Is a Bathroom Reno in Your Future?

I know a little somethin’ somethin’ about such things. Especially the DIY variety. We recently gave our snowbird baths a facelift, and it wasn’t long ago we completely gutted the primary bath at the Georgian. It seems there is always another diamond in the rough on the horizon. As an inspiration blogger, it is all too easy to dream of the possibilities! As a DIY serial bath renovator, bathroom redesigns are especially tricky. Critical decisions yield realities you’ll live with for a lonnnng time. TAKE YOUR SWEET TIME. Maybe these bath tips will help.

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Bathroom Reno Tips from Renovators Without a Crew

Hello Lovely’s Bath Renovations

Most Recent Snowbird Bath Makeover

Looking for ideas when you want to change the color story and upgrade finishes without dust or demo? I’ve got you.

The bath started out as just one builder-grade white box, and I wasn’t mad at it as a fresh slate. Easy changes transformed it:

I was after a tranquil look and was able to use what I had on hand. It’s the little things…adding natural marble accents rather than replacing the whole 10+ foot vanity top is a great low-cost, low-effort compromise.

Full Gut Job Bathroom Reno at the Georgian

Here’s where our bath renovation at the Georgian began:

It was awkward (hello, 1990s) with soffits, steps to a sunken Jacuzzi bath, a custom shower bench at the wrong end of the shower, and a sea of unsavory brown tile. Perfect if you’re into funky and clunky.

Fortunately, the space has a million dollar view of a gorgeous forest preserve so attending to the details was well worth it.

Custom bathroom designs are PERSONAL, but first all the plumbing, electrical, and space planning must be addressed. Lighting, storage, and of course safety are also priorities. Due to health and aging issues, the old bath was enough of a death trap that I didn’t use it a single day until we renovated.

Bathroom redesigns may be even trickier than when you start from scratch. Changing the locations of existing plumbing and electrical? A specialized skill set and wads of cash are required.

So much better now!

Here are particulars for this bath:

Classic White Bath in a Modern Country Cottage

In our former home, we opted for separate, individual, freestanding vanities and created a custom bridge as a makeup area.

I love how the angles of our vanitiy tops and bases echoed other architecture in that space.

Need ideas for cabinets and vanity organization? Who couldn’t use a little more space for THE STUFF?

Drawers Behind Doors

Super Smart Styling Organization

Tips for Scoring the Right Bath Vanity

Note the Relationship of Vanity and Top

Are you a fan of high contrast? As you collect inspiring photos of bath vanities you admire – notice the consistencies. Do you prefer high contrast, low contrast, ornamentation, minimal style, or modern lines?

Lighting Needs for Vanity

I have no trouble sourcing beautiful sconces for the bath, but they aren’t always the right scale. The most flattering vanity light comes from placement where the sides of the face are lit.

However, sometimes this isn’t possible when space is limited.

It often comes down to planning to the inch! Also, as far as flattering light, maybe it’s the age, but I no longer stand at the vanity for extended periods. Consequently, the decision to keep the lighting above our medicine cabinet mirrors made sense. Think specifically about individual needs and be guided by how you actually live more than trends on Pinterest.

When you begin to look seriously at pretty bathroom designs, it becomes clear lighting options are endless. There are not hard and fast rules for the design.

Let’s face it – we are different heights with various needs and preferences.

Simple Bath Refresh

Before we painted the vanity below in a son’s condo, it was a 20-year old builder-grade oak vanity with orange stain. Just a little paint (didn’t even change the old faucet or cultured marble top) transformed it.

This paint color (above) is an interesting charcoal color with both brown and navy blue undertones. It was discontinued but is similar to Farrow & Ball Railings. In some lighting, it looks like oil rubbed bronze, and in others, a soft black.

Here’s Railings in Athena Calderone’s famous Brooklyn kitchen which broke the internet:

Repurposed Antiques for a Traditional Vanity

This vanity area with a lamp is a delight! If you have the opportunity to repurpose an existing vanity, antique, table, console, etc. what fun!

I love seeing a bath that feels like an escape to serenity:

Most of us wouldn’t dream of wallpapering a bathroom where there’s a shower, but what a lovely prospect when you can:

In our bath’s redesign, I initially wanted to refinish the existing solid wood vanity and add vessel sinks since the height of the cabinets was low.

However, quotes for a custom marble countertop were significantly higher than buying new vanities with proper height. (Another issue? Time. Refinishing an existing vanity is a dusty, laborious, and often toxic undertaking.)

Don’t you love the wall mounted faucet? Jennifer creates the most beautiful baths for herself and lucky clients!

Modern French & Old World Vanity Inspiration

Here’s a look I love:

And yes, our feet are planted firmly on the earth, but it doesn’t mean we cannot be inspired by a fantasy powder bath moment!

Don’t forget makeup vanities can move to a closet or dressing area.

White is a natural color for a bath, and here are three contenders if you care to sample a few.

Inspiration for Coastal Style Baths

If you have shopped for bath design elements, coastal and Shaker styles are most commonly available.

Is this my favorite traditional yet modern cottage vintage look?

The beautiful wall of mosaic tile would probably blow the budget!

Traditional Vanity Inspo

Remember when there was no selection whatsoever for readymade vanities or bathroom sinks in the marketplace?

Sheets of mirror on the wall can still be a great idea, but there are plenty of other possibilities too.

Here are a few more possibilities:

Petite & Modern Ideas

Bath Vanities in Our Former Bath Were Budget-Friendly

When we tackled our master bath above, we first demo’d everything to begin from scratch. I wanted budget friendly traditional white vanity sets with simple clean lines.

In lieu of a long double sink bathroom vanity, a custom makeup counter joins two separate single vanities.

Our DIY bathroom remodel was a mix of high and low. In fact, the Kohler Purist faucets cost more than the vanities.

Modern Country Vanity Inspiration

This mirror is a FAVORITE among famous designers…if it’s in stock, snag it!

Rustic Elegance & Vintage Charm

Who can resist the charm of a checkered floor?

Find beautiful bathroom design inspiration from my PINTEREST BOARD HERE.

In the mood for a bit of fantasy dream home tour (hint: The Fox Group!)?

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

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