Thanks for the response! The second I posted this, I googled "spraypainting fixtures" and realized what a bad idea that was.

if you go to diynetwork.com, they have peel and stick glass tiles that can be grouted it was so easy when i did it and they are more affortable than buying them from a tile showroom

Here's an inspiration room that reminds me of your space.
http://www.houzz.com/navy-white-bathroom
Think a shopping trip to Ikea to do something about those cabinets might be in order, although you might receive some great suggestions by the Houzz community!
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10205176/#/10205176
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30205081/
The wall scones are available at Home Depot, and listed at $107.00, needless to say I think those globes gotta go!
Wouldn't be so quick to toss the brass and gold accents, why not try to introduce both metallic elements into your space? I predict that gold and brass will be making a HUGE comeback in the near future!


Hope this helps, I confess I'm in love with your floor tiles!

I love blue and white bathrooms, and I think this one will be improved considerably by white walls. I love the dark blues in the room, but not so much the light blue wall color. I think white will be more striking. I too don't like gold/brass fixtures, so personally I'd switch them for brushed nickel or chrome, but Jamieson may be right that they are poised for a comeback (I've heard this rumor, but I'm stubbornly going to ignore it :-). And I laughed when I saw your globe and brass light fixture--that is exactly the fixture I grew up with in our late 1950's/60's era California ranch house, but we had it on one of the dining room walls. It's put in good service and probably needs to be retired for a newer model. Finally, I'd try to get rid of the shower curtain circle and put in a half glass shower door. Something like this, either with hinges:

Or without:

I know it looks like you'll splash all over the room, but surprisingly you don't. I've tried them.
Finally, I agree with Jamieson that a trip to Ikea for new cabinets would be helpful.

I think it will look SO much better when you are finished!

I don't think this space will be too difficult to give a facelift. I agree with painting the walls a nice white and replacing the fixtures with brushed nickel.

I'd get rid of all that cabinetry. Until you are ready for a major remodel, you could replace it with just an etagere (The one picture is just $140 from Target!). The cabinetry really dates the space.

Give yourself a brand new light fixture. Something with character and in brushed nickel.

Replace the mirror with something framed in white. This one is from Sears.com

And then play up the coastal theme. Loose the shutters and get a nice roman shade in Navy & Blue...or even red or orange. Fabric samples are from fabric.com

Accessorize with red coral themed pillows/towels and accessories

Accessories from ZGallerie

Hey, you're the lucky gal with the 100 year old home also looking for colour advice for her main floor! You have a very lovely home, try to stay true to it's original character...but make it your own!

Do you have any idea what was originally in the space where the cabinetry is (surrounding the oak vanity)?

I had similar issues with my bathroom. We painted the walls white and added white towels, mat and shower curtain. Made a huge difference! I llike the glass door idea however I noticed that you have a window that looks to be made of wood, probably the reason for a shower curtain circle to protect the window.

Thanks so much for all the responses! I appreciate all the advice. I'll let you know what we end up doing.