So this new house of mine was built in 2003. Not super new, but not old either. It was built in a time when even builder-grade cheap-o materials were pretty nice. Well, when it comes to the primary bathroom, I have a bit of a conspiracy theory. I’m pretty sure the builder planned to put some really nice cabinets in the bathroom. He probably had a custom design with inset beadboard surrounded by a gorgeous frame. It probably had cute little vintage-style feet and two miniature farmhouse sinks. It also probably had some really nice knobs and a fancy light fixture above two antique framed mirrors. But when he saw how great all the materials were he decided to keep them for himself, so he swapped out the stuff in his old 1970’s bathroom with what would have one day been mine. Okay, so maybe that’s not a logical explanation, but I don’t have any other. I have no idea how such an ugly bathroom ended up in such a pretty house.
Aside from the obvious dated cabinetry and plain-jane mirror, let’s talk about the fact that only two of 6 light bulbs work and there is a bottle of Bath and Body Works Christmas soap on the counter. When you have a bathroom that looks like this, you really don’t try too hard to deck it out with nice accessories. But after having all I could take of this little blast to the past, I finally gave it a little facelift. Problem was, my reno budget was already maxed from the rest of the house so this project had to be done on the cheap. But you’d never know it! It turned out so amazing and looks really expensive.
Black paint with a shiny coat of polycrylic made the cabinets look brand new and very luxurious. Paired with glass knobs I found at an antique store, I think the vanity looks like it’s made for a movie star.
I framed out the mirror (tutorial coming soon!) and spray painted the light fixture with Rustoleum Hammered Effect Paint. Oh, and I replaced the burnt-out bulbs. I switched from opaque white to clear bulbs and that instantly modernized the builder-grade strip light.
I took out that metal shelf and built these awesome industrial farmhouse shelves. They are my absolute favorite project I’ve ever done. And I’m loving the vintage striped towels I snagged on eBay for $7.
This awesome rustic drawer is actually from my great-grandmother’s old sewing machine. It’s the perfect size for lotion and candles. To keep it from slipping I stuck some grip pads onto the toilet lid. I didn’t want to stick anything to the antique wood.
A few accessories (no more Christmas soap!) from The Market really added some much-needed character to the room. *Links at the bottom.
This is Anakin’s favorite place in the house and he loves to spend time here. I guess he shares my love for vintage industrial farmhouse design. I knew this cat and I would get along.
So what do you think? Not bad for a budget remodel, huh?
Love the accessories? You can get them at the In The New House Market!
Industrial Wooden Stool | Spigot Soap and Towel Holder | Industrial Towel Bar with Valve | Mason Jar Soap Dispenser Lid
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Cad Services says
Nice post
Frederic Garcia says
I like your wooden worked. It’s absolutely beautiful. Also, like your cabinet. By the way, I want to buy a bathroom cabinet. Now what kind of cabinet is good for my small bathroom. Can you suggest me, Lela? Let me know.
Lela Burris says
Thank you! If you’re looking for a sink cabinet for a small bathroom, I suggest buying one of the vanity sets from a home improvement store. They usually come with the cabinet, sink, and faucet, all in one, so you save a little money by bundling. If you want something a little more custom and you’re ok with hiring a plumber, you should give a thrift store dresser a try. They always look fantastic when they’re converted to vanities.
Sandy Gandy says
Your bathroom is beautiful. I’m amazed at the transformation. I really love the stool with the magazines.
Lela Burris says
Thank you Sandy! That stool has been so great for our home. We’ve moved it all over the place. It’s very useful.
Robort says
Oh man, I couldn’t have found this at a better time! I recently purchase a bunch of old wooden furniture at a local garage sale with the intentions of doing some art project. This has given me some awesome ideas! Thanks!
Cheersss,,, 🙂 🙂
lela says
So happy you found my tips helpful! Good luck with your project!
Anne says
All I can say is wow! This is awesome! I love it! It’s such an inspiration to see what you’ve done. It’s gorgeous.
lela says
Thank you so much Anne! I really appreciate the kind words.
Page says
Do you remember who the seller was of those towels? They are exactly what I’ve been looking for
lela says
Hi Page! I don’t remember the seller but I do remember it being like a vintage yard sale type online seller. 🙁 But if you try “retro or vintage black and white dish towels” on eBay you may have good luck.
Page says
I have tried – No luck – bummer.. I LOVE THOSE!
Lauren says
Your bathroom looks fantastic! Thanks for the mirror tutorial! I’ve always wanted to frame my mirror, but haven’t because I was worried that I would need to miter the edges. I am glad I don’t! I’ve stenciled a feature wall in my master bathroom so far — maybe I can frame the mirror next! (By the way, your cat looks great in your bathroom!)
lela says
Thank you so much Lauren! I’m so impressed that you’ve done stenciling in your bathroom! I tried it once and it did NOT work out. Haha! I need YOUR tutorial! (And my cat says thank you, too. His already large ego has been boosted even more now.)
Fred Wingg says
Hey Lela!
The wooden work you have included in this bathroom revamp is truly enhancing its beauty and looks very appealing.The broad and beautiful mirror you had put up here is looking fabulous.I love seeing the before and after shots! That’s incredible!Marvellous transformation!The idea of making everything look fresh with a bid dose of white is truly blowing my head.I m surely gonna put it in my bathroom stuff.Thanks for the share !
Regards
Fred Wingg
lela says
Thank you so much Fred! We are really enjoying the bathroom and have already completely forgotten it’s ugly builder-grade past life.
Jean Nairon says
Wow! Fantastic stuff !
This is so chock full of useful information , I can’t wait to dig deep and start utilizing the resources you have given me . Your Exuberance is refreshing.
Loved the Bathroom design , thanks for sharing!!
erin patrick says
Great Share!!Wow, this looks fantastic . I love the vintage glass knobs. They make the cabinets look so trendy.Thanks for sharing this amazing post!
lela says
Thank you so much Erin! The knobs are one of my favorite antique store finds to date. So happy you agree!
Beatris says
Wow, this article is nice, my sister is analyzing such things, so I am going to tell
her.
Lou Lou Girls says
This looks absolutely amazing! Pinned and tweeted. You always bring the most amazing creations to our party. Thank you! I hope to see you again, this Monday at 7 pm. It wouldn’t be a party without you! Lou Lou Girls
lela says
Thanks! I love visiting your party each week. It’s a blast!
Sandra gandy says
I love it. everything is beautiful. you did an amazing job. I also love Anakin.
lela says
Thank you so much Sandra! Anakin loves the bathroom more than I do, for sure.
Angie @ Project Patrol says
Looks amazing!
lela says
Thanks Angie!
Gina says
I LOVE this! Great job!
lela says
Thanks Gina! I’m really happy with how it turned out.
Birdy Hill says
Wow, this looks amazing. I love the vintage glass knobs. They make the cabinets look so stylish. Love the shelves too. Will you be sharing how you made it?
lela says
Yes! I plan to post a quick tutorial on Friday. Thanks for the sweet compliments!