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Meghan’s Dilemma: Ideas Anyone?

You guys. You’re varsity. Once again, I was blown away by the 500+ awesome and fun ideas that you shared – along with some pretty amazing photoshop skillz – for Jamie’s design roadblock last week. There’s nothing like a group brainstorming session, and Jamie’s so excited about all of the options she has to explore (and has promised us after pics when she’s done). So let’s dive right into Meghan’s dilemma, because I can’t wait to hear your take.

Say hello to my little friend! Yes, I have a giant Scar Face bathtub. My husband and I bought our 1987 home a little over a year ago. We have been up to our eyeballs in projects but are making steady headway in making this house our home! But this is the one place where I still scratch head and walk out of the room more confused then when I walked in – and this is our master bathroom, so that happens a lot! Note: for anyone who wants to play around in photoshop, just click this image to enlarge it – and you can share your creation in the comments by linking to it on a free photo-sharing site like Flickr or Pinterest.

Before Tub

This bathtub is. huge. And my husband hates it, but it’s not in our budget to tear it out. Should I tile or beadboard the front? Put shelves or bookcases on the side? And what do you put inside said bookcases? I need something to mask it and make the space more functional. Thank you! – Meghan

Once again, I just started off staring at that before photo, trying to picture things and work out what could go where. Then I dragged it into photoshop to test out a few ideas. Here was my first thought:

Option9

I love the idea of some white bookshelves (I don’t think I’ve ever met a built-in I didn’t like) so I brought two of those in to flank the tub. They add some nice height and draw the eye to the pretty stained glass window in the middle. I also beefed up the trim around the window a bit, just for some nice balance. The backs of the bookcases could even get a soft blue-gray paint job (like Aqua Smoke by Behr) to pick up on the tones in the stained glass window, and the walls could be painted a light sand color (like Hazelnut Cream by Behr) to tie into the existing tub and floor color. As for those shelves, bathroom-y stuff like this could be nice:

  • fluffy extra towels
  • textured baskets
  • glass containers (like these) filled with sea sponges, loofas, or something decorative like sea glass
  • pretty bottles of bubble bath or bath salts/oils
  • a stack of mags to read (I can never manage to keep reading material dry in the tub, but hopefully Meghan’s more coordinated)
  • some candles to burn while bathing (or those flickering battery operated ones if she’s skeered of fire on a bookshelf)
  • beachy keepsakes, like jars of sand/rocks/shells – or even labeled little vacation jars like these all lined up

Oh and I really liked Meghan’s mention of redoing the front of those steps with something white to cut all of that tan tub tone. I think three fun options she could go with are:

  • white subway tile
  • white beadboard (they make bathroom friendly beadboard that stands up to moisture)
  • white horizontal planks (they also make bathroom-safe boards to avoid rot)

Meghan could just attach the sheets of beadboard or thin horizontal planks under the lip of each step with some adhesive that’s meant to hold up in a bathroom (gotta make sure it can weather steam and moisture). Or she could tile it if she’d rather have something shinier (I think white grout would be a good choice since anything too high contrast might look busy with the pattern/movement on the surface of the tub).

Next I tried for something a little more dramatic but still soothing: a dark green tone (like Mermaid Net by Behr) on the backs of those bookcases, light blue on the walls (like Country Mist by Behr) and a new color (a soft putty tone) on the surface of that step and the entire tub. Once again the stained glass window served as my color inspiration, so I worked from there, and I beefed up the white trim around it, just to make it feel nice and proportionate.

Option3

It’s not clear if the tub can be professionally reglazed, but getting an estimate from a local reglazing expert (we used one for our first house’s tub and loved the results) would determine if that material could undergo a color change, which is always a nice way to affordably update a tub that you can’t afford to replace. Oh and replacing the tub’s hardware with something in a brushed nickel, chrome, or oil-rubbed bronze finish would update things even if the tub ends up not being reglaze-able.

Lastly, I thought built-ins in that entire nook could be another way to go.

Tub Photoshop More Shelves

This photo feels a little busier, but it could just be my photoshop shortcomings. I also tried to give Meghan more ideas for what could live on those shelves since I had more space to play with (although the shelves along the back might need to be narrower, so candles and bubble bath could go there and deeper items like towels could end up on the shelves on the side). I think if she’s worried about anything feeling cluttered or busy, just keeping the items on the shelves in a soft neutral palette would work well.

