Good planning will save you time, money and possibly tons of regret after the fact.
This post is sponsored by Premier Surfaces of Buffalo NY
While my Christmas shopping may be just about wrapped up, my husband hasn't even started. Sound familiar?
He usually asks me what I want around the third week of December and shops on Christmas Eve. He's very efficient.
This year in preparation for the big question, I've been gathering my ideas, because rather than a sweater or something from the jewelry counter, I'm asking for a bathroom update.
Romantic, huh?
Our bathroom has looked exactly the same for the last fifteen years. Red walls, white tile, dark vanity and marble countertop.
Oh sure, I've switched up the accessories from time to time, but this year, I decided that when we swap out that jet tub, I'd like to give the entire room a facelift.
Unfortunately, I didn't really know exactly what I wanted to do in there, so before I gave Santa my wish list, I had to come up with a firm plan.
When we first moved in, I couldn't get enough of the red. Even if my tissue boxes didn't match. Red paint, red curtain, red rug, red towels. Lots and lots of red.
After a while though, the walls started to close in and I needed to brighten it up a bit. So I swapped out the curtain. It was an easy fix and became my go to way to update the room.
Black and white was my first choice, playing up the traditional floor and wall tile.
Then I decided that floral would be a fun way to bring the outside in, since there's no window in here.
The latest incarnation included a simple white curtain with red tassels.
It faded into the backdrop and let the beautiful marble countertop take center stage.
While, it was fun to look back at the room through the years, by the end of my trip down memory lane, I was still lost, so I decided to take a much more practical approach to my bathroom remodel.
What To Consider When Renovating A Bathroom
1. To start, I gave my bathroom a general once over to evaluate the big picture and decide what new look I was trying to achieve.
Was I sticking with cottage style? Did I want a more modern flair? Would modern fit the style of my home? Should I go with glam or rustic...or maybe rustic glam?
I literally stood in the middle of the room pondering my choices.
2. Then, I examined each individual piece in the room, focusing on its style.
I peeked at my countertop, the tiles on the wall and on the floor. I looked at the fixtures and the vanity very carefully.
Would they fit in with my new vision for the room? Did I still love them when I looked at them or was my heart pulling me towards something else?
3. Third, I looked over each piece again to evaluate its condition.
It's great that I still adore the floor, but if it's chipped or scratched, that's not good. It was the same with the fixtures and the vanity. Did the faucets work well or leak?
Did the vanity function efficiently now that our family is older and it's no longer storing toddler bath toys but women's beauty supplies?
All of these were very important considerations.
4. Cost was obviously high on the list, as well.
I'd like to work with a very small budget...with two kids in college, I have to be mindful. That meant that I probably couldn't swap out everything in the room with a high end replacement. I'd have to prioritize.
5. I also had to decide what kind of renovation I was willing to take on.
I've been down that path before, weeks without a bathroom and dust in every crevice of the house. No thank you. This time, I want a very minimal amount of mess. Ripping out that tub is just about all the ripping I can handle.
6. Lastly, I needed to think realistically about my space.
I'm not going to expand the square footage, so what you see is what you get. Two sinks would be ideal but unless I remove the toilet that's never going to happen...so looking at that kind of design, is just a waste of my time.
UPDATE! The renovation is complete!!
I clicked on over to Premier Surfaces of Buffalo NY and wow, I found my inspiration! So much pretty for bathrooms, kitchens, even backyards.
And an outdoor kitchen is on my birthday list...but, shhh...I need to conquer that powder room before I spring that one on the big guy.
First, I came across this bathroom. It has that same cottage / farmhouse feel that I love, the dark wood vanity, the countertop and fabulous high neck fixture. The only thing I'd have to change up would be that red paint.
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| Source: Premier Surfaces Of Buffalo NY |
If not, choice two would be something along the lines of this glamorous bathroom.
Of course, my space is a tiny fraction of the size, but I could get the same feel using those finishes. The countertop is especially beautiful. Very elegant.
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| Source: Premier Surfaces Of Buffalo NY |
That bright white vanity with those gold knobs might just be the winner. It's warm, stylish and would be a great way lighten the room up without ditching the red walls.
