Bathroom – Jenna Burger Design LLC – Interior Design & Architectural Consulting

Bathroom: Green With Envy

Written by Jenna on March 18, 2019. Posted in Bathroom, Bathroom Makeover, JBD Client.

As an ode to St. Patrick’s Day yesterday, I have to share this recently finished spa-like bathroom that I designed for a Client. The overall space is filled with lots of varying shades, but to make it unique + unexpected, we added a major splash of color to the vanity…

GREEN!

Bathroom Renovation with neutrals and a pop of color for the vanity. Wall Paint Color - Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter; Vanity Paint Color - Benjamin Moore Green with Envy; Design by - Jenna Burger Design, www.JennaBurger.com

The pop of green was a request of the client and I was all for it. When she mentioned wanting to introduce a fun color for the new 7′ long custom vanity, I was on the hunt for the perfect shade.

In the end we chose Benjamin Moore Green With Envy 2036-30. It’s a fabulous color that is a true green with a slight blue undertone instead of yellow like a typical kelly green color would be.

Here’s a Benjamin Moore color chart for greens and you can see where Green With Envy falls compared to other greens…

On to the rest of the bathroom space…

The existing window had to be moved because it did not work with the proposed shower / tub configuration. We reused the existing window and positioned it to be centered over the new soaking tub.

The tub is an undermount style and we had a quartz top templated for the tub deck, which extends into the shower to create a bench to sit on. The design when the deck continues into the shower is such a modern, clean look.

Once the slab was in, the glass enclosure was templated and created the needed separation between the tub space and the shower.

Check out that detail here..

At the tub face, we added in a mosaic tile in shades of grey and positioned it vertically. The tile continues on to the face of the bench and is also used at the sides + back of the vertical niche.

Shower Niche with vertical layout; Mosaic accent tile at the niche back with a barliner surround; Design by Jenna Burger Design, www.JennaBurger.com

The walls are complete with a simple + modern 4″ x 12″ white subway tile that runs floor to ceiling in the shower and continues partially up the wall at the tub space.

Wouldn’t you love to get ready in a space like this every day?!?

Master Bathroom Renovation: Tile + Grout

Written by Jenna on December 8, 2016. Posted in Bathroom, Bathroom Makeover.

It’s been a few weeks and lots of progress has been made on the master bathroom renovation!

Last I left off, I shared details on the demo (which we hired a contractor to do) + the steps to prep the space for tile. Once that part of the job was complete, it was my turn to step in. Thankfully I’ve tiled before so there wasn’t too much of a learning curve, but I knew tiling 3 large walls from floor to ceiling would be time consuming…

And it was! BUT… it’s so worth it. Check out where I left you last time…

…And what the bathroom looks like now…

Woah! Big Difference!!

Once the tub was removed removal and the new shower pan + cement board walls were installed, it was time to tile! To start, I chose the center point of the shower space â€“ the back wall â€“ and worked my way out and around the room using a 4″ x 12″ tile. I marked out a level line at the base of the tile so the tile would be as plumb as possible.

It’s important for the first row to be about 1/8 â€“ 1/4â€³ above the shower (same for a tub deck) – I used shims so the tile would not slide down. Instead of filling the 1/8″ gap with typical grout (which could crack), I used an expandable caulk once the tile was completely installed.

I continued my way around the base of the shower pan and installed the tile on the plumb line. At that point I stopped for the evening (yes, most all of the tiling was installed at night when the kiddos were in bed) to let the first row of tile set.

HELPFUL HINT: Subway tile is the only tile that has a slight bevel, so there is no need to add a spacing/ joint between tiles. If you added a joint (using a spacer), the joints would be very large. The ‘pro’ for using subway tile is they stack one on top of the other. The ‘con’ for using subway tile is you have no wiggle room. If a tile is off (when using spacers), you can cheat on the next tile or the next row, but not with subway since every tile butts next to each other.

The next evening I was back to work installing one tile at a time… row by row as I made my way around the shower.

Making sure the tile is straight is so important!

About half way up the wall, it was time to add the pretty mosaic tile.

