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Home Decorating

Updating 2 baths - small budget, no experience

13 years ago

Hello!

I love this forum but I'm generally just a lurker because I rarely take on any of the projects I need to accomplish around here. I'm single without a huge budget so resources are modest, I get intimidated by the GORGEOUS homes I see here and elsewhere, and I'm indecisive on top of it all. :) I need to take a leap and DO something this year! I could really use your help.

I have two full bathrooms that are similar in size - small, with a single vanity in each plus the tub and toilet. They're not horrible but I dislike the olive greenish vinyl flooring and formica vanity top. The vanity cabinet in each is that boring builder oak and there's a large, plain mirror above the sink.

I don't plan to replace the cabinets because they're in good condition and it's out of the budget. No plans to paint them either since I'm afraid of screwing up and the oak matches the rest of the doors, trim and cabinetry in the house. What I do want to do is tile the floors in both bathrooms, put on new granite vanity tops with new fixtures, maybe add cabinet and drawer pulls, frame the mirror, and paint the walls.

I could really use some inspiration. If any of you have similar builder oak bath cabinetry but you've done upgrades in vanity top, flooring, hardware, etc. would you please share photos? I'd love to learn from you!

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Comments (3)

fnmroberts
13 years ago
Some more info about room size, budget and how much will be DIY would be helpful.

I'm linking photos of one we updated early in 2010. We did paint the existing cabinet, replaced the mirror with a flush-mounted medicine cabinet, changed lighting, countertop/basin/faucet and removed the by-pass shower door replacing it with a bowed rod. Also installed a marble tile floor. Aside from the tile installation and the countertop fabrication it was all DIY. Our total investment was If you provide additional information, perhaps more specific suggestions could be offered. Good luck with the updates.

Here is a link that might be useful: Updated Bathroom
Jess TKA
Original Author
13 years ago
Thank you, fnmroberts. Lovely bathroom! I love the white vanity, though I don't plan to paint or replace mine in the near future. I don't have the bathroom dimensions handy (I'm away from home at the moment) but both are very similar in size to your own, though the vanity size in the guest bath is 37" and the vanity in the master bath is 43".

I'm hoping to get both bathrooms done for about $2,000 if possible. I've been looking at the granite vanity tops with built-in undermount sinks at Home Depot and Lowes for the $200 to $350 range. I'd need to add tile for the flooring (though it shouldn't take a lot, since the bathrooms are smallish), faucets, pulls and paint. I have no idea how much to estimate labor costs but my assumption is that's always the most expensive part so I'm going to see if any friends have tiling experience or have put in a new bath vanity so I could do more of it DIY with a little free help.

Mostly what I'm looking for now are some inspiration photos of bathrooms that have similar natural/honey builder grade vanity cabinets just to see what style of counters and fixtures were added, what type of mirror and flooring, etc.

Thanks again for any photos people can provide.
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Thanks so much for the feedback. I spoke with the architect and he was enabling the bath to be large enough for 3'0 doors and a larger vanity that he thought I wanted. I told him we were used to just a pedestal sink and toilet and would be thrilled to have the extra space in the kitchen. He is working on our revisions, but it sounds as if it will all work out. Our master bath and bedroom are on the main floor and is wheelchair accesible. So, that would be an option if ever needed for someone or us in the future. I really appreciate the comments, time and pitures. It is so nice to have real people who can share and help us get our dream homes as pefectly perfect as possible! I count down to the days we can break gound and share pictures. I hope we will be part of "It's June and...!" We closed on our 8 acres yesterday and it is just screaming for some action!!!
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On the opposite side of that wall is the closet in the 2nd bedroom. I could easily cut the wall and drop in an access panel. That is more plumbing work than I feel comfortable doing myself. I like to experiment and learn to do things on my own. But since when I shut off the water supply, I shut off eight units in total, I don't want this to be a learning experience that inconveniences my neighbors for a long time. If I do that, it can wait until I do a complete remodel in my master bath and have a plumber here. I've got that planned for another year or two. Thanks for the tip though writersblock!!! And trtsmb, I do agree with doing a linen closet or hutch with a smaller vanity. But I need suggestions or pics for ideas. I'm not sure exactly what.
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As far as style goes, I like the idea of things that are reminiscent of the original style but still updated. You don't have to keep things "period appropriate" if that's not what you like, but design often works better when you keep the original in mind. I think that your ideas are fine but could be a little more unique, have a little more interest to them. What do you like about the original design, or about 70's-esque design in general? Or what do you hate? I really like how this bathroom reads as retro but not outdated. The little vintage accents - especially that owl - add a cool touch, too. I don't really like the idea of a gray floor tile in this bathroom, unless you're wanting to go a lot more modern with it all. What about something like this if you wanted to reference back to the blue? Or go with 70's inspired neutrals, more brown/gold than gray. Good luck!
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dianalo
13 years ago
Don't forget Craigslist. You can often find perfectly good stuff that does not fit or is not the new homeowner's style.
The Habitat for Humanity Restores are also a great resource for materials, esp for tile.

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