Tag: Bathroom Makeover

Master Bathroom Renovation: DEMO!

Written by Jenna on November 28, 2016. Posted in DIY, Renovations.

Hi All!

Last I left you, I mentioned we were about to undergo a major renovation of the master bathroom. It was a space that got a DIY makeover a few years back, but with wear + tear it was time for an overhaul.

As much as I adore color, I could only image this new bathroom to be soft + serene and clean + calm. The overall aesthetic will be based more on texture rather than color. Plus layers will add an important element to give the overall space contract + depth.

Just to share a reminder of the ‘before’ space…

The morning of demo day, I snapped the picture above of the bathroom, and in no time the contractors got to work…

From the tub to the vanity to the toilet, everything was ripped out!

As I mentioned in my last post, this renovation is a dual endeavour. Due lack of time + components outside our skill set, we are taking on some areas of the renovation, while other areas will be performed by a contractor. As I previously said, I don’t want to be without a bathroom for months AND I want to stay sane (somewhat).

The contractors are tackling the major areas including demo + installing the main components – shower pan + fittings, toilet, vanity + faucet.

DAY ONE

On the first day, the three-man crew removed the existing pre-fab tub, the sheetrock above the tub, the toilet, and the vanity. It’s a small space, but by lunch time, the space was cleared out…

Instead of installing a new tub, we decided to use the 30″ x 60″ outcove for a shower. After the tub + sheetrock was removed, the space was ready for the new shower pan. For the new tile to adhere to, hardiboard (also known as cement board or backerboard) was installed.

Sheetrock is still a great product for the walls and ceiling of a bathroom, just not in the tub/shower area. Cement board is made with actual cement + a firberglass mesh exterior, so it’s waterproof and won’t deteriorate over time when/if it comes in contact with water.

Additionally, the new vanity that I chose is 48″ whereas the existing is 36″… I’m gaining 12″ of counterspace – I’m over the moon! Because of this change, the electrical wiring for the light needs to be moved so it will be centered on the new 48″ space.

By days end, this was the result…

Check out the purple wall color that was behind the toilet… it was from before we renovated the last bathroom… Gosh that color is ghastly and I was hoping to never see it again, ha.

DAY TWO

On the second day of renovation, the new shower pan was installed and the remainder of the space got prepped for tile. After another day’s work, it was my turn to step in to install the tile.

Here’s a peak of how the finished cement board looks upon installation with the new shower pan…

It’s ready for me to tile!

More details of the master bathroom renovation coming soon.

I gotta get back to tiling…

Oh, and I’m still deciding on the accent tile. Any suggestions? What do you like best??

DISCLAIMER: THIS BATHROOM RENOVATION IS A COLLABORATION WITH LOWEâ€™S. ALL OPINIONS + SELECTIONS ARE MY OWN.

Budget Bathroom Renovation Reveal

Written by Jenna on November 5, 2015. Posted in Bathroom, Bathroom Makeover, Decorating. 4 Comments on Budget Bathroom Renovation Reveal

What a whirlwind of a week. Renovation of the kitchen is underway, which is keeping me busy, but I had a few moments over the past days to sit + reflect + appreciate all the kind comments that were left on the blog + + Instagram & Facebook about the plan of action for the new space. It’s going to quite a ride over the coming weeks. More on that soon!

In the meantime, I am excited to share a before & after bathroom renovation that I recently completed for a client / friend.

This bathroom remodel was a labor of love! With a tight budget in mind, smart solutions + affordable, yet stylish choices were a must. Some elements had to stay, but others – like the vintage clawfoot tub – were a MUST TO GO!

When my friend reached out to me about freshening up the bathroom space – which is the only bathroom on the 2nd floor of her 1920s home – the major need/want was a new tub. The overall look & feel of the space were also important and for that I created a Vision Board that suited their style & was an extension of the rest of their home.

Let’s take a step back to see what the ‘before’ space looked like…

BEFORE.

With budget in mind, all the plumbing fixtures needed to stay in the existing locations but be upgraded.

The toilet would be swapped out…

The pedestal sink (with absolutely NO surface space) would be changed out for a new 5′ long cabinet with storage!

The clawfoot tub, which looked beautiful but wasn’t functional at all for this family of 4, was the main focus for this bathroom renovation. The tub went from a clawfoot style to a built-in tub with custom tile surround – more on that in a bit.

Additionally, different decor was added to the walls, the laundry area got a fresh coat of paint, and a new mirror + light were installed.

Once the design was complete, the items were ordered + delivered, the contractor was able to get started. Of course, with all renovations there were a few hiccups along the way, but the renovated bathroom was soon complete and has been the highlight ever since!

AFTER.

Welcome to this new serene + sophisticated cottage-style bathroom…

What a change!

The pedestal was replaced with a 5′ long vanity that not only has more surface area for getting ready in the morning, but there is plenty of storage below – closed and open.

One tricky part of this bathroom was the existing baseboard heaters. With a 20″ distance between the heaters, the pedestal base fit just perfect. But a vanity wouldn’t. The challenged lied in finding a vanity that not only fit the aesthetic for the space, but also had legs that could be removed / notched in the back to fit around the heaters. Take a 2nd look at the picture above… Do you see the missing legs in the back?

Another challenge was the small space – again only about 24″ – between the 2 windows to fit a new mirror and light. The mirror width just fit.

Tile was added to the backsplash above the vanity, which was a beautiful addition that ties into the tile in the tub.

The toilet was an easy switch to a new style. Above, floating decorative shelves were installed to hold baskets and fun layers.

