Bathroom Remodeling Ideas???

[Irishgrrrl]

DH and I are about to take on the monumental task of COMPLETELY gutting and remodeling our hideous half-bath. It is sooo ugly . . . I can''t even describe how much I hate that bathroom! We moved into our house a little over six years ago, and I''ve been wanting to redo that bathroom since day one. Well, we''re FINALLY doing it! We''re literally gutting it . . . replacing the drywall, replacing the subfloor, replacing some of the pipes, etc. DH is doing all of the work himself as his birthday gift to me.

We''re trying to stick to a budget of about $1,500 or so, which should be very doable since it''s such a small bathroom. We''re planning to start the actual work on the Fourth of July weekend, so at this point I''m trying to make some decisions as to exactly what we''re going to do.

Obviously, we''re going to need a new toilet and sink. We''d like to go with a pedestal sink, and I''d like for the toilet and sink to match since they sit right next to each other. I''ve been looking at this toilet and the matching pedestal sink, but I''m very open to suggestions!

We''ll also need new lighting, faucet, hand towel holder, etc. It doesn''t currently have an exhaust fan, but DH is considering putting one in. It currently has a hideous medicine cabinet over the hideous sink, and I''m not sure if I want to replace that with another medicine cabinet or just a mirror. If we go the mirror route, we''ll also need a cabinet of some sort to hang over the toilet for storage (first aid stuff, extra rolls of TP, etc.).

We''re planning to put beadboard paneling on the lower half of the walls and just paint the drywall above it. The floors will be ceramic tile, probably in some kind of sandy beigey color. I think the beadboard, the door and the trim will all be some kind of off-white, but I''m having problems picking a paint color for the top half of the walls. We''ll probably try to stick to earth tones and neutrals as much as possible, since we do plan to sell the house in a couple years and we want it to be attractive to potential buyers.

FYI, our house is about 100 years old, and it has a traditional/victorian vibe. The half-bath is off the kitchen, which is also majorly in need of a makeover which will probably happen before we try to sell.

Any ideas?

 

[kenny]

Yeah I''m with you.

Now that we finally got a light we are thinking of stepping up to real toilet paper and maybe even getting a bucket of paint.

 

[tyty333]

How bout painting a nice light icey blue? I think that with whitebead board would be pretty.

Oh, and brushed nickel facets/lighting would go nicely.

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

IG-sounds like a FANTASTIC project!

Given the age of your house, I think the addition of bead board and a chair rail would be very nice in the space. I would (IMO) like to see a more vintage looking sink and toilet-I''ll go hunt for some ideas in a minute.

Also, re: the vent. Proper ventilation in bathrooms is required by code. This requirement may be satisfied by a window being present in the bathroom or you might need to install a fan that vents to the outside of the house. A vent dumping into the wall, ceiling, or attic will not pass inspection. Also, if you''re replacing pipes and electrical stuff you''ll need to pull permits and get inspections. Be sure to get all required inspections done and signed off on before you put the sheet rock and subfloor in. Otherwise you''ll have to tear it all out for the inspector.

Are permits and inspections necessary? Technically yes, but some people do the work without them. Be advised, if a town or AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) discovered you''ve done this renovation and it hasn''t been inspected, they can demand that you tear it out and start from scratch. If you get away with it, it might hit the next owners at some point. It''s a process you don''t want to mess with and it''s best to just follow the rules.

I love DIY work and I''m sooo excited for you. I really hope you''ll keep us in the loop as things progress, etc.

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

Here are some pedestal sinks I like

http://www.homedepot.com/Bath-Bathroom-Sinks-Pedestal-Basin-Pedestals-Basins-Combo/h_d1/N-5yc1vZaqwkZ5z65e/R-100676566/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

http://www.homedepot.com/Bath-Bathroom-Sinks-Pedestal-Basin-Pedestals-Basins-Combo/h_d1/N-5yc1vZaqwkZ5z65e/R-100413359/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

http://www.homedepot.com/Bath-Bathroom-Sinks-Pedestal-Basin-Pedestals-Basins-Combo/h_d1/N-5yc1vZaqwkZ5z65e/R-100685918/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

Toilets all kind of look the same...

 

[Irishgrrrl]

Kenny ~ ROFLMAO! That''s awesome! I feel so much better about our hideous bathroom now!

Tyty ~ The icy blue sounds gorgeous, but I promised DH we''d stick to neutrals/earth tones since we''ll be trying to sell it soon. Light blue is my favorite color though!

HH ~ I totally agree about the more vintagey-looking toilet and sink! If we can find something for a similar price with more "character" than the ones I posted, I would be SOOOO into that!!! The bathroom does have a window, so we don''t HAVE to add an exhaust fan, but DH is thinking about doing it anyway. And there''s nothing above the bathroom, and three sides have exterior walls, so I don''t think we''d have a problem with properly venting the exhaust fan if we do decide to put one in. (A previous owner at some point just tacked this bathroom onto the back of the house.) And you make a good point about the inspections. I''ll have to talk to DH about that. I will definitely keep you guys in the loop, and if/when I''m brave enough I''ll even post pictures!

