Leaving the Ivory Tower : walls

Showing posts with label walls. Show all posts

Thursday, July 30, 2015

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

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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Hayley Brentmar

Hello! My name is Hayley Brentmar. Thank you for visiting my blog! I am an: artist, designer, mother, literature nerd, daughter, sister, homemaker, wife, traveler, and teacher turned homeschooler. I am a sucker for packaging, and I suck at playing sports. Aesthetics are crucial. Please visit my professional webpage: https://hayleybrentmar.com Let's be friends on GoodReads! Find my profile with this URL: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1452367-hayley-brentmar Also, please visit my first website at this URL: https://sites.google.com/site/hayleydeeenestbio/ Professional and Educational experience: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hayleybrentmar123/

Sunday, June 21, 2015

Boy's Lazure Room

You may have seen my previous post about creating my daughter's rainbow room, using a painting method called "lazure". In our new house I decided to try my hand at lazure again, this time in my boys' new room.

When we bought this house, this room was decorated in a very feminine style, complete with 80’s mauve curtains and accents. It wasn’t what I had in mind for my twin boys’ bedroom. The "before" photo is how it looked (with the seller’s furniture) when we bought the house.

Before

After we moved in, with two toddler’s in the mix, the room didn’t look much better!

During

It saw some hard days and a lot of playtime. As you can see even the walls were "decorated"! Eventually, I went to work and transformed the room into a Waldorf inspired space for my boys.

After

Wall Color

The method I used for painting the walls is further detailed in my Lazure Tutorial post. But, here is a quick summary:

The first step in creating lazure walls is to start with a bright white base. I like to use off the shelf "ultra pure white" paint.

I'm also careful to use a matte white. This creates the perfect surface for applying the transparent layers of color on the walls.

You will need:

-Water

-Paint brush (standard good quality wall paint brush)

-Bowl

-A soft cloth rag

-Liquid water color paint (I used Stockmar brand)

-In this room, I also used some acrylic paint.

Or you could even try using powdered pigment:

-A pigment binder like this (be sure you use matte):

-Large sponge

White acrylic paint

Mix Your Paint

You want a very thin mixture of color. It should still feel watery, and not thick like regular paint. I didn't measure very precisely. But here is the rough recipe:

-2-3 cups of water

-1/4 cup of polymer binder

-1-2 teaspoons of a single water color paint (you will need to mix up a new batch for each color)

-1 tablespoon of white acrylic paint

Mix well, I used the paint brush for mixing.

The next step is to begin applying the mixture to your walls. It is VERY drippy, so apply only a small amount at a time. I started at the top of the wall, and worked my way down to the floor, so that any drips could be easily wiped up with the rag.

Apply with the brush, using a swirling circular motion. Because I had textured walls I really had to "scrub" the color onto the walls. Then follow up with the sponge, using the same arm motions.

As I moved around the room, I changed the colors, fading one into the next.

Furniture

Then, it was time to add "big boy beds". I knew I wanted beds that could also become bunk beds once the boys were older. But it was difficult to find convertible beds that were identical in size and shape when separated. Luckily, Amazon came to the rescue!

Eventually I will add wall hangings, art and photos in the big empty wall spaces. But that will have to wait until the boys are a little older. Right now they'd just pull anything that they could reach down! So stay tuned for an update in the future :)

Then it was time to add details!

I pulled the colors and theme of the room from this fabric. My mom made the curtains years ago for our first nursery.

We attached several wooden crates to the wall for storage.

Then I filled the crates with animal themed nicknacks, and other colorful things that matched the walls.

As the boys get older we will be able to add more items.

I surrounded the top of the walls with these alphabet wall cards:

They are primarily shades of blue and green, so they match the walls perfectly. The animal theme is also carried through with them.

Again, someday when the boys are older I will add more decor to the wall below them.

For now the decor has to remain pretty sparse, and very kid-friendly.

I found the wooden animals at The Goodwill, and used acrylic paint to make the turquoise. The Waldorf doll is from Etsy. He does have more clothes... somewhere!

Floor

For the floor I collected old sheets from thrift stores and used them to crochet a rag rug.

To create this rug, I used a combination of this tutorial, and lessons from a friend. It was a time consuming project. But it was nice because it was cost effective, and I was able to chose my own color pallet.