The week before last, we mentioned that our bedroom is on deck next. And then, the same day on Facebook, we announced we'd be tackling the master bath along with it. I never thought we'd see the day. Our master bathroom is anything but masterful in its current condition. And since we plan on selling our home in the next couple years, we know it needs attention. I admit, I've been intimidated. Bathrooms (and kitchens for that matter) aren't as easy to change or upgrade when you get sick of it. Instead of just swapping out a paint color, you have to be mindful of tile choices. And although we are masters of swapping couches, a bathroom vanity is a lot more permanent. We just wanted to make sure we got it right before diving in. Because back in 1995, they didn't.
Eighteen years later, I'm guessing our master bath is looking exactly the same. And, hold your breath, we're going to officially show you the eyesore. This is our bathroom:
Sure, there are good things about it. First, it exists. Not everyone has a master bathroom--so we feel extremely fortunate to have one. Second would be the window in the shower. Albeit, a weird place for a window, but we're grateful to have natural light in such a tiny room. That's about it for the good stuff.
The room itself is awkward and small--in fact, the tub takes up half of it! The vinyl floor is stained in a bad way and, well, it's vinyl with floral details. If I had designed this room, maybe this is where I would say, "And they really tie in with the floral stenciled border near the ceiling!"??? Bad. bad. bad.
The other really special detail in this bathroom is the faux red marbled sink and, wait for it, entire shower surround, too!
I don't have a mood board made up just yet because we're still finalizing details for the bathroom and the bedroom, but, we do know we are tearing out the tub entirely. We consulted our realtor and while a lot of people love a tub, she said as long as there is one on the same floor (there's a tub in Greta's bathroom in the hall) then it isn't an issue for resale. Especially if it is a really nice shower.
This is our official inspiration picture (found here). The layout is very similar to our current bathroom--just move that window to the right--and the finishes are killin' it. Rain shower? Gimme.
Ps. Today is the last day to use promo code EARTHDAY for 40% off Etsy purchases in our shop of $50 or more. (yeah...40% off!)
What do you think?
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The good thing about really bad befores is really good afters :)
Ha, I like these spam posts above me. I read CLJ for the "quality depending posts and additional data"!
Your bathroom is going to be killer. My parents' bathroom is sort of similar to the inspo pic: glass shower surround (they took out a tub in their remodel, too - it was a waste of space that they never used), slate floors, dark wood vanity with white counter. It's gorgeous! Can't wait to see you tackle this beast.
I also wanted to say how much I love your blog! Your style is very similar to my own, and I appreciate that you keep posts concise and filled with pictures and inspiration, and that you guide us through your design decisions. I've been reading you for a long time, and I can easily say you're my favorite home blog! Keep on keepin' on :)
Yay for bathroom remodels!!! Good luck :) It'll be sooo nice when it's done. Can't wait to see what you come up with!
I love it...except the location of that window. I'd be hiding in my own shower
Agree with you Jules. I remember moving from Buffalo and the person who bought our house posted tons of before and after pics and I kind of felt like she was saying our house was ugly. I got sad for a second, then I realized that everyone has different styles! I decorate my house for me, not for the next owner. What's beautiful to one person may not be to the other, and there's nothing wrong with stating that. You own the house, no one else.
I'm sure hope that in another 15 years when there's another owner (or two or three later down the line) living with all of your then "dated" design choices they won't speak of them with the same disdain in which you frequently speak.
Really? I'm sure they will! I mean, we wince at choices we made 2 years ago. Trends and taste change. And while we are aiming to make some classic choices, our style will surely not 100% reflect the style of the next owners or the owners after that. I just hope they have a blog so I can read all about it.
Wow, I can't decide which is worse - the existing faucet or the light fixture (both of which we had in our last master bathroom - what are these people thinking?!). I am really looking forward to seeing your improvements - I am sure they will be great! p.s. I love a shower without a tub in a master bath!
I can't wait to see how it turns out! Both of our bathrooms were basic white boxes, and so far all we have done is paint the walls grey and hang some art in one of them.
Your bathroom has great potential!! And it's funny, that was totally one of my inspiration photos too when I started our (v. low-cost) bathroom renovation last year. Yum! Although now we just finished our tub/tile remodel which I love, so I seriously have to post about that still. Here's everything except the tub:
http://house-capades.blogspot.com/2012/06/bathroom-reveal.html
LOVE your inspiration photo! It's going to be gorgeous!! We are currently reno-ing our master bath and it's finally starting to get to the fun part - decorating and picking final finishes. Resale is top on our priority list as well which makes things harder!
Mmmm... I am liking where you're going with that inspiration picture! I want that shower!
I'm thinking a little rehab for our master bathroom is in our near future too. The previous owners painted the walls with flat paint and it's starting to yellow, no bueno.
Eeeks! Some people....
Aahhh I love that inspiration pic! We have a tub in the master bath and I'd like to swap it for a shower. (We also have a dark vanity – the Hemnes from Ikea – and I love it!)
Ainhoa, Funny! Last year, our Ikea was clearancing a bunch of those out (I think it was the Hemnes) and we bought one just because the price was so cheap. It's been sitting in our garage and we really hope we can fit it in the bathroom.
Love that inspiration photo! Just FYI...for us chica's with long hair...the rain head shower is lovely, but it's really difficult to get the shampoo suds out of hair with it. I'd recommend a handheld shower head along with the rain head - best of both words. (plus it makes cleaning a breeze!)
Oooo! Such a good tip! I didn't even think about that. Thanks, Jennifer!
Ooh yah I was thinking that too. I've used a rainshower head at a friend's house, and although I love its artsy-ness, it definitely increased my shower time. :\ We went instead for a high-s shape arm for a regular/large shower head - perfect for my long hair and tall husband ;)
Super Cool...can't wait to see how it turns out. I'll be checking back!
Gimme is right!!!!
It will be all worth it in end. We gutted ours last summer (right before my family was coming to visit for a month) and boy was that a deadline. can't wait to see yours coming together.
Gosh that bathroom definitely doesn't fit in with the rest of your madeover home! Haha! Your inspiration photo is GORGEOUS! Eeee! Can't wait to watch as this progresses!