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Young House Love » Reader Redesigns » Reader Redesign: $1K Goes A Long Way

| By John Petersik | June 28, 2012 | 117 Comments

Reader Redesign: $1K Goes A Long Way

Now that we’re back home (and back in the swing of things), let’s start this off with a deck sneak peek. Oh yes, more holes are happening. So rest assured that we’re working towards a passed inspection (remember when we failed here?) and we hope to have an update on that early next week. So be sure to hold your breath for us!

Approved 6 Auger Going In

But back to our Reader Redesign. Despite this email starting off with a cheer to my alma mater’s rival, I couldn’t help but share this awesome bathroom makeover with an even more awesome price tag. Plus, although we may not agree on college teams, we can definitely relate to a bathroom that feels less than welcoming and functional. Here’s Melissa’s note:

What’s up John, Sherry, Clara, and Burger? We are just down the road from you in Blacksburg (go Hokies!) and wanted to share our main bathroom reno with you. We have five kids and squeeze home projects in whenever we can. When we bought the house, the only thing we weren’t crazy about was the size of the bedroom and attached bath, but we loved everything else, so we took the plunge. The “Before” (90’s linoleum lighthouse/sailboat honey oak themed bath) did not feel updated at all…

Melissa Before

We didn’t want to pay for a big addition or re-model, so we worked with what we had and gave ourselves an $1,000 budget for new floors, a new marble counter, fixtures, lighting, shelving, accessories, etc.

Melissa After

Down came the oak cabinet above the toilet to open things up a bit and we installed floating shelves and baskets to hide all of our stuff. We removed the mirror and replaced it with a clearance one from Lowe’s. A wire magazine rack from TJ Maxx was added to balance the off-set toilet. We kept the vanity and painted it with Benjamin Moore’s Impervo Paint in White Dove, but installed a new marble top and faucet from Home Depot.

Melissa After Mirror

We went right over the lineoleum with allure laminate flooring from Home Depot – it’s water resistant and we’ve loved it in our downstairs bath (it’s really easy to install yourself).

Melissa After Floor

The shower curtain is just a basic waffle weave shower curtain from Target – like the one in your bath! The paint color is Fossil Grey from Glidden’s old colors. Total spent: $995 for everything… towels, toilet paper holder, garbage can, the whole shebang.

Melissa Towels

Thanks for looking/reading! If you’re ever in town and want to go to a game, we would love to have Clara come play! – Thanks, Melissa

Didn’t Melissa do an amazing job? It’s awesome to squeeze in new floors, counters, accessories, paint, and shelving for under 1K – and we love that she worked with what she had when she could (like repainting and retopping the vanity). It looks like they added at least 5K of value to their house with that update and most people wouldn’t believe it wasn’t a total gut job. You can see more of their makeovers on Melissa’s blog too. What’s your favorite part? Sherry’s obsessed with the mirror and those floating shelves and I think that new flooring and marble top is the icing on the cake, er, vanity.

Psst- We picked a winner for this week’s giveaway, so click here to see if it’s you.

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Comments

  1. Avatar for Me, Ed and PeaMe, Ed and Pea says

    June 28, 2012 at 3:00 pm

    Great redesign!! We used the same flooring in our kitchen – it’s so easy to install and looks fantastic!

    Reply
  2. Avatar for AnneAnne says

    June 28, 2012 at 3:03 pm

    As a Hokie, I’m wondering if they are affiliated with the university . . .
    Anyway, I love when people put the magazine racks in the bathroom and don’t try to pretend that reading doesn’t happen while on the throne!

    Reply
    • Avatar for ErinErin says

      June 28, 2012 at 3:27 pm

      Oh i can’t stand when people keep magazine racks/books, etc. in the bathroom. I know we all do it but i would really rather not see it. I can however appreciate the cute wire rack they found to offset the space.

  3. Avatar for ashleeashlee says

    June 28, 2012 at 3:03 pm

    beautiful!

    Reply
  4. Avatar for Kristen @ Popcorn on the StoveKristen @ Popcorn on the Stove says

    June 28, 2012 at 3:05 pm

    This bathroom is beautiful! I love the grey they chose for the wall colors. If I hadn’t seen the before, I never would’ve believed they were the same room!

