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Young House Love » Reader Redesigns » Reader Redesign: Bathroom Gone Gray

| By John Petersik | October 25, 2011 | 143 Comments

Reader Redesign: Bathroom Gone Gray

This latest before & after comes from one of our neighbors to the north, Kahley from Ontario, Canada. She and her husband Steve revamped their home’s only bathroom. And in the process proved that going dark and sophisticated can still be bright and airy. Here’s her letter:

We are a young family of four – me, my husband, and our kids Noah (4) and Lexie (2). The only bathroom in our house dated back the 1950’s, so it was HIGH TIME to reno! 

Kahley Before 1

Since it was our only bathroom, we wanted it to be insanely multi-purpose. We needed a tub AND shower, some closet space, a dirty laundry area, lots of concealed storage, etc etc etc!

Kahley After 1

I had the color (BJ Moore “Gray”) picked from the beginning. These built-ins were created according to plans that I developed. Above you can see the shower curtain that I made myself from some discount fabric in the women’s “suiting” area at Fabricland. The fun striped roman blinds were made by Tonic Living in Toronto. The accent color that I chose in the end was a golden mustard yellow. The towels are from Sears!

Kahley After 2

Here’s the bttom view of our vanity. I fell in LOVE with an oh so unaffordable vanity at Pottery Barn (they used to have a larger double version that was amazing) – so I had it built for THOUSANDS less.

Kahley After 3

Here’s what I like to call sexy tile!! I believe it’s a Centura tile (it’s an enlarged subway tile – 4″x12″ – in a high gloss gray finish). It feels oh so chic. Now if only I could have done a walk in shower (oh the joys of only having one bathroom, and children to bathe!). Anyway, thanks for checking out our bathroom makeover. I hope you love it! – xo, Kahl

Kahley After 4

We’re not sure what we like more – all of the function they added (a set of built-ins on either side of the shower) or the brave color choices (dark gray tile and a gray ceiling). So we’ll just choose to love them both equally. How about you? What’s your favorite part? Oh and you can read more about the project over on Kahley’s blog.

Psst – Got your own awesome before & after project? Send your story, pics, and related links to [email protected] to be considered for a possible Reader Redesign feature. You know we love a makeover.

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Filed Under: Reader Redesigns

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Comments

  1. Avatar for StacyStacy says

    October 25, 2011 at 2:11 pm

    Love it!

    Reply
  2. Avatar for FaithFaith says

    October 25, 2011 at 2:11 pm

    I would like that bathroom in my house. Thank you.

    Reply
  3. Avatar for MirandaMiranda says

    October 25, 2011 at 2:12 pm

    Holy cow….it is impossible to love only one thing. I want and love EVERYTHING. I need it in my life… oh…one day my 1950’s bathroom (like the redesigners, we only have one in the house) will be so beautiful and chic. BRAVO!

    Reply
  4. Avatar for LizLiz says

    October 25, 2011 at 2:13 pm

    Wow! What a transformation!

    Reply
  5. Avatar for AinhoaAinhoa says

    October 25, 2011 at 2:13 pm

    What an awesome makeover! I love the dark gray contrasting with the white trim and furniture.

    Reply
  6. Avatar for Jamie@WrightHouseAffairs.com[email protected] says

    October 25, 2011 at 2:14 pm

    Amazing! Love the built-ins. Ironically enough, I tried order the Pottery Barn sink console that she is referencing, only to find out PB doesn’t deliver bathroom consoles to VT :( Never thought of going custom!

    Reply
  7. Avatar for kaycee parkerkaycee parker says

    October 25, 2011 at 2:15 pm

    I love the palette, it’s very popular right now. This bold version is really making a statement!

    Reply
  8. Avatar for Maureen @This (Kinda Old House)Maureen @This (Kinda Old House) says

    October 25, 2011 at 2:15 pm

    Gorgeous! Love the grey!

    Reply
  9. Avatar for Melanie @ Mailbox JourneyMelanie @ Mailbox Journey says

    October 25, 2011 at 2:17 pm

    Wow, I’m in love.