Making way around the new bathroom, the clients chose to hang their vintage horse hooks for the towels. This was in their previous bathroom and I love that they reused them in this new space.

Above are black and white pictures from their travels.

Ah, the new tub area! What a big change. No more clinging plastic shower curtains while in the tub.

For this area of the bathroom, we designed a wall to the right of the entry door which allowed the new tub to be tiled on 3 sides. The new wall was built thicker than a typical 4″ wall and a vertical niche was created for holding shampoos, soaps, etc.

The main tile in the tub area is a white 3 x 6 subway and a glass accent tile was added on the 3 walls as border + was used in the backs of the niches.

This accent tile is what was also used for the backsplash above the vanity.

As I shared above, this bathroom is really big, but it’s also the only bathroom on the 2nd floor. It not is filled with bathroom essentials, but also houses the laundry area.

The washer + dryer sit side-by-side and fit in a closet with shelving above. A large, luxe laundry would have been ideal in a dream world, but it wasn’t feasible, so we upgraded the space.

LAUNDRY BEFORE.

The walls of the laundry were painted a deep turquoise color & new sturdier shelving was hung. A clean space was created using beautiful baskets.

LAUNDRY AFTER.

[this laundry makeover was actually the inspiration for my laundry revamp]

Lastly, the one element that was an eye sore before, but took on a new life after the renovation was the floor. The ceramic tile on the floor was discussed a lot and at length. In the end, because of the size of the bathroom, the cost to remove + replace the floor with new material would have cost way too much. Plus the additional time without a working bathroom would have been just shy of a nightmare.

Once all the new fittings + fixtures were installed, the client had the grout professionally cleaned and with a new rug – a 4′ round jute – was added. Today, with the new cooler colors + all the other beauty in the space, your eye never steers to the floor.

And that’s a wrap, except for 2 pictures I couldn’t resist sharing… On the day of photoshooting this bathroom renovation, I brought my daughter with me. In true style, Bring Your Daughter to Work day!

Another blah to beautiful transformed space!

Looking for something similar in your home, check out the resource links below to get you started…

// 1 – Paint Palette:
// 2 – Light Fixture
// 3 – Floating Shelves
// 4 – Black & White framed pictures (by client)
// 5 – Valance (I made them – DIY tutorial for simply box valance)
// 6 – Oval Tilt Mirror
// 7 – Vanity Top
// 8 – Cabinet
// 9 – Bathroom Faucet
// 10 – Toilet
// 11 – Accessories
// 12 – Tub / Shower Fittings
// 13 – Shower Curtain
// 14 – 3 x 6 White Subway Tile
// 15 – Glass Accent Tile
// 16 – 4′ Round Jute Rug
// 17 – 5′ Tub
// 18 – Basket

RECAP.

A before & after comparison…

Thanks for checking out this budget bathroom reveal. It was such a great project to be a part of. I’ve worked on many client projects this year, which I will be sharing soon!

For now, I gotta get back to my kitchen reno…

DIY: Simple Wood Shelf with Decorative Brackets

Written by Jenna on February 3, 2015. Posted in Bathroom Makeover, DIY. 4 Comments on DIY: Simple Wood Shelf with Decorative Brackets

As I am crazy busy painting and ordering furniture for the living room makeover, I want to rewind a bit and share a few details on the bathroom remodel that I revealed on the blog a few weeks back. Sometimes, I move from project to project so quickly and forgot to share the little details that truly make a space extraordinary!

One of the many projects that I created + adore in the new bathroom space is the simple wood shelf with decorative brackets that I created for above the toilet.

Here’s a peek…

My original plan for the wall space above the toilet was to create a multi-tier shelf using metal piping which would have given the space a more industrial aesthetic. (Here is the original plan of action + mood board)

As the new space evolved and the wallpaper went up, I wasn’t feeling the look of the shelving unit that I had planned on. Instead I opted to create a simple painted shelf which allowed for the addition of a few accessories, but truly allowed for the statement of the space – the wallpaper – to shine through. Where the tiered shelf would have covered much of the wall, the one wood shelf enhances the overall bathroom + it makes the space feel larger especially since there is no window (only a skylight above)

Here’s how I made the simple wood shelf >>>

The area above the toilet looked like this before I did anything…

Supplies

> Decorative wood brackets ($3-5 at Lowe’s)

> 1″ x 8″ piece of wood cut to desired length

> screws + anchors

> primer + paint

> general tools

1. Starting off, I measured & determined the middle point of the toilet to center the shelf.

Then using a pencil, I marked on the wall the height placement for the shelf and where I wanted to place the wood brackets. I first hammered my screw into the wall to make the hole, then input the anchor. Once it was popped through, I installed the screw…

Then I repeated the same steps for bracket #2.

2. Once the screws were in place, I attached both brackets, and laid the 1″ x 8″ (which is actually 7-1/4″ wide) across the top.

Thankfully it was level – phew…

3. Next up was to cut the board to the right length.

By eye, no measuring tape, I made a mark and cut the board with the miter saw (my recommendation for one here). If you don’t have a miter saw, you can have your local Lowe’s make the cut in their lumber department.

4. Once the shelf was cut, hung, & done, it was time to paint it.

I first primed all the wood pieces with Zinsser Primer, then gave all the surfaces 2 coats of plain ole’ white.

After a day of drying, it was complete and ready to hang. Typically the longer the paint dries the better, but I was excited to get it in place. Paint often takes 2-3 weeks to fully cure.

