Here's a little peek at our master bathroom renovation, which took approximately six months, from beginning to end. And that was WITH a professional contractor doing the labor (our first professional job). It took about three months to find a suitable contractor within our budget and who would allow us to select our own materials. Like pretty much everyone considering a master bath reno these days, we wanted our room to feel light, airy, and like a spa (as much as possible). We wanted to maximize the space, open up our very closed and moldy water closet, and bring in a lot of light, which is tough for our south-facing home.
Other than increasing the value of our home, the main motivation for doing this project now was the beige blah-ness that plagued us in the morning and at night, every.single.day. The walls were beige, the tile was beige, the cabinets were beige, and even the mosaic tile (resembling a certain body part) the previous owners used to "enhance" the tub and shower were beige-ish. Despite attempted "upgrades" with Home Depot builder-grade mirrors and fixtures, the previous owners failed big-time in selling this bathroom as anything but 1989-wants-their-jacuzzi-tub-back.
Oh, the horrors!
The builders (in 1989) even left the shims between the countertop and the cabinets. The lights were so bright, we always unscrewed at least two lightbulbs. There was no other lighting in the space other than the Asian-inspired sconces.
The giNORmous jacuzzi tub with choice mosaic tile slapped on the side. As you can see, we used the tub to store cleaning supplies, Kleenex, and our trashcan.
Our disgusting, moldy water closet shower with about 2 square feet of space. Notice the toilet paper resting on the side -- classy.
Beige, beige, beige.
What a treat! The shower eyes/boobs are watching!
The linen closet wasn't big enough for...linens. And the doors always hit each other. Who came up with this brilliant idea?
This is definitely not to-code. About 2 feet between the shower and toilet.
I've always wanted a claw foot tub! This one is acrylic, so we didn't have to add supports. The tub and hardware are from Signature Hardware. The paint is "Sea Salt" from Sherwin Williams -- a serene greenish bluish grey. We used beveled subway tile from Lowes.
We opened up the wall between the bathroom and the water closet. I don't even know what to say about this other than, I am a new woman. The basic 3x6 beveled tile from Lowes was accented with Victorian chair rail in the middle, mosaic subway tile, and chair rail to cap it off. Super affordable options that the fancy tile stores charge an arm and a leg for.
My favorite model (with his favorite model school bus) showing off the IKEA Fabrikor "linen closet" that holds our presentable bathroom items, such as toilet paper, bath salts, and soaps. The toilet was rotated 90 degrees so that it's to-code and allows the shower door to open a full 90 degrees. The flooring is a retro black and white basket weave from Tile Shop that cost about $5/foot on sale.
One of my favorite things is the sink hardware from Kingston Brass, which we ordered from Amazon. It looks vintage, and it's heavy polished nickel.
I just love this picture. My little blondie ham trying to be funny.
A view from the toilet area. We had no overhead lighting before. Now we have ample ceiling light as well as ambient light from the sconces. I don't have to remove the bulbs in the morning! My makeup is probably going to look SO much better!
I put the shower niche inside the partition wall, so you can't see any shampoos, soaps, or other shower clutter from the rest of the room!
The vanity is from Restoration Hardware, which we got on clearance. It included the Carrera marble countertop. Bonus: they delivered it and carried it up the stairs. Mirrors are Kensington pivot from Pottery Barn, which were also 20% off.
Other than increasing the value of our home, the main motivation for doing this project now was the beige blah-ness that plagued us in the morning and at night, every.single.day. The walls were beige, the tile was beige, the cabinets were beige, and even the mosaic tile (resembling a certain body part) the previous owners used to "enhance" the tub and shower were beige-ish. Despite attempted "upgrades" with Home Depot builder-grade mirrors and fixtures, the previous owners failed big-time in selling this bathroom as anything but 1989-wants-their-jacuzzi-tub-back.
Oh, the horrors!
After shots of our new beautiful, blissful, bathroom (queue the angels singing in heaven):
I've always wanted a claw foot tub! This one is acrylic, so we didn't have to add supports. The tub and hardware are from Signature Hardware. The paint is "Sea Salt" from Sherwin Williams -- a serene greenish bluish grey. We used beveled subway tile from Lowes.
What do you think? Is it an improvement?
