Who’s ready for the big bathroom reveal?
As we mentioned in Monday’s post, there are almost always three main steps to room makeovers (some of which take forever and a day, and some that are done fast and furiously, like this bathroom blitz):
- prep/planning (brainstorming, picking a color palette, going shopping, priming, sanding, spackling)
- bigger upgrades (painting walls, refinishing or painting cabinets, laying new flooring, etc)
- finishing touches (curtains, new hardware, art, accessories – all the things that add “you” to the space)
So Day Three (see Day One and Day two here and here) was all about those finishing touches. Here’s how it all went down (and yes, I was writing on the back of a paper plate with a calligraphy marker – gotta use whatcha got, haha).
Ta-daaa! It took about an hour to make some custom curtains for Granny’s window thanks to some designer fabric (made by Braemore, if that helps) that we scored at a deep discount (at U-Fab in Richmond on our way out of town) and some no-sew hem tape.
I just measured the window to see how long I wanted them (a few inches below the bottom of the window trim felt best) so I cut two rectangles of fabric that were 29″ long (the length that I just measured plus two inches to allow for hemming) and 31″ wide (to give them enough fabric to feel drapey and full when they were hanging up there). Here’s a better shot of the fabric to jog your memory (it’s hard to photograph it in front of the window).
Once they were hemmed on all sides (using this method), they were 27″ x 29″ (my target size after accounting for those extra 2″ in each direction that would be used by the hem). Then it was as simple as hanging a curtain rod from Target and using some ring-clips (also from Target) to hold up my little fabric rectangles.
Here’s a close up of the pretty fabric. Something about it just screamed “Granny” to us. It’s so happy and sweet.
Oh and just when we thought we were done with the caulk on Day 1, we decided that one seam (where the front of the vent met the new flooring) could look a lot more polished with a smidge of caulk) so I made a video for you guys that might help you get a nice clean caulk line:
Then came the fun part: accessorizing tiiiime, baby. In came a lot of items that Granny already had (in colors that we pulled from the curtains like emerald, navy, and violet).
We even grabbed some fresh flowers from the nearby grocery store and plopped them into a vase that Granny already had. And see that wooden tulip on the toilet? Papa actually made that for Granny years ago, so we loved working it into our little room reveal. It’s the simple things, right? Speaking of those, how is it that a once-white-now-navy toilet paper holder can be so cute? It’s just one of those little upgrades that makes something feel a lot more fun than just going with a basic store-bought version. Note: For some reason the floor looks Snooki-tan orange in some of these shots, so the one below is the most accurate.
Here’s a straight shot of the cabinets with their navy hardware on them (we wish we had enough time to make a false-drawer on the top right – maybe next time we’re in town…).
We mentioned that we wanted to bring in some meaningful art, so this is actually a picture of Granny and Papa when they were younger that we shared back in this post. We loved it so much that we got it printed as a 5 x 7 for our new purple frame from HomeGoods. Next to it, I also framed a scrap of extra fabric. Printed or patterned fabric behind glass = free art (and Granny can always switch it out for a picture if the mood strikes).
This pretty silver tray was already Granny’s, just like the sweet green vase. She has so many awesome things around the house that it was fun getting to showcase some of them in the room reveal – especially since she really seemed to love seeing them in there among some new things like a basket of extra hand towels, the flowers, and the frames.
In such a tiny room, we really wanted it to feel cheerful, so while some folks might think it’s crazy to stack bold green and blue hardcover books on the back of the toilet, we really wanted to add color and use things Granny already had around.
The funny thing is that the colorful books were probably her favorite part along with that meaningful little wooden flower that was made for her by her husband so many years ago. Aww.
She even noticed the little things, like the small blue knob that we added to her medicine cabinet.
And we can’t forget how rough things were looking when we arrived, so here’s a flash back to the sink area before… and after we worked a little magic.
It was a really simple update. We just cut out that old caulk, re-caulked, and painted the wall behind it. Is caulk not the MVP of DIY, or what?
And here’s that shot of a few of the other more challenging issues in the room next to a final shot of the space. It’s amazing what a few days of work can do, huh?