And this is what the new simple-to-make + inexpensive wood shelf looks like in place…

And the overall space…

I am very happy with the change of plan from a more detailed shelving system to a simpler white style.

Sometimes… the simpler, the better. At least when it comes to design. A simple wood shelf like this is an inexpensive and fairly easy project for anyone to tackle. And it’s not just for the bathroom either. Any space in the home can use an extra shelf here or there, right?! Think the kitchen perfect for those cute teacups or for the living room ideal for accessory styling + books. Or how about in the hallway to display photos. Yes, a shelf like this would be perfect for a photo gallery wall! The ideas + uses are endless.

I have another fun + easy project that I created for the bathroom which I will be sharing later this week. Stay tuned…

From start to finish, these are all the posts pertaining to this bathroom remodel
Plan of Action
Demo: Removal + Installation of the Tub & Walls
How-To Tile + Grout the Bathroom Walls
Installing Wallpaper
Adding a Tile Accent Border
Creating a Tiled Niche
DIY: Simple Painted Wood Shelf with Decorative Brackets
Bathroom Makeover Reveal
Resources

Bathroom Makeover: Resources

Written by Jenna on January 15, 2015. Posted in DIY. 1 Comment on Bathroom Makeover: Resources

So you guys really like the bathroom makeover??? I am thrilled! Those of you who left comments about the transformation on the blog or on facebook + instagram – thank you so much. Your kind, sweet words mean the world to me!

As promised, I am back today to share the specific resources for the bathroom revamp. The other day my post went on and on with pictures of the newly finished space and today’s post is all about the details…

As I’ve mentioned throughout the process of renovating this bathroom, my design approach was to create a space with neutral, classic basics and layer in the bold + unexpected. The main items in the bathroom – tub, vanity, toilet, etc. – are basic bath elements typical of many homes. What makes it above and beyond the norm are the details & layers – the wallpaper, towels, shower curtain, etc. Those layered elements give the sophisticated wow-punch! At the end of the day, it’s all about the layered colors + patterns and how they work together to create an overall beautiful composition.

On to the resources…

Starting with the original mood board – some of the elements changed, but the overall idea/aesthetic stayed the same…

From wall to wall, these are the specifics…

Resources

1. Wallpaper – Serena and Lily

2. Framed prints – frames from AC Moore and prints were a DIY project

3. Decorative tile border – Lowe’s

4. Herringbone accent tile – Lowe’s

5. 3×6 Subway tile – Lowe’s

6. Showerhead – Lowe’s

7. Tub fittings (replacement fittings for the old Moen fittings) – Lowe’s

8. Tub – Lowe’s

9. Shower curtain – Target

10. Towels – Homegoods

11. Metal Allen & Roth baseboard vent – Lowe’s

12. Toilet – Lowe’s

13. Shelf – DIY project; materials from Lowe’s – tutorial coming soon

14. Light – Lowe’s

15. Mirror – Lowe’s

16. Accessories: soap dispenser, toothbrush holder, cup – Lowe’s

17. Faucet – Lowe’s

18. Vanity – Lowe’s

19. Toilet paper holder – Lowe’s

20. Tiled Niche – DIY project >>> click for tutorial

21. Hand towel holder by Moen – Lowe’s

22. Burlap baskets – Lowe’s

Bathroom Makeover: Reveal

Written by Jenna on January 13, 2015. Posted in Bathroom Makeover, DIY. 10 Comments on Bathroom Makeover: Reveal

The day is finally here… reveal day of the Bathroom Makeover. The project that I challenged myself to do in 30 days. Keeping reading (till the end) to see if I accomplished the goal…

The finished space has taken a wee bit longer than planned to share, but with the holiday high, I got a bit sidetracked. Good news, Good news… the bathroom is done and has been for a few weeks. I was planning on sharing the reveal sooner, but thought it would be best to wait till after the Christmas craze.

Without further ado, here it is…

As always, I love partnering with Lowe’s on projects and this bathroom makeover wasn’t any different. I have worked with Lowe’s on so many projects over the years and not only am I thrilled to be apart of their Creative Team, but I truly love their product line. Minus a few elements, this entire space was pretty much created using in-stock items that can be found in most of their stores. How great is it not to have to order and wait 8 weeks for something to arrive?! Grab & go today – that’s a bonus in my book. (I wasn’t paid to say any of that and am sharing my true, honest thoughts!)

Before sharing more of the ‘after’, I have to state that bathrooms – in my opinion – are so difficult to photograph because of the limited size of the space. I’m not a pro photog, so I tried capturing it the best I could. That being said, let’s get to it.

You can’t appreciate the after, without seeing the before. This bathroom has had quite the evolution. It was pretty sad when we moved in…

Within a year, it was painted & got a little refresh…

Since it’s heavily used by 2 young kiddos it got + gets quite the abuse on a daily basis. After a while, the exposed walls (sheetrock) + the builder-grade melamine cabinet just wasn’t fitting the bill anymore.

If you missed following along from the beginning, this was the mood board I created for the new space…

A few changes had to be made along the way, but the main elements & more so, the main aesthetic / feel of the space, was absolutely achieved.

My goal was to create an updated, modern bathroom with a classic (live-a-long-time) background + lots of eye-popping, unexpected layers. I am thrilled with the result not only because it’s super functional for the kids (with tile going half way up the walls), but it’s really a dynamic + fun space!

Come on in…

Many have asked, “why did you choose to do the kids bath instead of the Master?”, and the reason for that is I see this bathroom much more throughout the day (plus it seemed more of a manageable DIY project because it’s a smaller space).

