Updating Bathrooms . . . For Now!
Living through a renovation can make you crazy. And exhausted. I never would have imagined that I’d be living here without a kitchen for more than four months and likely will be more than five months until it’s fully functional, but still not finished. When the kitchen is done, I’ll need to take a break.
Originally, I thought I’d move right into my bathroom renovations, but I’ve changed my mind. After having lived with my less than perfect bathrooms for about five months now, they’ve grown on me. Not entirely, but I’m thinking of easy ways to elevate them without breaking the bank.
Here’s what I’ve done so far:
Purchased New Mirrors (the same in both ensuite bathrooms)
Swapping Light Fixtures Out
I took the ones from my previous condo and will be using them both in these bathrooms.
Shower Curtain
Again, this came from my previous condo and now resides in my bathroom.
Area Rug
I have layered previously owned and used small area rugs for a more lux look.
Door Knob Update
I purchased new glass door knobs and found the antique gold circular plates on Amazon and the black laser cut floral plates on Etsy. I used these throughout the house on both sides of the doors – even the closets and love how they look.
Here’s what I’d like to do. I think.
Tile, Tile Everywhere
Take a look and be reminded of your parents or grandparents' bathroom.
The yellow and black tile is a total throwback and I’m undecided on whether or not to work around it, or try to paint the tile with Rustoleum Tub & Tile Kit. Amazon.com: Rust-Oleum 384165 Tub And Tile Refinishing 2-Part Kit, Gloss White
Bottomline: TBD
Wallpaper Perhaps
I’m thinking of using wallpaper as a quick and easy solution to work with the tile as it is. There’s something unexpected and fun about this wallpaper for my bathroom. RoomMates Watercolor Floral Stripe Black and White Peel and Stick Wallpaper (Covers 28.29 sq. ft.) RMK11514RL - The Home Depot or this floral Norwall Grand Floral Vinyl Roll Wallpaper (Covers 56 sq. ft.) MH36505 - The Home Depot
I could also go with a more art deco vibe even with a genko flowers – that might be fun. https://www.amazon.com/Tempaper-Novogratz-Feather-Removable-Wallpaper/dp/B09KS5F26G/ref=pd_lpo_sccl_1/145-0247835-7972142?pd_rd_w=tegpS&content-id=amzn1.sym.116f529c-aa4d-4763-b2b6-4d614ec7dc00&pf_rd_p=116f529c-aa4d-4763-b2b6-4d614ec7dc00&pf_rd_r=GPD7DGG0CGJH1E6DKW1E&pd_rd_wg=1Lvr0&pd_rd_r=3abc785d-051c-48c7-a60e-1aecc1df385e&pd_rd_i=B09KS5F26G&psc=1
Here’s one I’m considering for the guest bedroom. ERIN & BEN CO. Linen and Charcoal Cottontail Toile Paper Peel and Stick Matte Wallpaper PSW1433RL - The Home Depot There’s something so sweet about the bunnies, but still a sophisticated design.
Hardware Update
I like the sink (despite its cracks, it still works and isn’t leaking – a big plus) but a new faucet would be a welcome addition. I’m thinking of something like this https://www.amazon.com/cart/smart-wagon?newItems=c8abdea0-ca37-4bd4-931d-61b616d8aabe,1&ref_=sw_refresh I’m not opposed to a chrome or polished nickel faucet either. I’m on the fence. There's something about this one, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08SBPX7CX/ref=twister_B08SC2V66B?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
that screams practicality, but is it too practical? I’m on the fence.
The Floors
As much as I would love to remove the basket weave tiles from the 1940’s – that might end up being the largest part of the renovation (along with removing the tub and replacing it) because there are so many unknowns. What did they use to secure it? How long will it take to remove? How will they make it smooth so new tile could be laid over it? The labor involved will be intense.
