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Design Dilemma Bathrooms Before & After

Well...here we go! Or should I say it has to go.

5 years ago

My son is buying a home soon....and here is the only bath. I look forward to sharing his journey, he a kitchen to remodel too, as well as, a possible bathroom addition. This mom’s ready for the challenge, I hope... with help from my Houzz friends.

Featured Answer

palimpsest

5 years ago

Sorry I kinda like it and unless he is expanding the size of the bathroom since this one is tight, I would work with it.

Unless something is damaged or not functional. That sixty year old tile job is much better than he is going to get with the majority of contractors out there.

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Comments (86)

PRO
Salvage & Bloom
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
I also enjoy following this site: https://retrorenovation.com/ - and here is the direct link to the pink bathroom section: https://retrorenovation.com/2016/03/22/bathroom-color-pink/
Nancy in Mich
5 years ago
As others have said, he will probably not get as good a tile and grout job in any new bath as this one he already has. To have that quality with no mold and mildew is a true gift. There is nothing here asking for a tear-out as far as I can see. Your son will love long soaks in this heavy cast iron and porcelain tub, which will retain the heat so much better than a modern tub will. The thick walls of the tub allow a parent bathing kids to perch on the edge comfortably, something he will never find in a modern tub.

I would ask this; before tearing out this gem (single owner can mean this got excellent care), have him read up on the positive points of retro baths and live with this bath for several months. He must do the master bath project first if only because he should reserve his funds for making that bath everything he wants it to be. Get all the bells and whistles there and save the gutting of this one till later. Then, if he still does not value the fine points of this retro bath, he can gut it based on having lived with it and having experienced the type of work he will be getting from local pros. If you read the experiences of others on this forum, you will see why I say that. Also make sure he reads the advice for choosing tile professionals from the Tile Council of North America at tcnatile.com at the bottom of the home page.
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maackia(Zone 4): If you are really putting this up to a vote, my vote is to keep it. But then, I prefer the "wooded look" to the "formal" look. I go for the majesty of a big old tree rather then something exotic with perfect form. If you decide to take it down later, you can always do it later. Only reason I can see to do otherwise is of you need to clear the space to plant a replacement, or if the tree looks much worse in person. davidrt28 (zone 7): Didn't notice your question. White pine look amazing in the woods up here. I've seen great looking rows of old white pine along the property lines of old farms and parks. Young white pine look great in suburbs. Old ones in suburbs can be problematic. In the woods they kind of screen each other from the wind, and no one much cares if they drop branches. In the open they are more vulnerable to wind, and people freak out if a tree near the house drops branches. A white pine grown in the open can go through an "ugly duckling" phase while they decide whether they really need to lose those lower branches (as they would in the woods) when they have all that light. The transition from the perfect Christmas tree to the majestic limbed up forest giant can look homely if you have to see it out your kitchen window every day. Also they are just too big for most suburban lots.
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Becky Harris
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Congrats to your son on the house and I'm jealous that you have a project. I am dying for a project myself! We had that same flooring in blue in the house I grew up in (installed circa 1979) ;) I actually love that bathtub, it's kinda Art Deco. If he's thinking of keeping a tub in here, he should consider keeping this one, they probably "don't make 'em like that anymore" and if it's not in great shape it can be rehabbed. If for any reason he decides to stay with the pink, here are some fun stories about pink bathrooms with Comments sections that are fun reads:

[https://www.houzz.com/magazine/homeowners-give-the-pink-sink-some-love-stsetivw-vs~32258177[(https://www.houzz.com/magazine/homeowners-give-the-pink-sink-some-love-stsetivw-vs~32258177)

[https://www.houzz.com/magazine/tickled-pink-in-the-bathroom-stsetivw-vs~34752532[(https://www.houzz.com/magazine/tickled-pink-in-the-bathroom-stsetivw-vs~34752532)

