$32 bathroom spruce up

I have been complaining about the downstairs bathroom for quite some time. It is still on the list to remodel but as life goes, things happen and priorities shift. Soooo...I put on "my creative, let's thinks outside the box and make this work on the cheap" hat. I couldn't change the the walls right now, but I did make a few inexpensive changes.

BEFORE

AFTER--btw I know the toe kick isn't painted. that is going get wrapped with baseboard. i didn't want to lay on the floor to paint it :)

I removed the rusty old medicine cabinet. The previous owners notched the window frame so the medicine cabinet would fit. I have installed a less obtrusive mirror. The mirror was stashed in the garage and just needed cleaned up a bit.

Since I lost some storage I bought a small plastic drawer system ($14) that fit neatly under the colorful metal table which I already had as part of a nesting trio of tables. I am debating about skirting this table with fabric in the same color scheme as the shower and window curtains (using industrial velcro) to make it easy to remove for cleaning.

We installed sheet vinyl remnants that were pieced together, which were free from my sister! It is not an exact match to my kitchen vinyl floor but it is the same color even if the blocks are bigger than the kitchen vinyl. I still have a 4ft by 5ft piece we can use for patching if needed.  We had the adhesive leftover from installing our kitchen sheet vinyl. There are a few minor imperfections from piecing the the vinyl and a few less than perfect cuts on my part. I truly don't mind because it is leaps and bounds better than what we had. Since the flooring was free, it is temporary until we gut this room. I spent $5 on aluminum threshold to cover the sheet vinyl seem between the kitchen and bathroom. (I still need to paint the door and trim white)

I also painted the the old sink vanity. I used a brush technique to make it look aged/ worn. It turned out pretty nice. I still may go back and hit it with a little sandpaper to mimic worn areas due to constant use (corners and by the handles).  The old hardware was rusty and a little gross but I just hit it with a wire brush to knock the worst of the rust, wiped it down and reinstalled. It goes with the whole aged patina thing.

Here's a helpful hint. When painting flat surface items and if there is a side edge which also requires painting, do NOT paint the edge when lying directly on newspaper. ASK ME HOW I KNOW THIS! I tried to move the cabinet doors after priming and the newspaper came with the doors. DOH! Once I scraped of the newspaper--which looked like a preschool art project--I placed the cabinets on bamboo skewers. That was kind of cool with the rolling action that went along with it, haha. I finally used another bamboo skewer stuck in the cabinet pull hole to hold it in place while painting and I didn't need to touch a wet edge. Ingenuity at it's finest.

I had a 1 yard remnant of fabric and sewed a new curtain panel. Surprisingly the colors are an exact match to my existing shower curtain. I fashioned the tie back from ribbon remnant. This swag also hides the notched out frame.

This a dual purpose bathroom and laundry room.  The water lines and drain are awkwardly placed and visible. I spent $13 at Lowes for melamine laminated shelving. I simply drilled pilot holes, screwed the pieces together and made a 3 sided box to cover the water lines and drain. It makes a great plant stand!  If we need to access the water valves or drain, we can simply move the box frame.

Overall I feel pretty pleased with the outcome. It freshened up the look of the room, at minimal cost

Making my list and checkng it twice

Downstairs Bathroom and Laundry Project ideas

Well, I must admit I am just itching to demolish this room. Waiting while we finish other things and manage the budget is truly an exercise is self control for me. Huh, I must growing as a person or something...HA!

What is even more amazing to me is I posted these  floor plans for this remodel in 2013!!

Current layout


Original proposed layout


In living color

Pocket door instead of swing in door

No door for laundry room, open to the kitchen

So I have been going over my list and we have quite a few of the materials needed for the renovation which is ALWAYS good news!

Materials on hand for the bathroom portion of the remodel..

