really seemed only one place for them!
Dear Jane and Lance,
ReplyDeleteI love your bathroom, it's a beautiful and relaxing room.
I like the colors you've chosen, there are mach perfect.
Absolutely wonderful and perfect!
Thistle Cove Farm:
ReplyDeleteWe very much like your term 'soaking tub' but, in our horror of looking like walnuts we do rather less soaking in the bath than we should like. More like a quick dip and rinse, so to speak.
Although kitchens the size of a ballroom fill us with dread, we should not mind a huge bathroom. Then, we could include a fireplace complete with working fire, armchairs, a bookcase, vintage weighing scales.......
Dear Jane and Lance,
ReplyDeleteI adore your bathroom. The bath is wonderful, the pile of fluffy white towels, the wooden flooring and, your stunning shutters ( something that is a must .....I love shutters )all go to make this room perfect in my eyes......and bath, towels, tiles etc. MUST be white.
We have never bought into the en suite fashion. We live in a Victorian house, where the main bathroom is downstairs ( I can hear people all over blogland taking a sharp intake of breath in disbelief !!!!) but, we do have a shower room and WC upstairs. I can never believe my eyes when reading house details, that some houses have more bathrooms than bedrooms !!
Your bathroom is a delight and a welcome retreat, I'm sure, from the rigours of gardening and just everyday life.
Many thanks for showing it to us. XXXX
Starting Over....:
ReplyDeleteOh, we are so pleased that you like the daybed. Purchased in a favourite antique shop in Budapest but rather sad with its stained and torn covering. Then, upholstered in black and white striped French ticking which was bought in Brighton. A truly international piece.
Thank you so much for your most kind and generous comment. It has made our day.
Trashsparkle:
ReplyDeleteThe parquet was laid some seven years ago and at the time was lightly oiled. It has had no further treatment since and yet, to us at least, we feel that it looks as good as new.
The boat shaped bath tends to create waves when one gets out and so there is usually some overflow for the floor to contend with. No problem, however, to date!
Dear Jane and Lance,
ReplyDeleteIt is always a joy to read one of your posts. It makes me wish I could write as beautifully in English.
Your bathroom matches the atmosphere of your house perfectly. I enjoy bathrooms like this too. Not too much upschmuck, but just stylish, comfortable and useful.
Happy weekend & Lieve groet,
Madelief
That is absolutely my idea of the Ideal Bathroom.
ReplyDeleteThe day bed! The gorgeous deep tub! The parquet floor! The fluffy white towels! Oh and the shuttered window, so elegant.
It is perfection, as you both are as well.
Ariel:
ReplyDeleteWe are so pleased that you like our bathroom. This is just about as minimalist as we get.
Dear Jane and Lance,
ReplyDeleteI see my first try at a comment has popped up so there was no need for me to try to recreate it.
I have been using a computer since they first became part of the work environment in 1985, but everything in technology moves so fast today, and unfortunately, I don't. I just assumed that I did something wrong and my words were erased. So today you get three comments from me, two prety much the same, the other an apology for taking up your time.
Jacqueline:
ReplyDeleteWe know that we should love your house in every detail. The more idiosyncratic the better as far as we are concerned and, as in everything we see in your own blog,all carried out with such style.
We were very fortunate that the apartment had retained all its original windows, window fittings and shutters which do work remarkably well at keeping the heat in in winter and keeping out the glare of too much sun.
Lovely bathroom. Where's the Crapper? Is it in that door to the right of one photo?
ReplyDeleteI too am a fan of pure white Egyptian cotton towels, but 'my dears' they are a devil to keep that way. I have to wash mine regularly, sometimes using a special whitener. Surely such things do not bother you though - may be a Laundry in Budapest or Timea?.....................
ReplyDeleteRosemary
Madelief:
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the compliment, but you do yourself such a disservice since you should hear our schoolday French, German and as for Dutch.......
We do so agree about keeping things simple, at least as far as bathrooms are concerned. Friends have televisions in them.....!!!
DaniBP:
ReplyDeleteThat is terribly kind of you to say so. From such a style maven as you undoubtedly are, these are compliments indeed. We are happy!
Strating over...[again]:
ReplyDeletePlease do not apologise, this comment really did make us smile. We took the liberty of exploding the second comment which, amazingly, you had replicated to a 'T'!!
Technology is such a wondrous thing when it works but it is quite beyond our understanding and we find it completely erratic, but perhaps that says more about us than the microchip!!
Tom Stephenson:
ReplyDeleteThe door to which you refer is part of a Biedermeier cupboard which is our wardrobe.
The lavatory is elsewhere.
What an absolutely lovely room - one that you could really relax in. Never apologise for showing us your lovely home. I don't know about you but I am naturally nosy and love to see how other people arrange their spaces. I also love your plump looking towels piled high and ready for use, so luxurious looking!