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

IG, you should be able to contact your town hall/building department to find out the proper protocol for pulling permits and getting inspections.

 

[Irishgrrrl]

HH, I''m loving all those sinks you posted! They''re all gorgeous! But I''m thinking, of the three, I probably like the second one best ONLY because it has a matching toilet. I''m a weirdo, I know! LOL!

 

[Irishgrrrl]

Date: 6/24/2010 3:56:57 PM
Author: Hudson_Hawk
IG, you should be able to contact your town hall/building department to find out the proper protocol for pulling permits and getting inspections.

Ah, yes. I guess I should mention . . . DH is an electrician, so he''s very familiar with this kind of thing. In fact, he''s probably already got it all figured out and I''m just oblivious! LOL!

 

[NewEnglandLady]

Okay, I have absolutely no expertise in remodeling, however I just want to tell you I'm so excited to see before and after pics of this project when it's done! I'm a huge fan of beadboard (we have it in our master bath and I want to add it to a bathroom we need to remodel), especially in older homes. The remodel sounds likeit will look amazing when you're done--crisp, fresh and classic!

 

[Irishgrrrl]

Date: 6/24/2010 4:17:42 PM
Author: NewEnglandLady
Okay, I have absolutely no expertise in remodeling, however I just want to tell you I''m so excited to see before and after pics of this project when it''s done! I''m a huge fan of beadboard (we have it in our master bath and I want to add it to a bathroom we need to remodel), especially in older homes. The remodel sounds likeit will look amazing when you''re done--crisp, fresh and classic!

Thanks, NEL! I''d love to see pics of your beadboard for inspiration, if you don''t mind sharing!

 

[Tacori E-ring]

I like something like this. The square shape makes it more interesting IMHO. Or something like this that looks like a piece of furniture. Love the legs on this one. Another one. I just like something a little more unexpected.

 

[NewEnglandLady]

I''ll see if I can find a pic at home, though it''s not terribly exciting (just plan ol'' white beadboarding). I do have a pic of the sink area on my work computer, but the beadboarding doesn''t look so great in this pic because I don''t think it meshes well with the dark cabinets and dark granite sink. The rest of the bathroom is brighter, which in my opinion looks better...

 

[NewEnglandLady]

Date: 6/24/2010 4:35:24 PM
Author: Tacori E-ring
I like something like this. The square shape makes it more interesting IMHO. Or something like this that looks like a piece of furniture. Love the legs on this one. Another one. I just like something a little more unexpected.

Oo, I love that square pedestal sink for a small half bath!!

 

[Irishgrrrl]

Tacori ~ Those sinks are all awesome! I really like the "furniture" type sinks, but we''re almost definitely doing a pedestal sink because the bathroom is so small. I looooove the pedestal sink you posted, but it''s just a little more than we were planning on spending.

NEL ~ OMG, you have the white beadboard/light blue walls that Tyty and I were talking about earlier in the thread! LOL! That DOES look gorgeous!

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 6/24/2010 4:46:27 PM
Author: NewEnglandLady

Date: 6/24/2010 4:35:24 PM

Author: Tacori E-ring

I like something like this. The square shape makes it more interesting IMHO. Or something like this that looks like a piece of furniture. Love the legs on this one. Another one. I just like something a little more unexpected.

Oo, I love that square pedestal sink for a small half bath!!

We JUST installed the Kohler Memoirs sink in our new bathroom remodel and I LOVE it (first one Tacori linked to). Very classic and the wide rim is wonderful for setting things on while you're getting ready. Don't get a pedestal sink without a large rim-they are just annoying with no place to put anything IMO!

 

[neatfreak]

Just snapped this, not much accessorizing going on yet but it shows how nice the sink looks. Hard to get the right angle with the photo but it does the job.

 

[neatfreak]

And the before. Careful of your eyes-it isn't pretty! Not a great shot but it tells you what we were working with (previous owner's stuff-this picture was taken by our real estate agent when she previewed the house for us)

You can see what a difference a remodel makes! And we only spent a few thousand too.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Personally, I think it is worth the extra $158 to get something special vs. builder grade standard but it is VERY easy to spend someone else's money

Have you thought of using black and white small (hex maybe) floor tiles? Would look more period than beige ceramic. I think blues and greens are pretty safe for resale. I also love me some icy gray

NF, GREAT makeover. You have amazing taste though so I expect nothing less of perfection

 

[NewEnglandLady]

Oh my gosh, NF, your bathroom makeover is absolutely amazing! And that sink looks perfect! I really, really love it!

 

[appletini]

we just remodeled our master bathroom after having a pedestal sink...which I hated no storage or counterspace. So my advice if you get a pedestal get one like neat freak posted...that rim will come in handy because you will definitely need it for hair/makeup. The only thing that saved me was that there was a ponywall next to the pedestal so I could balance my flatiron, hairdryer, etc. However everytime something fell off I was reminded of just how much I hated that bathroom. Also due your limited storage you need a medicine cabinet with a mirror on it....lowe''s and home depot should have some good options.