1. The toilet is only a few years old and works just fine, so that will be reused.
2. light fixture, towel bar, tp holder
3. a vanity cabinet
4. sink
5. I have a countertop we can cut down if needed but would prefer not to do so
6. floor tile but I would like to install linoleum that matches the laundry room portion 
7. backsplash tile
8. I have lots of paint and accessories to decorate

To do list, materials and services needed for the bathroom/ laundry room remodel/ gut job

1. 2x4's
2. plywood
3. pocket door, pocket door framing kit and pocket door hardware for bathroom
4. New window?
5. New wiring, outlets and switches (including moving them to the correct locations)
6. Services of the electrician we used from our kitchen remodel--expand the panel and dedicated breaker for laundry room
7. insulation...Considering some sound/ thermal rated insulation--still researching options
8. drywall, drywall mud , drywall screws and seam tape
9. Molding, trim and baseboards
10. Build a wall recessed  cubby (between the studs) storage for the plunger, etc...
11. Build a wall recessed cubby (between the studs) for broom, mop, swiffer, etc
12. Build/ install a wall recessed cubby  (between the studs) ironing board storage
13. new plumbing pipes and connections to move the sink and toilet
14. services of a certified plumber to move waste line and tap into the stack, the hubbs can do the rest
15. new plumbing to move the washer connection
16. new dryer vent
17. new wall mounted dryer plug
18. utility sink--maybe...the smallest I could find is 18 inch width. I hope to fit it in the plan. Possible DIY instead of the plastic utility tub??
19. Cabinet and countertop for the "laundry  folding" area...Maybe a DIY pallet project?  I have a super cool idea for the countertop!
20. I have a DIY project for a folding, wall mounted drying rack
21. Install repurposed or upcycled chandelier--'cause if I am going to do laundry I am going to do it in style!
22. DIY some funky laundry art

My Inspiration Gallery

Recessed built-ins

fold out laundry rack

Utility sinks

Laundry room decor

I don't know about y'all, but I find this pretty exciting! I love having future projects to work towards. Now, if only all those unfinished projects would be finished AND crossed off the list.

Bathroom Remodel-Floor Plan Options

Well I think I have all the floor plan options mapped out for the upcoming de-uglify bathroom and laundry room remodel.

Here is the original layout when we first moved in until 2 months ago when we downsized from a pair of mis-matched full size washer and dryer to a compact, stackable washer/ dryer combo unit.

Original

Here it is slightly modified with the stackable washer/ dryer

Current-Modified

Now for the fun stuff!

This option would require minimal modifications and no division of the bath and laundry. The foot print is reduced by installing a curved  shower and the plumbing for the sink is rotated 90° from the original location

Option 1

BIG Changes with these 2 options! We keep the full size tub and sink for options 2 and 3. The laundry hook up remains in the same location for both options.  Here is where the money comes in because the toilet is moved to the opposite side for both options. The floor plan makes more sense and there is a direct path and open line of sight. Although the room will still be compact to house a full bath.

Option 2

Option 3 has the bathroom separate from the laundry with the installation of a full dividing wall and separate entrance (maybe we can install a pocket door). Additional electrical when need to be ran to have separate lights for both rooms. The door is removed for the laundry (FYI-this is a kitchen adjacent room-the kitchen would be on the side where the option is written)

Option 3

BIG BIG changes with these 2 options! Option 4 is a small powder room and a large laundry room.  The plumbing is moved for the powder room sink and toilet. A full dividing wall and door is installed.  The laundry room would require plumbing moved for the installation of a utility sink. The entrance to the laundry room could be open to the kitchen or maybe we can install a pocket door.

Option 4

In option 5 a full dividing wall and door is installed (maybe a pocket door). Additional electrical when need to be ran to have separate lights for both rooms. This option requires all of the plumbing to be moved but we retain the function of a 3/4 bath. The bathroom has more of an open feel. The bathroom is larger, resulting in a compact laundry area.  The laundry access would be open to the kitchen.

Option 5

KA-CHING!! Option 6 is by far the most aggressive and the most expensive. Everything is moved. The laundry and bathroom swap locations. All electrical and plumbing will need to move. 2 dividing walls are installed and a new entry from the kitchen aligns with the window. On the left is a compact laundry room (complete with a pocket door) and on the right is a powder room (most likely that too would have a pocket door). The small corridor would have a shallow cabinet under the window for additional storage. Or maybe the dogs pet bed can live here.

Option 6

I didn't show any options to completely move the laundry room because there is no place to move it to barring the unheated detached garage or building on to the house. The cellar is to dark, creepy  un-ventilated and unsafe to use.