ReplyDeleteAnonymous-Rosemary:
ReplyDeleteYou know us too well, Rosemary. We must confess that the towels are washed nearly every day, ironed, folded and neatly stacked......by Timea. She is, of course, a National Treasure.
Karen:
ReplyDeleteOriginally, when we bought the daybed we did not particularly think of its being placed in the bathroom, but we are so pleased that we did. It is, as you say, wonderful to relax on after a warm bath with a favourite book just before going to bed.
You find me panicking slightly here, as I always do when multi-tasking. I'm torn between lingering a moment to admire your bathroom, and, in particular, its very elegant window and radiator and beautiful floor, and dashing straight off to hide my coloured towels in a distant cupboard before anyone happens to spot them. If you don't mind, I'll tackle the towel-hiding first for fear of Social Shame, but I'll be straight back for the Admiration.
ReplyDeleteI love finding inspiration like this on blogs, simply stunning!
ReplyDeleteMise:
ReplyDeleteYou make us so happy, dear Mise, with your amusing comments and we have laughed out loud at this one.
Social Shame....never....display your rainbow of towels with pride. For you, dear Mise, are a one-off and perceived good taste is meant to be challenged!
Ana Degenaar:
ReplyDeleteWe are so pleased that you have found our bathroom to offer some inspiration. We do so agree that there are many wonderful ideas in the Blogosphere emanating from so many marvellously creative people.
I, personally, adore your bathroom. I love the simplicity of it. If I did away with everything in our bathroom which is not necessary, I could have a lovely bathtub. I am a "white towel" girl as well.
ReplyDeleteBonnie:
ReplyDeleteWe should not wish to be without a bath and so yes, strip it all out and put in the bath today!
We do agree,one of life's luxuries is a warm, fluffy white towel on which to dry oneself!
The personal space of your own private bathroom should be exactly as you like it, never mind what designers, builders or trendsetters have to say. I have definite ideas of how I want to refresh our main bath in the city house. After several months and a few heated discussions with an interior designer last year I fired him and left the job without a single task completed other than measuring the space. I may try someone else and go at it again next year but for now I'll just keep it as it is, which is vintage 1956 except for the new taps and a train rack for towels. If they aren't going to listen to what I want then forget it.
ReplyDeleteYour bathroom looks peaceful and lovely.
some realy beautiful elemtents and details in your bathroom. i particularly like the bathtab and the neatness of your towels. and of course the floor. i always thought that tiles make bathrooms look so cold.
ReplyDeletewishing you lovely days : )
xoxo:
ReplyDeleteWhat a nightmare! And how wise of you to be rid of the interior designer as, very clearly, he was not listening. Surely his job is to interpret you ideas into a practical reality. In any case, we are fairly certain you are totally capable of redesigning your bathroom without external help.
In the meantime, vintage 1956 sounds to us to be rather good.
Demie:
ReplyDeleteHow very kind and generous of you to say so. We are pleased that you like the bathroom.
We agree completely with you about floor tiles which we too think of as rather cold in a bathroom.
Just absolutely beautiful, Jane and Lance. A quiet, placid, perfectly designed spot to relax and unwind in. I love the subdued use of color - non-color almost -it is perfectly appropriate to the - dare I say it? - 'look' you were obviously going for. Stylish is as sylish does and you both are doing very well. Love this room.
ReplyDeleteYvette:
ReplyDeleteYou are too kind, and you have made us very happy indeed with such a wonderfully generous comment.
For us, the bathroom is the height of restraint, although whether anyone else would see it so we doubt!
In my previous comment I forgot to thank you for your kind comments on my post today - I too prefer a uniform approach in many things, and when it comes to dealing with an array of bright colours - simplicity often works best!
ReplyDeleteGill xx
Gillyflower:
ReplyDeleteA pleasure! We thought that the patchwork was lovely and beautifully done.
Perfect, just perfect. Nothing else I can say.
ReplyDeleteAxxx
Annie:
ReplyDeleteHow very kind. Thank you.
I think I must have forgotten to type in the word verification on my original comment on this post!
ReplyDeleteJust to say I think your bathroom is elegant, stylish,comfortable and timeless.
It far outweighs, to my mind, any of the latest fads and fashions in bathrooms, as most of them seem to lack the comfort element and a sense of wanting to linger awhile.
But having the right setting and time to do just that (linger)is surely one of life's most precious luxuries.
Hope this one reaches you!
Gill xx
It's the wood I like most here, Jane and Lance. I find the use of metal cold and somehow risky, as if I'm likely to slip...a bit like being in a hospital, a place I'd rather avoid as long as possible.
ReplyDeletePared back to what you need, and yet avoiding the utilitarian, replacing it with a sense of easefulness, you've remembered that a bathroom is really a place of repair and respite.