    Reply
  5. Avatar for ashleeashlee says

    June 28, 2012 at 3:06 pm

    i tried to paint my bathroom cabinet doors the same as they did – white – but once i got the doors off – we couldn’t get them back on! they were hanging crooked. we tried FOREVER! and we just couldn’t get them on straight :(

    i’m looking to make a little curtain for the door instead. even though though i really don’t want to. i would love to have the white doors instead.

    Reply
  6. Avatar for Julia @Chris Loves JuliaJulia @Chris Loves Julia says

    June 28, 2012 at 3:06 pm

    Gorgeous! We have a small master bathroom too (that we have yet to renovate) and this gives me tons of ideas of affordable ways to give it a major lift! I LOVE the floating shelves, but my favorite part is that magazine rack!

    Reply
  7. Avatar for JRJR says

    June 28, 2012 at 3:06 pm

    I have seen and pinned this bathroom on pinterest. It is a great makeover and something that I might definitely try for our small bathroom space.

    Reply
  8. Avatar for JuliaJulia says

    June 28, 2012 at 3:06 pm

    Just wanted to let you know I feel for you on the auger work. I first became associated with an auger 20 years ago when I was about 30. My dad and I decided to put up a fence in my very large back yard. Twenty-seven holes (in one day I might add) later, we still tell auger-tales. It didn’t break us though… a few years after that we built a large deck (only 12 holes). You too will survive this!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      June 28, 2012 at 3:09 pm

      Wow- I can’t imagine 27 holes in one day! Amazing!

      xo,
      s

  9. Avatar for ElisaElisa says

    June 28, 2012 at 3:08 pm

    Yay! Did you guys go out for ice cream with your leftover $5? Hah. Dig the whole thing, and the hanging magazine rack next to the toilet is brilliant.

    Reply
  10. Avatar for CateCate says

    June 28, 2012 at 3:09 pm

    That makeover is incredible! I’ve been wondering how to get more storage in my guest bath since it has a pedestal sink. I’ve never liked the look of those tacky over the toilet storage units, but these floating shelves look great! I’m tempted to try to recreate the look myself.

    Great job Melissa and co.!

    Reply
  11. Avatar for Caitlin @ Desert DomicileCaitlin @ Desert Domicile says

    June 28, 2012 at 3:10 pm

    Gorgeous makeover! I love the flooring and never would have guessed that it’s laminate! The paint color and those patterned towels are great too :)

    Reply
  12. Avatar for LauraLaura says

    June 28, 2012 at 3:10 pm

    Go Hokies!! I graduated in 2010 and I miss Blacksburg so much! I’m amazed at what they did with such a small bathroom. They really opened it up and made a tiny space feel light and airy. I love the mirror and marble vanity, and the floors polish it all off so well. Great job Melissa!!

    Reply
  13. Avatar for Megan GenevaMegan Geneva says

    June 28, 2012 at 3:10 pm

    I can’t get over that rectangular sink! So modern, yet classic. It does wonders for the small space. I’m saving some of these photos for my inspiration folder. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  14. Avatar for Kara JKara J says

    June 28, 2012 at 3:10 pm

    GO HOKIES!! Love the redesign. I’m a huge fan of Grey and White in a bathroom!

    Reply
  15. Avatar for LindsayLindsay says

    June 28, 2012 at 3:11 pm

    Wow Totally gonna pin this one! I love it. The white looks great in the bathroom and I love the floors. Great inspiration.

    Reply
  16. Avatar for RachelRachel says

    June 28, 2012 at 3:11 pm

    Blacksburg is the best – Go Hokies! ;) (I couldn’t resist . . .)

    Reply
  17. Avatar for coreycorey says

    June 28, 2012 at 3:12 pm

    Love the remodel!