    Reply
  10. Avatar for GwenalynGwenalyn says

    October 25, 2011 at 2:18 pm

    Oh my gosh! It’s beautiful! Amazing job, Kahley! I love everything about it! Can’t pick just one thing. :)

    Reply
  11. Avatar for Raina@ Mamacita Spins The Globe[email protected] Mamacita Spins The Globe says

    October 25, 2011 at 2:18 pm

    Great renovation! It looks fabulous!

    Reply
  12. Avatar for julie kjulie k says

    October 25, 2011 at 2:18 pm

    That tile IS sexy! A job VERY well done.

    Reply
  13. Avatar for ColleenColleen says

    October 25, 2011 at 2:23 pm

    I love Reader Redesign’s!

    Amazing! And diy your own shower curtain…what a great idea.

    Reply
  14. Avatar for southern girlsouthern girl says

    October 25, 2011 at 2:23 pm

    Very nice! Great job and such an inspiration! :)

    Reply
  15. Avatar for KimKim says

    October 25, 2011 at 2:26 pm

    Love the bathroom! I can’t wait to re-do our main bathroom that we use for bathing the kiddos…
    On a random tangent from one of your Canadian followers though…Ontario is a HUGE province, and I betcha they live in a city…you could put “Toronto, Ontario” (or whatever city they live in) and people would assume Canada, or even “Toronto, Ontario, Canada.” It’s sort of like saying you live in “Virginia, United States of America.” Anyways…just a general pet peeve…still love you guys and check the blog everyday!!! :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 25, 2011 at 3:56 pm

      Thanks for the tip Kim! They just didn’t give us that info and we don’t want to pry! Haha. We share whatever folks are comfortable enough to tell us via email along with their submissions.

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for ashlieashlie says

      October 26, 2011 at 8:59 am

      I thought the same thing, Kim!

  16. Avatar for emily @ the happy homeemily @ the happy home says

    October 25, 2011 at 2:27 pm

    oh, my gosh. i just came back from a vacation in a nice hotel and i’ve been DYING to re-do our bathroom. we can’t because it’s a rental– and now kahley is making me want it MORE!!!

    gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous!!

    Reply
  17. Avatar for MelissaMelissa says

    October 25, 2011 at 2:31 pm

    My heart just started racing at the sight of the gray tile. Amazing.

    Reply
  18. Avatar for Sarah @ Redhead in Ruffled FlatsSarah @ Redhead in Ruffled Flats says

    October 25, 2011 at 2:32 pm

    I really love this! Gray is my favorite neutral (besides white) and I am so in love with yellow right now. The vanity is gorgeous!! I think that shower would be great for hiding dirt and stains until it’s time to clean!

    Reply
    • Avatar for Kahley DeVriesKahley DeVries says

      April 24, 2014 at 1:21 pm

      Oh it definitely is!!

  19. Avatar for SaraSara says

    October 25, 2011 at 2:38 pm

    Definitely bold choices. Love the gray subway tile in the bathroom.

    Reply
  20. Avatar for Rachel TatemRachel Tatem says

    October 25, 2011 at 2:40 pm

    It looks great! I thought about doing grey for the bathroom I am redoing now so this is good fuel for the fire!

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

    October 25, 2011 at 2:42 pm

    Wow! I love the color choice on the walls and those built ins on the sides are amazing (I’m a sucker for cabinets with glass fronts). Great job!

    Reply
  22. Avatar for AllynAllyn says

    October 25, 2011 at 2:43 pm

    Soooooo pretty!
    I’m having a love affair with grey and yellow. They were our wedding colors, and they’re all over our house.

    Reply
  23. Avatar for SusanSusan says

    October 25, 2011 at 2:43 pm

    Love it! I want to add a lot of gray to our bathroom so this is nice to see. We have ugly floor to ceiling tile at the moment and I have to work with it for now but that gray is inspiring!

    Reply
  24. Avatar for Elisa @ The Self LifeElisa @ The Self Life says

    October 25, 2011 at 2:49 pm

    This is great! I think dark bathrooms look AWESOME. Way to use all your space and make it look suppa swank!