Late to the game but I find it interesting that this post only elicited (the well-deserved) compliments on your bath. No talk of the use of the room--quite a difference from the dining room post! Alright, I am being a bit silly. I also think the room perfect and have nothing to add (save perhaps a chandelier because why not). Reassured to hear that such perfect parquet is protected and also find it surprising that there are so many words for the meridienne, daybed, divan, chaise longue, etc.
ReplyDeleteVery important question: is the guest bath equally well-equipped? ;)
Wishing you both a wonderful weekend,
Heather
Now this is a bathroom! It reminds me so much of my grandmother's bathroom which was a huge room with black and white tiles with claw bath. The room also had wonderful french doors which opened onto the verandah which surrounded the house!
ReplyDeleteI love it--the white, the wood, and the window. A chaise longue and that marvelous deep tub. Perfect!
ReplyDeleteYes indeed. A lithograph of nudes is absolutely appropriate. I don't know the French artist André Cottavoz, but a bathroom is a great place for naked, wet bodies.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, a parquet floor in the bathroom, how wonderful! I do have a similar bath, white towels and a nude lady on my wall, painted by my friends father. Sadly for me, that is where the similarity ends. I do however, think that if I had a day bed in my bathroom, then I really would be in there all day!
ReplyDeleteA lovely space for performing one's daily ablutions!
ReplyDeleteIt is everything at the ready and it is bright and serene.
Bravo you two!
Dearest Lance and Jane
ReplyDeleteI am late coming to the party. I was soaking in my tub. Your chaise longue is so inviting. I would not change one item in your bathroom, it is harmonious, relaxing, functional and a classic. One house we lived in did have a fireplace and it was enchanting.
Thanks for the beautiful post
Helen
I recently switched to all white linens and I so agree there is something about white fluffy towels that are so luxurious...but I must draw the line at ironing towels!! Nope, sorry not going to happen here!!
ReplyDeleteI love the tub.it is truly a soaking tub. Beautiful.
ReplyDeletecheers, parsnip
Gillyflower [again]:
ReplyDeleteHow really kind of you to take the time and trouble to return.
Yes, we think that the point you make is so right that very often today's bathrooms, for all of their undoubted glamour, do not necessarily invite one to linger and can perhaps lack warmth.
Hello Jane and Lance,
ReplyDeleteYour bathroom is so beautiful. It looks like the perfect sanctuary and I love that bath!
Bathrooms do seem to be a little harsh and hi tech these days but it seems to be what clients want so what can you do?
I am with you 100% on the subject of "Bovis" homes. We have many such project home companies in Australia. It seems to be the bigger you build it, the better. We call them "McMansions" and this is not meant to be a term of endearment!
I have to admit to being a little "declasse". As I live with three sons and a husband, I have always had a pink towel - sorry but I am a girly girl and I need a bit of pink in my life!
I hope you are having a great weekend and thanks so much for visiting me. I love the "Empire" comment. I am still giggling when I think of it!
Hugs to to you both, Stephie x
Gardener in the Distance:
ReplyDeleteWe had not thought of it at all in this way, Faisal, but wht you say is so very true and that if one is not careful the bathroom, in today's homes, can become a little sterile in appearance, [even hospital like!].
Lost in Provence:
ReplyDeleteOh dear, you have really set us thinking about the possibility of a chandelier or something equally dramatic. And why not? In the UK there are so many restrictions on what electrical fitments are permitted in a bathroom [no switches, no open sockets, lights to be completely enclosed, etc.], whereas here there are none. Something to contemplate whilst lying on the 'couch'!!
AS for the guest bathroom, we hope that perhaps one day you will see for yourself.
David Toms:
ReplyDeleteNow your grandmother's bathroom sounds to have been beyond our wildest dreams. We love the idea of it having been possible to step from the bath onto the open verandah. What absolute luxury!
Jen of Country Weekend:
ReplyDeleteYou are very kind indeed with your generous comment. Thank you. We too rather like the place of wood in the bathroom to avoid, as Faisal [above] said, that rather clinical look.
Hels:
ReplyDeleteYes, it just seemed to us appropriate to place this picture in the bathroom. We rather like the way the figures are all standing around, doing very little if anything at all, in a huge 'salon' of a room which might be found in some French chateau or Italian palace. Good fun, we think!
My Spotty Pony:
ReplyDeleteYour bathroom sounds to us to be wonderful, which we are sure it is.
Parquet flooring, although not usually in bathrooms, is very common in Hungary and is to be found in all older properties, and even today costs very little compared with the price of a wood floor in the UK.
Hostess of the humble bungalow:
ReplyDeleteAh, but we have noticed fresh flowers in your bathroom which is such a nice touch and one which, if we may, we should like to copy!
