home | ugly bathroom be gone!

hello, hello! well, maybe our bathroom doesn't look so bad in that top photo, but if you look closer it does. ugly pipe for the toilet, peeling paint in the tub that was so worn it had to be painted, black tiles that would never stay clean, a battered, dented floor not to mention an ugly light. our building was constructed in the 1950s and the bathroom was showing its age.

we've wanted to do a total gut renovation on this room for many, many years, but we could not find a contractor to do the job, quickly. it's our only bathroom so we need a dedicated crew. a few weeks ago our superintendent showed us the renovation he did that took one week and we were thrilled. literally, almost over night we decided to go ahead and i chose all the materials in about two hours. not bad for someone who is decisionally-challenged, although i've been thinking about this change for ages.

i was nervous about the noise and disruption to our neighbors or something going wrong like a broken pipe or finding mold within the walls, so scott took vacation during the week and was home everyday. fortunately, there were no surprises during demolition and our neighbors were really understanding and offered us the use of their bathroom and shower - awesome! we didn't impose on them in that way and were lucky to be able to stay in a hotel nearby and included that cost in the budget.

after the first day, when we were down to the studs, i was speechless. i knew what it would be like, but couldn't believe the cacophony of pipes within our apartment walls. i just stood there doing that stare babies do and totally lost my imagination of what it would look like. i wondered who thought we should do this anyway (scott!) and felt so vulnerable because if our contractor didn't come back we would be screwed. all i could think about was the show holmes on homes and renovations gone bad.

once things started to go back in i felt a bit better, but honestly, i was nervous right up until the end. some of my design choices brought on new issues. originally, i wanted simple subway tiles, which make nice corners/edges. but, after looking at the other choices, i decided to go with tiles with a bevel and they don't make nice corners/edges, so special trim pieces ($$) were needed. plus, subway tiles are small and take a lot of work to install. our bathroom is only 5' x 7' including the tub area and the floor/tiles took 3 days to complete, and yes, that is a toilet in my living room.

i still have a few diy projects to complete like this one, so next week, the big reveal of our tiny bathroom and we should all be glad i don't have a laptop if you know what i mean ;).

xo, cindy

20 comments:

Line said...

would you believe I like these old looking bathroom, but of course I know you will make a much better place... Good luck my dear!!!

Krissy | Paper Schmaper said...

I know the feeling- our home was built in 1954 and the bathtub had that same peeling paint and cracked tiles!

Can't wait to see the new one :)

nadia said...

what a tease! I love the fact you had a few hours to decide- the best things happen with short notice!

Bonbon Oiseau said...

well i love a girl who also does things the hard way i.e. tiles that don't make nice edges...and i love that you installed the toilet in your living room ;)

anyway GOOD JOB!!!

Cindy said...

it's just more convenient there ;)!

Joyce said...

I am doing a quick stop in to say hi my friend! It looks great so far Cindy! xo

meg said...

I can't believe all the pipes in your walls either! It looks like a map of the Tube in London!

How awesome you haven't run into major "surprises" (I so know what you mean about Holmes on Homes!) - it looks like it's going to be SO BEAUTIFUL! I can hardly wait to see the finished bathroom - looks like you made great choices :)

xoxo

painted fish studio said...

ooooo... bathroom reno's are scary, but oh-so-worth it! i can't wait to see more!

Jamie said...

What an exciting/scary project. I love the tile you chose and cannot wait to see the end result.

blue moss said...

it's going to be so great!! i love the look of your original bathroom...but know how you feel about just trying to keep it clean. our house was built in the fifties...and our bathroom is sooooo in need of a redo. i'm so happy for you
michelle
p.s. popbar looks amazing!! defintely on the to do list. thanks!!!!

Bri said...

Can't wait to see what it looks like!!!

Elizabeth said...

oo, I can tell it is gonna look good!!!! Can't wait to see the rest.

Cindy said...

thanks everyone, we got our sink yesterday, so it's all finished minus a few tchotchkes.

and flowers pick themselves said...

can't wait to see the "after" photos!

xo Alison

likeschocolate said...

I love the new tile on the floor!

Dawn said...

i'm so excited to see what your bathroom is going to look like!

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

We did a bathroom demo and remodel in March of this year and I was nervous until the end, just like you.

The after makes the process so worth it.

You and Scott were brilliant for factoring hotel costs into your budget. Brilliant!

Unknown said...

I look forward to seeing the finished product... I bet it looks wonderful! Renovations are such a pain... I can't imagine being without a bathroom!

Personal Injury Lawyers said...

I wanna see what happening as well. Love your blog

greenbeanbaby said...

your old bathroom looks better than ANY of the bathrooms i ever had [even though i clean like a madwoman].... but your new one is DIVINE!!!