With my powder bathroom re-do well under way, free standing sink vanities have been on my mind.  There are many different types of vanities available both online and in home improvement stores that will fit into most types of decor.

Well, except mine.  Because you know, I can’t just settle for a plain ‘ole vanity, right?  Aww, you know me so well!

I pulled together some inspiration photos when contemplating our new vanity, and I thought I’d share them with you today.  There are some really creative people out there (which is the understatement of the century, I know).

Artist Benjamin Bullins installed this amazing bicycle vanity made from reclaimed items in a bathroom in New Orleans.  If I had the space, I am positive that I would have been a big fat copy cat on this one.

In a converted barn, Carrier and Company Interiors in New York created this farm-themed bathroom.  I’m not really sure if they used a reclaimed feeding trough, but it sure looks like it.  This would be fun for a country cottage home.

What about this darling sink Laura of The Little House in the City spotted at a flea market?  How fun!  These old sewing machine tables can be found at just about every antique store in the country.  This would be an easy DIY.

Gina at Willow Decor (who has a gorgeous home, by the way) had this galvanized wash tub sink custom made for her laundry room.  Isn’t it so pretty?

And last but not least, my very favorite of the pack.  Plans for this table to vanity conversion can be purchased from Plans Now if you don’t want to try your hand at figuring it out on your own.

What do you think about these vanities?  Perfect for the right space?  Over the top?  Do you have a unique vanity or have you ever seen a cool one that inspired you?  Please share!

Try as I might to believe otherwise, my sweet baby Emma is growing up to be quite the little girly girl.  She demands her red sparkly Mary Jane shoes be put on as soon as she wakes up (and over her footed pajamas, I should add) and loves carrying around the little purse she got for Christmas.  At just 17 months, she already refuses to leave the house without a bow in her hair.

The teen years are going to be fun for me, aren’t they?

Photo by Luca Bebe Photography

That bow collection is beginning to get out of hand, so I knew it needed to be upgraded from the little metal basket in which it had been housed.  I keep her bows in my bathroom (so she can sit on my vanity stool to get her hair brushed…and I’m sooo not kidding – GIRLY!), so I wanted a solution that wasn’t too little girl looking.

I had some wide grosgrain ribbon that I was going to fold over a D-ring and hot glue into place, but that still screamed a little juvenile for a master bathroom.  Then, I spied this now…ahem…too small belt that I had recently decided to donate to Goodwill.

You see where I’m going with this, right?  I just tacked a small finishing nail in my bathroom wall and hung the buckle from it.  Instant hair bow holder!  There’s even a spot to hang her little silver bracelet.

When it comes to the little touches in your home, this is what it’s all about.  Finding a new solution using something in a new way…with a little bit of uniqueness and personality.  These are the things that will make you smile each day.

Have a bit of fun with everyday objects.  Do something unexpected, even if it’s something as little as a hair bow holder.

And now that it’s full?  I’m going to just add another nail and another belt.

What novel solutions have you come up with for every day problems in your home?