Young House Love

Home Decorating & DIY Tutorials

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Our $170 Bathroom Makeover For Granny

Who’s ready for the big bathroom reveal?

affordable-bathroom-makeover

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):

  1. prep/planning (brainstorming, picking a color palette, going shopping, priming, sanding, spackling)
  2. bigger upgrades (painting walls, refinishing or painting cabinets, laying new flooring, etc)
  3. 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).

GrannyThree 1 To Do List

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.

GrannyThree 2 Curtains Hung

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).

GrannyOne 4 Fabric Frame

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.

GrannyThree DETAIL Curtain Rod

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).

GrannyThree 3 After

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.

GrannyThree 4 After Drawer Side

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…).

GrannyThree 5 Drawer Close Up

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).

GrannyThree DETAIL Granny Papa Picture

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.

GrannyThree DETAIL Flowers

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.

GrannyThree 6 Sink Side

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.

GrannyThree DETAIL Toilet Tank

She even noticed the little things, like the small blue knob that we added to her medicine cabinet.

GrannyThree DETAIL 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.

update-an-old-sink-with-caulk

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?

GrannyThree BA Rusty Area

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.

GrannyThree BA Full Room

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.

GrannyThree REVEAL Granny Checking Out

We were so happy to get to do something so fun for one of the sweetest women on the planet.

Granny Three Reveal With Granny

Then we hopped back in the car, and drove home with smiles on our faces.

GrannyThree REVEAL Virginia Sign

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.

Comments

  1. Kate says

    Someone must have been slicing onions near me when I saw that last photo of the three of you–Granny looks SO happy! What a wonderful project for a clearly-wonderful lady.

    Reply

  2. Lynette says

    It’s beautiful, the reveal brought tears to my eyes! I helped a friend gut and re-do her entire bathroom, complete with re-building the floor framing that the previous owners had compromised with uneducated use of a saw! It felt so good to be able to help someone get the beautiful bathroom they deserved for much less than it could have cost them if they paid a professional!

    Reply

  3. Amelia Davis says

    You guys have got to stop being so sweet! I’m sure my workmates think I’m insane – your reveal made me get all choked up in front of my computer. The bathroom is beautiful!

    Reply

  4. Echo says

    Add me to the list of criers! I have tears rolling down my cheeks at work. I miss my grandma (also named Grannie!) and now I want to visit and redo her bathroom. lol. Great job!

    Reply

  5. Ted says

    Love the end bathroom…so fresh and clean! I can see why your granny was so thrilled with the results.

    Just a tip to add to your caulking tutorial: before you run your finger down the caulk, it helps to wet your finger (water for latex caulk, alcohol for silicone caulk). If your finger is too dry, the caulk may stick to your finger and come up uneven causing you to have to run it over several times to get that smooth concave look. If you wet your finger, it keeps the caulk smoother in fewer passes. When done, the water will even make the caulk glisten until it dries, but it should have a very smooth look.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      So sorry Laurabeth, could you be at work? Sometimes they’re blocked by corporations. Seems like others are watching them. Anyone else have any issues? Maybe try another browser?

      xo
      s

  8. Liz says

    It really looks great. Wallpaper is my nemesis. It was awesome-town that it came off easily and that someone else took care of it.
    I love the old photo. My grandfather passed away before I was born. When my grandma passed away at a ripe old age, the extended family met at my uncle’s house and we were all looking at old photos and reminiscing. There was this great photo of my grandma sitting on a tractor holding a chicken. So random. But she was just glowing. My mom’s cousin walked past me as I was looking at it. She said my grandpa had taken the photo, and then said “she was crazy about him.” I love that. Sniff.
    Sorry about uncomfortably over sharing on the Internet. That photo just brought that back for me.

    Reply

  9. Marissa says

    This is awesome!!! I think it came out beautifully! Bravo!

    You should do more of these quick weekend DIYS! Very inspirational!

    Reply

  11. Kristen says

    This sounds weird to say about people you don’t know lol but in the picture of you both with granny she reminds me of Clara, they both seem to have the same sweet, happy spirit. Beautiful job on the bathroom and what a sweet thing to do!

    Reply

  12. Stephanie says

    The bathroom looks GREAT. I can’t watch the video at work but based on the pictures it looks like Granny really loved it. She looks SO happy.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      So sorry Reenie! Could it be that your office is blocking the video? Seems like other folks can see them, but we did hear about someone else who couldn’t see it. So sorry! Maybe try another browser?

      xo
      s

  14. Cora says

    Awesome bathroom (can I come over and stay in there as well?), awesome grandchildren and awesome Granny. Can we be real BFF’s instead of in my head? ::sigh:: (I promise I’m not stalking you or anything!!!)