As you say, the trolley which gets wheeled close to the bath does mean that everything is to hand.
Helen Tilston:
ReplyDeleteOh, Helen, what luxury to have had a house with an open fire in the bathroom. That is something of which, in our book, dreams are made. But, we console ourselves by thinking of the work - all those buckets of coal to be brought up from the basement!!
Sissysmom:
ReplyDeleteWe do so agree with you about the luxury, as well as the appearance, of white towels in plenty. As for laundering them, if it were left to us then it would probably never happen at all. But Tímea is an absolute stickler for detail and is, it must be said, an excellent ironer [if that is the term for one who irons!].
Angryparsnip:
ReplyDeleteThank you. Yes, the bath was purchased in London and brought here by carrier as, at the time and perhaps still now, it was impossible to find such a bath in Hungary. Today, we think, we should try Vienna first as much closer.
A very stylish bathroom Jane and Lance... just as I would expect from the two of you! I very much like the small glass trolley... what a clever idea for storage.
ReplyDeleteStephie B:
ReplyDeleteYes, it is so difficult when one is working for a client who wants something that one would never recommend. And, we wonder whether clients really do make up their own minds or do the 'glossies' make it up for them?
We can certainly understand your sentiment about wanting 'pink' in your life. And, with a husband and three boys, the washing of white towels......!!!!
We love the term 'Mc Mansions' and, with your permission, shall coin it for ourselves immediately!
Craig:
ReplyDeleteThese types of tea trolleys are often to be found in Hungary and are typical of the late C19. But, in our experience, are rarely to be found in the UK.
Thank you for your kind comment.
Your blog has left me feeling slightly awestruck. It certainly is not like any other blog I have read. It oozes class and luxury and, to me, is reminiscent of bygone eras.
ReplyDeleteI do like your bathroom, I feel serene just looking at the photos. I love the idea of having a sofa opposite the bath tub. You could sit and have a conversation with the bather.
My bathroom is tiled from floor to ceiling, which gives it a clean look and makes it seem brighter and bigger than it is. In fact, it is tiny. Just enough room for the essentials.
Thank you again for visiting my blog.
Dear Jane / Lance,
ReplyDeleteSurely this room would have inspired writers of the twentieth century to compose great works. Or for one such as myself to spend time reading the works of mentioned authors while taking a midday soak while the music of daily life flows threw a slightly ajar window. Truly as the owners of this room you are inspired and an inspiration. – G
I haven't had a bath for years - if you know what I mean - always feel it takes too much time. However, if I was to take the time I think I could happily luxuriate in your bath for a day or two. In fact I think I could move into your bathroom for a short break! Oh, to have a Timea...!
ReplyDeleteWhen reading that you purchased your bath in London my first thought was how on earth did you get it to Budapest? Did you perhaps sail in it?
Thanks for your lovely welcome home message! I am about to lose my Sunday - to blogland (or should I have a bath?).
Hi and thanks so much for stopping by and your wonderful comment like you, I am not able to put myself into one "style box" but feel my taste runs the gamut to create an interesting (hopefully) mix.
ReplyDeleteNow speaking of great style...love this bathroom. Its fabulous, I love the old world appeal, pared down luxury and wonderful materials. The floors are exquisite, the tub beautiful, love the accent of the tall window with shutters and of course so agreed big thirsty fluffly white towels are a must!( I have never been a colored towel person-in fact cant stand them) Lovely bathroom! Thanks for sharing.....will be back!
Annika:
ReplyDeleteHow very generous of you. The wonderful thing about all blogs, we feel, is that they are highly individual and it is this which makes them so intriguing and interesting. And 'All the Live Long Day' is, in our opinion, no exception.
We are delighted that you like the bathroom. Your own, we are certain, is equally as nice.
Gary:
ReplyDeleteYou flatter, and we love it. Always, in your comments, you say the nicest of things which we really do appreciate. Your image here of 'the music of daily life which flows through a slightly ajar window' is absolutely wonderful and conjures up so many different thoughts and pictures in the mind. Perfect! Perfect! And thank you.
Bella Bheag:
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderfully expressed comment which made us laugh out loud at the start, then in the middle and again at the end. Superb!!
Now, Bella, you have just returned from Switzerland, another land-locked country like Hungary. Where would we have gone in the bath after Calais?!!
The Enchanted Home:
ReplyDeleteYes, we should agree entirely, a 'mix' of styles always,we feel, works best of all and does produce rooms which are both inviting and relaxed. This does not, of course, need to suggest disorder.
Thank you so much for your very generous comments about our bathroom. We shall certainly hope to welcome you again and are delighted to have discovered your own stylish, interesting and 'challenging' blog!
