Budget Bathroom Makeover – The beginning
Yellow is a dangerous paint color. I’ve never seen a yellow that I really like. But maybe that is because I’ve been brainwashed by the awful yellow on the walls in our first floor bathroom. The picture doesn’t even show how sunshiny-bad it is.
This was the only room in our house that was painted when we moved in (the rest was primed builder’s white). We were so happy to have a room painted, that we didn’t worry about changing the color right away. But now that we’ve made progress elsewhere in the house, I’m feeling motivated to make some changes to the bathroom, especially since it still contains the ugly orangey cabinets that we successfully eliminated from the kitchen.
In the long term, we’d love to replace the current vanity with one that accommodates two sinks (seeing how there is plenty of room) and tile the floor. But in the short term, we’re on a tight budget. I spent some time this past week dreaming of what our budget bathroom makeover could look like.
First I determined the different elements that should change/go/stay.
What must go:
- The orange oak cabinets
- The hideous shutter on the window
- The yellow bathmats (what was I thinking)
- The purple shower curtain
What I wish could go but might need to stay:
- The mirror/light fixture
- The faucet
What must stay:
- The vanity/sink, including the disappointing blue counter top
- The white linoleum with hints of blue
Then I dreamed up a potential design scheme.
Here is what my brainstormed plan includes:
- A nice coat of bluish/gray paint on the walls, something along the lines of Behr’s Pensive Sky
- A sleek black finish on the vanity (and medicine cabinet, if it stays), to coordinate with the black flecks in the counter top
- A new fresh white shower curtain
- A natural bamboo matchstick shade on the window, flanked by some curtains that I would sew using this pretty print from Amy Butler
- Some new fluffy bathmats in a shade of beige
What do you think about this color scheme? Can I pull off the beige bathmats and shade if I go with black on the cabinets? Do you have any other suggestions or ideas? I have thick skin, so constructive advice is welcomed!
Psst…I’ve you’ve missed any part of this on-going makeover, be sure to check out the other posts! And stay tuned, because there is much more to come!
Yes, you can! I love the look of a pale beige/cream with black – very sophisticated. The fabric is great! I know how you feel about wanting to replace faucets – I’d love to get rid of ALL of ours.
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Erin Reply:
February 1st, 2010 at 1:18 pm
Laura,
Thanks so much for chiming in! You have great taste, so I am starting to feel more confident!
xo,
- e
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Minus the countertop and curtains (which I love) this is pretty much the look of our newly re-modeled bathroom. I’m pretty sure that’s the same shower curtain we have too.
I spent way too much time stressing over the bath mats because I thought I needed white to go with the walls and shower curtain but wanted something that would hide dirt better than solid white. I ended up getting a beige mat at Target, just a tad darker than yours and it looks great with everything.
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I like it. What a different paint on the walls will make. We have a yellowish paint in our extra bedroom. I hate it. But, it was literally the LAST room I had to paint. And, I didn’t want to buy anymore paint. And, we had a gallon that was given to us. So, I used it. Ick. But, I’ll live with it.
I also love your fabric choice. Really chic. I would love to see a strip of that on the top or bottom of the shower curtain to pull it together. =) But, I’m a little too matchy matchy. So feel free to disregard.
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Erin Reply:
February 1st, 2010 at 2:08 pm
Hi Heather! Thanks so much for your comment and advice. I’m glad to hear that we share the same amazing taste! Please email me a picture of your bathroom if you can!
Hey Kim! Everything in your house that I have seen looks amazing, so your yellow can’t be that icky! I like your idea of using the fabric to tie the room together. The shower curtain is right next to the window, so that might not work, but I could see ripping off the cabinet doors and replacing them with a cute, matching curtain…oh the possibilities…
Hi Kristina! I know, isn’t that fabric perfect? I can’t get enough of Amy Butler, really.
xo,
- e
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I love your ideas! I think that Amy Butler fabric would look terrific as curtains– very modern, with just enough charm.
Kristina
Sweetfern Handmade
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Love the fabric, and I think you can totally use beige mats. If you’re nervous, though, what about choosing a more natural-fibered rug for the floor to echo the bamboo window covering? I’m thinking a pretty jute rug might do the trick…
Good luck! I can’t wait to see how it all turns out!
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Erin Reply:
February 1st, 2010 at 7:42 pm
Hi Jen,
I love the idea of a jute rug! Off to see if I can find a cheap one…
Thanks for the ideas!
xo,
- e
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I love it, Erin!!! The other thing you could do for the bathmats is go for a grey-blue color. This would pick up on both the sophisticated greys of your new color scheme (LOVE that fabric, btw), as well as the blue hue of the existing flooring and countertop that you’re (at least temporarily) stuck with. This could tie everything together in a subtle yet colorful way. Good luck and I can’t wait to see how it turns out!
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Erin Reply:
February 3rd, 2010 at 4:12 pm
Hi Jess,
Thank you so much for your great ideas/advice! I wish I had your interior design experience/eye! I might just have to run a few ideas by you…
xo,
- e
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You can come and work on mine! I love you ideas. Sounds great. Can’t wait to visit to see the changes…
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Erin Reply:
February 9th, 2010 at 3:22 pm
Hi Terry!
Just one problem…my father-in-law wouldn’t let me touch any of the white walls in your beautiful home!
xo,
- e
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You have an amazing design eye, Erin! But absolutely feel free to email me anytime to run ideas past me!
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I can’t wait to hear about you painting your vanity. We are planning on painting ours white later this month.
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