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.
Jessica @ Decor Adventures says
Glad you could do a project for a loved one!
When my family members go out of town, I makeover parts of their house/rooms. My mom went to Vegas and came back to a new bathroom: http://www.decoradventures.com/2009/05/big-surprise.html
And when my husband was away the other weekend, I ripped up the bathroom floor as part of a makeover: http://www.decoradventures.com/2012/09/our-first-old-house-buried-treasure.html
It’s a fun surprise!
YoungHouseLove says
So much fun!!
xo
s
Emily says
Bless your hearts, that was the sweetest thing ever! (the post and the actual process of renovating her bathroom!)
I love the color, its the same color I painting my daughter Fiona’s nursery!
Darcy says
you guys are seriously the best!
susan says
Awww, so sweet! Love the older photo of the two of them-??
When I was 13, my Mom actually let me pick the wallpaper/color scheme for a small bathroom re-do.
Let’s see: 13, artsy music freak, also into Star Trek and all things sci-fi…I don’t know how they didn’t hear “DANGER,DANGER, WILL ROBINSON!”
So, into my parent’s traditional/colonial style home, I added a cartoon-like graphic wallpaper designed by Peter Max!
It was bright electric purple, black and white and yes the wallpaper covered all four walls; the floor got a black/white tile checkerboard. Deep purple towels and crazy pop art added to the black light vibe.
It was the epitome of late 60’s chic- or so I thought :)
It was still decorated like that when they sold the house many years later! I only wish I had photos…
Eileen says
Thanks for sharing the reveal video with us – that’s always my favorite part! That new bathroom just looks like Granny’s personality! Last year, while my hubby was out of town with two of our four kids, me and the other two did a complete reno of the family room – paint, new floors, all new Ikea furniture, etc. They had no idea it was in the works, so the reveal was extra fun.
Suzy says
That was so sweet & special. I miss my Grandma so much.
She would have loved an updated bathroom too. So touching to see her reaction. Thanks so much for sharing with us all.
Katy says
Wow! I love this little powder room! Thanks for sharing Granny’s reaction — it made the post for sure. How lucky are you all to have your Granny around. I can NOT believe she’s ninety! John has some good genes in the family!
Koliti says
What a refreshing lilac garden feel!
Your Granny is obviously a vibrant, loving soul!
Love how she’s busting out with a joyful laugh!
Good families have good foundations –
How lucky are you guys to have fallen from the “Granny” tree?
YoungHouseLove says
So lucky!!! I’m just under that tree by marriage, but am so grateful!
xo
s
Jennifer says
I love how you can take such a small space that looks old, dated, and dirty into such a clean and cheery room!! Great job! You’ve given me some ideas for my own half bath.
Carolyn says
Oh my goodness, so sweet. I just LOVE her reaction : ) Just wonderful.
Alice says
I haven’t even seen the video reveal (silly employer blocks it on our computers) and I am already sniffling over the photos of Granny and her beautiful new bathroom!
I think my favorite part are the curtains on that little curtain rod. So sweet!
Krystle @ Color Transformed Family says
You can tell she genuinely appreciated it. She is so cute… I loved seeing her reaction. Plus, she looked great with her coordinating colors on. Looks like y’all chose the perfect color scheme for her.
Melissa van Herksen says
Wow, that was great. I live really far from my “abuela”. She lives in Miami and I live in Chile, but I think that on my next long visit (in January) I will surprise here with a mini-makeover for one of her rooms…you guys are the best, but you made me miss my grandma!
Kristin Lynn Connor says
I enjoyed reading about your grandma’s bathroom makeover. I loved how it really made a difference from the beginning til the end. It looks so much better! There’s definitely a lot of light in that room now which is brighter! :) I love it!
I actually cried while watching the video of your grandma’s reaction === priceless!
Thanks for sharing!
<3
Jenny says
I just started following your blog but this was the best video I have seen by far. What a blessing you all were to your Granny. I was getting teary watching it. Way to go!!!
Captain Micah says
What’s up with all of my tears when reading your blog lately?! She is a sweet lady. Thanks so much for being so good to her. She certainly deserves it!
I spent 15 hours on Monday and ten yesterday staining my brother’s kitchen cabinets on their new house. I think it is the largest kitchen in the solar system. Poly on Saturday…and I’m pretending not to dread it. You wouldn’t believe the change from light oak to dark, rich expresso! They are beeeeeeutiful, and I don’t care if I’m tooting my own horn! I will have before-and-after pictures next week.
Toot toot!
Lauren Bee says
What a special family moment!! Thanks for sharing that with us!
Begoña says
I’m loving everything but most of all, I lover her!! She’s special and really sweet. All grannys should be just like her. God bless her
Jessika says
That is so, so wonderful. I wish my grandmother was still around. :) Truly: Beautiful and sweet and well-done. You’re wonderful folks.
(just a quick side note: granny doesn’t have a cat, does she? The Alstromeria flowers are very poisonous….)
YoungHouseLove says
Granny is currently pet-free, but that’s a good reminder to anyone with cats!