It took a while for me to decide on a mosaic tile, as there were so many beautiful options…

In the end, I chose the bottom left mosaic which is a mix of ceramic and natural stones all in lighter tones of creams and whites. Because of how much mosaic I am using (entire wall above the vanity) + with the overall serene and calm aesthetic I want to achieve, I felt it was a perfect pairing with the white large subway tile.

Same as with the first tile installed on the wall, I found the center point of the back wall and adhered the first mosaic sheet.

And continued around the shower.

Here I am in my Sunday best…

The beauty of these mosaic tiles is how each sheet links together to create a seamless pattern.

After the one row of mosaic in the shower was installed, I continued above it with the 4″ x 12″ tile.

But outside of the shower, the mosaic tile continued to the ceiling and all the way over above the vanity.

It was a lot of tile to install and my shoulder was sore for days, but the result is breathtaking!

There are two methods I used to cut the tile, (1) with a hand-held tile cutter (like this) or (2) with a wet saw (like this). There are pros and cons to both.

HAND HELD TILE CUTTER
The subway tile was fairly easy to cut/trim, so for those cuts I used the hand-held tile cutter and was able to do it right on the bathroom floor. This made the project easier and more manageable to tackle at night (which is when most of the bathroom came together).

Once I marked where the tile had to be cut. I lined it up on the tile cutter. Scored it 3-4 times with the manual blade. And snap. The tile was cut.

For smaller sized ceramic tile, I find that the hand held tile cutter is perfect, but for larger tile (ie: 12 x 12 or larger) and thicker natural stone, a wet saw is needed!

WET SAW
The beauty of the wet saw is the ease and preciseness of the cuts. BUT itâ€™s messy and there is a setup / cleanup process. Many wet saws come with a stand, but we donâ€™t have one and instead set it up on our driveway. Since water is needed, there is a tendency to get wet and when working on a project late at night, who wants to be running up and down the stairs to go outside to cut tile? NOT I. So when it came time to cut the mosaic tiles, we waited till the weekend.

ADDING ADHESIVE TO TILE

Because I couldnâ€™t spend 8 hours a days tiling (I wish â€“ Iâ€™m glad if I got in 2 hours each day), I purchased pre-mix adhesive (instead of making my own batch each day) which was a life saver.

HELPFUL HINT: Instead of cleaning out the bucket of mortar (as well as grout) each time, grab about 5-10 small buckets so they can be thrown away. And never ever, ever cleanup your tools in the sink of your home. Yes you can wash your hands, but be sure to run hot water for a few minutes afterwards. Washing a bucket or the tools in the sink of your home could result in the mortar (or grout) hardening in the pipes. been there, done that

HOW-TO GROUT TILE

Grout seals the deal! It not only gives a finished look, but grout â€œlocks inâ€ and secures the tile to stay in position.

For this bathroom renovation, I chose to use a premixed unsanded grout. Sanded grout is typically for larger joints from 1/8â€³ â€“ 1/2â€³, while unsanded grout is for smaller grout lines that are less than 1/8â€³.

Using a float, smear the grout on the tile surface. Then to wipe away the grout, use a damp sponge. A light haze will soon show after, but with a few more passes of the damp sponge, the tile will be clean and complete.

You can see how finished the wall looks with the grout by comparing the area with the joints filled in and the area without.

Once the bathroom was tile and grouted, this was the resultâ€¦

The installation & grouting of the tile & grouting took about 2 weeks â€“ in total about 25 hours

Onto the finishing touches of the space…

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

Master Bathroom Renovation: Plan + Mood Board

Written by Jenna on November 16, 2016. Posted in Bathroom, Bathroom Makeover, DIY, Uncategorized.

It’s been quite some time – about a year – since we tackled a full-on big room renovation. To put it plain + simple, the kitchen remodel last Fall just wiped me out… and we didn’t even do too much on our own. When it was done, I was desperate for a break. Then life got busy. Sports. Work. School. Appointments. You know the drill… But when this past Summer turned into Fall and the kids were back to school and a everyday routine was once again established, I was finally feeling the itch to get my hands dirty… again.