If you are on a tight budget check out the habitat re-store for items, they have some great deals and you can also donate your existing fixtures.

Also I would check out the bathroom forum on the gardenweb site. Lots of great information and inspiration.

 

[Hera]

Date: 6/24/2010 5:26:39 PM
Author: appletini
we just remodeled our master bathroom after having a pedestal sink...which I hated no storage or counterspace. So my advice if you get a pedestal get one like neat freak posted...that rim will come in handy because you will definitely need it for hair/makeup. The only thing that saved me was that there was a ponywall next to the pedestal so I could balance my flatiron, hairdryer, etc. However everytime something fell off I was reminded of just how much I hated that bathroom. Also due your limited storage you need a medicine cabinet with a mirror on it....lowe''s and home depot should have some good options.


If you are on a tight budget check out the habitat re-store for items, they have some great deals and you can also donate your existing fixtures.


Also I would check out the bathroom forum on the gardenweb site. Lots of great information and inspiration.

ditto. I wouldn''t put in a pedestal sink if you don''t have additional storage for things like tp etc.
Speaking of the gardenweb, there were a few remodels where people re-purposed furniture like a dresser and put it in the bathroom. The look was so beautiful that I have it saved as my future renovation project.

 

[Clairitek]

Date: 6/24/2010 4:46:27 PM
Author: NewEnglandLady

Date: 6/24/2010 4:35:24 PM
Author: Tacori E-ring
I like something like this. The square shape makes it more interesting IMHO. Or something like this that looks like a piece of furniture. Love the legs on this one. Another one. I just like something a little more unexpected.

Oo, I love that square pedestal sink for a small half bath!!

One of my good friends just put that exact same sink in her new bathroom with vinyl white beadboard (more mold resistant than traditional wood, comes already white!), a soft aqua on the walls and a hexagonal white tile with grey grout to make the pattern pop. It looks awesome.

I recently remodeled my entire bathroom. I''ll go find a link to my thread in a bit. I love how it came out though!

 

[Clairitek]

Just noticed in your OP that you are thinking about using a sandy tan colored floor. We used dark ivory honed and filled travertine. I LOVE natural stone and I found it on Craigslist for $2 a square foot! Its normally around $10.

Here is the link to my thread.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Since it is for a power room I don''t think the lack of storage is an issue but the wide rim would be nice for hand soap.

 

[appletini]

sorry missed that this was a half bath, then yes pedistal sink away!

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

Date: 6/24/2010 4:01:38 PM
Author: Irishgrrrl

Date: 6/24/2010 3:56:57 PM

Author: Hudson_Hawk

IG, you should be able to contact your town hall/building department to find out the proper protocol for pulling permits and getting inspections.

Ah, yes. I guess I should mention . . . DH is an electrician, so he''s very familiar with this kind of thing. In fact, he''s probably already got it all figured out and I''m just oblivious! LOL!

That COMPLETELY changes things then

Sorry, DH is in construction and I work for one of the biggest fire, electrical and building codes and standards organizations in the US.

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

I prefer the look of the pedestal sink if you''re trying to tie the style of the bathroom in with that of your home. I like Tacori''s suggestion of the hex tiles as well.

Here''s a picture of the bead board and wall color in our old bathroom. The wall color is called "hop sack" and it''s a Behr/HD color.

 

[Irishgrrrl]

Thanks so much, everyone!!!

NF, your bathroom looks FANTASTIC!!! And I do love that sink!!!

Clairitek, I remember your bathroom remodel . . . I was totally stalking that thread! LOL! I love how you guys laid your tile on the diagonal. I''ve been trying to convince DH to do that with ours!

OK, here''s some more relevant info: One of the reasons we want to stick with earth tones is because we want the bathroom to tie into the kitchen, since they''re adjacent rooms. The kitchen looks like hell right now, but the plan is to remodel the kitchen next. We already kinda know what we want to do with the kitchen, and it involves beiges and earth tones. We have one of those cool cabinets with the glass fronts, which is where we display our dishes. And we LOVE those dishes! The pattern is Pfaltzgraff Mission Flower. So we were thinking beige or tan walls for the kitchen, and we were going to continue the same floor tile from the bathroom into the kitchen.

BTW, NF and Clairitek, your "before" pictures of your bathrooms look WAAAAAY better than our bathroom does now. Seriously . . . it''s frightening!!!

 

[Irishgrrrl]

Date: 6/24/2010 7:41:43 PM
Author: Hudson_Hawk
I prefer the look of the pedestal sink if you''re trying to tie the style of the bathroom in with that of your home. I like Tacori''s suggestion of the hex tiles as well.

Here''s a picture of the bead board and wall color in our old bathroom. The wall color is called ''hop sack'' and it''s a Behr/HD color.

HH! I''m loving that color!