That said, for resale purposes/not being pink purposes:
- Take out the closet, make a nice long shower stall and retile (he'll have a tub in the master so the lack of tub shouldn't deter those with kiddos too much).
- Keep it mostly white and bright on the shower surround tile, if you want to bring in pattern and color, stick with the floor and/or wall paint.
- Guest baths need very little storage; a wall-mounted sink can save some room (but if he's going to be marketing to young families he may want some vanity storage).
- A trainrack is good space-saver for storing extra towels
- See if you can recess a good-sized medicine cabinet into the wall.
- If for any reason he decides to shuffle fixtures around a bit, move the showerhead into the closet area and end the shower stall before it hits that area in front of the loo. Looks like there's not a ton of legroom there.
I hope you will keep us updated on the progress. I'd love to see the "after" photos when you're done!
J D
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
someone said it's micentury? to me it looks like it's built in 1920-30s?? do you know? just curious
mvcanada
5 years ago
Ours which was identical, was built mid-1960s.
J D
5 years ago
mvcanada that's very interesting. perhaps they were trying to copy the 1920s look? either way, looks nice and full of history to me haha:)
Nancy in Mich
5 years ago
As for timing, my 1955 ranch in Baton Rouge, LA had the same tub and sink, except in a turquoise or teal blue.
jslazart
5 years ago
Mine was 1952. Identical tile in the bathroom, with the yellow/brown version in the kitchen.

If you google image "original 1950s bathroom" you'll see these in the same pink/red, but also blue/blue, pink/blue, yellow/brown. yellow/white, green/green. 50s bathrooms had pizzazz.
tbl1967
Original Author
5 years ago
JD it was built on 1954, one owner/family all this time.
tbl1967
Original Author
5 years ago
Ok folks...while there’s a nice group following. Thoughts on his kitchen sink? The kitchen will be redone as well. However, he loves the old sink. Do you think a new updated kitchen can give a nod to the past?
rhondaka
5 years ago
Yes, absolutely! I love those sinks myself and would keep it if it was in good shape.
RedRyder
5 years ago
Keep the sink if it’s as pristine as it looks in the photo. That very look is now back and a replacement will be super expensive.
jslazart
5 years ago
What in the world is that trim on the upper cabinets? The kitchen doesn't look as original as the bathroom to me. Interested to see more pictures.
K. Holiday
5 years ago
jslazart, that's not trim. It's a paper towel holder.
User
5 years ago
The sink is beautiful! There is a lot of charm in this classic tile!
leelee
5 years ago
The sink is a keeper!
tbl1967
Original Author
5 years ago
jslazart, the cabinets appear to be original. Definitely pulling all of this out… But he will be keeping the sink. He says he loves its charm. I do too.
Danielle Black
5 years ago
I like those wood looking tiles
everdebz
5 years ago
If you want to see a similar bathroom, pink and window.....

[https://www.houzz.com/discussions/need-color-suggestions-and-ideas-for-small-bathroom-dsvw-vd~5514931?n=16[(https://www.houzz.com/discussions/need-color-suggestions-and-ideas-for-small-bathroom-dsvw-vd~5514931?n=16)
max Anders
5 years ago
Once you destroy this bathroom you get it back. If you are planning to put in a second bath then do that. Like you said this is not his forever home. There are a lot of people out there that search for houses with original kitchen and bathrooms.
PRO
Beth H. :
5 years ago
just popped in to say I love the sink, but those outlets right next to it need to be updated to a GFCI! I'm going to guess the main circuit is not GFI rated (they do it in newer homes now). I'm surprised the inspector didn't mention it.
tbl1967
Original Author
5 years ago
Beth...oh there’s so much to do. Thanks... we are aware. We are in early stages… The inspection is two weeks away. We certainly know that issue needs addressing immediately. It will be done during the renovation. :)
PRO
Beth H. :
5 years ago
ok great! just didn't want anyone to get electrocuted! and yes, if there has been only one owner (and it doesn't look like a lot, if any upgrades have been done in 60 years!) then you will have a lot to do! those retro bathrooms are really coming back, but i'm guessing the pink is an issue. to hold him over, you can have those tiles epoxy coated with white or any other color. it will last for many years.
jslazart
5 years ago
Yes, cabinets look original (though no doubt the dishwasher isn't). That paper holder threw me for a loop. Countertops likely used to be tile. Does it have a vintage range?
tbl1967
Original Author
5 years ago
jslazart- no vintage range. However...beautiful hardwoods throughout the rest of the house.
er612
5 years ago
I'd leave the bathroom for now and focus on the kitchen, keeping the sink of course.

https://goo.gl/images/EAZ4P2

https://goo.gl/images/n2Qqfb
Nancy in Mich
5 years ago
I was just over at RetroRenovations and saw this shower curtain and thought of your son. It is certainly masculine and will pull together the pink and maroon tile. Samurai Battling the Octopus shower curtain.

Retro Renovations illustrates this shower curtain used this way:

Retrorenovation Samauri Shower Curtain Idea

All of RR pink and maroon bathroom ideas.

Also from Overstock:

If your son has a sense of humor, this one would look great and give you blues and off white colors to pull from it to paint the walls. Slothzilla shower curtain

This one would also look great, though it plays up the pink, rather than fighting it.