If you remember back about 4-1/2 years ago, one of the last spaces in our home to get attention after moving in was the master bathroom. The walls were a horrendous purple/pink hue with dated + dusty brass accents. It all had to go…

…but it didn’t all go.

With a few cans of paint, I transformed the walls, the trim, and the cabinet with a whole new color palette. Then to finish it, I laid a new floor using luxury vinyl tile, hung a new mirror, and changed the light. A few hundred dollars later, and the space was completely transformed… for the most part.

DIY Projects:
How to Paint + Glaze a Cabinet
How to Make a Curtain into a Shower Curtain
How to Install Luxury Vinyl Tile (to look like ceramic tile)

And if you can believe it, the renovated space even ended up in a national publication, Kitchen + Bath makeovers, Fall/Winter 2014

But after 4 years of using the bathroom day in + day out, it needed a makeover. A real makeover. The pre-fab tub was drear and the builder-grade cabinet had seen it’s life span.

I envisioned Carrara. White. Clean. Fresh. Fun…

…And created a vision board.

eek! It’s all so pretty and fabulous.

Sophisticated, but casual.

Elegant, but inviting.

I am really excited about this new bathroom. You know me, I adore a striking + bold color, but for this space, I need it to feel tranquil and serene. With being pulled in 92 directions each day, I want to start off and end each precious day in a calming way.

Thanks to my friends at Lowe’s, who I have worked with for years, for choosing to partner with me on this project to create an inviting and peaceful place.

Here is what I have planned…

> The tub will be changing from a pre-fab bathtub to a shower with a frameless rolling glass door

> New Tile will be added from floor to ceiling in the tub space and will continue on the entire wall of the vanity

> The main tile will be 4 x 12 white subway with an accent glass/natural mosaic tile

> The walls will be painted a light mint green hue

> The 36″ vanity will be replaced with a 48″ vanity in a dark gray finish to give contrast and a white cararra countertop will be added to give a finished luxury look

> To finish the space, artwork and a fabric window valance in hues of blue will add pattern and color

These are the specific items I plan to use (and are shown in the mood board above):

Vanity
Toilet
Shower Door
Main Subway Tile
Glass Mosaic Tile
Sconce
Mirror
Artwork
Fabric Valance

This is the overall layout plan + elevations that I created:

DIY + Calling in the PROS!

This bathroom renovation, like the last one I tackled, isn’t going to be a devoted do-it-yourself project. For 2 reasons. One, I don’t want to be without a bathroom for months AND I want to stay somewhat sane. Two, other than the basics, the Mister & I don’t know much about plumbing and leave those things to the experts.

As with the previous bathroom renovation, we worked with a contractor to demo the bathroom and install the major components. What is on our list to tackle for this renovation is: tile installation (there’s A LOT of tile!), paint, baseboard, installing the light, installing the accessories, hanging artwork, etc.

By splitting up a project with tackling some of it on our own and calling in the pros where needed, we’ll save money AND our sanity (i hope)!

There you have it… for now.

Demo has begun. Wish me luck. I’ll need it 😉

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…

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

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
Bathroom Makeover Reveal
Resources

{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: DIY Tips & Tricks on How-To Tile + Grout a Bathroom {Day 5-16}

Written by Jenna on November 12, 2014. Posted in Bathroom, Bathroom Makeover, DIY, Tile. 3 Comments on Bathroom Makeover: DIY Tips & Tricks on How-To Tile + Grout a Bathroom {Day 5-16}

It’s Day 5-16 for the next phase of this Bathroom Makeover in 30 Days Challenge.

The tile is done. I could not be more happy. It wasn’t difficult, but it took a long time. Rightfully so since this 5′ x 8′ space is almost completely covered in tile.

Before this I had only tiled small areas – a fireplace surround, a kitchen backsplash, and a bathroom backsplash (and a few floors but that was using luxury vinyl tile). But this was a mega job. I was nervous and I got overwhelmed at times. BUT it’s complete and it feels so good. And looks good too. I’m still no expert, but I surely have some tips to share. Take a look at the bathroom now…

And just to give you a reminder of what it looked like before…

Before I got started, I put together a Plan of Action and that has kept me on track when picking and choosing the new elements + items for the bathroom.