I, ok, let's be honest, he, could paint the existing vanity and we'd be super close.
Of course, I don't think that any of this is going to fit under the tree.
But that's ok.
I'm good with a promise this year.
On second thought, I'll take that shiny gold hardware.
What's on your bathroom wish list?
I have the same kind of "handy" husband. Just an additional tip that works for me when I want/need something. Somehow turn it around and make it his idea. i.e. Remember when you said it would be nice to have different color walls....or something like that.....I agree, I think that's what we should do together as a Christmas present to each other. (Even though it'll be mostly him ;)
ReplyDeleteDo you think he'd buy into it? lol
Cindy
Ha! Great ideas, Cindy, because he is really not interested in painting over those red walls. Lots of primer!! 😉 I actually think I could get him onboard with the outdoor kitchen and all that it entails, quicker than redoing this bathroom. Something about barbecues and boys...it's a strong draw! Thanks for the tip!
DeleteI redid two bathrooms in my old house. I tore (well, not me, I hired a contractor) out everything right down to the studs. Out with the tubs, the vanities, everything was taken out. I did the most work in a small bathroom off of the bedroom just trying to make it seem bigger than it was. It all turn out wonderfully. Now, I want to do the same in our master bathroom. I want to take out a huge soaking tub, expand the shower, put in new cabinets, put in new tile. I almost hired someone this summer to do it. Then, I remembered the mess it takes, and to be honest, I didn’t want to spend the money either. I do wonder if a new bathroom would fit in Santa’s sack. Wouldn’t that be awesome if it did?
ReplyDeleteOh Sally, the prospect of that mess holds me back, too. Although I’m not sure there’s much more I can do with the small footprint I have...but a girl can dream!! Good luck with your renovation, I hope you’ll share the result!
DeleteWe need to update faucets this year. And we have a plan for a master bathroom change by taking out the giant garden tub and making a big walk in shower! Better use of the space and the current small shower would become storage space or a stackable washer/dryer. We've talked and planned and just have to decide when to 'make it happen!'
ReplyDeleteSounds like an awesome plan, Deanna! A big walk in shower sounds dreamy. Can’t wait to see the results.
DeleteWe just finished our master bath and WOW what a wonderful space. Let me begin that beyond paint and small projects we aren't handy at all, we have other talents, just ask our grand kids.
ReplyDeleteWe explored many options but decided to age in place and stay in our Red Cape that the previous owners had custom build with lots of features that can't be replicated without breaking the bank. So on a budget the contractor agreed help me update the custom built cabinet. We raised it and added white paint, hardware and high resolution Formica countertops that mimics gray and white marble. We also updated the look with an X built for towel storage, where the makeup seat might have gone. We love it! We removed the very dated yellow (not gold) tub/shower with a very nice and simple white shower unit. Aging in my mind does not include re-grouting tile.
We also got really nice glass shower doors that work like barn doors so there are no tracks to clean. One of the best things in the 2 downstairs baths are wall mounted toilets (look like regular)but are VERY EASY to clean around, we switched that to white as well. Since we live in a cold climate we opted not to have ceramic tile on the floor and chose a new vinyl plank, the undelayment helps keep it warm, since I was not willing to spend a couple thousand for heated floors in a 10 x 8 bath. We kept the large framed mirror and the built ins and opted out of a sink, as we never had a problem. Painted the walls a pale blue and are waiting for the shutters on a small window. The change was amazing and the cost was very reasonable, plus now we know that we will be here as we age.
Good luck with your updates and Merry Christmas!
Cyndy
Cyndy, your renovation sounds fabulous! You really thought of everything and made it work for you. I must say I hadn’t thought about a wall toilet or the barn style glass doors, but they’re all I can think about now! I’m going to investigate and check those options out. Enjoy your beautiful new bathroom and thanks for all the great inspiration!! Merry Christmas to you!!