Oh and a few other options that came to mind were that Meghan could…

  • add glass doors to the bookcases for a glammy upscale feeling (this could be helpful if she doesn’t want items getting steamy, but less convenient if she wants easier access)
  • paint the frame around the window the same deep charcoal color that’s in the stained glass (it could make that window even more of a focal point)
  • hunt down some subtle gleaming tile (perhaps some small glass mosaic ones in a soft celery tone) and tile the entire back wall around the window with them for added interest
  • find a tiny bathrobe to put on the cat, just so he’s feeling the luxury too

So those are a few thoughts I had about Meghan’s little friend. Can’t wait to read all of the other ideas you guys have for her – and of course to hear what she thinks!

Psst – Got a particularly tricky spot or a dilemma in a certain area of your house? Please submit at least three photos of the space along with a quick sketch of the floor plan and a short description about what has you stumped to [email protected].

Comments

  1. Diane says

    I like Sherry’s third idea. You’d feel like you were in a cozy little nook. Painting the risers seems to reduce the visual of how big the tub is. Though I think I’d prefer getting rid of it and putting in a cool shower with several shower heads. That would be heaven!!

    Reply

  2. Craig says

    I think reglazing, if possible would yield the best result since the neutral may limit the choices. I do like the lighter bathroom designs you have shown and am leaning towards the shelving on only the two side walls and keeping the area around the stained glass free and clear.

    Would some drama be an option with a charcoal grey wall? If there is enough light which it looks like there may be from the photos, maybe some white shelving like you have shown against a dark grey or even a blue would be an option. I have always fancied a dark grey or black walled space at some point but do not have the right space or room for it yet.

    Reply

  3. Deena says

    FYI – Mermaid’s Net can read a deep jewel toned teal depending on the light situation. My mom has it in her dining room and it reads that way. It’s gorgeous nonetheless, but it’s definitely a shade you have to get a sample pot for and throw a swatch on the wall!

    Reply

  4. Christine S says

    Personally, I think the stained glass window is worse than the tub, but then again, I do love my bubble baths (with a big glass a red wine)! I might remove the window instead of the tub, add the planks, new faucet, paint and built ins and call it a day……don’t get me wrong, I do love flowers, just not on windows……loving the bathrobe for kitty idea

    Reply

  5. Amanda says

    I kind of think that built-ins or shelving surrounding the tub would make the tub area feel very closed-in, not to mention that is a lot of effort to put into an area that might be torn out in the future.
    I think that the color of the tub demands a more natural and organic color scheme rather than bright white trim. My thought would be to put some hanging plants in the corners that would overflow from their planters and add a lush feel to the space, with maybe a couple plants and candles sitting on the giant surround. Then maybe consider adding a natural-toned finish to the backsplash and step risers (like wood or stone) if you feel the need to break up all of that faux marble.

    Reply

  6. Annelise in Edmonds says

    Like someone else suggested, I also thought that if the tub is never used, why not cover it up and create a little reading nook – maybe odd for a bathroom, but if you put in bookshelves and a bunch of pillows, it could become a really cozy space!

    Or…put a flat screen on one side – throw pillows in the tub and use it as a lounging area! ;)

    Reply

  8. Tirsa says

    For me the step adds to ‘hugeness’ of the tub. I would remove the step and cover the front with white tile and then do the two built in on the sides. (Not sure bow this would fare with the floor but if the tile used at the top of the step could be reused on the floor to cover the space previously occupied by the step, it would save save some $.)