This bathroom is right at the top of the stairs and since I am up & down a lot on a daily basis, I wanted it to look & feel new, updated, and fresh. I’ll get to the Master bath someday. Even though it was featured in a national magazine, it does need some fixin’ up!

This is what I see each & every time I walk up the stairs…

snapshot from my phone

Let’s explore the new bath space more…

The space is a typical standard 5′ x 8′ bathroom with a sink, toilet, tub layout on one wall & then a straight wall on the other side.

I installed 3×6 subway tile from the tub deck to the ceiling in the tub space and continued the tile about 3′ up the wall in the main part of the bathroom. Above the tile, I installed a dynamic wallpaper in a beautiful damask pattern with colors of navy, beige, and orange. It really is the art of the space so I didn’t add much more to the walls.

On the left side, above the towel bar, I hung two framed custom art pieces (created by my 2 older kiddos) which I will be sharing more details on soon. The frames + matting are white & simple, the perfect contrast to the bold background.

tutorial for >>> how to install wallpaper

As you continue around the revamped bathroom, you round the corner to the tub space. This area is drastically different with new floor to ceiling tile (all installed by me – thank goodness my hands aren’t cracked anymore).

3×6 subway tile was used as the main tile material, which frames an accent tile of natural stone in a small herringbone pattern

tutorial for >>> how to install tile + grout

Where the wall meets the ceiling, I added a small decorative moulding, which really gave the space a finished, tailored look. I am not very good with moulding (remember my troubles in the powder room), so this time I chose a moulding that had a 90 degree angle and it was much more manageable + easy to install since the cut was a simple 45.

Adding the moulding not only provides a finished look, but it allowed the install of the wallpaper to be easier – the wallpaper didn’t have to be perfect at the top because the moulding covered it. Additionally, the moulding continues in the tub area where I was left with a 1/2″ gap between the last tile and the ceiling – a space too small to install tile.

Here I am installing it…

On the other side of the bathroom were more big changes… a new toilet, vanity, lighting + a new shelf and medicine cabinet turned tiled niche.

The shelf is a simple DIY project that I will share more about soon. The original thought / plan was to add an industrial-style shelf above the toilet, but after the wallpaper went up, I just couldn’t bring myself to cover it + with the new vanity there was ample storage.

A simple white shelf along with a few layered accessories and a framed print seemed to be the perfect addition.

To the vanity…

The vanity is a beauty and I love the openness it brings to the space. This vanity compared to the previous one is about 6″ longer. There was enough room at the side of the toilet to go a bit wider and the additional inches really makes a difference. Even though it’s minimal, there seems to be a lot more countertop space.

Also having drawers with this vanity, the amount of storage has tripled versus having 1 large open cavity with the last cabinet. There looks to be 5 drawers, but the center drawer under the sink is a faux panel. The 2 smaller side drawers + the 2 larger drawers provide so much room. As the kids get older & accumulate more stuff, I am sure the drawers will definitely fill up. For now, they’re fairly unused.

Underneath the closed part of the cabinet is an open shelf perfect for towels, baskets, etc. I chose these cute burlap bins at Lowe’s and revamped them a bit (of course, how could I not…?)

I loved the texture of the burlap, but the rope pull was slightly too nautical, so I swapped them out for a chalkboard label that I found in the dollar bin at Target. Using jute rope, I attached them through the holes and in 30 seconds gave these pretty bins a whole new look…

I love how easy & simple something like this can change a space & be unique to your personal aesthetic + style.

Back up above, the countertop is adorned with a few simple, but must-need items. I found these really cute accessories – liquid soap holder, toothbrush holder, and cup – that were super inexpensive at Lowe’s. They are clear (plastic), but look very modern and $$$. The look of lucite is hot right now.

I chose a minimalist-style, frameless, rectangular tilt mirror and an industrial-style oversized outdoor light that is centered above (because of the longer vanity, the light had to move over a few inches – my contractor did that since it’s above & beyond my skillset).

On the wall to the right of the vanity was a medicine cabinet (which I had painted with chalkpaint + added a frame a few years ago) and is now an open tiled niche…

A niche is really so much easier for the kids and tiling it makes cleanup so simple. I was originally going to create the niche using wood and that would have been a big mistake. wood + water = disaster.

tutorial for >>> creating a tiled niche

A few more detail shots…

And of course a look at a few before & afters…

I will admit, I am so happy this bathroom is done. It was a bit tiring, but in all honesty, it was 100% worth ~~the blood + sweat + tears~~ the effort! This post was chock full of info on the final stages + reveal of the space, but you really might be wanting where I got it all & the actual resources. No worries… that post will be coming up later this week – pinky promise.

In all, from start to finish, this bathroom makeover took just around 30 days to complete (95% DIY and mostly all by myself – the mister helped when he could). So I guess I can say, I met my challenge… which I really only set for myself so I would finish it 100% and not slack off. 10 days, 30 days, 60 days, who cares. It’s done! This makeover was a big accomplishment for me as tackling the removal & install of a tub + such a HUGE tile project was nothing that I had done before. The challenge scared me, but I did it! That’s the beauty of DIY!

Lastly, I want to give a big shout out to Lowe’s for believing in my talents & choicing to partner with me on this project. They never tell me what to do, what to buy, or what to write, but instead they always say do what you do best… create something good & inspire!

Thanks for following along with me on this bathroom makeover journey! Cheers to another successful (but tiring) before & after makeover!

Resources for all the items in this bathroom makeover coming later this week.