DeleteBoth of the inspiration bathrooms are lovely and I can see features of either one looking really nice in your bathroom. As for the red wall, I had a barn red wall in my kitchen and a more burgundy red wall in my stairwell and both are now a pretty gray. I survived the change. I really liked the red and thought I would miss it but surprisingly I am very content with the new color. It will be fun to see what you do.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lorri. The kids are married to that red (I’m not sure why since I’m the red addict!) and my husband does not want to deal with covering that red up...but I think I’m ready for a change! And funny, I just pinned a grey bathroom. It’s a contender!
DeleteWe have been in this house for 20 years this month and our master needs a facelift - but living in a neighborhood of cookie cutter houses is another speed bump for us. How much do you do? Right.... our neighbor did the kitchen with a sub zero refrigerator, pot filler, granite, even an old brick barrel ceiling and shortly after the extensive remodel were getting a divorce and three real estate agents told them they over did the renovation for the neighborhood. So to gut the master and start over seems daunting, especially since the footprint needs to stay the same - but I would love marble subway tiles in the shower and around the garden tub. Good luck to you, nice to see I'm not the only one pondering this.
ReplyDeleteIt's a tricky path, isn't it? I've seen the same kind of renovations in our neighborhood and I think the only way to justify the truly over the top renovations is to do it for yourself, knowing that living with it and enjoying it is the way to recoup your the investment. They rarely pay when it comes to resale unless you live is a super high end neighborhood. I agree with you that a beautiful room can be accomplished on a budget. Your ideas sound wonderful...good luck to you as well. Keep us posted!!
DeleteWe built a new house and moved in a year ago, so I am happy with my bathroom. I would like new towels, bath mats and counter accessories though.
ReplyDeleteYour bathroom is beautiful, Penny the new accessories you're pondering are my kind of renovation! 😉
DeleteHi Kim, oh I think your bathroom looks so pretty. Maybe just a new paint color might change the look of the room. We are done with our bathroom redo from last January. That was a huge job that I wanted done for a very long time. I'm glad we did it even though it was a huge mess.
ReplyDeleteOh I remember your renovation Julie, it was well worth it, I know. It's beautiful! I'm still pondering what I want to do exactly, but it's coming...that tub needs to go!!
DeleteLove the inspiration and I love your bath, I think it is very pretty! I totally understand wanting something different though. You know me, I'm all about neutral wall and cabinet colors so that I can easily change out the decor! And the fact that there are so many wonderful paint colors to choose from and most would easily cover the red if you decided to change that out. I love the gold fixtures...a little bit of bling in the bathroom is never a bad idea! Love and hugs!
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, Benita, neutral is not in my vocabulary...or wasn't when I decorated this place years ago. In my old age, I'm moving more toward that, though. You're right, it's so much easier to swap out the decor and change the whole look...and more importantly I don't have to spend hours begging for "someone" to paint. Just saying...Hugs to you!!
DeleteYour bathroom fixtures are timeless, Kim, which makes it so easy to achieve the look you're going for. My heart sings when I see beadboard, as in the one photo. I think I'd have to think seriously about putting that on the red wall. (Would hubby consider installing that for you?) No matter what, your bathroom is stunning. Hugs, Nancy
ReplyDeleteHello Nancy!! So happy to see you in the comments today! And thank you, I do like the fixtures we currently have. I still have to decide what I'm going to do, but beadboard keeps popping up in the inspiration photos I'm drawn to...it's a strong contender. I need to work on the big guy! Hugs to you!
DeleteIt's going to look gorgeous! I'm always thinking of painting our vanities too. I'll be watching to see how you do yours. :) I've always said you have the prettiest faucet in this bathroom and I stand by it. Makes me swoon every time I see it.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Lisa! I love that faucet, too...and it didn't break the bank. I think I may paint that vanity. Again. When we moved in here it had a laminate countertop and was a pink pickled wood. We sanded and stained it and it's worked out so well, but change may be coming...
DeleteHey, a 'new' bathroom is a great gift!!! I love that cottage style one with the beadboard, that's awesome. My guest bath could use a refresh too, but it's not in the budget so it's staying as is for now. The previous owners updated it at some point, probably in the 90's when they did the kitchen....it's fine, just not really my style, you know?
