Monday, April 18, 2016

Master Bath Makeover on a Budget



When we purchased our house, the previous owner had recently done some minor "updates" before putting the house on the market.  One of these updates was replacing the vanity cabinets and tile in the bathrooms.  Notice I have updates in quotes...because basically, she installed some of the ugliest tile (and most likely the cheapest)  I have ever seen and used dirt colored grout.  She also installed new builder grade vanity cabinets, which were OK, but they had not been stained or painted at all.

The first order of business was to get some color on the cabinets.  Not knowing what I was doing, I asked my dad for advice, who is a retired builder, and he gave me a can of walnut colored stain.  So I stained the cabinets before we even moved in.  I did not really like how it turned out, because I felt like it made the bathroom look even more dated, along with the brass hardware and light fixture. After becoming addicted to Pinterest, I decided I liked the look of painted cabinets, so I gave it a go. Unfortunately, I did this makeover before I started blogging, so I do not have a "before" pic, but just think 80's decor with brass everything and a burgundy and green floral wallpaper border.

My plan for Phase 1 was to paint the cabinets, update the hardware, update the light fixture, and paint the room.  I decided to paint the cabinets a rich brown to match our bedroom furniture, so I picked Bear Rug by Behr in a Semi-gloss finish.  I removed the doors and hardware and lightly sanded everything before I started. I primed the doors and vanity with my favorite Kilz Primer then painted two coats of Bear Rug, letting it dry in between coats.

We headed to Home Depot to pick up our supplies for the project.  For the hardware, we wanted something modern in a brushed nickel finish.  For the drawers, we picked a 3" Arch Bar pull and for the cabinet doors, we picked a 1" Decca rectangular knob.  We chose a 3-Light Brushed Nickel Bar light with frosted shades to replace the brass light with etched floral glass shades.

Previously, there was a regular towel bar by the sink (where you would hang a hand towel), which was inconvenient, and another one by the shower.  We chose a double towel bar to replace the single brass one and replaced the awkward one by the sink with a hand towel ring.

I painted the walls Downy by Behr, which is a buttery yellow, to compliment the sunflower design shower curtain I found at Home Goods.  We have to keep blinds in the window for privacy, since it opens up onto the front porch and faces the street.  So, I found an inexpensive, tie-up curtain from Target to cover the blinds.

For Phase 2, we would love to replace the ugly tile, replace the faucets, frame out the mirror, and re-glaze the bathtub.  The updates we have made so far make the bathroom look 100% better and I feel like it matches our style.

What do you think; would you ever paint your cabinets?

9 comments:

  1. You really wonder what goes through other people's minds when they are "updating" their homes! Your little touches of improvements are great. I love how something small can end up making all the difference!
    Carylee | http://morepiecesofme.com

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    1. Thanks so much Carylee! It feels good to put your own touches on it!

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  2. It sounds and looks like you've really made some nice changes! I love the colors you chose!

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    1. Thanks Laura, We still have a way to go, but the small changes help!

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  3. Yes, I have painted our bathroom cabinets downstairs and upstairs. I like them so much more now!

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    1. I know! I could not believe how well they turned out and people always ask about them!

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  4. Oh, I really like the changes you made to the bathroom vanity! Very nice update all around. :)

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  5. This can be installed in the corner of the shower. You can also consider "in-the-wall" shelving. This will not only look attractive but also remove any chances of knocking off the bottles accidently.he said

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