Bathroom Makeover: Tiled Niche {Day 19 + 20}

Written by Jenna on December 8, 2014. Posted in Bathroom Makeover, DIY.

The last few weeks have been a whirlwind with decking the halls and preparing for the Christmas season, resulting in the bathroom makeover being put on the backburner. BUT, progress is still being made and it is almost complete – YAY!

I can officially say, the walls are complete. Last I shared, I had finished the install of the wallpaper & the tile accent border. It’s Day 19 & 20 of this Bathroom Makeover in 30 Days Challenge and it’s focused on creating a tiled niche near the vanity. Here is the result…

Before this niche was created, there was a medicine cabinet in this space. This is how it looked when we moved into our home about 5 years ago…

Then about 3 years ago when I gave this bathroom a refresh, I painted the glass of the medicine cabinet with chalkboard paint and added a frame…

While creating the plan of action for this bathroom makeover, I had the idea of removing the medicine cabinet to create a niche – the perfect small storage solution. Since I already had the natural stone herringbone tile planned for the shower, I thought the niche would be another ideal spot for it. Unexpected & a great tie-in.

During the demo phase of the bathroom, I removed the medicine cabinet from the wall by unscrewing a few screws. It was much easier than I thought it’d be. In the end I was left with a sheetrocked cavity.

I wasn’t expecting “the hole” to be sheetrocked and was originally planning on needing to create a box to fit in the hole. Upon removing the cabinet and discovering this, I was pleasantly surprised. I was able to install the tile directly on the sheetrock that was already in place.

To create the tiled storage niche, I used the beautiful 13â€³ x 13â€³ natural stone herringbone mosaic and the 3 x 6 white subway tile that I found at Lowe’s.

1. To start, I created a template of the back surface of the niche using craft paper. Then I layed it on the herringbone tile and traced the outline using a marker.

2. Then using the wet saw, the Mister (gotta give him credit – wink, wink) cut along the line.

3. Then I layed the tile inside the niche to make sure it was the right size (it wasn’t perfect, but I knew the grout would “hide” any imperfections). It fit – yay – so using adhesive (the same method I used to install the wall tile), I added the herringbone accent tile to the back surface of the niche.

4. When the back was finished, I cut and added 3 x 6 subway tiles (same tile as shower) on the sides, top, and bottom.

As I was working from bottom to top on the sides, I cut and added (2) shelves (marble slabs typically used for a door threshold) at varying heights. The Mister cut it to the right length using the wet saw and we made sure it was long enough so it fit between + sits on the subway tiles.

5. Once the tiles were in place, I grouted all the joints using the same method as the wall tile.

6. After the joints were filled and the tile was cleaned off, I added trim around the edges using a 3/4″ decorative moulding. It was basically like creating a picture frame surround. I cut all the pieces using the miter saw and nailed them in place with finishing nails. To give an extra tap in place I also used a nail punch to drive home the nails – love that tool.

7. Then I filled in all the holes using wood filler.

After the last piece was put in place, I gave the moulding a light sanding, and painted it with semi-gloss white. Here’s the result…

A closeup…

This new niche is such a fun, unexpected addition to the bathroom. Pretty + Functional = A great storage solution

Here is the niche filled with a few things…

And a glimpse a few steps back…

A few more details to go and I will be able to call this bathroom makeover DONE! Adding a tiled niche on Day 19 + 20 is complete! Up nextâ€¦ adding details – moulding, lighting, and accessories. More to come soon!

The installation of the tiled niche took 2 days, about 4 hours each day

{Day 19+20} Tiled Niche â€“ Complete! 10 more days to goâ€¦

To gather even more unique, fun, and creative ideas for your indoor and outdoor Winter spaces, I would definitely suggest downloading the Loweâ€™s Creative Ideas app on your iphone and/or ipad. Iâ€™m always checking out the FREE app for great seasonal + do-it-yourself inspiration.

Disclosure: I am part of the Loweâ€™s Creative Team and was provided with a Loweâ€™s gift card to purchase items for my project. I was also compensated for my time to use the products. No one told me what to create, what to buy, how to use the product, or what to write. All opinions are 100% mine!

Bathroom Makeover: Tile Accent Border {Day 18}

Written by Jenna on November 24, 2014. Posted in Bathroom, Bathroom Makeover, DIY, Tile.

Since the wallpaper, the last phase of the bathroom makeover, was fairly quick taking only a day from start to finish, I was able to move on the next step pretty quick. With the completion of the dynamic + bold wallpaper, I am feeling so happy with how the bathroom is coming along. There were a few points that I questioned my decisions + selections, but I feel the wallpaper really pulled it together and added the interest needed to make this new space + funky against the stark white tile. It’s all about the balance and the contrast…

Onto the next phase to get this space done. I’m on Day 18 of this Bathroom Makeover in 30 Days Challenge and it was spent adding a tile accent (trim) border to finish the edge of the subway tile.

Take a look…

From the start, I had intention of using a tile board to finish off the subway tile, but once the installation of the horizontally layed subway tile was complete, it confirmed that something was definitely needed to finish the ends. I chose a pretty decorative tile at Lowe’s that was the perfect complement to the subway tile.

I chose to use the border tile vertically to border the shower tile and then turn it horizontally to border the subway tile on the walls outside of the shower space. Originally I was going to use this accent barliner to border the herringbone tile in the shower as well, but I chose a simpler tile instead > see it here. Like I said before, this has been my biggest tile job EVER. I HAVE NEVER ventured into a project as big, so I was learning as I worked. I questioned my skillset a few times along the way, but in the end I am very happy with the result.