Whatcha' think? How do you vote?

Another Ugly Bathroom

I think the previous owner must have been on drugs when they remuddled renovated this house. 

My downstairs bathroom is a full bathroom and laundry room. All in the same space. Classy right?

The walls are a sickly peachy yellow plastic coated fiberboard paneling with blue flowers. The ceiling is covered in acoustical tiles which are stained and always have mildew no matter how many times the hubbs wipes them down with bleach. The floor was once white hexagon tile  print vinyl flooring but is dull, dingy and decrepit. The vanity is a medium oak veneer and the veneer has cracked off on the side closest to the bathtub. The medicine cabinet is a faded golden oak, the mirror is etched, the light is non functional and in order to fit the mirror the previous owner notched the window molding. Did I mention there is only a mere 12 inches of clearance between the toilet and the sink? And only 15 inches between the toilet and the tub! Are you jealous yet?

I used to have a full size (side by side) washer and dryer (mismatched) combo. You couldn't open the door more than halfway because it would hit the washer.And above it were some very grungy coated wire shelves.

I have a compact stackable now  that has since been moved back and to the right. You can open the door two thirds of way--we are making big strides here, haha


There is approximately 12 inches between the washer/dryer and the side wall. There is an additional 8 inches behind the washer/dryer and the wall. We need a longer cord in order to move it over to the right and need to move the vent. The unit gas a "V" in the back of it where the vent can rest and then the unit is almost zero clearance to the wall.

I tried to slap some lipstick on my pig of a bathroom by installing a new shower rod, shower curtain and towel rack. It really did nothing more than highlight the sad and decrepit look of the bathroom.

I found this adorable bird baker's rack at TJ Maxx for $49. It was more than I would have liked to spent, so it was a bit of an impulse buy but I couldn't resist. And I can always re-purpose it elsewhere later on. As you can see, I use the commode for the laundry basket since there is no room in here...well, for anything.

This is the view from the other side of the room. Once the washer/ dryer can be tucked back the door will open more.

I need storage. I need function. I need to not hit my damn knees or hips on the vanity every time I shimmy through to use the shower or give the dogs a bath!
So there you have it--my very ugly and dysfunctional bathroom/ laundry room!

I am working on few different layouts by trying to answer my questions...

Do we keep it as a full bathroom, 3/4 bathroom or change into a powder room?
What is more important- a 2nd full bath or a large laundry room?
How feasible is it to separate the laundry/ bathroom?
Can I move the laundry anywhere else?
How much money do I need to allocate that results in an optimum layout and on budget project?
Why can't I win the lottery?

Materials already on hand for 2nd bathroom remodel

• I have ceramic floor tile (extra from the upstairs bath remodel) and is more than enough to redo this floor. Although I still like the ideal of linoleum.
• I have a brand new vanity (still in the box)  that was originally slated for the upstairs bath but wouldn't fit...and it is a beautiful cabinet!
• I have white porcelain under mount sink slated for the other bathroom but we didn't use because it went with the vanity that didn't fit.
• I also have towel rods, tp holder and a light fixture that I had purchased on clearance. They are a "shabby chic" finish but I can always paint them the oil rubbed bronze (ORB) to match what I have. 
• I have a mirror (clearance find). It is a chrome finish but I can de-laquer the frame and paint (ORB) to match everything else.
• The toilet is only 2 years old, so we can keep it.

What do I need

• A decision for the floor plan!
• Possibly the services of a plumber to moving plumbing (depending on floor plan)
• If we keep it as a full bath,we will need a new tub or shower
• Wall tile
• drywall
• insulation
• plywood for sub floor
• 2x4's for framing (again depends on floor plan)
• faucets
• A counter top
• A door or 2 (depends on layout)
• Crown molding
• baseboards
• primer and paint

You know...this isn't so bad...Maybe we can finish the for a reasonable cost AND within a reasonable time frame...hmmm

I am trying to use an online bathroom planning tool to determine the layout, so next post should include those visuals. Whatever plan I choose will have a direct impact on the kitchen remodel. I know I had talked previously that the hubbs said we could move forward with this; however, I am glad I didn't pull the trigger. It turns out we had some very expensive and unexpected contingencies. Had we used the savings for the remodel, it would have been disastrous. So in the interim I will do what I have always felt comfortable with...and that is buying a few things each month to save until we have enough material to begin the project. It makes me (and my bank account) much happier.

