Budget Bathroom Remodel II

When we bought our house, I knew that I would eventually change many aspects of the home, this bathroom included. Then a plumbing leak mandated that it was time to dive into a bathroom makeover!

As with every house project I take on, my aim was to keep costs low without sacrificing style.
Because of the plumbing problem however, this time it would have to be an actual "remodel" (as opposed to the cosmetic changes I made with much of the rest of the house).
Basically, I couldn't just cover up tattered surfaces surfaces this time, everything actually had to come out!

First Things First; Wallpaper

Now, don't get me wrong, I LOVE birds...But I don't love them on old peeling wallpaper. It had to go.

The best method for removing wallpaper:

-First, I pulled off any paper that was already loose using just my hands.  Luckily I was able to get most of the top layer off this way.

-Second, I made a mixture of 2 parts hot water, 1 part liquid fabric softener, and 2 parts white vinegar.

-Third, I used a rag to liberally apply this mixture to the wall.

-Last, (after letting the mixture sit for a few minutes) I used a paint scraper to scrape off any remaining glue and paper.

Removing wallpaper is never an easy job, but it's worth the pay off!  If you have kids, put them to work too. Mine LOVED taking the paper off the walls!

Demolition

This is pretty self explanatory. 

Chip away old tile, cut away wood rot and remove any moldy sheetrock. This is a fun way to put your trusty sledgehammer to use!

We had to take it down to the studs and floor joists in some places due to water damage. However, if the "bones" of your bathroom are still in good condition, you can probably get away with leaving the sheetrock and subfloor.  Just be sure to check the shower pan, they can be a common place for leaks.

Add In The New

Before too long it was time for to start adding new elements back into the room. We started with the tub.

The old tub was shot, so we opted for a new cast iron tub that is wider and taller than the old one. 

It was super heavy, and getting it into the space wasn't easy, but they did it! Next up, tile...

Tile Tub Surround

Since I wasn't too keen on the "before" tile, we went with something different. 

Tile Before

Close up of tile "before"

To keep costs low we selected large subway tile. Subway tile is an instant classic, and is relatively inexpensive.  Also, because I selected oversized tile, it used less labor time (helping to keep costs lower and/ or saving you time).  

For a dramatic feel, we ran the tile tub-surround around the window, and all the way up to the ceiling.

After

We just went with "ice white" from Home Depot. It was cheap and easy!  Then we finished off the clean look with a self sealing white grout.

After

Soon it was time for the floor. 

Flooring

The original bathroom floor was tile. But the subfloor underneath was rotten, so it had to go.  If you would like to salvage your tile floor, but don't like the color, try painting it! (See link below for product info). It works miracles! I had used it on this floor the year before, to disguise the old tile.

(Painted) Floor Before

Again to keep costs low we went with an inexpensive and easy to install floor. The very cheapest flooring option in a single slab of laminate, but I don't care for that look. So instead we went a step up and used a self adhesive "snap together" flooring. 

After

*Also note that, even small changes like the updating the color of the metal strip between the carpet and bathroom floor (from gold to silver) can update a house.

This type of floor comes in many different patterns and colors, including some convincing synthetic wood grains. However, because I knew that someday we'd be putting wood in the ajacent hallway, I didn't want bathroom flooring that would clash with wood, or look "too close" to wood.  So we chose a grey cement/ slate finish. 

This floor went in quickly and easily. After installation we were careful to calk every corner or seam that was near a water source. This is very important, especially if you have kids like mine, who enjoy splashing in the tub!

A New Vanity

Because we needed to select everything in just one shopping trip (the one day that we had a babysitter!) we also ordered the vanity from Home Depot.  I did see it for a little less elsewhere though (including on overstock.com). 

Old Vanity, Before

I wanted to be choosy about the countertop, we chose a model that didn't come with a top. But, many do come with a top and sink all ready to go, and they are quite nice. To save on labor costs measure carefully and do your best not to have to move the plumbing. 

After

I chose a single facet (instead of one with handles) with sleek lines.  A streamlined faucet is easier to clean and makes the space feel modern.

Before

After

I went with a brushed nickel finish. Oil Rubbed Bronze hardware is lovely.  But it's very trendy right now, and I think it is more likely to eventually look dated than classic chrome or nickel. 

For continuity, ensure that all of the hardware in your bathroom is made from the same metal (drawer pulls and light fixtures, and faucets).

Adding in More Elements

Both the light fixture and the mirror were original.  They were circa 1972, so they were not quite old enough to be back in fashion again.  They had to go!

Before

We chose a nice new light fixture that matched the rest of the hardware and installed it in the same location.