It was pretty darn satisfying to see our to-do list all crossed off:
Brainstorm colors & go shopping for accessories (Day 1)Spackle/sand/caulk everything to prep the room for paint (Day 1)Rebuild the cabinets a bit so they look more balanced (Day 1)Prime and paint the cabinets for a more updated and open look (Day 1 & 2)Paint the entire room, including the ceiling (Day 2)Fix a few issues, like a rusted duct and an old dingy corner below the sink (Day 2)Redo the floors, which were that old sheet laminate stuff (Day 2)Revive some hardware/accessories with a fresh finish (Day 2)Make & hang curtains to add some charm (Day 3)Bring in some meaningful art (Day 3)Add some functional/meaningful accessories to finish things off (Day 3)- Reveal the whole shebang for Granny (Day 3)
So that’s the story of jumping at the chance to redo Granny’s bathroom in three days and on a nice modest budget. Is it weird that we’re in love with this tiny room now? As in, we joked about bringing an air mattress in the next time we came to visit and sleeping in there. Yup, weird.
Oh and we did happen to capture the big reveal on tape, but before we get to that, here’s a little budget breakdown for ya:
- 2 quarts of paint, “Hint of Violet” in Benjmain Moore’s Aura in Satin (a gallon would have been too much/pricier, so we went for two quarts): $40
- Zinsser’s Smart Prime & Benjamin Moore’s Advance Paint in Decorators White for the cabinet: $0 (already owned from this project)
- 30 vinyl stick tiles from Home Depot: $30
- 1 yard of fabric for curtains from U-fab: $15
- Curtain rod and ring hooks from Target: $18
- Wood for cabinet, new outlets, and outlet covers from Home Depot: $10
- Valspar Indigo Stream spray paint from Lowe’s: $4
- Trash can, towel bar, soap pump, frames, basket, and hand towels from HomeGoods: $45
- Blue knob for medicine cabinet: $1.50
- Flowers from Kroger: $6
- Books, wood flower, green vase, toilet paper holder, tray, glass jar for cotton swabs: $0 (these were already Granny’s)
- Spackle, caulk, paint supplies, hem tape: $0 (already owned, and carted with us so we had them on hand)
- TOTAL: $169.50
Not bad for a new floor, upgraded cabinets, freshly painted walls, new curtains, fresh-looking hardware, and getting to say good riddance to rust and peeling caulk, right? But enough money chit-chat, let’s move on to something priceless. Here’s Granny’s awesome reaction:
The funniest part is that we didn’t coerce her to wear that sweater to match the room, she just happened to have it on! We loved that. And we loved that she loved the room even more.
We were so happy to get to do something so fun for one of the sweetest women on the planet.
Then we hopped back in the car, and drove home with smiles on our faces.
What about you guys? Have you ever gotten an opportunity to help someone else with their space? Did they promise not to peek or were they in on the action with you? We actually loved that Granny gave us free reign and avoided that hallway so she wouldn’t see what was going on. And we’re so glad that she liked the result.
Willa says
Can’t really add anything that hasn’t already been said–the bathroom looks great, and no wonder Granny is pleased. You two certainly use your talents, education, and energy to make folks happy–thanks for making the world a better place!
Heather Flint says
Next time maybe a little warning before watching the video such as “may cause boss to walk in while watching video as you are doing the ugly/happy cry”!? LOL!!
You’re granny is so precious. This post makes my heart so happy. You all are blessed! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, sorry Heather! We should have added a warning ;)
Didn’t know so many folks would get misty eyed over Granny. She does have that effect on people though. Haha.
xo
s
Cali says
Love it!
Just curious, why didn’t you choose to replace the light fixture over the sink? That is one of the first things I did in our bathroom weekend reno’s and it seems like you guys normally replace light fixtures too. Would it have been possible to even spray paint it a chrome color to match the sink fixtures?
Thanks for sharing a great small project, especially the caulking. I need to clean that up in spots around our house!
YoungHouseLove says
It was actually really pretty! It was also wired in a way that didn’t make it very easy to switch out or remove to spray paint, so we left it as-is (white with a pretty glass cover). It felt really Granny-ish already, haha. The glass cover is like a flower. So pretty.
xo
s
rcwillman says
you are guys are the best! including the black and white photo takes a beautifully decorated ‘space’ to the next level,love it.
Laura @ Never Listless says
Gorgeous! What an impressive weekend! And what a happy Granny!!! So sweet!
Jenna says
This is lovely! I would *so* love to see more projects like this (though I realize you guys don’t have time to makeover all your families’ houses). But these ‘giving to others’ posts are just so lovely and so heartwarming to read about! And they’re so personal!
But things like this post, and Centsational Girl’s Alma project – they really make me feel good about reading these blogs. I appreciate that you could be spending all your time feathering your own nests, but you choose to also give back to the community around you, and that’s really beautiful to read about (esp because shelter blogs can feel like a rather solipsistic endeavor sometimes!) :)
Kim says
I was trying to put my finger on what I loved so much about this series and I think I figured it out – in the past when y’all have done a quick upgrade for someone else it has usually been in newer homes (John’s sister’s room, John’s niece’s room, etc) but this is the only one I can think of in an older home where you have issues like old wallpaper and burned out outlets. I think I just loved seeing a decades-old space redone with y’alls touch in just a few days with such simple upgrades.
nancyo says
Sorry, Katie Bower .. But, I think Granny has taken the #1 video guest appearance on YHL.