    Strangely as I was perusing another site, I noticed John in one of the photos. Scroll down to “Stay at Home Dad.”

    http://twistedsifter.com/2012/02/top-10-what-my-friends-think-i-do-vs-what-i-actually-do-posters/

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      June 28, 2012 at 3:14 pm

      Oh yes, isn’t that funny? John made a meme!

      xo,
      s

  18. Avatar for KristiKristi says

    June 28, 2012 at 3:12 pm

    I’m loving her entire blog! Already pinned a bunch of stuff!

    Reply
  19. Avatar for CourtneyCourtney says

    June 28, 2012 at 3:14 pm

    I’m obsessed with that grey box with white lattice pattern – where is that from so I can buy the store out of their stock? :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      June 28, 2012 at 3:14 pm

      Here’s hopin Melissa will stop by with that info!

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for ElisaElisa says

      June 28, 2012 at 3:18 pm

      I’m pretty sure those are towels!

    • Avatar for melissa*320 sycamoremelissa*320 sycamore says

      June 28, 2012 at 3:22 pm

      Hi Courtney! They are actually towels from TJ Maxx folded together.

    • Avatar for Amanda B.Amanda B. says

      June 28, 2012 at 3:35 pm

      That actually looks like a pair of folded towels… I bet you could paint/stencil that pattern onto a box with a lid though, would be super cool!

    • Avatar for EmmaEmma says

      June 28, 2012 at 3:50 pm

      I’m not Melissa but it those like like neatly folded grey towels with a white lattice pattern.

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      June 28, 2012 at 3:57 pm

      Yes, I think you guys are right about those being towels! I can see how it could look like a box though!

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for Marissa CMarissa C says

      June 28, 2012 at 4:22 pm

      NOOOO!!! I want them so bad but we all know how TJ Maxx works..

  20. Avatar for Ginny @ goofymonkeysGinny @ goofymonkeys says

    June 28, 2012 at 3:14 pm

    I love the hooks in lieu of a towel bar – such a great space saver!

    Reply
  21. Avatar for KateKate says

    June 28, 2012 at 3:15 pm

    LOVE IT! I had already pinned this bathroom… total inspiration. Thanks so much! :)

    Reply
  22. Avatar for AmandaAmanda says

    June 28, 2012 at 3:15 pm

    I love the shelves and the flooring! I am going to be doing a semi-remodel in my bathroom. Going to use grey on the walls too. I have dark cherry wood cabinets and light foors. Whould you reccomend white floating shelves or dark shelves?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      June 28, 2012 at 3:17 pm

      I think with wood cabinets you could do dark shelves or light ones. Just depends if you want a lighter look up top or something dramatic and high contrast!

      xo,
      s

  23. Avatar for MeganMegan says

    June 28, 2012 at 3:17 pm

    I wish my bathroom looked like their before so I could work on making it their after… but instead, our’s is so much worse! Horrible DIY (from previous homeowner) tile everywhere with grout that wasn’t sealed properly, an old tub with the window in the shower now, and so on… I can’t wait to gut the whole thing and make it worthy of showing off on your blog!

    Reply
  24. Avatar for Amelia WaltonAmelia Walton says

    June 28, 2012 at 3:19 pm

    This is great! We’re going to give our new (but really, old) bathroom a little love in the coming weeks, and I’m definitely stealing those floating shelves. For what it’s worth, I’m also using Katie Bower’s wall and vanity colors from her office (?) bathroom makeover. Shamelessly stealing ideas left and right! We also got up close and personal with the auger last weekend…my husband and our friend dug 26 holes for a new fence, that is no joke. And finally, I work for the McIntire School of Commerce at UVa–go Hoos!–and always love seeing John’s UVa hat in the pictures. Sorry, that was probably all too much to comment, but ya know, there was a lot here!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      June 28, 2012 at 3:36 pm

      Haha, we love beefy comments!

      xo,
      s

  25. Avatar for melissa*320 sycamoremelissa*320 sycamore says

    June 28, 2012 at 3:21 pm

    WOW. John and Sherry!! Thank you so much….I met you at Haven, I said I was from Blacksburg, but I was too chicken to tell you I sent in our bathroom remodel, but here IT IS! Loved you at Haven btw…my favorite line?? “Be yourself…let your freak flag fly!” I’m serious about Clara coming to play…my kids would love her. Thanks again~
    Melissa @ 320 Sycamore

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      June 28, 2012 at 3:35 pm

      Oh my gosh, that’s so funny! It was SO nice to meet you! Thanks for sending the awesome bathroom shots our way!

      xo,
      s

  26. Avatar for StephanieStephanie says

    June 28, 2012 at 3:24 pm

    I love the silhouettes that design that towel hooks! What a cute idea!