    Reply

  9. Megan says

    I would actually go darker with accents to make the tub look more modern. To me, white highlights the dated finish more. Since the tub itself wouldn’t be treated, I think you could actually prep/paint it. There are some great all-surface paints (S.W.) that have excellent self-leveling properites specifically for unusual projects like this! Updating the fixtures from brass to ORB and then highlighting the exterior portions of the tub (i.e. option 1) with a deep charcoal brown would really make it zen like. Then I would do floating shelves in the same type of finish on either side vs built-ins (to save both $ and space). Lastly, I would beef up the window trim like Sherry suggested and paint it a deeper color as well to mimic the interior square within the glass. :-)

    Reply

  10. Sarah J. says

    i would at least price getting it reglazed. but other than that, i would be worried about trying to tile over it or stick stuff to it, for fear that it wouldn’t hold up and in a couple years would look worse than it does now.

    i probably wouldn’t do built ins around the tub, but maybe some big baskets for rolled up towels. i would also see if the stained glass could be popped out (usually they are just inserted in front of a regular window) and frost it plain white. then add some art to the walls on either side. and i know that electrical chandeliers are against code, but maybe a non-electric pretty beaded or crystal chandelier over the tub that would add a little fun and prettiness.

    Reply

  11. Shani says

    I love the idea of built-ins!

    When I saw the steps, I immediately thought of this as another option for covering: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/203858320605703200/

    It’s a faux-stone material called airstone that the pinner used on a tub surround. I believe she reported it’s $49.99 a box and there is a calculator on airstone’s website to help you figure out how many boxes you need. I haven’t actually used it myself…yet.

    Reply

  13. Bree says

    We had the same EXACT cultured marble tub in our master bath! We also couldn’t afford to removed it at the time, but had it professionally reglazed (white) for under $300. I would highly recommend. It made a HUGE difference until we finally updated the entire bathroom a few years later. Good luck!

    Reply

  14. Jana Miller says

    Sorry-I just done’t like the tub and I’m not a fan of stained glass. The tub dwarfs the window so I would probably either make the window bigger and replace it with a regular window or if you love the window, take out that tub.

    Reply

  15. Kris says

    IMHO, there is no prettying this thing up. How much are you going to spend trying to pretty it up when you still have the faux vomit colored marble showing? How long will it take you to try and pretty it up? Then how long would it take to demo it yourself? Get a few estimates on having someone else demo it and cap off the plumbing. It may be the same as building the shelving and paint. You might be surprised. Besides, why try to pretty it up if it’s not even functional? It’s like building an entertainment center for a non-working TV or building a garage for a vehicle that doesn’t run and you have no intention of fixing it.
    As another commenter stated, don’t throw good money after bad.

    Reply

    • Brittany says

      Love y’alls bathroom! The vinyl flooring is beautiful. Definitely something we might have to do in our home, since we too would price ourselves out of the neighborhood going a different option.

  17. Kathy says

    Sherry,

    I LOVE your ideas and your colors. Thank you for being a great inspiration. I do not have photoshop. What level of photoshop do you use or recommend. I’m not a blogger, but as a homeowner I can see the value of being able to play with ideas and colors.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      We just have Adobe Photoshop (the one that comes with Adobe Creative Suite, but we don’t have the whole suite). There’s definitely a learning curve in the beginning but it’s lots of fun when you get the hang of it!

      xo
      s

    • Victoria says

      A free, and more simple (has less features, but has all the needed ones) option is Gimp2.0

      In the DIY world, the cheaper, the better… and nothing beats free!, and being more simple, is easier to learn to use it. I use it constantly and don’t miss any of the bells and whistles Photoshop carries.

    • Kristine says

      I’m lucky to have Photoshop though have also tried GIMP (out of curiosity) and it is a great free alternative.
      There is also this awesome purpose interior design software you can buy from around $60. It takes some learning though is great once you get the hang of it.
      Sherry, hope you don’t mind me sharing the link (I’m in no way affiliated): http://www.homedesignersoftware.com/products/
      You can see some examples of renderings I’ve done using the program over on my blog.

  18. Nikki Kelly says

    Oh man! This is a tough one. I don’t have any delema solutions, just two quick comments though.

    1. I love that the cat made it through the photoshopping!
    2. I think it could be fun to see a roundup of the photoshopped suggestions either if/when there’s a follow up post, or maybe having the reader asking for help pin the images on a board that you could link to.

    Now I want to play along!

    Nikki Kelly

    Reply

  19. Robin Datin says

    I think there are a lot of really good ideas that everyone has expressed:) I like the tub. I would change out the small stained glass window for a bigger window more in keeping with the tub size. The trim would be natural or stained. I would paint the back wall in a rich tone(pumpkin?)picking up the floor color and I would add lush green plants or orchids, drawing your eye up away from the tub to the window and plants.