For the tile border, I started with the corner pieces because they had to be cut on a 45 degree angle. I measured and cut the two pieces using a wet saw and then worked my way up vertically and over horizontally.

I installed the accent tile using the same method as I did for the subway tile. To learn more about installing the tile, check out my post on How-To Tile + Grout Bathroom Walls

Once the tile border was in place, I used painters tape to tape off the wallpaper so the grout would not get on it. After installing that gorgeous paper, the last thing I wanted was to get it ruined!

Then it was time to grout. After mixed + made the grout mixture, I put it in a ziploc bag and cut one corner creating a small hole for the grout to come out of. Kind of like icing a cake… Then I worked the grout into the cracks & crevices.

It was a little messy, but using the Ziploc bag was very helpful to direct the grout where I wanted it, instead of going on the entire tile surface.

Once I filled all the holes and crevices, I used a damp sponge to smooth out the grout. This not only cleans the tile face but smooths out the grout joints.

If your walls are painted or have wallpaper on them, like mine, go slow + be careful so the wall surface doesn’t get grout on it otherwise it’ll become hazy. Thankfully the wallpaper was easy to wipe off, but I am sure paint wouldn’t be as simple. I guess you could always touch up those spots…

BEFORE THE GROUT DRIES, REMOVE THE TAPE! This is in caps because if not the tape will dry into the grout. Yes, it’s happened to me (not on this project thankfully). As soon as you finish grouting while the grout is still moist, pull the tape off.

From start to finish…

And the result…

And a peek at a few other things happening {art + accessories}…

The tile accent border is truly a beautiful addition. Not only did it hide a lot of little mistakes and imperfect spots, but it has given this bathroom such an elegant + sophisticated finished look. I am so happy that I installed the wallpaper before adding the border because it has really given a nice clean edge. If / when I ever want to remove the wallpaper, my plan would be to score the edge of the accent tile with a sharp blade and then peel the paper off.

Adding a tile accent border on Day 18 is complete! Up next… creating a tiled niche. I removed the old medicine cabinet and replaced the space with a tiled niche. More to come next week!

The installation of the tile accent border took about 4 hours on one day

{Day 18} Tile Accent Border â€“ Complete! 12 more days to goâ€¦

This post is sponsored by Loweâ€™s, but all thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. I am thrilled (and a bit nervous) about tackling this project, but very excited to be partnering with Loweâ€™s on creating an entirely new bathroom space. Iâ€™d love for you to follow along on this new project!

Bathroom Makeover: Installing Wallpaper {Day 17}

Written by Jenna on November 20, 2014. Posted in Bathroom Makeover, DIY, Wallpaper. 2 Comments on Bathroom Makeover: Installing Wallpaper {Day 17}

If you follow along with me on Instagram, then you may have seen a few sneak peeks of the next phase of the Bathroom Remodel… the WALLPAPER! Tile is done (well mostly) and after 17 days of cutting, grouting, tiling, I never want to touch another tile again in my life. Now we know that’s not true. But in all honesty, it was a big job. Totally doable for any skill level, but just time consuming!

As I move forward with this Bathroom Makeover in 30 Days Challenge, the walls are now adorned with pure beautiful.

Take a look…

Can we say dynamic?! What do you think??

The evolution of this bathroom has been quite interesting. Every moment I think I am leaning one direction, I end up going the opposite way. Such as life, I guess. Originally my plan was to go basic and neutral for the base elements, and then add pops of color and interest with layers. Before tiling, I painted over the previous yellow paint color with a neutral greige. Once the white tile went up, it felt boring. It wasn’t a reflection of my design style or the home we’ve created. It needed something… Then I found the wallpaper.

This wallpaper by Serena and Lily gave the perfect amount of eye-catching intrigue without overwhelming the space. There is still a lot of whites + neutrals, and with the other elements I have planned, it’s going to be my next favorite space.

So on to the install…

I’ve wallpapered areas in my home before including the powder room and my son’s bedroom. Both were one wall projects and didn’t involve a lot of cutting. When working with a tight space that has lots of nooks, crannies, and crevices, it can get a bit tricky.

Differently from the other walls I’ve used wallpaper on, I never before used a wallpaper paste. A discussion started a few weeks back on a picture I shared on Instagram about using wallpaper primer. An expert chimed in strongly suggesting using wallpaper primer before wallpapering, ” You can install wallpaper without primer if you have smooth walls, however, it’s going to be a pain later when when you want to remove it. If you prime your walls, the wallpaper will roll down in long flowing strips. If you don’t prime, the drywall comes off with the wallpaper in 6+ years.” My thought upon this input… USE WALLPAPER PRIMER.

I chose this clear wallpaper primer at Lowe’s and the gallon was about $16. I used the smallest amount so a little goes a long way. I wish they sold it in smaller amounts, but o well.

I poured the primer into a paint tray and using a roller, I applied it to the walls. You really only need a thin coat because it is watery. I found after a few minutes some of the primer dripping down the wall, so I took a cloth and dabbed it so it wouldn’t harden.

In about 3 hours, it was dry and ready to wallpaper. I waited till the next morning to start though…

Supplies for Wallpapering

Wallpaper
Wallpaper Paste
Smoothing Tool
Sharp Razor or blade
Other handy tools for wallpapering are: a tape measure, a laser level, a pencil

How-To Wallpaper

I started off at one edge of the wall and worked my way around the room from that point. Because I am planning on adding moulding at the top of the wall, and a tile trim piece at the bottom, measuring exactly wasn’t needed – phew! I measured about the length of the wall and cut my wallpaper with a scissor. Then I layed it on the floor so I could apply the paste.