Master Bathroom Tweaks

I already gave you a play by play for this NEVER-ENDING remodel here. But I am slowly chipping away at the last few projects.

I took advantage of the nice weather on Friday to do a little spray painting. You gotta love the fact I am spray painting in February. In Ohio.  I found these cute little shelves at Goodwill. 1 large, 2 small--all for $10. They just needed sprucing up. Hello spray paint!

My bathroom is teeny-tiny. There is no medicine cabinet, so I had to figure where am I gonna put my toothbrush. . Hello-- you have to have good oral hygiene.

The large shelf is 24 inches wide. The same width as my sink.

And look at these awesome little jars!! At Target. NOT on sale. But they were so cool looking I bit the bullet and paid full price. Except because I used my Target card, I saved 5%, so that counts. Right?

STILL need to install the trim (ceiling, door window and baseboards). And hang the shower curtain. And the hubbs needs to crawl into the attic and make the connection to the exhaust fan. The last project I have (besides decorating) is the window treatment. Stay tuned my little bloggies!

Once last dreamy look!

P.S. I talked to my sister tonight --my stepdad and brother in law are gonna come over next weekend and install my trim work. HOO-RAY!!! Happy dance happy dance!

The Longest Bathroom Remodel in History (part 2012)

Okay there really aren't 2012 parts to this. Just me being sarcastic ( BITTER!) about this project not being complete. I originally blogged about the bathroom remodel here and  here.

The sad part is I did the update on 11/3/11 AND the hubbs still has NOT finished the things I don't know how to do (or am to scared to try for fear of ruining stuff). I installed the mirror and the towel ring. After much prodding NAGGING he installed the towel rod and toilet paper holder. However, I could have beat him with his own hammer last weekend. Let me tell you why I contemplated homicide...

My stepdad and brother-in-law (who has his own construction business) offered to come over and finish up for me. (They REALLY feel sorry for me--I don't care I will take the project pity help). And my hubbs said..NO! WTH? Is he flipping insane?! GAHHHH!

I think I may have actually burst a blood vessel over that. You can only imagine the "conversation"  that ensued shortly thereafter. (And for you men reading this blog , you may need to cup your nether regions and anyone with a delicate constitution you had best leave the blog now.)

Here is a play by play of the bloody massacre that occurred. You were warned...

ME: (Standing in the kitchen, arms crossed) "Ummmm, WTH?"
Hubbs: "WTH what?"
ME: "OMG! SERIOUSLY?! are you gonna play stupid now? Or is that not an act? (Oh yes I did--I went for the jugular--I am vicious sometimes)
Hubbs:@#$%! WTF was that about?
ME: @#$% yourself! WHY WHY WHY!!! Did you tell BIL and Dad not to come over?!
Hubbs: oh...ummm
ME: WELL?!
Hubbs: Well...err..I was on call and couldn't be here.
ME: (Wildly gesturing and slamming things around) SO @#$%^& what! WHY does it matter if YOU are here. I mean it is n't like you have done much of anything with the bathroom. WHEN did we start this project? LET ME REFRESH YOUR MEMORY! September @#$%^& 26 @#$%^& 2009! AND IT STILL ISN'T FINISHED!!!! Almost 3 mf@#$%^& years! THAT"S HOW LONG! THEY COULD HAVE FINISHED IT--TODAY!

Hubbs: says nothing and looks down)

ME: I am ready to beat you with your own hammer! I...DO ...NOT...UNDERSTAND...WHY you did this?!

Hubbs: I dunno (still looking down)

ME: Do you hate our house? Do you LIKE living this way? Because I sure as @#$% don't.

Hubbs: NO!! I love this house!

ME: Then the next time someone offers help DO NOT turn it down! OH and btw you no longer get to make any decisions. From now on everyone will deal with ME. They will talk to ME. I will manage this JUST like I do everything else!