The trees may be close to the burgundy tile. Eifel Tower shower curtain

This one is more traditional and busy, but ties in the colors beautifully.

Gray, Pink, Taupe showewr curtain on sale

This one is much more subtle, but has a touch of pink.

Truly Soft Watercolor Paisley shower curtain

Vince Camuto Capri shower curtain

Juan Paulo Hamburger in Paradise shower curtain - also comes in Pizza

All of these are from just the first two pages of the Overstock shower curtain choices, and there are 37 pages of them! Somewhere out there is a shower curtain that will make your son focus on the other elements besides the pink tile. With paint and maybe a new vanity like this shallow one
Legion Empire Vanity, Gray · More Info

or
Neylon Single-Sink Vanity, 24", White · More Info

Or
Single Sink Vanity, 27.5" Taupe With Ceramic Top, White · More Info

He could have a nice update, while saving his money for his new bathroom.
tbl1967
Original Author
5 years ago
Ok houzz friends here’s another dilemma we are trying to figure out. And the floor plan that several of you asked about.

https://www.gardenweb.com/discussions/5521079/reno-question-fireplace-wall
tbl1967
Original Author
5 years ago
Ok Pink bathroom friends..... the house is officially my son’s- closed yesterday! Met with the contractor today about the addition/renovation.

We are adding 10/12 feet off of the right side of the house. Offsetting the addition back 2 to 3 feet. Thinking of a double window - How would you increase the curb appeal during renovation?

Addition going on the side without the gable.
Nancy in Mich
5 years ago
Could you better explain the concept of improving curb appeal during a reno? I just don't understand the point. Renovation is messy and looks incomplete until it is over. I don't get how you can change that.
tbl1967
Original Author
5 years ago
Nancy- final curb appeal. How would you want the addition to look? I am thinking offset the addition and tie into the hip roof. Add a double window with nice paneling underneath similar to photo that I’m attaching.

My husband wants another gable of some sort. I think that would ruin the curb appeal of this cute home.
PRO
Norwood Architects
5 years ago
LOL, sometimes you just have to embrace it!
tbl1967
Original Author
5 years ago
Well here’s an update. Huge renovation underway. Pink bath gone. Sorry no power at house so picture is dark!
Elizabeth B
5 years ago
Following..
tbl1967
Original Author
5 years ago
Oh the changes taking place. His house is shaping up. Project has expanded, here’s some pics of his former pink bath, still in progress. My next post will be of the new addition bath.
tbl1967
Original Author
5 years ago
Here’s some pictures of the new addition to my son’s house. He added a 13x28 master bath and closet. Work still in progress...
tbl1967
Original Author
5 years ago
Here’s some pictures of the new addition to my son’s house. He added a 13x28 master bath and closet. Work still in progress...
Elizabeth B
5 years ago
Looks great..
felizlady
5 years ago
The pink and black tile are probably from the 1920’s. The tile looks like it is in excellent condition. I would not begin the remodeling there.
If the kitchen is still original, it will have similar tile. The kitchen would be the first room to remodel if it is not in good condition.
The most important thing to replace will be knob-and-tube electrical wiring, which will be a big job if the house has not already been rewired. This is not a DIY task.
PRO
Beth H. :
5 years ago
uh, feliz, you're a little late.
mt2828
5 years ago
Fun! We did it...you can too!
PRO
ShowerCrown
5 years ago
And for a finishing touch.....
Acropolis · More Info
hbeing
5 years ago
Ditto Nancy in Mich comments. The tub is golden, so are the assistance bars. I wonder if there truly is the option to paint tile? If so, paint the wall tile.
RedRyder
5 years ago
The new floor in the smaller bathroom is really gorgeous! I can’t wait to see both bathrooms and the kitchen Reno! Lots going on.
tbl1967
Original Author
5 years ago
So here’s the final of the pink bath remodel....
max Anders
5 years ago
Well congratulations, it is very modern and up dated. Fits perfectly with a newly built house.
shead
5 years ago
Wow, it looks great!! I love the floor tile! We have a Harvest Gold bathroom that I can't wait to say goodbye to in our upcoming remodel :)
felizlady
5 years ago
Congratulations on your finished bathroom! It looks very good.
RedRyder
5 years ago
Wow! That is a wonderful transformation! I love the tile floor and the shiplap wall. And the storage. All well done!
everdebz
5 years ago
I like how you chose similar greys for vanity and mirror, and seems the floor is 'the thing'!

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