After

I found an inexpensive beveled edged mirror at a discount store (Ross) for about $40. The frame was gold, so I painted it with matte finish chalk paint (find the cheap brand here, or the original chalk paint here).

Before

We also replaced the old shutter style medicine cabinet with a new mirrored one.  Mirrors are always your friends! They read like a window, brightening and enlarging any space.  So it can be beneficial to use them whenever possible! 

After

After

Just one thing to keep in mind... open the package and check your mirror before leaving the store. We had to exchange this one because the first one came with a chip. This is the second time that has happened to me with a Home Depot mirror. 

Keep it Simple

I like to change up my decor often. So, as you can see from these photos, the most costly changes we made in the bathroom are all subtle in their coloring.  We used a lot of white.  This way I can easily add color with things like towels, shower curtains and rugs.  These are simple things to switch out if I decide that I eventually want a different look.  Fresh towels and a new shower curtain (for example) can totally change the look of a room, with only a minimal amount of work on your part. 

This remodel is also less likely to look dated 10 years, because we avoided using overly trendy colors in the big permanent pieces of the room.

One of my favorite ways to create a versatile space is with my go-to paint color.

Benjamin Moore's "Ivory White" (number 925) works EVERYWHERE. I've used it on kitchen cabinets, walls, garage doors and even on furniture.  It's the perfect warm white, and goes with everything.  So naturally, this was the color I painted the walls.

Paint stores don't always have samples of this color out, but they can mix it for you, just provide them with the brand name and the color ID number.

Then, with a neutral base of whites (walls, vanity, tile and tub) I was free to make bold color choices with my accessories. 

Adding Finishing Touches

Now came my favorite part!

Gone went the ugly plastic toilet brush and dirty waste basket, and in came new brushed nickel models to match the rest of the metal in the room. I chose this: 

Then it was time to add some color! Since I held back on adding any color to the more "permanent" aspects of the room, it was time to let loose and bring in some bold hues!

I already had the monogramed green towels (a generously homemade gift from a friend).  So I used those as a springboard for creating a pallet. 
To "help" kids remember to hang up their towels, we used hooks in the place of traditional towel racks.

Because it had the green I was looking for, and a variety of other colors too, I went with this shower curtain.  It was a little bit of a gamble, buying it online (site unseen).  But, overall I am happy with how it looks.  This one was my second choice! I still love it too :)

Then I added a pop of color to the floor with this inexpensive orange rug.

I already had the turquoise photo frames (from Target) and I took another gamble on the luxurious yellow towels by buying them online. Online shopping is a mother's best friend!  

I was a little disappointed that they weren't as vibrant as I thought they'd be. But still, it was better than dragging three small children through countless stores!

Overall, we are quite happy with the end result, and hope to enjoy it for many years to come. Stay tuned for future updates and changes to the decor. Happy house fixing!

Thanks for stopping by!





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Budget Bathroom Remodel

A "new" DIY bathroom, without spending a fortune!

So often redoing a bathroom involves expensive changes like new vanities, floors and fixtures. The trouble was that I had a bathroom that needed big changes, and a small budget.

My only option was to so my best to make cosmetic changes, without spending a lot of money.

Removing the Wallpaper

The first plan of attack was to remove the wallpaper. As you can see it even came complete with, not one... but TWO borders. While I appreciate that the former owner loved this room, it simply wasn't my style. 

Before

The flowered walls had to go.

I've heard so many horror stories about what a nightmare removing wallpaper could be, but it really wasn't that bad.

Basically I peeled off anything that I could get off before getting anything wet. It's so satisfying when you get a really big piece!
Then, I used this mixture to loosen the adhesive and remove the wallpaper :

2 parts hot water

1 part liquid fabric softener

2 parts white vinegar 

Using a rag I saturated whatever was left of the glue and paper with the mixture. After letting it soak in for a few minutes, it was easy to scrape the remainder off. 

Before

After

It was tedious to get all that paper off the walls. But with the company of some good podcasts for entertainment, the time went by fast. I was able to get all the paper off in about a day. 

*My favorite podcasts to listen to are: Stuff You Should Know, This American Life, Serial, Radiolab, Freakanomics, Stuff You Missed in History Class and The Moth. 

You can find them all on the iTunes Store. 

Painting

When redoing an entire room, it's best to start from the top and work your way down, literally. So the next thing I did was paint the ceiling. 

To brighten things up without making the room feel too cold, I used my favorite warm white paint (Benjamin Moore's #925 "Ivory White") on the ceiling.  Then I used the same color for the 2 walls, the cabinets and the door. Many paint stores don't have this color on display in their inventory. But, they should have access to the codes and will be able to mix it for you if you request it. Next I used a warm blue (close to turquoise) on the 2 remaining walls. 