I’ll admit though, even though it is a small space finalizing a design direction was tricky. My #1 objective was to make it functional (since it’s the hall / kids bath) and classic (subway tile), but I also wanted to bring the unexpected (wallpaper). I searched the tile aisle of Lowe’s many times before finding a tile that I loved…

In the end, I chose to move forward with 3 x 6 white subway tile and 13″ x 13″ natural stone herringbone mosaic

Once the removal & installation of the tub + cement board walls were complete, it was time to tile! To start, I chose the center point of the space – the back wall – and worked my way out and around the room. I marked out a level line at the base of the tile so I the tile would be as plumb as possible.

When starting the first row, it is important to keep the tile about 1/8 – 1/4″ above the tub deck (I used shims so the tile would not slide down). Instead of filling this gap with typical grout, use an expandable sealant to repel the water.

Tip to Know: Subway tile is the only tile that has a slight bevel, so there is no need to add a spacing/ joint between tiles. If you added a joint (using a spacer) than the joints would be very large. The pro for using subway tile is they stack one on top of the other. The con for using subway tile is you have no wiggle room. If a tile is off (when using spacers), you can cheat on the next tile or the next row, but not with subway since ever tile butts next to each other.

I continued my way around the base of the tub and installed the tile on the plumb line.

Once the first row was finished and the tile was cured, I continued my way up the wall starting at the back.

Somehow, somewhere I got this crazy-zany idea to introduce an accent tile. Yes gorgeous, but should an inexperienced person (me) be acting like a pro on the Day 2 of tiling? I asked myself late one evening. Well there was no going back…

Once I figured out how large I wanted my accent tile inlay to be, I marked lines on the wall using a level. Then to outline the accent tile, I used a 1/2″ x 6″ pencil liner.

The two sides of the accent tile nearly killed me because of all the cuts, but I kept saying to myself, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.

But then, the sides were done, the pencil tile was added to the top and the bling-bling accent tile was ready to be installed!

For the accent tile, I found the midpoint of the box and laid the first tile which is 13″ x 13″ natural stone herringbone mosaic (on a mesh sheet backing). Then I added the adjacent tiles. For this part, the Mister and I worked fast because we wanted to avoid the tiles from sliding down (gravity was not our friend on this day).

FYI: I tried taking as many pictures along the way, but to be honest, my hands were messy and filled with mortar. All the pictures were taken with my iphone and much of the project was tackled in the evening (with poor lighting).

[details on adhering the tile to the wall below]

Once the walls of the tub were complete, I continued the tile about 3′ up on the main walls of the bathroom.

Before & After of the sink area…

What’s to Come

Once the subway tile is complete, I will be wallpapering the remaining exposed walls + a decorative border tile will be added to the edge of the subway tile to give a finished look.

Those were the steps I took for installing the tile and here are some details + specifics…

How-To Cut Tile

There are two methods I used to cut the tile, (1) with a hand-held tile cutter (like this) or (2) with a wet saw (like this). There are pros and cons to both.

Hand Held Tile Cutter
The subway tile was fairly easy to cut/trim, so for those cuts I used the hand-held tile cutter and was able to do it right on the bathroom floor. This made the project easier and more manageable to tackle at night (which is when most of the bathroom came together).

Once I marked where the tile had to be cut. I lined it up on the tile cutter. Scored it 3-4 times with the manual blade. And snap. The tile was cut.

For smaller sized ceramic tile, I find that the hand held tile cutter is perfect, but for larger tile (ie: 12 x 12 or larger) and thicker natural stone (ie: the herringbone) a wet saw is needed!

Wet Saw
The beauty of the wet saw is the ease and preciseness of the cuts. BUT it’s messy and there is a setup / cleanup process. Many wet saws come with a stand, but we don’t have one and instead set it up on our driveway. Since water is needed, there is a tendency to get wet and when working on a project late at night, who wants to be running up and down the stairs to go outside to cut tile? NOT I. So, for the cuts using the wet saw (herringbone accent tile and the decorative border tile) we waited till the weekend.