    Reply
  27. Avatar for ChristineChristine says

    June 28, 2012 at 3:26 pm

    Very classy. Great “real house” ideas here! I like the combination of the gray/white/dark mirror/gold and wicker accents.

    Reply
  28. Avatar for MindyGMindyG says

    June 28, 2012 at 3:26 pm

    Hooray for Hokies!! :)
    I love love love the shelves over the toilet… They are so sleek looking!! Bath looks awesome!

    Reply
  29. Avatar for KimKim says

    June 28, 2012 at 3:26 pm

    Fantastic transformation! Love that they used what they had and made it work.

    Reply
  30. Avatar for Robin @ our semi organic lifeRobin @ our semi organic life says

    June 28, 2012 at 3:26 pm

    So pretty! I’ve checked them out on Pinterest before but love the colors.. and the floors… and the towels!

    Reply
  31. Avatar for Michele @ Moonfield LaneMichele @ Moonfield Lane says

    June 28, 2012 at 3:35 pm

    I love her blog and this bathroom, too. The sink is gorgeous! Beautiful job accessorizing, too.

    Reply
  32. Avatar for Amanda B.Amanda B. says

    June 28, 2012 at 3:37 pm

    I have to chime in with LOVE for that black-framed mirror! Who knew that making the mirror smaller would open up and define the vanity space, and it’s a fantastic shape.

    Reply
  33. Avatar for Lisa LLisa L says

    June 28, 2012 at 3:50 pm

    I’m constantly looking for good white floating shelves…where did these come from Melissa?

    Reply
    • Avatar for melissa*320 sycamoremelissa*320 sycamore says

      June 28, 2012 at 4:24 pm

      Hi Lisa~they are from Home Depot~back in the organizing section at my store. We have loved them, but make sure you install them into studs or with heavy duty wall anchors. More here: http://www.320sycamoreblog.com/2012/03/winners-more-master-bath-questions.html Good luck!

  34. Avatar for Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication[email protected] says

    June 28, 2012 at 3:50 pm

    Awesome! It looks fabulous! I love the mirror and floating shelves!

    Reply
  35. Avatar for molly stillman @ still being mollymolly stillman @ still being molly says

    June 28, 2012 at 3:53 pm

    WOW! holy cow that bathroom is gorgeous. i’m kind of obsessed with that mirror! and i think i have that SAME shower curtain and paint color in MY bathroom! AWESOME! :)

    Reply
  36. Avatar for StephanieStephanie says

    June 28, 2012 at 4:08 pm

    This is gorgeous and I have to say my favorite part is those floating shelves. The whole room is just awesome but those shelves just gave me an awesome idea for my half bath.

    This is why I love this blog. We get all of your great ideas and all the great ideas of readers (in the redesigns). It’s like inspiration central. I love reading comments to because your readers have awesome ideas too. :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      June 28, 2012 at 5:09 pm

      AMEN! Best readers ever!

      xo,
      s

  37. Avatar for Amber at Love, Laugh, Live WellAmber at Love, Laugh, Live Well says

    June 28, 2012 at 4:14 pm

    Love it! I really enjoy the color and also the new counter top. This makes me so excited to get started on our new home.

    Reply
  38. Avatar for KathleenKathleen says

    June 28, 2012 at 4:44 pm

    I love and have pinned this bathroom before too. I knew it was from 320 Sycamore as soon as I saw it! We just finished renovating our bathroom, check it out:

    http://projectsatthepicketts.blogspot.com/2012/06/bathroom-is-almost-finished.html

    I’ll definitely take inspiration from her blog as I work on the finishing touches!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      June 28, 2012 at 5:09 pm

      Looks amazing! Congrats Kathleen!