Covering Old Surfaces

Dingy fake marble wasn't on my list of preferred countertops, but unfortunately a new countertop wasn't in the budget either. That meant that it was time to use one of my favorite "cure-all" products. Rust-oleum Tub and Tile.

Before

Not only was the counter ugly, but it was stained too!

After

Rust-oleum Tub and Tile is an epoxy based product that literally glues itself to countertops and tile. I even used it on the old beat-up porcelain sink. Once you mix the product together, you have about 4 hours to use the it, so plan accordingly. Also, plan on using a junky brush that you can just throw away afterwards. Even paint thinner wouldn't clean this stuff out of my brush.

For some subtle variation in tone I used "Almond"on the counter and the shower walls, and "White" on the sink, the floor tiles and on the shower floor. 

Completed countertop

Yes, as you can see from the photos bellow, Rustoleum even covered the dark blue floor tiles. It took a few coats, and several cans. But before long we had a gleaming white floor, for less than $100. 

Dark blue tile before

The tile was dark blue, cracked and chipped. I just covered it all up with this great stuff!

I used "Almond" on the walls of the shower freshen up the 70's era tile. 

Before

After

This stuff is really drippy, so be ready for a constancy that is thinner than regular latex paint. But, as long as you keep checking back for drips and making touch-ups wherever needed, you'll end up with a nice new surface. 

WARNING: This product produces very strong fumes. Be sure to work in a well ventilated area, and if you can wear a protective mask. I use one like this.

Spray Paint is Your Friend!

Once again, since new fixtures, towel racks and even light switch covers weren't in the budget, I had to make do with what I had. 
The old brass light fixture was definitely dated, but it had good lines and an interesting shape. Enter: Matte black spray paint! (Also called "flat" black")

Before

After

We took the fixture off the wall and coated it with a couple coats of spray paint (no prep work needed, just slap it on there). I also ran the glass shades through the dishwasher and then shined them with some white vinegar and a rag.

For this project you could also use Rustoleum's Oil Rubbed Bronze paint, if your faucet and drawer pulls are finished in that color (a dark matt brown). 

I used black because I knew it would look better with the silver toned faucet and drawer pulls I panned to add. 

We added new LED lightbulbs. They are a bigger investment in the short term, but will pay off eventually in longevity and lower energy costs. For a more comfortable space be sure to look for "warm" LED's, the lower the "K" number the warmer the light. 2700K is the lowest and warmest I've seen. 

I also removed and painted two old pewter toned towel racks and a matching light switch cover. Instantly everything was updated and matching!

I's amazing what a can or two of spray paint can do!

Little Extras

It's the final touches that can really bring a room to life. Again I chose these things with cost in mind, and by that, I mean low cost!

For extra storage, add a shelf above your door. This white one I found inexpensively at a hardware store, and the black brackets holding it are from Ikea. 

For quick reference I labeled the bottom of baskets with their contents. 

Anytime you can corral items into baskets or bins (rather than just leaving them sitting out) your room will look more pulled together. This not only goes for bathroom products, but for things like DVDs and kitchen gadgets too. 

I replaced old tired hardware with new chrome pieces found in bargain bins or on sale. The chrome goes nicely with the painted black accents and the new stainless faucet (also purchased on clearance!).

Since there wasn't much of a mirror to begin with, I needed to figure out a new solution. Instead of putting up an expensive mirror meant for a bathroom I just hung a regular wall mirror. I was able to find a decent one with a black frame at a discount store. 

I also found a retro looking mirror at Home Depot that I hung on a side wall. I love mirrors because the reflect light and make a space feel larger. 

Above the window I added a (discount store) black curtain rod and black and white curtains. To keep the room light and bright I chose a sheer design. 

Since this is such a small space, to save money I only purchased one curtain panel. Then I just used pinking shears to cut it in half (regular scissors would have caused it fray).

I was super happy to find the black candle holders (originally marketed as Halloween decorations) on sale in November for 75% off!  The ceramic birds I found on clearance at Michaels.

The internet can be a great resource too. I found these black mirrors and metal star discounted on Overstock.com.

Crisp white towels were an easy choice because the go nicely with the white floor, and I can easily bleach them to keep them looking fresh and new. 

We also added a new lowflow toilet. Check with your city, often times you can get these installed for free, or get a rebate when you purchase one.

I'll leave you with these "Before and After" shots!

Before

After

Thanks for stopping by!

(Fun Fact: It actually took longer to get this blog post together than it did to do the actual bathroom! Haha!)

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