ReplyDeleteI do know...I think that happens in most homes, this one included. This would be the second update for us and I wouldn't be doing anything to it if we weren't already ripping out the tub. The paint is the big issue, it's starting to chip and needs a refresh. And if I'm going to repaint...oh boy. It's a trap!
DeleteYour bathroom has a lot of potential and with your handy husband, I know you will figure out the perfect design. No wishing for a new bathroom here, because it is finally done! I do need to paint and wallpaper the adjacent linen closet area still though...….notice I said I!
ReplyDeleteYour new bathroom is gorgeous, AnnMarie, I love the colors. I wish my redo was done, too! Soon. I hope. And good luck with that painting!
DeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteThis will be fun to see what Santa decides to do. :-) "Santa Baby a new bathroom would do"♫♫ Your projects are so well done and look so great and of course you usually have a fun story in between the dust. LOL Looking forward to this project.
It’s always comical when we get together to tackle a project, Carla. As soon as my husband says, “This should be easy”, I know we’re in trouble! I’ll keep you posted!
Deletethank you for useful tips.
ReplyDeletehave a great day
Glad you enjoyed them...
DeleteAfter 29 yrs my husband has said we've saved enough to redo our master bath. It wasn't very high on the list obviously. He even told me recently that I can get started with our contractor & I have done nothing...I just dread the head ache & mess of it all. We will knock out a wall to enclose a cubby where our washer & dryer used to sit years ago & give us room for a nice walk in shower. So that means the plumbing will have to be moved.
ReplyDeleteHonestly though, I keep my 1 yr old grandson on workdays now. I'm just not sure I can do both.
Active babies certainly take precedence, Jenny!! I am not thrilled about the mess either, but I have to get rid of that tub. Other than that I would've left the room alone, but I'm afraid when the contractor does his job, the walls are going to get damaged...and if the walls get damaged, well, you know. You'll have to keep us posted with your progress. In the meantime, enjoy that delicious grandson and Merry Christmas!!
DeleteI think a new bathroom is better than any necklace or diamond would be too. I know whatever you chose it is going to be amazing. How fun to have a nice project to start out the new year. I am planning a tearing down of a wall after Christmas to make an open concept in this tiny house. Excited for the project here too. I cannot wait to see what you do.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Happy Friday,
Kris
Oh Kris, I already knew you were a girl after my own heart, but your first sentence proves it!! I’ll take my sparkle around the house rather than around my neck! We’ll swap construction stories soon! xoxo
DeleteWe are in a “redo the bathroom process” . . .
ReplyDeleteBudget enters in . . .
New Flooring has happened . . .
Next . . . paint . . .
Then, new sinks . . . counter top.
All picked out . . . just fattening up the coin jar!
Merry Christmas!
Budget...always enters too soon. Can't wait to see it all come together! Merry Christmas!
DeleteAlways exciting choosing a new bathroom (or kitchen) !
ReplyDeleteHappy Friday to you.
All the best Jan
Oh kitchens, Jan, yes!!
DeleteKim my bathroom needs to be gutted and I need to start over from scratch. But first I need to buy a new sofa because my back hurts from sitting on the one we have. So really it never ends, this cycle of needs. All we can do is do what we can ourselves and then turn around the get professionals to do the rest so we don't end up flooding the place. Merry Christmas to you my friend!
ReplyDeleteIt certainly never ends, Mary! I wish you the best with your sofa search and your bathroom planning. Oh what fun we'll have in 2019! Or mess....ha!! Merry Christmas!!
DeleteKim, a promise is worth alot!! And, I always think the anticipation is the best part of any promise. Your bathroom has always looked beautiful through the ages, no matter what you did so I have no doubt when your promise comes true it will be well worth it and look just as pretty as imagined ..xxoJudy
ReplyDeleteThanks Judy! I would keep it as is, if it weren't for that silly tub. I have a feeling when it gets ripped out it will start an avalanche of uh-ohs and oh-nos...so I thought I'd be prepared. We'll see what happens!!
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