    Reply
  25. Avatar for Amanda BrownAmanda Brown says

    October 25, 2011 at 2:50 pm

    Wow, I absolutely love it – stunning! So inspired!

    Reply
  26. Avatar for Seriously Sassy MamaSeriously Sassy Mama says

    October 25, 2011 at 2:51 pm

    That is a sexy bathroom. The built-ins are gorgeous. I love the gray. I could not imagine having only one bathroom in the house.

    Reply
  27. Avatar for HeatherHeather says

    October 25, 2011 at 2:52 pm

    Were the built in’s custom? I love them!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 25, 2011 at 3:54 pm

      Yes, so pretty, right?

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for Kahley DeVriesKahley DeVries says

      April 24, 2014 at 1:22 pm

      Yes, custom built ins!

  28. Avatar for Sam/LeavetheNestuptoMeSam/LeavetheNestuptoMe says

    October 25, 2011 at 2:53 pm

    It’s gorgeous! Love the extra long subway tile. Punches of yellow are fantastic.

    Reply
  29. Avatar for KateKate says

    October 25, 2011 at 2:56 pm

    Beautiful! Since it’s their only bathroom, I’m wondering how long it took them to do this renovation and what they did in the interim… do you know? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 25, 2011 at 3:54 pm

      Here’s hoping she drops in with that info for ya!

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for Kahley DeVriesKahley DeVries says

      April 24, 2014 at 1:23 pm

      We survived!! The toilet was only off for ONE day, and to shower and bathe we hopped on the 4 wheeler and scooted across the field to my in laws! The whole Reno took us about a month or 2… I cant even remember!

  30. Avatar for PattiPatti says

    October 25, 2011 at 3:00 pm

    That gray is gorgeous and pops so nicely with the equally awesome creamy white! Beautiful job! Can you tell us a little bit about making your own shower curtain? I’ve been thinking about doing that myself but I’m a novice when it comes to sewing.

    Reply
    • Avatar for Kahley DeVriesKahley DeVries says

      April 24, 2014 at 1:24 pm

      Super Easy! Store bought grommets for the top, and just a measure,cut & hem for fabric. I will add this was a full bolt width of fabric, plus about another half. The pattern is very faint so I didn’t need to worry about matching!

  31. Avatar for oliviaolivia says

    October 25, 2011 at 3:01 pm

    I love it all! The striped shade might be my favorite, actually-I have a weakness for stripes! Gorgeous renovation!

    Reply
  32. Avatar for AmyAmy says

    October 25, 2011 at 3:03 pm

    Wow- beautiful job!

    Reply
  33. Avatar for AshleyAshley says

    October 25, 2011 at 3:03 pm

    What a gorgeous bathroom! The oversized subway tile is fantastic.

    Reply
  34. Avatar for rachaelrachael says

    October 25, 2011 at 3:05 pm

    Love it! Woo hoo for a Canadian Reader Redesign from Ontario!

    Reply
  35. Avatar for Jess @ Little House. Big Heart.Jess @ Little House. Big Heart. says

    October 25, 2011 at 3:09 pm

    I’m loving the small bathroom redesigns! I’m getting so many good ideas for our bathroom redo!

    And that tile is super sexy… as in can I take it home with me tonight?

    Reply
  36. Avatar for ErinErin says

    October 25, 2011 at 3:10 pm

    That gray subway tile is SO SEXY. They incorporated my favorite color combination (gray and mustard) in one of the nicest bathroom renovations I’ve ever seen. Well, after yours, of course :)

    Reply
  37. Avatar for kit @ DIYdivakit @ DIYdiva says

    October 25, 2011 at 3:11 pm

    What an awesome redo… I actually love that they painted the ceiling as well. And the cabinetry looks awesome.

    If anyone else also wants that style of Pottery Barn vanity for less, I built one for around $400 (much cheaper than the $1400 PB was asking: http://diydiva.net/2011/05/how-to-build-a-pottery-barn-inspired-vanity/

    I think their version with the modern handles is awesome as well.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 25, 2011 at 3:54 pm

      GORGEOUS!