Adding Adhesive to Tile

Because I couldn’t spend 8 hours a days tiling (I wish – I’m glad if I got in 2 hours each day), I mixed small amounts of adhesive at a time, so I had to alter the directions from the back of the bag since they called for using all the adhesive at once. If you plan on tiling over many days, then mix small batches so the adhesive is fresh each time (otherwise it will harden).

Tip: Instead of cleaning out the bucket of mortar (as well as grout) each time, grab about 5-10 small buckets so they can be thrown away. And never ever, ever cleanup your tools in the sink of your home. Yes you can wash your hands, but be sure to run hot water for a few minutes afterwards. Washing a bucket or the tools in the sink of your home could result in the mortar (or grout) hardening in the pipes.

Why am I sharing this with you? Because it happened to me.

The consistency of powder to water should result in a pasty (not watery) mix… It shouldn’t fall easily off the trowel.

Most experienced tile installers put the adhesive on the wall to attach the tile. I tried that and found it made a lot of mess + a lot of wasted product. Instead, I found it much easier to add the adhesive directly to the back of the tile (for both the subway tile and the accent tile). This process may seem longer, but for me it worked better and there was very coverage.

Using a trowel, I added the adhesive to the back of the tile, then using the notched edge, I raked the adhesive in a vertical direction (perpendicular to how it will lay on the wall). Then I applied the tile to the wall.

Once the tile was on the wall, I wiped away the excess adhesive on the tile surface. If I hadn’t, it would have hardened on the surface.

Once the tile was set and the adhesive cured, it was time to grout!

How-To Grout Tile

Grout seals the deal! It not only gives a finished look, but grout “locks in” and secures the tile to stay in position.

For this bathroom renovation, I chose to use unsanded grout (watch this video on how + why to use sanded / unsanded grout). Sanded grout is typically for larger joints from 1/8″ – 1/2″, while unsanded grout is for smaller grout lines that are less than 1/8″.

Using a small bucket, I added the powder then the water to create a pasty mix (similar to the consistency of toothpaste).

When the grout mix was ready, I added a nice amount on to the grout float. Then I chose a starting point and worked the grout into the joints with the float. Once a good sized section of tile was covered in grout, I took a damp sponge and wiped the surface. This not only cleans the tile face but smooths out the grout joints.

You can see how finished the wall looks with the grout by comparing the area with the joints filled in and the area without.

Once the bathroom was tile and grouted, this was the result…

The installation & grouting of the tile & grouting took about 12 days â€“ in total about 25 hours

Just shy of 1600 words, this post is jam-packed with information – I hope I didn’t overwhelm you! I was very apprehensive about tackling such a BIG project and at times I was overwhelmed, but in the end the job wasn’t difficult. Long YES, but not difficult. If I could tackle this huge space, so can you!

{Day 5-16} Tile & Grout â€“ Complete! 14 more days to goâ€¦

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!

5 Ways to Update a Bathroom on a Budget

Written by Jenna on May 7, 2014. Posted in Bathroom, Bathroom Makeover, Decorating, DIY. 1 Comment on 5 Ways to Update a Bathroom on a Budget

There have been some really qualified “entries” for the ugly bathroom makeover. I’m not going to lie… some of you are in desperate need of direction & a plan on how to jazz up your bathrooms. Most of the bathrooms I received pictures for, have good bones and are similar in layout of many homes, but they need to be taken to the next level to be practical and pretty!

Lowe’s and I are going through the pictures and next Monday will be the day when you’ll get to see what reader submitted bathroom we chose, along with a Creative Vision Board + ‘plan of action’ for the space. In the meantime, I wanted to share my thoughts + ideas with ALL of you on 5 Budget-Friendly Ways to Update a Bathroom…

I’ve been working on my fair share of client kitchens lately, which I adore, but I’m equally obsessed with revamping bathrooms. Having an educational and professional background in architecture and interior design, I love how all the components- cabinetry, hardware, and all the details in between – come together and interlink to create an incredible result. Even more so, I love all the added layers + color that can be brought into a bathroom to make it not only a functional space, but a magical oasis – remember I said last week, who doesn’t sneak away to the bathroom here and there for some peace + quiet?!