So for now, I”m choosing to give it a thorough scrubbing with a mix of hydrogen peroxide, banking soda and dawn with a grout brush and get to work. This is the grout brush I purchased a couple of years ago and it’s amazing. https://www.amazon.com/hz/mobile/mission?p=2MnkFbZa3G4xoehVt25%2Byzgi3PTG3LsSDaRGNoao%2FA4faY9TXJFzEYkpGBkNVKGcvwOLUWTwv6OIgzmVpkBXyx7Oszr3I%2B%2FQDO9mFipQNTy%2ByVvyEQK6CvvrIndsgGLd3c57x%2BlWQ%2FRAMvgbL6AWtQfAF29f9l6LX9rDYSXrmuffLQ7hxKxuvpmoqcWTCdnGNhuUqdmRTDZOyZI6u6oOuHULwN2xlssShUfWSUi4WrVoaVs04uSk%2BtbqwQwgzZTxHkFmqmXLeVW%2BkCM4YIRmScrLQq9NGszxZJbDlLTdja5dYg%2Bg9d2BHvm5yHkYvGun6Wn%2FT5BI3XeREPdzFbcLOAW1c0Vu4Mw9qZGJDFsolOEkAIAfzD003JC6mn5ufug5lKbKTZaxg84%3D&ref_=nb_sb_ss_di_ci_mcx_mi_ci-mcx-ksf1_0&crid=3DOHLL2A26J5E
I also have a professional steamer and I’m told that’s a great way to clean up the floor after the first round of cleaning with microfiber cloths.
Area Rugs
I had some nice small area rugs I’ve used in previous homes that I simply washed and put down. I especially love this small turkish rug that I’m using as a top layer. This does the job of covering my less than perfect (or new) floors with a little bit of class. Small oriental rugs would be great for the bathroom as well.
Toilet Upgrade
I love wooden toilet seats. There’s something so rich and British about it. Here’s a very affordable one that I’m going to order soon. Angel Shield Durable Wood Veneer Natural Toilet Seat Metal Hinged Easy Clean Anti-scratch American Standard(Round,Dark Walnut) - - Amazon.com
Had one in my previous place too. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.
Over the Toilet Cabinet
I also took this from my previous home and am torn about where to put it. I think in the end it will find its home in what will be the half bathroom and laundry room combo. So, that leaves me looking for an alternative. I did find two that are alike so I may use them in both my bathroom and the guest bathroom. They’re in my storage unit (God knows where) so I don’t have a photo to show you. It could change so I’ll leave a little bit of suspense here.
This could eliminate the need for the Glass Shelf described below. Allied Brass 16 in. L x 15 in. H x 5 in. W 3-Tier Clear Glass Bathroom Shelf in Polished Nickel PR-5/16-PNI - The Home Depot Something to think about!
Glass Shelf
I had a glass shelf under my vanity mirror above my sink and I think I may need to put one above the wall where the toilet is and below the cabinet. Maybe. I’m still contemplating this one. The one I bought and will have to repurchase is from Home Depot and is a little spendy for what it is, but of course, I like it more than most. Here’s the single version (a variation of the shelf above) Que New 16 in. L x 3 in. H x 5 in. W Clear Glass Bathroom Shelf with Gallery Rail in Satin Brass
Artwork
In my past guest bathroom I found black white old photographs of Boston. I’m thinking that might be another way to “wallpaper” the bathroom walls. I’ll need to look for more but they’re out there on ebay, Facebook Marketplace – I could probably find them at the Boston Public Library. If I don’t do that, I think artwork brings so much character to a room and I’ll be on the hunt for some interesting pieces. I recently purchased some paintings of scenes in Paris that might work in one of the bathrooms as well.
Storage Options
My bathrooms aren’t huge, but I always need more storage. I live in the city. Enough said. Right now, I’m using a rolling cart to hold the items I use most often. I’m wondering if I could find a more attractive way to store these items given that I don’t have a medicine cabinet.
This is one from The Container Store that I think might be perfect between the toilet and sink. https://www.containerstore.com/s/yamazaki-tower-rolling-cart/d?q=Thin%20storage%20options&productId=11020796
Another option that I like because the drawers are closed (less dust). https://www.containerstore.com/s/like_it-white-slim-tower/d?q=Thin%20storage%20options&productId=10028016
Also love this as an option for behind the door. These baskets come in larger sizes as well, but I had a utility closet that had shelves and this worked perfectly.
https://www.containerstore.com/s/elfa-utility-platinum-mesh-baskets/d?q=Elfa%20Utility%20Small%20Mesh%20Basket%20Platinum&productId=11009433 I suggest you go into a Container store with measurements and talk to an associate.
Another option. Amazon.com: VASAGLE Bathroom Floor Cabinet, Bathroom Storage Organizer Rack Stand, Multifunctional Corner Unit, 2 Drawers, Grey UBBC042G01
Spa-Like Touches
Nice towels, Comfy robe, Eucalyptus