The guest cottage and all of humanity have reason to rejoice! Even though the construction work on the electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and framing is yet to commence, I’ve spent countless hours designing the stained glass doors for the toilet room within the bathroom. I must admit, I feel almost no guilt about this (well, maybe a tiny bit when the electrician arrived and my lighting plan wasn’t quite finalized). These doors serve as the starting point for my creative process, fueling my vision for the entire bathroom and, consequently, influencing the overall design aesthetic of the house. It’s a thrilling experience. If you’re just joining this project, you can catch up on the goals and vision in this post, which outlines my design laboratory approach with no pressure to achieve perfection quickly, just a space for imaginative experimentation and pure enjoyment.
The stained glass doors are set to create a surprising moment even before they are opened to reveal what lies beyond. The outhouse structure will feature paneled “siding” painted in a dark color (Hague Blue is a top contender), with a backdrop of reddish reclaimed wood (fingers crossed).
The inspiration for these doors stemmed from vintage pieces I discovered at Aurora Mills. While I could have simply purchased and refurbished them, I opted to embark on the journey of creating my own version of stained glass doors, a decision motivated by a desire to learn and teach. The dimensions of the original doors posed limitations for photography purposes, and I was keen on exploring stained glass design creatively. The privacy concern posed by clear glass panels could be addressed through the use of opaque glass or an internal door curtain.
The vintage doors I eventually acquired from Aurora Mills are now in my possession, awaiting refurbishment under the guidance of Nathan, the resident stained glass repair expert. These doors, with their vintage charm, presented the perfect canvas for me to experiment with various stained glass colors and configurations. While the cost of $1,200 wasn’t insignificant, Aurora Mills had extended credit to me due to my donations of salvaged items from our homes – a decision I now jokingly regret as I find myself missing some of those items.
The process of removing the original glass from the doors involved delicate work to salvage each piece for the upcoming refurbishment. Meanwhile, I embarked on a shopping spree to gather materials for the project, excited about the creative possibilities ahead.
In selecting new stained glass colors, I consulted Bullseye Glass in Portland, a hub of craftsmanship and expertise. The salespeople’s enthusiasm and willingness to share insights made the experience enjoyable and educational. I was drawn to vibrant hues like cobalt, red, and amber inspired by the original doors, while also considering rosy tones and greens for a harmonious blend.
The intricacies of how light interacts with the glass colors became apparent during the selection process, requiring a keen eye for how the hues would appear in various lighting conditions within the room. The glass colors displayed varying saturation levels and tonal shifts under different lighting setups, underscoring the importance of considering the room’s overall ambiance.
After extensive deliberation and mock-ups featuring different glass color combinations, I am faced with the challenging task of selecting the final design. Each option presents a unique aesthetic appeal, and the decision will influence subsequent design choices for the room. Your input and suggestions are welcome in the comments section as I navigate this exciting phase of the project.