It was time to update my master bathroom with green and white. It only took a few inexpensive swaps to get a completely different room.
Well, that and a few months.
Almost a year ago, I told my husband that I was done with our old, jetted bathtub and it had to go. Unbeknownst to me at the time, that one simple sentence started us down a path of big change.
Unexpected change.
And change that's still occurring all over the house.
Isn't that always the way, though?
You redecorate one room and suddenly everything else looks shabby and in need of an update?
In our case, some things really did need help. We renovated top to bottom when we moved in here almost 20 years ago and honestly, not much has been altered since.
I'm still not really making major changes, just some small flips to freshen things up a bit.
Unfortunately, it's taking a lot longer than I'd hoped.
When we finally got rid of that awful tub, it was summer. By the time we refurbished the vanity and he re-tiled and painted, we were kind of spent and wanted to enjoy the beach and pool.
I started a few projects then, but didn't finish much - um, remember my long and winding road to new kitchen curtains?
Well, the story of my master bathroom update is much the same. If you remember, I even shared the beginning of the new valance then.
It all began when we replaced the shutter doors with fabric. They were so pretty and bright, everything else in the room became dull and boring.
So I found some fabulous Waverly fabric that coordinated to make a new window treatment, but didn't get around to mocking it up until late August.
I pinned it together, using some of the shutter fabric as an accent, and then pinned it onto my existing valance to see if I liked it.
And there it sat. And sat and sat.
I think it was January when I finally got around to stitching it together. Which, by the way turned out to be a total mess...but that's a story for another day.
In the end, I made a plain rod pocket valance, using only the Waverly Paisley Verveine (like this curtain) fabric and some gorgeous bullion fringe trim (like this one) I found for 75% off.
It cost me $1.60 for the yard.
Fabulous.
It looked great with the shutters, but I still felt that the bathroom needed more.
So I decided to add one of Handan's lovely cottage style rose prints, like I did in the hallway bathroom.
This one in yellow, to coordinate with the new fabrics, in a frame I found at Michael's on clearance.
I think I used one of their special coupons so it was less than ten bucks.
Of course, I couldn't stop there. The bathroom was looking so lovely now, that the shampoo bottles in the shower stood out terribly. That was a no.
I love the glass shower doors, they make my tiny cottage master look and feel so much bigger, but everything in the shower is on display.
I started googling and I found these two stylishly simple shampoo and conditioner pumps (like these). They work really well and look infinitely better than Redken bottles I had there before.
I topped the whole room off with a brand new silver toothbrush holder and was quite pleased.
Done!
Well, almost.
While I admiring the view one evening, suddenly the old, awful metal mini blind caught my eye. Now that wouldn't do.
So on Valentine's Day, my valentine took me out to buy a new blind. Shopping for decor is very romantic.
We opted for a wooden look vinyl two inch blind (like this). I like wood, but I didn't think it would be practical in a steamy bathroom. Vinyl is also much easier to clean.
It really changed the look of the entire space. As my daughter so loving puts it, it looks a lot less budget motel and a lot more cozy, country cottage.
Perfect.
Now, I'm done.
One DIY, a few inexpensive swaps and a free printable was all it took to update my master bathroom and transform it into a fresh space that coordinates seamlessly with my master bedroom.
My super quick and easy update.
That only took me seven months.
But who's counting?
Are your updates quick?
*ps- I hope that the links to my sources are clearer now. Thank you for all the input and emails. If you still need help locating something I mentioned here, you can check my shop tab above or contact me.
Loving the new look!! If you didn't mention it I would not know those aren't wood blinds. I have to imagine these are much easier to clean.
ReplyDeleteWish you lived closer, you could teach me to sew. I'll say it over and over I should have listened to my mom learned to sew.
Whenever I see your curtains and throw pillows I imagine making pillows exactly what I'm looking for in the house.
Have a great weekend!
Cindy
Cindy, mu aunt was a master seamstress and so was my grandmother. They sewed all the time and tried to get me to pay attention. I refused of course. Besides a little cross stitch and a few middle school projects I had no clue. Then when we moved into our first cottage, I wanted new drapes and they were so expensive, a friend told me she'd help me. From there I've basically been winging it for the last 20 years. If we did live closer I'd be happy to help, but you're so crafty, I know you could figure it all out with a few YouTube videos. I always tell people, sewing is like driving a car. Put your foot on the pedal and just drive!
DeleteWhen I get started I tend to keep going. But mostly that's because my place is small and I can't handle living with the mess for long. You did a great job! My hair is really short and I just use whatever is cheapest for shampoo.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
That's awesome Brenda, I used to be better about my projects. Once I started I wanted it done right away...lately, I've been much more distracted. And I love Suave Shampoo, it's cheap and my favorite. My daughter works at a hair salon so every now and then I buy the Redken. Then I just kept refilling the giant pump bottles...convenient, but not pretty!
DeleteYou are so talented to be able to sew the curtain in your bathroom. I also have the vinyl shades in a few bedrooms in our house and we love them. Your bathroom looks so nice with just a few changes.
ReplyDeleteThanks Julie! I love that vinyl blind. I don't know why I never thought to replace it before!!