Hubbs: I'm sorry I didn't think it was a big deal.

ME: (GAH! I think this is where I burst a blood vessel. I pretty much did a 2 handed palm face plant and may have actually ripped some hair out when I ran my hands through it)  I can NOT believe you said that. IT is a HUGE deal. Who on this planet has a 3 year bathroom remodel? No one--oh wait except for us. ARRRGGGG! I can't even talk to you anymore  right now! 

Hubbs: ummm....

ME: OMG! Just GO!!  Go to work. Go to the garage. Just go and leave me alone! (I turn away because I really feel like crying at this point)
Hubbs:  (heavy sigh) Footsteps followed by the quiet clicking of the door. 

So...yeah. I was a complete hysterical asshole and completely emasculated him. He was a completely insensitive oafish asshole who didn't realize what this means to me. We are the asshole couple.  It took a few hours but we finally met halfway (literally in the carport, haha),  both duly apologized and both said I'm sorry for being an ass. And both said our I Love You's. And we do love each other. But boy oh boy-- there sure is a fine line between love and hate sometimes. Just sayin'

It's all good now. Meaning me and the hubbs. Not the bathroom. It is still not complete.

The good news is it looks waaaaaayyyyy better than the original

Before (YUCK!!)

After  Not quite complete

 I swear the mirror and light fixture are centered. I guess I just shot this at a weird angle.

My cute light fixture

I bought the knobs and back-plates at Menard's for $10 total and it gives is a more custom look. Hardware is your cabinets jewelry!

Sorry-Sam-sam is my photo-bomber! I told you I liked birds so I snuck a little bird theme in here.

White subway tile and a little accent of glass mosaic.

Still need to install all the trim moldings, shower rod and accessorize. But it is oh so close to finished.....sigh

 Worlds away from the hideous ugly bath that we had before. It is very small. Probably would not work for a family with kids, but for 2 empty nesters I think it is fine! What do you think so far?

Shared on  http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/02/february-before-and-after-party.html 2/06/2012

Update 2/07/2012--Check out some of teaks we made here!

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

The hubbs and I took a relaxed approach this past Sunday even though there are a million things that we should have done. In my usual gung-ho approach I overdid things and as a result I had sharp stabby pain in my back. ouch. So we had a respite and went to breakfast at I-Hop...mmmmm...pancakes! How can your day not improve after pancakes?

I popped a couple of ibuprofen  and decided I could work on little things . Like paint my thrift store mirror. I  paid $17.50 for the mirror--which is more than I wanted to pay--but for solid wood frame, solid wood backing, nice simple lines and it is the proper size (16.5 x 22 inches). It's perfect for my diminutive upstairs bathroom. Sometimes a bargain isn't just about  price. In this case the price was reasonable, but I considered my time to be the most important bargain.

I began by flipping the mirror over and removing all of the screws (and putting the screws and hanger wire in a plastic container--so as not lose any).

Removed
 the back board, carefully removed the mirror (watch out for sharp edges) and placed the mirror is a safe location.

Next the fame was lightly sanded with 150 grit sand paper and wiped with a cloth to remove any  particulates.

 I gave this frame a light spay of a satin white, using even continuous passes. Let this dry between applications.

Not to heavy because you don't want globby or runny  paint. 

And since my house is older I decided to give the mirror some patina. After the 2nd coat of paint was dry, I applied a very thin layer of crackling medium. (I would have taken a picture but it is clear so you wouldn't have seen it.) I waited (rather impatiently) for the crackle medium to dry to a sticky tacky film. Then applied a very fine mist of white. Since the 2 coats were adequate to cover, I did not need a heavy application. The result is a very fine crackle. I chose not to spray a top coat sealant. I want the mirror to  be handled and experience a little more wear before I seal it.

VOILA! One perfectly aged mirror. It is all the imperfections that bring character to things (and people). Who wants perfect? Perfect is boring. It also makes me feel inadequate, so I embrace my imperfect quirky self...stuff. Whatever....

Unfortunately the crackle isn't showing in this picture. Had I used a contrasting color under the crackle it would have been more visible.