I just love your bathroom, white porcelain, parquet floor, white towels, warmth in winter, coolness in summer, what more could one ask for? But sadly, because of arthritis, I can't climb in and out of a deep bath (or even a shallow one, come to that) so prefer to shower! I would have a shower in a corner, not one over the bath, had I your lovely bathroom, simply beacause of necessity.
ReplyDeleteMargaret P
Sorry to harp on about necessities, but where is the actual loo? I don't see it on these photos ...
ReplyDeleteMargaret P
Galant:
ReplyDeleteSometimes, we have to say, we do rather envy our friends with showers. So quick and easy whereas our bathing procedures do seem to take an absolute age.
The lavatory is elsewhere, quite separate and, contrary to what one of our previous commenters suggested,is not housed in the Biedermeier wardrobe!
I don't think there's much to add to this impressive commentary---but you do have a wonderful sense of style, and the serenity of the room does come through in the photos. Love the sconces!
ReplyDeleteI think it would be interesting to do a visual survey on "bathroom art." I am always flattered when people hang my artwork in their bathrooms: small gallery, captive audience :)
ReplyDeleteBtw, I agree--white towels are the only way to go...
Hope you two are fine!
Sue:
ReplyDeleteOne of the great pleasures of blogging is being in touch with so many interesting people from so many different places and, for us, this is often through comments. And so we really welcome the time you, and others, take to read our posts and say something. It is much appreciated.
The sconces were a gift from friends in Scotland and do look pretty when lit with candles.
Elizabeth Rose Stanton:
ReplyDeleteOh yes, we shall now for ever think of our bathroom as a private gallery...the one we have always dreamt of owning!
We have missed seeing your posts recently and trust that it is only pressure of work which keeps you away from Blogland. Thank you, we are well!
Hello Jane and Lance,
ReplyDeleteSorry, but it's been a while since I've heard anything from me., For, it is very busy at work ... But do not worry, I'm not forget you! This is again a beautiful snow white again blogspot and I am fully agreed on different language with you. All these features in the modern bathroom. All this is not for me. Give me a cast iron bathtub (still warm). Such a style of bathroom is real luxury for me.
Greetings from Belgium
Jérôme
What a lovely bathroom!! I am all for stacks of thick white Egyptian cotton bath towels and a chaise longue. I admit I am envious. My own bathroom is a disaster area and my wish (expressed many times to my husband) is to renovate it, and turn it into a little "spa" retreat for myself - selfish, I know, but it is the one room in the house where I can get a bit of privacy and escape for few minutes from the demands of the children.
ReplyDeleteMaison de lin:
ReplyDeleteJérome, please do not worry at all. We always enjoy both your posts and your comments but we do know how much time work can take up.
We are delighted that you like our bathroom but are sure that you have something equally nice in your own very pretty house.
Louise:
ReplyDeleteNow, this must be the year when you seriously work on your husband to renew your bathroom!
We can very well understand how, in a busy house with children, there must be odd moments when you need to 'escape'. And your bolt hole will be that wonderful, luxurious bathroom which is about to be!
Ah, no, for once I disagree. A bathroom needs to be efficient, have lots of hot water, a deep bath and a functioning shower, a loo, a bidet and a basin, a chair, a towel, loo paper and bathroom cosmetics cupboard, a good mirror or two and decent light. Above all, it must have a window which can be opened and shut. (I absolutely HATE bathrooms which have these dreadful fan type extractor type things, which make a heck of a racket and serve no useful purpose at all.)
ReplyDeleteAnd it has to be all my own.
There, that's me happy.
Friko:
ReplyDeleteGoodness, your bathroom has absolutely everything. A style blog in the making if ever we read of one!
We are not sure that we are too much apart in our thinking after all. Given that the lavatory and all its paraphernalia is separate[without a bidet as they are beyond Hungarian plumbing], the rest of your list looks very good to us. Our windows open and shut, the daybed can double as a chair, we have a deep bath and a basin,a large mirror,a cupboard for unshowables, towels and lashings of hot water. We guess that just leaves the matter of the shower, well the hand held spray does do a little something in that direction. No, it won't do really will it .....and we have to share!!!!
I loathe showers, I always take baths and also turned my nose up at a friend's suggestion to crash through to the nook adjacent to our bedroom to form an en suite.
ReplyDeleteI can still shuffle the ten paces to the bathroom - something to be thankful for.
Fabulous, you need not change a thing in my book. I love it that your bathroom, is in fact a room, suitably furnished and decorated and not just a shiney,tiled and mirrored box! I love the bath, chaise and shutters, it must be a relaxing space to be in. Lots of love to you, Linda x
ReplyDeleteBourbon and Pearls:
ReplyDeleteWhen you come here, as come you must, then we do assure you that your room will not have an 'en suite', nor will the bathroom have a shower. But it will be your own bathroom and is certainly fewer than ten paces from the bedroom door!!