I love it and I can’t wait to see more stuff like this.
Good for you guys!
nancy
Sabrina says
Love all of it! The tulip is adorable. Granny is so sweet. Your so lucky to have such great in-laws, Sherry!
Kelley says
This has been such a great few days of posts! Sweet thing to do for your Granny! Good job guys!
Jen says
I absolutely love this. Looks quick and dare I say easy? Maybe I really can try my hand at my granny’s bathroom(Not to diminish your HARD HARD work but you guys make it look so easy). The hard part will be convincing her to change anything!!
Brooke Reasoner says
Absolutely in love with this cheery little powder room re-do… kudos! A couple questions for you as this has inspired me to get to work on our upstairs guest bath. I believe you said in an earlier post that you painted the ceiling. Is that correct, and if so, was it the same color/type of paint as the walls? Also, did you do/use anything special to spruce up the sink faucet or was it just good ‘ole fashioned elbow grease? Lastly, my bath is a full bath with shower/tub combo. It has a window very similar to the one in Granny’s. I love the curtains you made (maybe my favorite part of the re-do) so if I were to use a print similar to what you did, what would you then recommend for a shower curtain? Should I keep it simple, like white, but maybe with some texture, i.e. waffle weave? Or maybe a solid accent color from the pallette of the print I use on the window? Or what about some type of coordinating design, i.e. a stripe or geometric print? Just curious what your initial thoughts would be on that. Thanks again, YHL, for another awesome inspiration post, this was one of my favorites! -B
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yeah a white waffle weave shower curtain would be so cute with those curtains with more print on the windows. You could also do a soft purple or white with navy trim curtain or something to tie into the fabric. As for the faucet, that was just a nice scrub to shine it up, and the ceiling was the same color/type of paint, we just rolled it up onto the ceiling. Hope it helps!
xo
s
Paige says
A-mazing! I love this story and I love Granny’s expression! You guys rock!
[email protected] says
So sweet! Great job, and what a joy to be able to help such a sweet granny. You guys are great!
Dianne says
OMG, hands down the BEST EVER project you have ever done!!!!!!!! I got a tear in my eye seeing your Granny’s reaction to the room. Priceless!
Dianne
Alison says
Wow, what a difference. Great job! You two are like energizer bunnys, always on the go. Matter of a fact you make this old lady tired. haha
Katy @ The Non-Consumer Advocate says
Did you think about replacing the light fixture for something cuter?
Katy
Katy @ The Non-Consumer Advocate says
And by the way, the bathroom looks so crisp and adorable!
Katy
YoungHouseLove says
We did think about that but then we got there and in person it was really cute. The glass shade was so pretty that when we went to the store to find something better we liked it more than all the options. Haha.
xo
s
Beth says
Oh my gosh. This is so precious! What a sweet makeover. :)
Lynn @ Our Useful Hands says
Beautiful reveal guys and Granny looks like she really does love it. You are great grandkids.
My best, Lynn
Priscilla says
Loved the video of the reveal. Such an nice thing for Granny.
Karen Lee says
That just made me love you guys even more.
Your granny is so cute.
Thanks for sharing that.
cyndee says
I was also watching the video with tears in my eyes. What a priviledge for you to be able to do something like this for Granny. Made me miss mine all the more.
The room is beyond sweet and looks like it just fits into a Granny’s house. I bet Clara loved the little bathroom.
Corey says
Awww! That was so sweet! Brought tears to my eyes. Love Granny and love the bathroom! Great job!
Pam says
Awww….granny is adorable! I teared up watching her reaction and love the pic! The bathroom looks great!!!!
Liz E. says
Love the reveal (and I’m in serious love with that fabric)! She looks so happy. =) Kudos on another amazing transformation!
Kate says
I love how happy Granny looks in all of the surprise pics! I can’t watch the video right now, but the look on her face says it all!
Katie says
Your Granny reminds me so much of my Grammy, who just turned 95 and still as feisty as she was when she was 25. She’s such a joy to be around – full of love and cherished memories. Aren’t grandmothers the best?!
notsupermum says
That is such a lovely reaction.! Well done for doing the work and for having such a great Granny!
jill says
All of that for less than $170? Amazing! Well, $170 plus a lot of love. Great job, guys!