Unlike a typical 4 walled room in a house, bathrooms (as well as kitchens) can seem daunting when thinking about a makeover. There’s plumbing, electrical, tile, and more that is involved in changing. BUT, instead of neglecting the idea of an overwhelming revamp, embrace what you have and revamp the layers of the existing. Not only will a budget-friendly bathroom makeover increase the value of your home, but it will also simply make you happy!

Ditch those apprehensive, scary thoughts and let me share my 5 Ways to Update a Bathroom on a Budget…

1. Paint

Easy (well fairly easy) and cheap! There is nothing like a fresh new coat of paint on the walls! And for a typical bathroom, from start to finish, it should really only take a few hours. Since the fixtures of a bathroom are often white or light-colored, think about adding a pop of color on the walls. Or, if you’re desiring a serene and calming space, go light – not white, but light.

Let’s start off with a bang. Check out one of my all-time favorite before and after bathroom makeovers that incorporates a splash of color + fun on the walls, via BHG…

To step it up a notch, consider painting the existing bathroom cabinet. It’s not uber difficult to remove / upgrade a bathroom cabinet, but it does involve plumbing and the possible install of a new countertop and/or sink. If that’s not within your wheelhouse, a new coat of paint will be the answer.

Whether wood or laminate, the bath cabinet can most likely be revamped. If it’s not structurally stable or you don’t love the look, ditch it, but if it can be used there is a little prep work before you paint… Start by removing the doors and give them a good cleaning (diluted all-purpose cleaner, wood cleaner, or white vinegar with a little warm water usually works). Lightly sand the surface â€“ using a hand sander is best. Then add a primer to seal the wood underneath and to give a solid base coat for the paint to adhere to. Then using a roller / brush combination or a hand sprayer, apply at least two coats of paint (read all instructions ahead of time and follow the directions on the product). The transformation will be breathtaking.

Check out this awesome bathroom upgrade with a newly painted cabinet…

Before and After Bathroom space by Centsational Girl

2. Hardware

The layers of any space are key to making it unique and interesting. An easy upgrade in a bathroom is adding or changing the hardware on the bath cabinet. I’ve found that bath cabinets often don’t have any knobs or pulls, and once added the cabinet always comes alive. The cheap builder-grade vanity in my master bath had no hardware, so using a drill, I drilled 2 holes, added crystal knobs, and now the “black dress” is accessorized!

Check out how great this bathroom upgrade looks by The Turquoise Home…

I love the new paint color on that cabinet & the new hardware looks fabulous!

3. Lighting

I feel the light fixture in a space is so important. A fixture can truly make or break a room, and typically I live by the motto GO big, or GO home! How many of you have those old eye-ball style fixtures with 3 or 5 or 7 bulbs across and every time you walk into the bath you cringe because it’s so bright? {It’s okay to raise your hand}. Ditch em’! I’m all for good light in a bath space, but you don’t need a blinding light that is glaring into your eyes every time you enter. Upgrade to a fixture(s) that is different and maybe not typical for a bathroom.

I’m still loving the $17 light that I found at Lowe’s for my powder room. The ‘before’ light was fine, but expected. This light is functional + exciting >

If you’re on a tight budget for your bath, grab a can of spray paint + a few new glass bulbs, to revamp an old, drab fixture. Check out how Lindsay of Makely Home transformed her bath light >

Lindsay also has a great post on finding the perfect bathroom light!

4. Flooring

I know, it sounds like a big, scary project, but it doesn’t have to be! As you may know, I continually profess my love for groutable luxury vinyl tile (LVT). It’s a quick, easy (no experience needed), and budget-friendly way to cover up the ugly mess of a floor that you may have. And if you don’t have an ugly mess of a floor, you might just want a change and LVT flooring is the answer. There are also a bunch of other flooring out there that you may love and adore, but either way, new flooring will truly jazz up a bathroom hands-down!