DeleteKim I love the fabric of the valance you sewed. That is really pretty. Don't you love when our daughters say things like the motel comment lol! I love the faux wood blinds and have them in my house and they are easier than metal blinds to vacuum. Hey I have been finding that my projects are taking longer too. We are just getting to the office area and it seems like just painting trim and doors is taking weeks. Happy Friday. Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kris!! Yes, I know, I laughed…girls!! I don’t know why things are taking me longer. I lose focus, get distracted by other things, I keep trying to tell myself it can’t be that I’m getting old…an yet…😉
DeleteI lived in my last home for 22 years and in spite of the growing children and full time job, it seemed like I was always doing some DYI thing. When we moved into our new home 2-1/2 years ago, I was just tired and didn't have a burning desire to do those things.....until this January (well I started planning in October, just knew there wouldn't be the time during the holidays because of my craft business). So promptly in January the projects, large and small started. All of the things I have been "going to get to". Ha! Almost done now with the list, today was changing out hardware on all of the bedroom furniture. A definite improvement! Thanks Kim for keeping it real!
ReplyDeleteOh Carol, that was us in our old home! We were only there for seven years, but seven years with babies and it was DIY all the time. When we moved here we said let's do it all (haha!) at once! That didn't work out, but we are taking it slower for sure. Glad to hear we're not alone!! Thanks for the comment Carol!
DeleteKim, everything looks so fresh and pretty! I love all of your choices...I never thought about things like shampoo bottles! Makes such a nice difference! I admit...it takes me forever to get a project done...
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda! I never really paid attention to the shampoo bottles either...until one day I did and that's all I could see! 😉
DeleteHa! you asking me how long a project takes? It all looks so pretty and fresh and new and I love the Waverly fabric as much as I did years ago!..It looks really great, Kim, and I love that color of green in your bedroom..xxoJudy
ReplyDeleteI think we’re all in the same boat, Judy!! Some projects move along faster than others for sure. And thank you my friend. The color feels fresh!
DeleteVery pretty, Kim!! Projects do get done in our home with some gentle nudging!! LOL
ReplyDeleteI love that, Kathy...gentle nudging indeed!! 😉
DeleteI love all of the changes your made.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Penny!!
DeleteA pretty fresh new look does wonders. Enjoy your bath makeover. Waverly fabrics are lovely.
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda...and yes, I love Waverly, too!!
Delete"Isn't that always the way, though? You redecorate one room and suddenly everything else looks shabby and in need of an update?" - It really is!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm actually a little disappointed in this 2020, it is speeding by and I've yet to make good on a single plan or resolution, completely the year's fault, of course. I've been planning new curtains for the bedroom for a while now, I had an ambitious plan of making a set for winter and a set for summer. May as well scrap the winter plans for new :-) Your lovely treatment inspires me, and what a beautiful fabric.
Amalia
xo
Thank you so much, Amalia! ❤️ Trust me, I almost scrapped my curtain plans. At one point my husband asked me if the pins were just a new style! And I feel the same way...is it really March already?? Goodness, I'm behind. I've been watching your Facebook feed and I see all your darling crocheted friends pass by. Looks like you've been quite busy! They may not be curtains, but I think they're way cuter!!
DeleteLove the changes you made! The valance has beautiful details! That shampoo and conditioner covers are excellent!! We live on a parsonage so there is only so much I can change. They places new windows on bathroom but I am afraid to place shades there so now I am just now creating some valance and cafe curtains. :( I am not very talented I can tell.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Angela! I have to say, those silly shampoo/ conditioner pumps are my favorites! And I think your valance and cafe curtain pairing sounds wonderful!
DeleteYour bathroom looks great! If it makes you feel any better, we are super slow with doing projects or getting anything done, too. Seems like life is just really busy and it's hard to get around to these things. Our master bathroom has a window with the 2" vinyl white blinds...but that's it! No curtain, no valance. Looks so boring and ugly. Worst yet, the window trim (as is all of our windows) is that gross faux (plastic!) "wood". So the blinds go past the trim to hide it, not inside the trim.
ReplyDeleteHope you had a good weekend!
Thanks Melanie!! I don't know why this one took so long. I'm glad it's done now though. Take care, friend!
DeleteYour 'new' bathroom looks gorgeous! How pretty that Waverly fabric is. I'm a Waverly fabric gal too! You did good using the little fringe too. How nice everything looks and now don't you mess it up! :) Hope you're doing well.
ReplyDeleteBe a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
Thank you, Shelia! I have to say Waverly really is my favorite. I always seem to gravitate to it. Hope you are well, too, friend.
DeleteThis is so lovely! You are amazing friend! Love the valence!
ReplyDeletekarianne
Thank you so much, KariAnne! It really is the little things sometimes...especially now. Take care, friend.
DeleteAs always, your projects amaze me - you are one multi-talented woman!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Debbie. Your comments always make me smile.
DeleteI like the colors Kim. It looks fresh, clean and bright.
ReplyDeleteWell Done!
Thanks Carla! That fresh green is like having a little bit of the garden inside!
DeleteI just saw this post! How did I miss it last week? Anyway, I love it! Small, cosmetic changes can be just what's needed! I've been talking about taking our huge garden tub out for several years. It might happen this year, but it might end up being a hired out job. Hubby has the skill, but not the time! So we'll see if it happens this year!
ReplyDeleteI hear you loud and clear, Deanna. I've had to wait out a busy husband many times. And thank you!
DeleteLove the valance!! Thanks so much for stopping by!!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Debbie
Thanks Debbie and my pleasure!!
DeleteIsn't it amazing how small changes can end up snowballing and making such a big difference. Love the pattern on the fabric and the way you paired it with the fringe Kim. And hubby sounds like such a darling taking you shopping on Valentine's Day. He's definitely a keeper
ReplyDeleteHe's a keeper for sure, Michelle. Thank you!!
Delete