Is there a Guiness Book of Records category for the longest bathroom remodel in history?

The date was 9/26/2009. I was bright eyed and bushy tailed. Due to some unforseen circumstances (i.e. the waterfall pouring from my upstairs bathroom might be a  clue something was amiss) we were forced to begin the much anticipated (1 of 2) bathroom remodel. Oh darn!  I was really gonna miss the fake oak cabinet, the gold and white faux marble counter top, the plastic tile walls in the high-end design of white, gray and blue flowers, the dingy acrylic bathtub, green and brown pebble linoleum and the toilet you had to..um sit sidesaddle on--or else you would smack your knees on the sink vanity. Yeah...NOT

So now the date is April 4, 2011. Where is my beautiful new bathroom? The high gloss white wall tiles, the smooth granite countertop, the new and expanded layout? Still in the photoshopped magazine layout of any home improvement magazine. Back to earth with a resounding thud. It seems my dreams of grandeur = much moula I do not have (and if I do have it, it has been acquired illegally and I am looking at slammer time)....sigh!

Soooo, what did I get? Well.... we did gut the room to the studs. The hubby refused to expand the footprint, so it is still a VERY small bathroom at 5 1/4 ft x 7 1/2 ft. For a full size bath...Really?! The plumbing was reconfigured to best utilize the small space (which ain't saying much). The electrical was slightly updated to include a GFI--no home perms for me! The room has since been insulated and vapor barrier installed. Green board and cement backer board is installed--although there was the incident of hubby installing the backer board incorrectly. Do over anyone?

The beautiful new enamel on steel tub is securely installed and the water connection checked (Yay for no leaks!). Everything has been mudded, taped and sanded. The beachy sand colored ceramic floor tile has been mortared in and  yet to be grouted. The beautiful high gloss white subway tiles and corresponding trim pieces, the neutral glass mosaic tiles for accent and all the sleek and shiny satin nickel hardware sit forlornly in the corner of the spare bedroom  are now installed. As did the new toilet--which is FORTUNATELY still in the box  is also installed. How disconcerning would that be to see that everday. Yeah that had to go out to the garage. No john in the bedroom unless it is John-ny Depp....um what was I saying....

On the upside of TWLBRIH (That would be THE WORLD"S LONGEST BATHROOM REMODEL IN HISTORY) is I have had MORE than adequate time to score some awesome deals. The 13" ceramic floor tile- only $0.75/ tile. The bathtub was on sale for $109, I had a $20 coupon and a $50 gift card, so my out of pocket price was $39 plus chump change to cover the tax. The cost to reconfigure all the plumbing was the cost of all the materials and a CHEAP-O favor= slave labor from a family friend at $125.00. Considering there was a full 8 hrs of work, can you imagine what I would have had to pay a plumber on my own dime--YIKES!

The subway tile was $0.22/ tile and I had a $20 coupon for the total order. All the hardware (sink and tub faucets, towel bars) are from Ovrstock at 65% of the original cost. The light fixture was a clearance item for $10. The best deal was the the wall mount tilt mirror. Found at the local thrift shop still in the package with ALL of the hardware AND instructions--(you know a man didn't buy it cause they always throw the instructions away)-- retails at $50 and I got it for $4.50! YAY for thrift-erific bargains!

We are currently 60% 90%c ompleted on the bathroom. So 60%  x 19 months= a helluva long time. I hate math. Hopefully we will be finished before the 2yr 30 month mark comes around. Unless there IS a Guiness category and I am gonna have to win that sucker. What DO you win for a Guiness category?...


UPDATE... As of November 3, 2011 the only remaining projects are to install the crown moulding, hang the shower rod, hang the mirror, install the exhaust vent and accessorize. As soon as it is complete, I will post a picture! Yay!

Project De-Uglify Bathroom underway

Without further adieu say goodbye to the 60's and hello shiny new bathroom...okay not hello, but I can't wait to meet you.

Behold all the ugly! Plastic floral paneling.

Sidesaddle loo and ugly sink-gone!

Buh-bye ugly plastic tub!

Hmm I new it was always cold in here. Barely there insulation. And plywood walls. Stellar.

Can't wait to see what else we unearth.