Monday, November 08, 2021

Success! A Before and After Story

Hello. Hello? I'm so excited to share some home improvements we've been working on.
If you have a moment... I'll show you our guest bathroom, before, then after.

Ok. I can't do this demolition without justifying our decision. So, here goes. This bathroom was, at least, about 20 years old, and during the pandemic, from so much more use, I think it aged another 5 years. The wood floor was warping, and the tile counter was crumbling apart from beneath. The tub no longer sealed, so no baths, and it was also chipping, very slippery, and I hated hated hated cleaning the glass doors (our water is hard and leaves foggy mineral deposits.) And, to be picky... the single light, overhead, always made it feel a bit gloomy, in spite of it being white and "bright." It was never a bad room, and in fact, when we moved in, I was thrilled that it was clean, functional, and just fine.

I do like imagining what I would do, if I could, to make a room our own, and for this space, I always returned to the idea of a lockeroom. I wanted to get rid of the long counter, which we tended to pile with stuff, and replace it with verticle storage, and individual spaces. A locker. I would keep my eyes peeled for lockers, for twelved years, actually. Then, very recently, Geoff found a practically new locker from a university, and it was cheap! And pretty. I like blue. And I love practical! Bringing this home felt like an absolute triumph, with perfect timing, too. So, ready?
Green paint! Behr's Thai Basil green was the final pick, for the walls, after I had already committed to floor tile, and tub surround tile, and of course the blue locker. And we used this same shade in our entry, and the loft above. I love it. And even though it's "the same" paint color, it looks unique in each space. Behr Paints, if you want to talk to me about endorsements, I am available. Well, the paint color is settled. And Mike improved the framing around the shower, replaced the dying faucet valve, added ceiling lights, and vanity lights... wanna see??
Ta Da!

We love it. And I say that with a huge sigh of relief, because I was never 100% sure, or even 60%. I was ordering online, and going in a very different direction from what it was. And I had some odd expectations... like, because it's our guest bathroom, I want it to be energetic, lively, yet also relaxing. It wasn't easy being a designer, but reulctant to run all over town shopping and comparing. I mostly went by the little collages I made on my phone. And even thought it's "for guests," it is the busiest bathroom, serving all of us, too. I think the lockers are going to manage everyone's individual needs, as well as guest's and general bathroom management. We have lockers for all! And, hey, the cats approve, so it can't be too bad, right?

No sponsors. No ads. No endorsements. I'm happy to share our sources, the brands, and all that... feel free to ask. We will be adding floating shelves above the toilet, and towel hooks on the wall.

7 comments:

Little Dorrit does... said...

Hello! It's beautiful! I love those rich colours on the walls and that bold pattern on the floor - it came together perfectly, just as you imagined it. So pleased for you. :-)

Nicole MacPherson said...

Wow! It's beautiful! It's hard to believe it's even the same space, it looks so different!

Natalie, the Chickenblogger said...

Thank you, Amelia! Hello! I did imagine all of the parts, but it was harder believing that what I was imagining was going to really and truly come together, make a pleasing fit. I'm so glad people are responding so favorably. At least, everyone here is liking it, and that should count the most. But it's fun, too, and reassuring to hear lots of nice feedback. We are very amused about the cats, who seem very taken with the new space. Feynman stares at the floor! Funny kitty.

Natalie, the Chickenblogger said...

Nicole, thank you! It really is a whole new space. We keep walking in there and hanging out. It reminds me of getting a different haircut, and having to look at it in the mirror frequently, as though to reacquaint yourself with the new you.

Ruth said...

It's so pretty! The kitty on the floor is the finishing touch. Funny how cats take on the colors of whatever they're sitting on.

Natalie, the Chickenblogger said...

Thank you, Ruth. Feynman is the finishing touch, you are so right!

Janece said...

Still in awe of this remodel and how beautifully your vision came into reality!!