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Can you help "De-Tuscan-ize" my bathroom?

5 years ago

We updated our 1988 master bath in 2005-I loved it-back then. Realtor friend said "this bath will sell the house." Too bad I wasn't interested in selling.

So Tuscan is completely out. Our Santa Cecilia granite (which I really liked in 2005) stays along with the cabinets, flooring, all the major stuff.

Any specific items to make it more contemporary? I've replaced our cabinet hardware- (it's a start, right?) I will paint the trim white (to match the rest of the house which has been done). The baseboard was recently done also.

Also want new mirrors, lighting, towel racks, all will be changed out to contemporary. Faucets will be changed out (hopefully) in a week or so-have already bought them. They will remain brushed nickel to match our shower fixtures.

The walls were faux painted which I loved and now hate. Any recommendations on paint color? I'm not sure if I want a very light gray/greige or a very light beige. We have a row of five beige switches (the "fancy" kind that are a PIA to switch out) so I am wondering if beige paint might clash--or do I just ignore that?

This is a large bath, the rug is 5X7. Any recommendations on changing that out would also be appreciated.

One other thing--the trim around the shower that looks white but is a crappy mildewy gray--is travertine. It is a giant PIA. Can this be removed and changed out to a porcelain that matches? Could this be a DIY job? It seems too small for a pro.

Thanks for any suggestions and I hope the photos will show up!

Featured Answer

arcy_gw

5 years ago

Paint over the old world wall technique. Find light figures/mirrors with simple CLEAN lines, that play well with your cabinet handles. Looking at the tile in the bathroom, I wonder if you could lighten it all up with a cream paint. Other wise it is all fine. I would not not not not paint the cabinetry.

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Comments (12)

debbie1000
Original Author
5 years ago
Here's the photos
Chris
5 years ago
I’m not the best at this but grey would work to look more modern. Cabinets, tile, silver or stainless hardware and light fixtures. You can add colors with decorations etc. Hope that helps some.
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Michelle misses Sophie
5 years ago
I would not immediately go to grey - the tide is turning on that trend.
User
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
You need to update it without trying to change the whole look, imho. Adding a lot of very modern bits, won't make for a cohesive space.

I would keep the faucets, they're nice. I would remove the granite backsplash and do a neutral plain subway...maybe glass?

Switch out the mirror frames to those with a less ornate frame. Your knobs are really too contemporary for this bathroom.

You can do a color on the walls. I just did Sherwin Williams Sea Salt and it's lovely in the bathroom...
alex9179
5 years ago
I would paint the walls the cream color in the granite. Simplify the lighting and mirror frames. Why is there one in the center, along with a magnifying countertop mirror? Another mirror option is to extend them from backsplash to ceiling and join them at the corners. If you choose that, sconces at head height can be wired instead of the overhead fixtures. That entire corner of the bathroom doesn't play well with standard rug sizes. I'd really consider having a remnant cut to fit, bound, and a color that blended with the lightest color of the tile. Take everything off the countertops during a showing.
User
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Posting quick, I’d be trying to pull the cream out from the granite. I wouldn’t do gray. Head over to Maria Killams blog. She has quite a few good posts about updating from the Tuscan look. Doing a quick google search with her name and ‘updating from Tuscan‘ brought up four posts from her site. No affiliation.
Tammy Sartwell
5 years ago
Adding quick, leave the faucets, they're very nice. Use that $$ elsewhere.

What feel do you want? What's the rest of your home like now?
roarah
5 years ago
I like your bath's bones. The tile looks nice with the vanity. It is spacious has lots of storage and light! I would keep your changes simple. Lights, paint and towels and if the change is for resale, stow the products in the vanity. I would work with warmer colors rather than grey in this room.
salonva
5 years ago
I will agree that painting a nice cream color on the walls, change the mirrors and lighting as well as the rug. I too would not change the faucets. It is a very nice and very large master bath.

I think those changes will greatly update/freshen the room. I know I am not saying anything original here but this is my take and I guess I am repeating what others have said. (and yes, when showing the house for sure clear just about everything off the counters)
Tootsie
5 years ago
You must live in Naples FL! There is a furniture store here that advertises to “de-tuscanize” your house! This was a HUGE decorating trend in the early 2000s that is now trending to transitional....think gray and crystals. I personally would stay away from both! Is your flooring throughout your house? That will complicate a major change.
nosoccermom
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
https://www.mariakillam.com/tuscan-bathroom-before-after/

Ditto to Cream paint, perhaps SW Creamy; or SW Accessible Beige (it's more grey beige); or BM Feather Down (it's beige but a lot lighter) more streamlined mirrors and light fixtures.

Light fixture

https://www.wayfair.com/lighting/pdx/willa-arlo-interiors-hedley-3-light-vanity-light-wrlo1135.html

or something like this:

hardware (this is from RH), but just to give you an idea:

Regarding the cabinet hardware, I think it's too contemporary for your cabinets. Can you return it? I'd replace with some classic but still traditional style.

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