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for melissa*320 sycamoremelissa*320 sycamore says

      June 28, 2012 at 11:12 pm

      Love that blue, Kathleen! It will all be worth it…it is looking SO good and you’re almost FINISHED :)

  39. Avatar for StephieStephie says

    June 28, 2012 at 4:46 pm

    H-O-K-I-E-S!

    We have laminate flooring in our kitchen and living room but it never occurred to me to put it in the bathroom. Might have to bring that up with my Hokie Hubs later tonight.

    Reply
  40. Avatar for Sarah MSarah M says

    June 28, 2012 at 4:48 pm

    What an amazing job. It’s hard to believe it’s the same space! Melissa – Can you come over and do my bathroom??

    Reply
  41. Avatar for MonaMona says

    June 28, 2012 at 5:02 pm

    I pinned this awhile back. Love it a lot.

    Reply
  42. Avatar for Lynn @ Our Useful HandsLynn @ Our Useful Hands says

    June 28, 2012 at 5:09 pm

    That is one pretty great makeover! I love the open shelving because we have been mulling that over to see if it will go with our spa bathroom jive we are trying to accomplish and we are almost at a meeting of the minds in agreement so thanks for this and it’s now going in my bathroom bookmark. Oh and same with the flooring. We didn’t want to continue the wood look into the bathroom because we heard too many horror stories of friends getting warped boards from the humidity. Now I know that they make ones for the bathroom – way cool.

    My best, Lynn

    Reply
  43. Avatar for LindseyRLindseyR says

    June 28, 2012 at 5:12 pm

    AHHHHHMMMMAZZZING!! Love the floating shelves, the grey color and the gorgeous marble top — great job Melissa!

    Reply
  44. Avatar for Debbie CDebbie C says

    June 28, 2012 at 5:34 pm

    Wow, this looks great! I would never have thought to do 3 open shelves in the bathroom but it works! Great job!

    Reply
  45. Avatar for Mindy S.Mindy S. says

    June 28, 2012 at 6:14 pm

    I love LOVE love that dark mirror with the neutral colors. Beautiful reno!

    Sherry and John, I absolutely adore your blog! You guys seem so down to earth! I love that you are so thrifty and creative with you decorating! I also love that you incorporate things from your life. You have a beautiful family!

    Also, after watching your recent blogiversary vlog and seeing this picture of John, I couldn’t help but notice the soda pop shirts. My husband and I found it funny that John changed his shirt so many times in the video: Sprite, Dr. Pepper, Pepsi… and plaid! Sorry, we’re such dorks for noticing!

    https://www.younghouselove.com/why-yes-we-do-fight-over-towel-bars/

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      June 28, 2012 at 8:48 pm

      Haha- oh yes! That was John’s little “let’s see who’s paying attention gag” – haha!

      xo,
      s

  46. Avatar for KellyKelly says

    June 28, 2012 at 6:32 pm

    Wow, they did a great job on the bathroom, and did a lot of nice updates with a minimal budget…These sort of re-do’s are my favorite and most inspiring. Nice job – I feel inspired now!

    Reply
  47. Avatar for KylieKylie says

    June 28, 2012 at 6:40 pm

    Wow, I love those shelves! I have no storage in our bathroom, I’m now going to put in open shelves.

    Reply
  48. Avatar for TamsynTamsyn says

    June 28, 2012 at 6:47 pm

    I love this make-over, it doesn’t even look like the same room! Congrats :)

    Reply
  49. Avatar for anna seeanna see says

    June 28, 2012 at 6:52 pm

    great job on the bathroom redo! i love the marble countertop and the floating shelves. so serene now!

    Reply
  50. Avatar for DianaDiana says

    June 28, 2012 at 7:39 pm

    This looks fabulous. Great job!

    Reply
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John and Sherry smiling against pink backgroundHey, we’re John & Sherry. We’ve fixed up 7 homes, written books, designed products, started a podcast, and then downsized & moved to the beach! Here you’ll find over 3,000 DIY projects & home updates. More about us…
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