    Reply

  19. Morgan says

    You guys did such a wonderful job in a short amount of time. And the reveal video almost brought a tear to my eye, it was so sweet to see your Granny’s reaction!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      John’s parents actually asked us what we thought about helping Granny with her bathroom and we jumped at the chance! Thankfully Granny loves DIY and is really good about change (she moves her own furniture around every time we come to visit! Haha) so she was ready to pull that old wallpaper down herself!

      xo
      s

  24. Jenn says

    heart. I lost my grandma a few months ago, so I’m SO SO SO glad that you are showing your appreciation to yours. so much love in that tiny room.

    work tears commencing.

    Reply

  27. Jenn M. says

    a very endearing post from day 1 to the end. i love everything about it! granny is such a lucky and sweet lady. i could only wish my grandchildren would be that nice to me when and IF my times comes … gah!

    Reply

  28. linda says

    Wonderful posts. It was beautiful how you took care to include Granny’s likes and possesions in the makeover. My favority is the framed photo of her and her husband. Lovely.

    Reply

  29. Auntie LIz says

    Ahhh. . . I’ve been waiting for the big reveal. Mom (Granny) was so excited about you guys redoing her bathroom! It looks wonderful! The best it has ever looked! Not only did you make sweet Granny happy but you made all the family happy! Thanks so much!
    ps. Come to CA! I have some rooms you can play with! :)

    Reply

  32. Tina says

    Seeing Granny’s reaction in the video made me cry and miss my Grannie, too. I can see that you both truly realize what a blessing you have in her. Please give her extra love and hugs whenever you can. I bet she gets a huge kick out of little Clara! The bathroom is so pretty. You have sold me on the wonders of caulk now.

    Tina

    Reply

  35. LaTonya says

    This is an amazing makeover!! My husband and I tried to fix up the bathroom in my mother-in-law’s house as well. We spend most of the time removing 30-year-old wallpaper that was applied right on top of the bare drywall with no primer. Not exciting AT ALL. In addition, didn’t have free reign with the paint color. After she approved the color (with much back and forth) and we repainted the space, now she says she doesn’t like it. Oh well, you can’t win them all.

    Reply

  37. Erin @ One Project at a Time says

    This is quite possibly my fav post/series you’ve ever done. Not only did you show how a little bit of time and money can go a LONG way in a room, but it was all for someone else. We don’t often consider “giving the gift of DIY,” but its amazing how much it can mean to someone. I’m feeling inspired to give! :)

    Reply

  39. Kim says

    I really loved this series. I hope y’all find opportunities to do more series like this in the future! I think I liked it so much because it was someone else’s house so it gave y’all the freedom to do something a little different than what you might do in your house. Even though I never get tired of seeing what y’all do with your house, I guess the variety was nice. And since it was 3 days each of the upgrades seemed so simple but had a huge impact – I loved that about this series too.

    Quick question – and you may have already answered this or it may be in the video but I am at work – did y’all caulk around the bottom of the toilet or were the new tiles snug enough around the toilet to where you didn’t have to caulk?

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      The new tiles were snug so we didn’t caulk at all. It’s nice to leave the bottom of a toilet uncaulked if you can so if it leaks you can see it (the water comes out, instead of hiding under the toilet until the floor rots and the toilet falls through the floor). Hope it helps!

      xo
      s

  42. Johanna says

    You guys did an amazing job, what a transformation in just 3 days!!! And how awesome of you guys to do that for Granny, she was just beaming at the reveal! So so sweet.

    Reply

  46. Melissa Sharp says

    Aw! I’m all teary eyed seeing sweet Granny!

    The room looks so fresh and lovely now! Good job, guys!

    Small typo alert: You wrote “here’s a flash back to the sink are before” – you meant “area”, I’m sure. :)

    Reply

  47. Becky says

    WOW! The hard work paid off…you guys did an awesome job! I think it is great that you did this for Granny; I can tell she is such a sweetheart. She’s so cute!! Her reaction made me teary eyed…you can just tell how much it means to her! My favorite is the wall color and that lovely photo of Granny and Papa.

    Reply

  50. Jimmy says

    I like that caulking tip video. I’m usually a mess with it. Tape makes total sense. In hopes of helping me out I bought a little trio of caulking scrapers that seemed to work a little better than my finger. They are really just rubber sticks with rounded triangles on the end of them. Not a huge improvement, but every little bit helps for me in this area. They helped me with this project: http://www.thebookofjimmy.com/patching-the-hull/

    Nice work on the bathroom. A finished project is so satisfying.

    Reply

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