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for EmmaEmma says

      October 25, 2011 at 5:51 pm

      You are wonder woman [email protected]!

  38. Avatar for KateKate says

    October 25, 2011 at 3:11 pm

    Very pretty, but I would not want the job of keeping soap scum off those tiles. If they were in my house, they’d never look clean.

    Reply
  39. Avatar for brettbrett says

    October 25, 2011 at 3:11 pm

    What a difference. In thinking about it, i wondered what specific changes gave the biggest bang for the buck and I really think the bright clean lighting, decorative trim and high contrast paint make it seem very modern and elegant. I think all of those changes are relatively simple so there is hope to be able to do some great renovating on a budget (as YHL proves regularly).

    Reply
  40. Avatar for mariannemarianne says

    October 25, 2011 at 3:12 pm

    Love it! We are a one bathroom house as well and need to reno desperately….just don’t know how we would live with our only bathroom in a state of disrepair during the job. Any tips?

    Reply
  41. Avatar for JessicaJessica says

    October 25, 2011 at 3:12 pm

    What a beautiful job they did! I especially love the custom made cabinets (Pottery Barn what?!)!

    Reply
  42. Avatar for JenJen says

    October 25, 2011 at 3:13 pm

    Wow – what a great update. I love the gray, especially the tile in the shower and those built ins are gorgeous!

    Reply
  43. Avatar for Jen @ The Decor SceneJen @ The Decor Scene says

    October 25, 2011 at 3:16 pm

    OMG that is GORGEOUS!!! Thanks for sharing! It gives me an idea now for my linen closet. Oh the possiblities!!! :)

    Reply
  44. Avatar for AndieAndie says

    October 25, 2011 at 3:18 pm

    I love everything about this bathroom!

    Reply
  45. Avatar for Jill&EricJill&Eric says

    October 25, 2011 at 3:22 pm

    Really loving this bathroom! Thanks so much for sharing these reader redesigns!

    PS- Thought of you today as our DIY Magazine arrived in the mail! Yeehaw! Loving all the beautiful projects in this edition (and that was just with a quick scan, really looking forward to taking a deeper dive later)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 25, 2011 at 3:53 pm

      Aw thanks! Ours hasn’t come yet, but we can’t wait to see it!

      xo,
      s

  46. Avatar for luannluann says

    October 25, 2011 at 3:23 pm

    i LOVE IT! good job

    Reply
  47. Avatar for CallieCallie says

    October 25, 2011 at 3:25 pm

    Totally digging the sexy tile!! Very lovely!

    Reply
  48. Avatar for Amanda - Small Home Big StartAmanda - Small Home Big Start says

    October 25, 2011 at 3:27 pm

    I’m a huge fan of Tonic Living! They did a great striped cover for my futon (http://smallhomebigstart.blogspot.com/2010/07/summer-blooms.html) and I’ve just ordered new pillows from them too.

    Who knew that a dark bathroom could look so inviting? And I agree that the build ins are fantastic!

    Reply
  49. Avatar for BeckyBecky says

    October 25, 2011 at 3:27 pm

    If Kahley pops back , I would love to know…how did she go about finding someone to build a match to the Pottery barn sink? I also love a sink from pottery barn that we are considering purchasing for our new bathroom, and am curious to know where I can look for someone to build it for me.

    Thanks!
    Becky

    Reply
    • Avatar for Kahley DeVriesKahley DeVries says

      April 24, 2014 at 1:19 pm

      Hi Becky – this is SO LONG overdue! I am not blogging anymore – and thought I should pop back here and see if anyone had asked any questions in the meantime! only a few years late;)I just used a custom cabinetry builder – same guys that build and install built-ins, custom kitchens, etc. :) Hope that helps!

  50. Avatar for mpmp says

    October 25, 2011 at 3:32 pm

    Have mercy — Kahley just changed my mind about dark colors! I love everything about this makeover!

    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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