    Reply

  21. Pam the Goatherd says

    The built-in shelving on either side of the tub is a great idea. But in order to keep it simple for future demo, I’d just use regular, white bookshelf units (attached to the wall for safety reasons) and fill them with towels, washcloths, large glass jars filled with pretty soaps, bath salts & beads, etc. I’d also use some large baskets on the bottom shelves for stockpiling shampoo, conditioner, body wash, etc.
    On the back wall, I’d use a pair of quilted wall-hangings to flank the window. Since the window has sentimental value, it would be nice to have the wall hangings also reflect something from nature that has as much meaning to Meghan as the window does.

    Reply

  22. Jen says

    I think if this were my bathroom that I would do beadboard on the on the vertical surfaces (ie. stair risers & side platform risers) and then maybe make or buy some type of long cushion to go on the platforms on both sides of the tub to bring in color. Get two floating shelves for each side with simple decor to balance the window. Your cat will love the cushions and you’ll break up the space with the color from the cushions and white from the beadboard. Hopefully you can keep it around $200. Good luck!

    Reply

  23. Robin says

    Their local building code may have restrictions about what can be built around the tub and how close it can be, so I’d check that out, and if any type of wooden surround is built I’d recommend a cellular PVC trim / facing used as high up as there could be “splash”.

    Don’t know how large the remainder of the bathroom is (I assume it is rather spacious given this tub) so closing this area off when not in use may not make the room feel claustrophobic … how about a pair of barn doors or shoshi screens installed on the front wall to slide closed / open, and perhaps still have some time of built-in cabinetry to take advantage of the space for storage. Along the back wall some nice wall hooks for towels and bathrobes. And of course a teeny tiny hook close to the floor for the cat’s bathrobe ;) Robin

    Reply

  24. Catherine says

    Love Sherry’s first rendering but the second is even better if they can reglaze that tub. Would they keep it if they got it reglazed? It looks very relaxing! I wouldn’t get it reglazed if they are going to remove it anyway but the first lot of updates would be economical to do for the shorter term. Oh, and I second the reading nest idea. Love that one!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Thanks Catherine! From Meghan’s follow up comments it sounds like the tub is staying for the long haul, so if she reglazed it would have a fresh look without being a big gut job.

      xo
      s

  25. Andrea says

    Gosh I don’t think the tub looks that bad! I’m so surprised when people on here get rid of perfectly good items. So the shape of it looks a little weird (is it square?), and maybe it is a little big, but it’s not that bad.
    I think one way to update it quickly would be to change out the faucet hardware. Get rid of the gold and put in a brushed nickel or something else modern.

    Reply

  27. KathyG says

    I would LOVE to see the rest of the bathroom! What color is the vanity, and countertop, is the shower gold too? Making changes to just one area of the bathroom could potentionally do more harm than good. (agh, sorry to be debbie downer…)

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Meghan dropped in with more info in the comments and she said her shower is the same tone as the tub (another reason she can’t gut just the tub to fix the space) so that’s why she was considering doing white on the steps and adding bookcases, just to work with it but cut the fact that there was so much of it. She could also reglaze both the tub and shower since so many commenters are vouching for those new DIY kits! Can’t wait to see where she ends up. We can ask for lots of pictures of her solution :)

      xo
      s

    • Jen_nifer says

      I would love to see more of every room that is featured in these Dilemas… or more of the home? It would help to get a sense of their style.

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Thanks for the suggestion Jennifer! Some folks are shy about sharing a lot of their home (posting a photo of a room that needs work is often less intimidating than sharing other rooms people love for others to comment on), but last week Jamie took some additional photos of her space and we linked to an album of them in the post as an update, so that would be a nice option for us to give the homeowners so they have the choice to share more if they’d like!

      xo
      s

  28. Sammi says

    Home Depot does sell a reglazing kit. We used it on our shower that was a terrible mauve color. I can’t remember the name, but it does work.

    P.s. Love the cat

    Reply

  29. qs777 says

    I saw on one show where they made a wood cover for the top of the tub and turned the whole thing into a window seat with cushions, pillows, etc. Then, when you wanted to use it, you could just remove the top.