Flowers on my table:
ReplyDeleteDear Linda, you always say the kindest things. Perhaps it is courting disaster, but we appreciate the forgiving glow of somewhat dim lighting in the bathroom and as for reflecting ourselves at every angle whilst unclothed....no, that would be too much to bear!! But then we are many years older than you.
I love wood floors in a bathroom !
ReplyDeleteOur bath is similar in ways, keeping the room in style with the apartment which is 100 years old and of French style.
I can definitely imagine soaking in that tub, with perhaps a glass of champagne and a candle or two burning.
A Broad:
ReplyDeleteYes, we find the wood floors very practical, warm in winter and cool in summer. Champagne whilst bathing by candlelight...now, there is an idea!!
I also am a wood floor fan - so much warmer than tiles, I'm not a splashy bather either.
ReplyDeleteIt is very a lovely room - I could move right in tomorrow if you would be prepared to deliver the occasional sandwich
Just found your blog through Barbara's and I have enjoyed my visit. My building is celebrating its 100th birthday, so my bathroom is very not up-to-date and I have wooden floors in the kitchen.
ReplyDeleteI miss a bath! We had our taken out, and enlarged the showers. Seemed a good idea at the time, given the hot temperatures all year round, but soaking in a bath is good for old bones.
ReplyDeleteCoin away!!!! Stephie x
ReplyDeleteLulu LaBonne:
ReplyDeleteWe feel very fortunate that, when we bought the apartment, wood floors were already in place in every main room. Only the bedroom and bathrom floors had to be put in new. And, as you say, they are both practical and beautiful, just getting better, in our eyes, the more they age.
Just a sandwich...that would be the least we could do!
Buttercup:
ReplyDeleteHappily, through your comment we have now found you! We have so enjoyed reading your interesting and eclectic blog and shall look forward to future posts.
Your house sounds to be most interesting and we are certainly in favour of places which really look to be lived in. Brand new has little appeal for us.
Columnist:
ReplyDeleteSecretly, we do sometimes rather yearn for a shower. So quick and easy, especially as you say when one is very hot and in need of a speedy method of being refreshed. Running a bath can take so long and then, once in it, the temptation to linger is great. Before one knows it, half the day is gone!
StephieB[again]:
ReplyDeleteThank you, we shall!!
Nudes...appropriately hung. Yep. It's a style blog!
ReplyDeleteADG:
ReplyDeleteYes, where else? At least, these are the only ones we are prepared to show!!
Love your lovely big bathtub!!! Looks like a wonderful master bathroom!
ReplyDeleteMy idea of a perfect bathroom. I wish I could physically lift it from your abode to mine! You have amazing style. M
ReplyDeleteKristin H:
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. It came from Aston Matthews in Islington who are well worh a visit for all things connected with bathrooms. Quite fun even just to browse.
Vintage Jane:
ReplyDeleteThat is very generous of you. The style suits our 1870s apartment. If we lived in somewhere more modern, then we should probably do things differently.
Whatever, we are sure that you have a lovely bathroom.
Thank you so much for the kind comments you have left on my blog, it led me to your unique, original and absorbing blog. You apartment looks very intriguing as I'm sure are the immediate surroundings. I love your bathroom although I'm afraid I would need a shower I don't get too much time to linger much as I would like too.
ReplyDeleteCaroline Lovis:
ReplyDeleteWe are delighted to welcome you as a Follower and thank you too for your kind comment.
Yes, the big disadvantage of a bath is the time it all takes to prepare and, once submerged, even more time elapses whilst one soaks it all in! A shower is so much quicker and a boon at times when speed is of the essence.
I enjoy visiting your blog and seeing another world....right down to the bathroom! It is so calming and classic in style and beauty...bathing there would be like a meditation and celebration! All white works well for you.....
ReplyDeleteMermaid Gallery:
ReplyDeleteAs we in turn very much enjoy visiting you!
We have never really thought very much about our bathroom previously, but this post and the many responses have certainly made us view it anew. Yes, we are all for calm relaxation when it comes to bathtime. Rather a ritual, maybe!
A very cozy – and stylish – room. I like that one can face in either direction in your tub!
ReplyDeleteMark D. Ruffner:
ReplyDeleteThank you. Yes, the taps on the wall do prevent one fron banging one's head against them when soaking!
this space is amazing. i love the shutters!
ReplyDeleteAmy b.s:
ReplyDeleteThe ceilings are 4.5m high and so that does give a feeling of space and airiness throughout the apartment.
The shutters are original and, happily, are at every window. We like them too.
It's lovely. Don't move a thing. ever. I especially love the deep deep tub. sigh*
ReplyDeletewww.houseofhemingway.blogspot.com
House of Hemingway:
ReplyDeleteYou are very kind. Although we searched all over Budapest, the bath finally had to be sent from London.
