Transforming Our Bathroom: Mid-Project Updates & Design Decisions
Embarking on a home renovation journey is often a mix of grand vision and incremental progress. While we’re eagerly anticipating sharing some of the larger, more dramatic updates to our bathroom, we currently find ourselves in that wonderfully satisfying mid-project phase. Many significant tasks, such as installing a new custom shelf and refreshing the walls with a fresh coat of paint, have been successfully completed. However, the nature of renovation means there are always a few smaller, yet impactful, upgrades that make a world of difference. Especially after a recent whirlwind of travel – seriously, ten flights in just eleven days! – these focused, mid-point improvements have been a welcome return to our creative routine here at home.
The next major installment for our bathroom promises to be even more substantial, involving either framing out the existing builder-basic mirror or crafting a custom window shade from a truly sensational fabric that has completely captured our design imagination. We hope these interim updates provide a satisfying glimpse into our progress as we work towards these bigger transformations. And because it would be a design sin to merely hint at an “amazingly bold fabric that I’m obsessed with” without a proper introduction, allow us to unveil this textile treasure:
The Vision: Infusing Personality with Bold Textiles
This vibrant fabric, an Ikat pattern known as “Ubud” by Iman Home/Waverly, might ring a bell if you recall our earlier window shopping adventures. We were incredibly fortunate to snag it for just $16 a yard at Mary Jos, a steal considering it often retails for up to $27 in other outlets. Its striking blend of blue, orange, and red tones is precisely the “punch-in-the-face-of-color” that our predominantly white (and subtly plummy-gray) bathroom desperately needs. It’s destined to become a custom window shade, introducing a dynamic focal point that elevates the room’s aesthetic. However, turning this inanimate fabric into a beautiful shade requires dedicated time, which has been scarce amidst our recent travels across seven cities. So, while the fabric patiently awaits its transformation, let’s dive into the completed updates that are already making a noticeable difference.
Revitalizing the Vanity: A Hardware Makeover
The first item on our list of completed updates addresses a detail often overlooked but critical to a room’s overall feel: the vanity hardware. The original knobs, with their country-style painted wood finish, simply no longer resonated with our evolving design vision. They felt dated and lacked the sophisticated touch we aimed for in our refreshed bathroom. A change was long overdue to align the vanity with the cleaner, more modern aesthetic we’re cultivating.
The Impact of Thoughtful Hardware Choices
The search for the perfect replacements led us to Hobby Lobby, where we discovered these fantastic new knobs. Purchased for an unbeatable $2.49 each, thanks to a timely 50% off knob sale, they represent a budget-friendly yet highly impactful upgrade. A quick tip for fellow DIY enthusiasts: always wait for a sale at Hobby Lobby! Their sales cycles often alternate weekly, so if an item isn’t discounted today, there’s a good chance it will be next week. Patience truly pays off when it comes to saving on decor.
What truly captivated us about these new knobs is their unique, irregular character. They possess a beautiful, organic quality, reminiscent of polished green jade or perhaps a finely dyed bone. The gem-like shape is faceted and elegant without being overly long or pointy, a crucial consideration for a busy bathroom. We specifically ensured their depth was comparable to the previous wooden knobs, and that they wouldn’t protrude excessively beyond the counter’s edge, thereby eliminating any worry of accidental bumps or scrapes. Functionality and aesthetics went hand-in-hand in this selection.
These new additions effortlessly echo the subtle dark tones present in our floor tile, creating a harmonious visual flow that extends from the floor up to the vanity. This thoughtful repetition of color and texture helps to tie the room together, making the design feel cohesive and intentional. We’re so enamored with them that we’re eager to acquire one more for the false drawer panel directly beneath the sink. Unfortunately, they were out of stock on our last visit, but it’s definitely on our list for the next trip. Small details like these hardware updates truly define the personality of a space, turning an ordinary vanity into a feature that feels bespoke and carefully curated.