    Reply

  30. Leah says

    Place a really/wide folding screen in front of this whole mess. An inexpensive one. If you’re never going to use it, just hide it till you have the money to demo.

    Reply

  32. Jessica says

    you are a genius, sherry. seriously. when i saw the first picture i was like, “…..”. i didn’t think there was any solution that could make that tub actually look good. you are amazing. i especially loved option 3.

    Reply

  33. Tania says

    I’m so impressed with your photoshop skillz!! I would love to learn how to photoshop stuff into a room like that- would be fun to try different layouts before committing to a remodel!

    Reply

  34. Katie says

    What about putting in a bunch of plants on the sides of the tub? Obviously this would depend on whether you like or are willing to take care of plants but I think the green would take the focus off of the tan marble. It would also be easy to undo if you remove the tub at some point. Not sure how the cat and plants would get along though…

    Reply

    • Meghan J says

      I love the idea of plants and that was my first thought, but, the stain glass is my only source of natural light and it does not get any direct light so nothing would thrive. :(

  35. Katz says

    Didn’t read all of the comments so hopefully this doesn’t duplicate another, but the biggest update to me would be replacing the window. Other than that, i like #1. It really downscales(is that word?)the tub’s size.

    Reply

  36. Emily says

    Definitely support the bookshelves on the sides!

    I would look into having the tub reglazed. Or if that’s took expensive, you could think of refinishing it yourself with a special Rustoleum product. See an example here: http://www.nelliebellie.com/painting-tileyes-can-done/

    Also, I think some reclaimed wood on the front of the steps would give it more of a casual, rustic feel rather than the Scarface palatial thing you have now. :)

    Check out this wood/tub idea on Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/218495019391230876/

    Reply

  37. Nicole says

    I didn’t even notice in the cat until the 2nd Photoshopped image and thought you added it in.

    I think for budget’s sake, I would do as you mentioned in #1 (paint the walls, add the white to the front of the tub with planks or whatever, and bulk up the frame) but then add symmetrical open shelving (similar to your last house’s kitchen) to the back walls. Those would be less expensive than built ins and would make the space feel less enclosed. Then, a big textured (rattan?) basket on one side to hold extra towels or a stack of magazines and on the other side a tray with bath salts and candles. I also like the idea of a soft colorful rug on the floor in front.

    Reply

  38. Gaby says

    I would accessorize with black, white and gold (touch of green to tie in stained glass window). Hit up Home Goods! I would add some black or white painted moulding around tub to break up all that faux stone. Ideally tile from tub to ceiling but maybe a stencil or bathroom safe wallpaper. Add a patterned runner in front of tub. Here is my photoshopped idea.

    http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp83232%3Euqcshlukaxroqdfv7879%3Dot%3E4%3A%3A9%3D9%3B8%3D345%3DXROQDF%3E26232%3B4%3C57254ot1lsi

    Reply

    • Susan says

      This is the best and most budget friendly solution so far. I think it would look good if the back wall was just painted a dusky plum color. Just some paint, little bit of wood, and accessories.

    • Melanie says

      This is by far my favorite. The accents and colors in this draw away from the bulkiness of the tub, but play perfectly on that stained glass window that is so important to Meghan. This for sure gets my vote!

    • Linda says

      LOVE. This seems the most simple DIY solution. The others require electrical, demo, and expensive built ins. I feel that glazing the tub won’t really help the problem.

    • Aimee says

      The molding on the steps is a great idea. I like everything about that Photoshop, except for the subway tile. That’s going to be as dated as the 80s any second now. And I think the dark grout minimizes the stained glass window, which Meghan mentioned had sentimental value. Maybe a plain old white wall with some sconces to either side of the window instead?

  39. Christine says

    Just a thought… Maybe because I am alway mobile so it hard to read comments and see pics of people’s suggestions, but maybe a Pinterest board of the possible solutions would be neat. I’d love to look at everyone’s suggestions!