Unlike with my previous wallpaper experiences, this time I applied the wallpaper paste to the back of the wallpaper as indicated on the instructions that came with the wallpaper. In the past, I put the paste directly on the wall, then adhered the paper. I wanted to see if this other method worked better (and in the end, it did!). Why? I felt that by adding the paste to the back of the wallpaper instead of applying the paste to the wall there resulted in less air bubbles and air pockets. The paper was easier to smooth out which avoided the paper from getting creased or damaged.

I applied a nice coating of wallpaper paste using an inexpensive paint brush.

Then I let the paper sit about 3 minutes (as the instructions stated) and aligned it on the wall.

Once I positioned it where I thought it look best, I used a long level (sorry no picture) and made sure it was vertically plumb. Once I had the paper in the right place, I used the smoothing tool to smooth out the paper from air bubbles and air pockets. It’s best to start in the center of the paper and work your way out to the edges.

Once the paper was smooth, it was time to move on to the next piece. I cut another piece of wallpaper length and then aligned it edge to edge with the previous piece. Never overlap the wallpaper.

Once it was smoothed out, I took a lint-free rag and cleaned off the paste from the seams. One reason that I love this paper is that is easily cleanable.

This damask looking wallpaper was really nice to work with and the quality was very good, but I was slightly unhappy with the design repeat when I went to align the edges. The design didn’t match exactly like it should and I was bummed about it. I tried my best to line up the design to make it look right. Thankfully the pattern is so busy that you don’t really notice.

Once I had the 2 sheets up, I was feeling really confident in my work. I continued around the room and then I came to my first obstacle… the corner and the door.

For this area, I used the old method of applying the paste to the wall because I was afraid if I didn’t, the paste would get on everything – door, tile, etc. To start, I measured and trimmed the paper leaving lots of extra on the edges. Then I put it in place and trimmed again until the size of the paper fit the exact space.

I had a few other obstacles to overcome like the outlets, the switches, and the light. I typically use a scissor or a sharp blade to cut the paper.

Before I knew it, a few hours later, all the walls were covered and the wallpapering process was complete.

A recap of the before & in-progress now.

Whats up next?

The moulding at the top + the tile trim around the shower & walls…

As you can see, this new bathroom space is surely NOT going to be boring. I can’t wait to finish it up and finally use it. Even though there are lots of little things still to do, I am thrilled with the direction that it is taking.

The installation of this dynamic wallpaper took about 5 hours on one day

Follow along on this bathroom remodel with these other posts
Plan of Action {Day 1}
Demo: Removal + Installation of the Tub & Walls {Day 2-4}
How-To Tile + Grout the Bathroom Walls {Day 5-16}
Installing Wallpaper {Day 17}
Adding a Tile Accent Border {Day 18}
Creating a Tiled Niche {Day 19 + 20}

Coming up (still to do)
Details: Moulding, Lighting, Accessories
Finishing Touches
Bathroom Remodel Reveal

{Day 17} Wallpaper â€“ Complete! 13 more days to goâ€¦

Check out more of my posts on wallpapering

[Frames Wallpaper in my son’s bedroom]

[Amy Butler Wallpaper in my Powder Room]

Bathroom Makeover: Demo {Day 2-4}

Written by Jenna on November 3, 2014. Posted in Bathroom, Bathroom Makeover, DIY. 1 Comment on Bathroom Makeover: Demo {Day 2-4}

It just got real. No more dreaming or fantasizing about a new bathroom, because it’s happening NOW.

So it’s Day 2 for this Bathroom Makeover in 30 Days Challenge (day 1 was putting together the plan of action and by day 30 my goal is to be finished) and the DEMO HAS BEGUN!

Instead of me jumping ahead and sharing what it looks like now (a hot mess with walls missing), let me show you what it looked like before…

Yes, the space was fine, but it needed updating. All the fixtures had seen better days. The tub was an insert style and very dated, while the shower/tub fittings were starting to leak and even though I would scrub them regularly, the mildew would not go away.

It pains me to share these before images, but I’m just being real…

The difficult part about a tub insert is that it only goes 6′ high leaving the above space open for water splashing (which could lead to bacteria growth and/or warping of the walls). Because the kids really ~~abuse~~ use this bathroom, the new space not only has to be pretty, but extremely functional. With my kiddos it seems there is more water outside the tub than inside, so the surrounding areas really need to be protected (hence my decision to tile the entire tub area + the lower section of wall around the rest of the bathroom).

The current vanity is a factory-made cabinet and even though I freshened it up a few years ago with a coat of paint, it was starting to warp and fall apart (that’s what eventually happens to a paper composite cabinet that is in a moist area). From the pictures, the space may look okay to you, but close-up it’s not.

Here’s a snap shot of the bathroom right before demo started…

So that’s the story about the before bathroom…

Onto the current.

Removing the Tub + Walls

The plan of action is in place and the start of the renovation has begun. The other day I failed to mention that with all of the kitchens and bathrooms I have designed for others, I have never renovated my own kitchen or bathroom. I think because I know the process and the unknowns that could happen, I have a fear of embarking on such a big project. Putting fears aside, I am psyched about this new proposed space. Like with all big projects, not everything can go as planned. With that being said, LET THE DEMO BEGIN!