-John
Laura says
So wonderful. My sister and I did my mother’s wardrobe once. I purchased ten beautiful dresses at a thrift store (like new) and she let us clean out her closet without looking at what we got rid of. So trusting! But she was very happy just like your grandmother. Good job, guys!
paintergal says
I love how you kept the style of the room and didn’t make it too modern. It turned out darling.
Have to share: last year my mom went to visit my brother out of state for a week and I decided to go into her house and paint her dining room, living room, and upstairs hallway. I wanted to surprise her so didn’t tell her what I was doing.
One evening as I was taking a break on the laptop, my brother called me on Skype. I knew my mom would see me and know I was in her house, so I positioned myself on a blank wall so she wouldn’t recognize the background. Sneaky is fun!
YoungHouseLove says
Ha! That’s hilarious. Well done!
-John
Sue says
What an awesome re-do! And love your Granny- she is so sweet!
LARY@ Inspiration Nook says
Amazing! Love the final picture of you three! She looks like like a lot of fun. How sweet.
April says
This is sooo cute and sooo enouraging!! I bought a house recently, and NOTHING in the house is as I like it. I will tackle each room one at a time (think I’ll start with the bathroom first) and hope to have great outcomes!! Love this site!! You are an adorable family!!
Melanie says
How sweeeet is your grandmother!
Ashley @ sunnysideshlee.com says
That looks terrific guys! Goes to show you that a little effort can go along way in very small spaces!
Ashley Watson says
This is so cute and i love that color in the bathroom.. just enough color to liven it up! and everytime i see that shirt i think im seeing little turkey legs.. (didnt john say that in an older post) but its really little birds! its like some mind power game or something! anywho.. i love the bathroom !!! :)
how2home says
This is such a sweet video! The bathroom looks beautiful for under $200. You guys did a fantastic job!
hollie says
What an amazing thing to do for her!! It’s so beautiful!
Also I love your Granny even though I’ll never meet her, she reminds me so much of my own Nana :)
Jennifer says
Love it! I have to admit I wasn’t sold on the paint color or the curtains though until I saw it altogether. It seems from some of the pictures that their is the exact shade of violet in the curtain a little bit and that really brings the whole room together. The two choices really compliment each other. Bravo!
erin says
You guys did such a great job but I’m commenting just to say how precious your Granny is. I miss my Grams so very much, it’s very special that you got to spend extra time with yours and treat her to a room makeover to boot.
Caitlin @ Desert Domicile says
Awww, how sweet! Her powder room is beautiful and her reaction is priceless :)
Megan says
Seriously, I don’t think that she could be any sweeter! That bathroom turned out very fresh and wonderful! Great job for such a inexpensive and quick turn around.
katiek says
Impressive! I love all the attention to detail, a reflection of a project that you poured your heart and soul into. The picture of granny & papa was the icing on the cake. Speaking of icing… great job on the caulking!
Ana says
Great work, guys. You have a wonderful family. Really.
Shana says
Oh my goodness, you guys have me crying every day now! It’s like watching Oprah. This is truly beautiful! She reminds me of my great granny.
Erin says
That video totally made me teary-eyed! What a sweet woman and how sweet of you two to fix up her bathroom. It looks beautiful.
Karen says
You are so lucky to have a granny to spoil. Cherish those memories.
Jen says
What a fun project. That picture of the three of you is THE BEST!
Linda says
Me too with the tears….and I’m sure your families are so proud of you giving your time and talent to make this room look fantastic. I agree – great to see how a room in an older home can be freshened up so beautifully, yet retain everything that makes it feel like home.
You did good, guys.
Michelle Kersey says
Love it!!! Well done!! *High Five*
Amandelin says
It is a beautiful, beautiful room. And a beautiful thing to do. Not only a demonstration of great taste, but of great hearts, too.
Stephanie N says
So sweet. Makes me miss my granny.
You guys did a great job. Love the fabric.
Love Granny rocking the black and white scarf too!
:)
Kayla says
The room looks fantastic… so feminine and charming. Love all the accessories. This is wonderful and I can’t imagine how happy this made your Granny. Thank you for sharing!
Kelly K says
The transformation is amazing – great job! And the picture of you three is awesome. :-)
Alicia @ The Creative Vault says
Holy crap! I should have never watched the video. I’m totally crying! Stuff like this gets me every time. Nice job guys!
Vicki says
The smile on her face in the last picture just melts my heart. You guys are too sweet. It turned out beautifully.
Sarah says
When grouting, my brother (who works in construction) taught me to get my finger wet (he suggested using spit, but I prefer using water) before running my finger along the grout line. It works really well when there isn’t a lot of excess caulk in the space.
YoungHouseLove says
I actually love that trick, but Sherry doesn’t find it works for her as well. She says potato, I say pah-tah-to I guess…
-John
Kim says
What a wonderful lady! And a great bathroom! So sweet of you guys!
Wrenaria says
Nice work, especially since it only took you three days! Impressive! That was a very sweet thing to do. Granny is a very lucky lady. :)