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Before/After small bathroom reno, suggestions for finishing touches?

5 years ago

Before/After of a small (5ft x 9ft) bathroom renovation

Background: When we purchased this townhouse we knew this bathroom would need to be renovated because there was some evidence that moisture was getting behind the bathtub enclosure. So this was a renovation more of necessity rather than solely to update/remodel.

I had a short two-week lead-in (our contractor had a small window of availability) to plan what I wanted done and to make sure the materials/fixtures etc were available within that time-frame. This was my first time doing something like this, so it was a quick, steep learning curve. After reading some of the horror stories on here, I wanted to be at least semi-informed as to what was going on. I can say now I know a lot more about the many different ways you can properly waterproof a bathtub enclosure! Luckily it all came together and I had a fantastic contractor who did great work.

I like things pretty simple, minimalistic and functional – hence the Ikea vanity choice (probably an anathema to some on this board!). The tile was the biggest splurge, and I had a lot of fun (and angst) drawing up different tile layouts on graph paper trying to decide what I wanted.

Now that it’s done (see pics below), any suggestions for the finishing touches? I need to buy new bath towels and a bathmat – any colour suggestions? Plain old white or something else? Also thinking of putting something on the vanity countertop, like a vase or a plant.

Thanks for any help!

Pics in comments because I couldn't get them to post in the main post

Featured Answer

dmpsd

5 years ago

Awesome job. It looks great. And I love the toilet.

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Comments (19)

Toto
Original Author
5 years ago
AFTER:
Toto
Original Author
5 years ago
BEFORE:
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Rita / Bring Back Sophie 4 Real
5 years ago
What a lovely new bathroom. Your accent tile is so thoughtfully laid out. I love it.

I like white towels in general and certainly in your particular case. Maybe some succulents or cyclamen would work in that bathroom? I went with the bathroom cliche of a fern once and learned why that is a tried and true combination- my fern became a monster and practically took over the bathroom.
Toto thanked Rita / Bring Back Sophie 4 Real
Toto
Original Author
5 years ago
Thanks dmpsd - ha ha talk about toilets, I probably put way more thought and research into that than needed (think endless reading about MAP ratings, trapway size, different flush types, rough-in etc). I had three main things I wanted in the toilet - good flush, concealed trapway (for easy cleaning and aesthetics) and not too long in length because it's such a small space (this eliminated a lot of toilets, as most are 29" or more in length and I didn't want something taking up that much space). Ended up going with the American Standard Studio Dual Flush which was about $350 CAD from a plumbing supplier, pretty happy with it so far. The old toilet was a water guzzler - 13L per flush, amazing how technology has progressed - the new one is 4.1L/6L per flush and works so much better.

Thanks Rita for the suggestions, a succulent sounds like a great idea as I'm rather terrible at keeping plants alive!
PRO
Mega Builders
5 years ago
Nicely done!
Toto thanked Mega Builders
cat_mom
5 years ago
Very nice!
Toto thanked cat_mom
Its me
5 years ago
Lovely new bathroom. As for 'finishing touches', looks like you just need a shower curtain and some hand towels and I like the idea of a succulent.
Toto thanked Its me
mercurygirl
5 years ago
A light wood blind or frosted window film in a pretty color?
Toto thanked mercurygirl
sandi125
5 years ago
What a beautiful new bathroom! I have to say the before was certainly dreadful. So glad all went well with the contractor. Enjoy.
Toto thanked sandi125
cawaps
5 years ago
That's really nice! I love the accent tile in the shower.

If you like minimal and functional, you can't go wrong with white.
Toto thanked cawaps
Toto
Original Author
5 years ago
Thanks everyone, looks like white towels is the way to go.

@mercurygirl - I forgot to put the old blind back up (it's a simple white roller blind), but have been contemplating putting in a new blind instead. A wood blind is a nice idea, thanks

@sandi125 yes the before I think is original from the 80s. The kitchen has similar cabinets and will be the next project - but I think I will wait and give myself a bit more time and planning for that one :)
loobab
5 years ago
Two niches and two towel racks is great. Great job!

I like ferns, makes me feel tropical.
tuckerdc
5 years ago
Nice job! What white/neutral baths have in their favors (and I personally am a fan) is the ability to swap a whole look in and out with a change of colorful linens....if color is your thing. meanwhile, from what I can see of the accent tile, it looks like pale grey-to-charcoal would work and be a tasteful accent. Can't see what you did about vanity lighting...?? Main thing is - if you like it and it works for you, then it's a big success!
PRO
M&R Custom Millwork Inc
5 years ago
Nice remodel!
pricklypearcactus
5 years ago
Really beautiful! I would probably go with white linens so that the soothing neutral bathroom can keep it's calm demeanor.
cpartist
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Beautiful job. Do you like color or prefer a more neutral look?

PS: I'm a huge fan of Ikea.
Yayagal
5 years ago
it looks fantastic, love your choices.
ilovecomputers
5 years ago
Love how it looks. Congratulations!

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