Your taste is incredible. I really like the clear lines and subdued tones. I wonder if you employed a designed, or if you came up with these elegant ideas yourselves.
ReplyDeleteOlga:
ReplyDeleteThis is so exceedingly generous of you, Olga. Alas, nothing as grand as a designer. Simply a question to each other of where to place the bath and basin and then put in some furniture!
What a great bathroom so lucky to be able to place a chair/chaise in one,love spacious bathrooms,we are both bath addicts,only go to hotels that provide them,no showers for us ugggh.
ReplyDeleteOur bathrooms (4) are all small more beams than space.Ida
Ida:
ReplyDeleteNow, Ida, we are hugely impressed at the thought of your four bathrooms. And how wonderful that must be when you have family and friends with you. No queueing in your household!
Like you, if staying in hotels we try, whenever possible, to have a room with a bath rather than a shower.
Thank you for taking the time to comment. It is much appreciated.
Though I've found many things which I'm in agreement with, this post sounds too snobbish to me.
ReplyDeleteSorry for the frankness.
Dona
Dona:
ReplyDeleteWe are sorry that you should feel this which is not our intention at all. Not everything, as we are sure that you will appreciate, is to be taken at face value and some things are meant light heartedly.
Whatever, as always we welcome your comment and there is absolutely nothing to apologise for.
I love that floor! And, oh, the luxury of a daybed in the bathroom; I couldn't even squeeze a mean little upright chair into mine. I used to have white towels but found with two grubby boys it was impossible to keep them bright, so I now have teal which I'm rather fond of. I'm thrilled, though, to see we have one thing in common: I have original shutters just like yours.
ReplyDeleteEryl:
ReplyDeleteWe are very pleased with the wooden floor which stands up to all the wear and tear and yet looks as good as the day it was put down.
We can well understand your towel situation, white is fine but does need to be continually laundered.
And, how lovely that you have shutters too. They are so practical and not as fussy as curtains can be.
That bath tub......
ReplyDeleteI would killmy mother for it!!!!
John Gray:
ReplyDeleteThank you, John. But not really necessary - try Aston Matthews in Islington!
Love your bathroom Jane and Lance, it looks very comfortable and glamorous, very stylish and charming indeed...I'm guessing it's a wonderful place to get pampered...love your personal touches, your taste is impeccable.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful week
Claudia xo
Claudia Lane:
ReplyDeleteThank you, Claudia, for such a very generous and kind comment. As we have said elsewhere, the bathroom works well in our late C19apartment; in a modern flat we should, in all probability, do something entirely different.
This bath is beautiful. Rich and elegant. I am blown away with the amount of comments you get! As I said before, your blog is totally awesome. xo,
ReplyDeleteBarbara F:
ReplyDeleteThe bath was shipped from England as at the time nothing of this kind was available locally.
We love the debate and dialogue that develops with our commenters. We cherish each and every one.
I think your bath is elegant with a conscience. Enormous shower heads and a deep jacuzzi seem so unnecessary when water is an increasingly precious commodity in the world. I prefer the simple beauty of your room with its contrast of wood, white porcelain and pristine stack of towels. Perfection!
ReplyDeleteSmilla4blogs:
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your really kind and generous comment.
The point which you make about the value of water as a resource is one which needs to be heeded by all of us.
Ah... A bathroom after my own heart!
ReplyDeleteI am glad you said it is lovely and warm. Our bathroom is positively tropical!
Nicholas V:
ReplyDeleteCold bathrooms are somehow reminiscent of rather unfortunate aspects of schooldays and cheap hotels, all of which we have experienced in our time but, now, best forgotten!
Thank you for understanding my words in the right way, and sorry again for my rudeness!
ReplyDeleteDona
Dona [again]:
ReplyDeleteWe did not consider your comment to be rude at all and welcome debate on this as every subject which we raise.
Thank you.
It's a gorgeous bathroom! Very characterful. But .... I have to say, I am torn on the idea of bathroom design.
ReplyDeleteMy current bathroom is very similar to yours - very traditional with no frills.
But, my previous bathroom (in my London house) had a roomy shower, an open fireplace, a (dreaded *wink*) jacuzzi bath, underfloor heating, and a TV built into the wall.
I have to say that on balance, the jazzed-up bathroom was far more pleasurable to use (except for the TV which I disabled).
Who would have thought that you could have started a debate on bathrooms?!!
Annie(Lady M):
ReplyDeleteThe strength of feeling about bathrooms has certainly surprised us. And yes, the choice between 'pared down essential' or 'every mod con' seems to divide our commenters.
As for your London bathroom, well the television would be a definite no, as would the jacuzzi and the underfloor heating. But, the open fireplace....oooooh, now you are really talking. Are you sure that contracts have been exchanged?