Here’s a recent update I shared on how the groutable luxury vinyl tile floor has held up after 2 years. If you’re thinking of installing this type of flooring in a bath or any space of a home, this is a must-read!

Want proof that a new floor can make for a killer new bathroom, take a look at this before and after bathroom transformation by Roeshel of DIY Show Off…

Another idea for an easy flooring upgrade is wood laminate, which most of the time can be installed directly over your existing floor. Take a look what Jen of I Heart Organizing did with her bathroom reno…

5. Layers

Last, but certainly not least, but actually the most important… The Layers! If you’re on a bare bones budget and have very little to spend, focus on the layers. What layers? a pretty shower curtain, a simple window treatment (if you’re bath has a view of the exterior), artwork, hooks, shelving, etc. The layers in any room of the home speak your style and share the story of who you are.

You saw a peek of Jen’s bathroom above, and here is the finished revamp >

How fabulous of a space and it ‘s mostly all existing and/or DIY!

Another amazing transformation is Paige’s hall bath of Lively Green Door >

And lastly, check out this fun bathroom space. With a few new elements (no fixture changes), look how it has come alive with new paint, a killer light fixture, and a gorgeous shower curtain.

via BHG

Are you now convinced that a bathroom doesn’t need a full gut to be fabulous? Who’s ready for a makeover?

As always, incorporate elements you love & those that are truly meaningful. Look for inspiration around you before executing, and remember it’s not a race. Now I’ve gotta get back to looking through all those ugly bathrooms to see which would be perfect for a makeover! Be sure to check back on Monday to see if it’s yours!

Want to pin & save for later, here you go…

Kitchens are another space in the home that homeowners fear to upgrade because of time and budget. Totally understandable! BUT just as the bathroom can be revamped on a budget, so can a kitchen. Check out my thoughts for 5 Upgrades to a Killer Kitchen…

Taking over & Transforming the ‘Ugly Bathroom’

Written by Jenna on April 30, 2014. Posted in Bathroom, Bathroom Makeover. 1 Comment on Taking over & Transforming the ‘Ugly Bathroom’

Let’s talk bathrooms…

They’re one of those spaces in the home that often gets neglected, yet should get the most attention. Whether just moving into a home that has a bathroom in dire need of a makeover or a bathroom that’s gone too long without a refresh, revamping a bathroom doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive.

Let’s face it, who doesn’t duck away from it all for a few minutes of peace and quiet in the bathroom (especially when you have kids). And who doesn’t relish in a long, hot shower after rolling out of bed to actually feel fully awake. No moments of any day should be spent in a blah bathroom.

The bathroom is truly a space that should feel like a fresh, calming oasis to start the day.

all images taken from a previous post on Real-Life Sensational Standard Sized Bathrooms.

Having said that + sharing glimpses of amazing bathrooms, you have to start somewhere.

Do you remember the master bathroom we started with when we moved into our home 4 years ago? It surely wasn’t pretty and it was the last space in the house to get a transformation…

Were we overwhelmed? YES!

Could it have been expensive? YES!

But we ‘took it over’ and made it ours on a very slim budget of less than $500.

Here is the before & after…

If we could do it, so can you!

I’ve transformed my fair share of bathrooms and even though the task of a makeover may seem daunting + expensive, there are many ways to give this important space in the home a refresh WITHOUT spending a huge amount of money or time! That’s why I was super excited when Lowe’s reached out to me about partnering together to share my design expertise + budget friendly ideas with YOU, my fabulous followers. They have put me up to the task of giving my design advice + a plan of action to a reader who is in need of a bit of help & a “point in the right direction” for transforming their ugly bathroom.

I’m here to help rid you of your ugly bathroom…

The Lowe’s team + I will choose one space for which I will create a Creative Vision Board + a ‘plan of action’ for, and it will be showcased on the blog. As always, I will share doable do-it-yourself ideas + affordable, but stylish design suggestions to transform the bathroom using some of my favorite items from Lowe’s!

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