    Reply

  40. Victoria says

    Soooooo, I can’t resist a challenge… and if I’ve ever seen one, that bathroom is ;)

    Have taken into account it’ll be demoed in the (more or less) near future, so no need to spend too much money, which in my book means paint, bead-board, some molding (that window needs to be queen), and a couple sconces/candle-holders that can be reused when for big remodeling.

    https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TngWNaTZ3FE/UoKHPXb9pjI/AAAAAAAAA1s/N2tDqOsiCsw/w781-h586-no/before-tub-big.jpg

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Your photoshop prowess for that beadboard is amazing! Meghan has actually said she wants to work with the tub for the long haul, and I love the beadboard and the sconces with it!

      xo
      s

    • Victoria says

      If they want to keep it, I would do 3 things I’ve not added to the image: erase the step + add floating shelves over the bear-board on both sides (white, for an even lighter look) + re-glaze the tub and the sides if possible (white better IMO).

      For color, I would use accessories in the same, or complementary, shades the window has.

  41. Julianne says

    I love the idea of the built-in shelves across from each other, using a nice shade of white & serene blue as the main colours. Personally, I would consider taking off tha first step so the front of the tub is flush, and then cover it with beadboard. I would also consider relacing the window if possible, to something a little less ornate, like a frosted glass, beef up the crown moulding & beadboard the back wall, too. Reglazing would be the bomb, if possible and some nice, new chrome fixtures woud be amazing. If reglazing is out of the question, I would keep the same look, but with a simplified colour scheme, limited to the creamy white & the brown of the bathtub with ORB fixtures. Sporadic pops of choice colour can be added to the shelves & switched up from time to time…..

    Reply

  42. Theresa says

    Nothing I’m suggesting is original, but I’d go with removing the first step, reglazing the tub, subway tiling the back wall (super cheap white subway tile), adding some extra molding to the window, and putting new fixtures on the tub (nothing says 1987 like solid gold tub fixtures — holla!). And then — if there’s time/budget — add in shelving. I think you could put some cool candles/towel stacks along the current edges if you don’t have time for the shelving (I’m hoping maybe the tiling is something you could do on your own — I dunno, though, as I’ve never tiled :)). BUT, I do think that adding height to the sides of the tub would make it look less gargantuan.

    Can’t WAIT to see what you do!!!

    Reply

  43. Jodie @ Sypsie Designs says

    I love the idea of resurfacing it to a crisp white! If they’re unable to do that, what about adding some rich wood like the Pinterest pins below? The deep tones might make the tub color appear lighter than it is. I also think adding a bulky trim to frame out the window might balance the size of the tub, and would absolutely consider adding a chandelier above it (crystal is my favorite!)! Draws a focal point and makes you feel all fancy pants and royal. Take that Lorde. Also, what about adding some curtains to the front/sides? Also a great way to frame out the tub and add some luxury and would hide some of the huge sides/shelving if she’s afraid of what to put on it.

    http://www.pinterest.com/pin/189714203026355705/
    http://www.pinterest.com/pin/207376757813584463/

    Reply

  44. Julianne says

    I wish I had a spot to put built-ins like this in my bathroom!

    I’d maybe look into having a soothing painted scene put on the walls around the tub so you feel like you’re bathing in the tropics, or forest…

    Reply

  45. Rachel says

    So, this comment is not related to this post but I totally had a dream about you guys last night. You launched a line of Petersik family board games. They weren’t original games, but old favorites with a YHL twist. I know in my dream you had your stamp on 4 but I can only remember specifically there was a Game of Life one. Craziness.

    Reply

  46. Cara says

    I’m going to break with the crowd and say I actually like the window. Frame it thicker trim and then pull colors from it for the room and accessories. I think it just doesn’t tie in right now.

    I like the built ins on the side, but not the back. And then I’d use soothing color on the walls, house plants (if you have enough light), and pretty glass accessories to break up the ocean of beige. I saw Megan said the jets don’t work, but it could still be a nice spa spot.

    For what it’s worth – my preschooler would loooove that tub.

    Reply

  50. brett says

    Does Meghan know what material the tub is? I’m guessing it is a man-made material which might make resurfacing it tricky. In option 1 you would only need to paint the risers of the steps and they shouldn’t get wet much, but they would definitely want to check with their local paint expert to make sure to get something that would adhere.

    Reply

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