Your bathroom is quite literally simply stunning, I could spend hours in there, you two have style in spades.
ReplyDeleteDash:
ReplyDeleteThat is really very generous of you, and kind too, but not really true at all!! That said, the bathroom 'works' well for us and is very comfortable, especially in the winter.
Good heavens, your bathroom is wonderful! This is first post I've read on your blog (I wandered over from Magic & Drudgery) and I think I'll be sticking around as our bathroom sensibilities clearly coincide. My first apartment had room for an armchair in its bathroom and my roommate and I adored this feature - but a daybed would be even better! Lucky you. And I covet with an inappropriate intensity your fabulous bathtub. I currently live in a comfy, family modern apartment, but it has only a shower and a very tiny bath. Mr. Mommy en France and I are very tall, so no more baths for us, alas. Enjoy soaking yours! And the pristine whiteness, you must not have toddlers (ha ha).
ReplyDeleteMommy en France:
ReplyDeleteWe are so pleased that we share the same taste in bathrooms. And, what a wrench to have had to give up a bathroom with an armchair.
Being short we do not experience the same difficulties of finding a comfortable bath. Indeed, we can almost float in this one! A shower is very practical but, somehow, we have never taken to them.
And yes, we do not have any children, but keeping the towels white as the driven snow is still a full time job!
Thank you for becoming a Follower, a compliment which we are delighted to return to you.
This is absolute perfection.
ReplyDeleteWe are aspiring (only ever so slightly) to a similar look in our Egyptian apartment, with a wall-mounted tub spout, a pedestal sink, and marble floors.
When taking into consideration classic styling and longevity, we decided that we simply couldn't go wrong with the classics.
Bravo, 'tis a real loo coup pulled of by you two ;)
BTW, one of my sisters lived in Budapest for several years and thought it one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Cheers, Alcira
nerochronicles.com
Alcira Molina-Ali:
ReplyDeleteWe are flattered that our bathroom should be in the least way aspired to by you. Certainly, we agree that the basics are really the best if one wants a look that will stand the passage of time.
How wonderful that your sister has lived in and loved Budapest. We do feel that it is a most romantic and incredibly interesting city with a rich cultural heritage and life.
Jane and Lance,
ReplyDeleteYour bathroom is so elegant and perfectly timeless. I love the white walls, white towels neatly stacked on the chair, the glass and wood trolley, the sconces and those herringbone wood floors that you have throughout are absolutely gorgeous! Oh and yes, the lithograph of "Nudes" is perfect in a bathroom.
annie
Annie:
ReplyDeleteWhat an exceedingly kind and generous comment. The bathroom is quite simply furnished but we are fortunate that the 4.5m high ceilings add a dramatic touch to it all.
Hi J & L! I decided to choose a blog a week, of which I subscribe to, and enjoy reading the posts from start to present. In your case I started going backwards and came across this post. To me, although currently embracing contemporary trends, your bathing space is pure bliss! If only our building codes allowed timber bathroom floors! Of course they wouldn't be as magnificent as the ones you illustrate; so full of history and respect. D.I.V.I.N.E!!!!
ReplyDeleteKL
KL:
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your very generous comment. Yes, the Hungarian building regulations are certainly much more liberal than those operating in the UK and we do love the wooden floors which are, incidentally, incredibly practical.
Dear Jane and Lance, your bathroom is stylish and beautiful. I love it!
ReplyDeleteI've been trying to get hold of a copy of your book - I've found one in New Zealand so far. I'm sure I can locate one nearer. It sounds just the thing for me.
I hope you're both very well and enjoying your weekend. C xx
Christina@Fashion's Most Wanted:
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your really kind and generous comment.
Gosh, New Zealand! There really should be a copy closer to home, although there were fewer copies of that title published than others. But, for your needs, we think that 'Gardening in a Small Space' is the best. Have you tried ebay as well as Amazon?
What an absolute sanctuary of a bathroom and I love every single detail. The decor is perfect for an 1870's Hungarian building in my mind. I once lived in a small hotel in Bloomsbury years ago. The bathtub was unlike anything I had ever seen, growing up in Canada, that I secretly called it The Sarcophagus! I love art in the bathroom, and your French painting is an inspired choice.
ReplyDeleteAs you know, I am reading your blog from the first post, and enjoying each one so much I have decided to ration my enjoyment to make it last! I think this is the perfect post to stop and to say good-night to you both.
Dolly:
ReplyDeleteWe admire your resilience in working your way through the labyrinth that is our blog. However, we love what you have to say.
We are so pleased that you like the bathroom. We wanted it 'unfitted' and the bath had to come from England as there was nothing suitable in Budapest at the time. Things have moved on here now....but the builders were most disparaging about no shiny tiles!!!!