1. First up, the removal of the bath fittings.

2. Next up, demoing the walls above the tub using a hack saw.

3. Once the walls above were removed, the screws that held the tub insert in place (to the studs) were removed and the tub got cut up into pieces (separating the sides from the tub) to be hauled out.

This is what the plumbing looked like (in the wall) once the tub was removed…

Installing the New Tub + Walls

4. When the tub was out and the space was cleaned up (somewhat), the new tub was put into place. As I mentioned the other day, we chose to hire this part out and called in a pro to install the tub, as well as the tub fittings so it was done right. We don’t have any experience with installing tubs / tub fittings and the hookups need to be done right to avoid any water leaking. A contractor + a plumber were definitely needed for this job – we know when to call in help, and this was the time!

New studs were also added behind the tub + at the corners to provide the right support + best fit.

5. Next up, the walls! In the tub area cement board was installed (ie: DUROCK > Lowe’s) instead of sheetrock because it’s resistant to bacteria and fungus + will not warp, delaminate, or disintegrate when/if exposed to water – it really it a must-use material in a shower or tub.

I found this very helpful video with a great tutorial on installing backer board

The new cement board butts up to the existing sheetrock walls that continue around the room. It is important to have the two materials align as perfect as possible and also be at the same plane so the tile can be seamlessly applied.

The removal of the old walls + tub and the installation of the new tub and cement board took about 2.5 days – about 10 hours

Removing the Medicine Cabinet

6. Also on day 2, I removed the medicine cabinet that sits near the sink. We never really used it in the past and I thought it would be better served as a niche. I thought the removal process would be tricky, but it was actually very simple.

Inside the medicine cabinet were screws that were screwed into the surrounding studs. I removed the screws and voila, the medicine cabinet came right out.

Now there’s a huge hole. O, the potential for this little niche!

So there you have it – day 2, 3, 4 are complete. There are 26 more days left to meet my goal of a complete bathroom in 30 days! The space looks pretty scary and I’m not feeling super confident, BUT I am trying to stay positive and like always, I’m going to keep chugging along…

Next up… TILE!

{Day 2-4} Tub Removed + Installed â€“ Complete! 26 more days to goâ€¦

Bathroom Makeover: Plan of Action {Day 1}

Written by Jenna on October 29, 2014. Posted in Bathroom, DIY, Paint, Renovations, Tile, Wallpaper. 4 Comments on Bathroom Makeover: Plan of Action {Day 1}

I’m at it again… another project! And this is a biggie. I know, I know…. I haven’t even waited 0.05 seconds before starting something new, but this project has been in the works for over a year and I’m thrilled that my thoughts + ideas are actually coming to fruition! So the next big remodel… the hall/kids bathroom.

This bathroom got a mini DIY revamp about 3 years ago, but it’s been used & abused by two kiddos, so it was time to put my design expertise to work and create a space that would handle the everyday splashes & wear of two busy bees.

Of course, I can’t start the remodel without a plan of action. So here it is. My creative vision board for the new bathroom space…

I’m thrilled to be partnering with Lowe’s on this bathroom renovation and they’ve put me to the test to create a dynamic, on-trend space using their in-stock products (items that can be found in store versus online). My vision for this revamp is to mix my design style of classic eclectic – classic for the background with bold elements layered in! Since the tile is the dominate feature (shower + 3′ up all the walls) in this bathroom, that’s where I started…

My design philosophy when creating any space is to go classic for the elements that are expensive and/or difficult to change. Similar to buying a sofa (which I typically go neutral in color and pattern), I wanted a tile that could “live” a long time… I DO NOT plan on changing the tile in a year or two (or even 5), so it had to be something that I would like now & in the future. There is nothing more classic and beautiful than 3 x 6 subway tile. The bonus, it’s only .22 cents a tile – one of the least expensive Lowe’s has. But (there’s always a but), I wanted something more. I needed to create a wow-factor. So along with the classic subway tile, I am also going to incorporate a gorgeous herringbone carrara marble. Crossing my fingers that it looks as good on the wall as I envision it in my head {squeal}.

But you all know me, I need color somehow, someway. That’s where the layers in the space come in. I’ve selected a dynamic wallpaper that is really give an incredible contract against the classic white subway. It’s bold. It’s unexpected. It’s me.

The classic and the bold are covered! The other elements in this new proposed bathroom are all going to enhance the beautiful classic and bold selections. The old builder-grade vanity will be headed curbside and a new, more modern vanity in an espresso finish will be installed in it’s place. For the lighting, I wanted to introduce another unexpected element and chose an oversized single exterior industrial-style light fixture.

Here’s the catch… I’m doing 95% of this bathroom renovation on my own. I’m crazy, right?! Nutso, but I’m determined. The part that I will not be tackling is the install of the new tub and shower components. The mister nor I have ever installed a tub or shower fittings and are too nervous to tackle it on our own and want to avoid any possible leaks. We know when to call in the pros and the tub install is not within our skill-set. I am sure we could do it, but who wants to take the chance? Not Us! Beyond that though, it’s all on me. Tile, toilet, vanity, lighting… All DIY baby!

Since this bathroom makeover is almost an entirely DIY job, it’s going to take longer than typical, so our goal is to tackle it in 30 days. 30 days start to finish, complete! Can we do it? Let’s see. I hope you’ll follow along on another crazy DIY adventure…

{Day 1} Plan on Action – Complete! 29 more days to go…

This post is sponsored by Lowe’s, but all thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. I am thrilled (and a bit nervous) about tackling this project, but very excited to be partnering with Lowe’s on creating an entirely new bathroom space. Iâ€™d love for you to follow along on this new project!