Gabriella @ Our Life In Action says
So cute – you know that YHL has been there when you see books stacked. ;-)
Great Job!
Jen@The Decor Scene says
Awwwwwww that is awesome. I love how much your Granny loved it. It’s always great to make someone in your life happy with the little things. Love how it turned out. The bathroom looks great and I love the colors you guys used. :)
AnnMarie says
So awesome….my eyes definitely filled up when she walked in to see it! What a wonderful thing to have done!
Randa says
Wow, this is fantastic! The differenece in before & after is huge, but most importantly, you made your Granny soooo happy. I love the love.
Kim says
This warms my heart. You guys are great and truly caring people. Granny is cutest little old lady ever, and I’m glad she got such a huge smile put on her face!
Keri Beth says
You made over the entire room for $169.50?? Shut UP! It looks amazing.
Sarah says
You guys are AWESOME!!!!! I am SO inspired by you! Don’t know what I’d do if I didn’t have your wonderful blog to read everyday!
No doubt that Granny is enjoying her new bathroom and having warm thoughts of what a great family she has! :-)
Sherry from BC says
What a lovely little make over. So pretty and fresh and the tulip is perfect. I a sure she will think of you with happy thoughts every time she is in that room.
Hailey says
Amazing! What a sweet thing to do for your Granny! I can tell she loved it and it looked great!
Allison says
This was the sweetest :)
I am really not kidding when I say that I totally think you guys should take this show on the road and surprise Grandma’s across the country with sweet rooms like this! I would watch that show every day! (Not that I don’t already read every day, but you know what I mean! )
YoungHouseLove says
Haha I love it.
xo,
s
Christina @ Homemade Ocean says
Oh my gosh….how sweet and sentimental. I love her expression on the end.
I love all the thoughtful details you incorporated. And how much brighter it is!!!
Ashley Christy says
The bathroom looks great, but seriously the video takes the cake! Granny was so cute!
Jessica F. says
Holy CCOOOWWWWW!!!! WOW!!!
Oh the bathroom looks amazing! Before I thought that bathroom looked hopeless. Normally I can see beyond and see the potential, but I was blind to that bathroom. Never would have thought you could just re-tile a bathroom super quick.
Excellent job! I’m saving this post for future reference :)
Sarah H. says
I have the teenie tiniest half bath in my newly purchased home that is in desperate need of some work. It is literally a closet (complete with slanted ceilings, like Granny’s, and wire shelves) that someone threw a sink and toilet into. Needless to say, I have been completely avoiding it because I didn’t know where to start! Your makeover of Granny’s bathroom is just beautiful (as is Granny!) and has inspired me to take a stab at my little half bath. Thanks for the inspiration and encouragement! :)
Nancy says
It looks great! Quick question..do you know the dimensions of that space? I went back and looked quick at the first post but didn’t see it. We have a couple spots in mind for a -little- powder room so I wanted to know what that one is.
Again, great job!
YoungHouseLove says
Hmm, we’d guess it was about five feet by nine feet?
xo
s
Nikki says
Nancy,
I live in DC and have my real estate license so I see tons of VERY small half baths. I’d say you can squeeze it into a space that’s 3’x4′ if need be. Go with a super tiny sink – there are some really cute options. There are also corner sinks and toilets…those are total space-savers!
Christine says
I think a collective, “awww…,” went up around the blogosphere this morning! What a sweet project for an even sweeter lady!
Amy @ a new old house says
Wow- I love the whole thing, especially Granny’s reaction during the reveal. You guys did such a great job- I feel like the room is a beautiful reflection of a beautiful lady (as much as I can tell without knowing her, ha-ha!)
And don’t you love the no-sew hem tape?!? I’m in the process of making 12 knight costumes for my soon-to-be-4 year old’s b-day… I’m much better with an iron than a sewing machine!
Suni says
Looks so bright, fresh and clean… “so fresh and so clean clean…” yes a Outkast lyric shout-out. Love everything about it…but best part is seeing Granny’s happy face. Great job you two!
Jill says
Crazy, but this might be one of your favorite design posts of mine. Love it! To give you full credit you need to put a before (instead of during) and after shot side-by-side. What a difference! I bet she’ll be showing it off and bragging about your work for a loooong time.
Kim says
This post makes me absolutely adore you guys (even more than I did before)! To take DIY from an idea to a lifestyle to a blog to a business is wonderful, but the fact that you guys use your talents and knowledge to help other people means so much more. That photo of you two with Granny is priceless!
Kami says
She is just the cutest thing ever! How sweet of you guys!