We’ve received numerous inquiries about potentially painting the vanity a darker shade, such as charcoal or black. It’s a possibility we’ve certainly considered, as a darker vanity could look striking against the dark floor tile we’ve chosen. However, we’re not entirely committed to the idea just yet. Our current strategy is to allow more elements of the room to come together – specifically, adding the new fabric shade and framing the mirror – before making a final decision. Our hesitation stems from the bathroom’s actual size; it’s more compact than it often appears in photographs. We appreciate how the existing white wall tile, vanity, and tub create a bright, balanced, and open feel. Our concern is that introducing a single dark, heavy object on one side of the room might disrupt this balance, making the space feel cramped and visually weighed down. Ultimately, we’re content to observe how the room evolves with the upcoming additions before committing to such a significant change. Rest assured, we’ll keep you thoroughly updated on our decision-making process!
And for a touch of real-life charm, guess who decided to make a spontaneous appearance during our photo session above? Our beloved #Clarabomb, always ready for her close-up, reminding us that even during renovations, life continues with delightful interruptions!
Enhancing Privacy and Modernizing with Frosted Windows
Another crucial upgrade we managed to squeeze in amidst our demanding travel schedule and joyful reunions with Clara and Burger (yes, the post-travel smooches were extensive, we couldn’t help ourselves!) was the transformation of our bathroom window. We bid a fond farewell to the old, paper-like accordion shade. While functional, it constantly had to remain closed to ensure privacy, as our bathroom window offers a direct view from the deck. This meant sacrificing natural light and that coveted open, airy feeling.
From Old Shade to Sleek Privacy
In its place, we now proudly present our modern, frosted window. This solution is both crisp and incredibly private. Even with the bathroom lights on during a dark night, visibility from the deck is limited to vague shadows – absolutely nothing graphic or discernible. It’s a game-changer for maintaining personal space while still allowing ample natural light to flood the room during the day. This simple application of window film completely revamps the window’s functionality and aesthetic. Below, you can see a candid shot of the application process, where I’m tackling the frosting in my pajama pants – a true testament to the “keeping it real” nature of DIY projects!
For those interested in the application process, while we captured a process picture above, we highly recommend consulting this detailed post and this accompanying guide for the most specific and helpful instructions. These resources break down the steps for applying store-bought frosting film to achieve a flawless finish. Additionally, if a visual demonstration helps, we’ve created a video illustrating the process. You can watch it directly on YouTube. We believe seeing the application in motion, even if not truly “3-D,” offers valuable insights that static images might not fully convey, making the process much clearer for anyone looking to undertake a similar project.
Watch: How To Frost A Window For Privacy
So, these are our latest accomplishments in the bathroom renovation journey. Just try to ignore that brassy old doorknob peeking into the shot – haha! It’s definitely just been added to the ever-growing “to-do” list!
Our Bathroom Renovation Checklist: Progress & Next Steps
Speaking of lists, here’s a comprehensive look at our hall bathroom project checklist, highlighting what we’ve achieved and what exciting tasks lie ahead:
Rehang a shower curtain at ceiling heightTrim out the unbalanced window(details here)Switch out the light fixture(learn more here)Add some meaningful art(discover it here)Build in a shelf over the toilet for some leaning art(see the process here)Paint the walls a fresher color to help the original tile pop(details on color choice here)Upgrade the vanity hardwareFrost the window- Frame out the mirror over the vanity for a less builder-basic look
- ORB/upgrade that brassy gold doorknob
- Make a bold fabric shade for the window using our “Ubud” fabric
- Possibly paint the vanity (we’re still mulling it over – but we promise we’ll keep you posted!)
- Add finishing touches/accessories and dish out a budget breakdown for you guys
We’re incredibly excited to cross off more items from this list soon! In the meantime, let’s circle back to my current fabric obsession. Doesn’t it look absolutely fantastic when paired with the new vanity knobs and that charming fish canvas? It just goes to show how every bathroom, indeed, needs a touch of whimsy, perhaps even a #everybathroomneedsafishcanvas!
Small Changes, Big Impact: Your Renovation Journey
It’s truly fascinating how renovations unfold. Sometimes, monumental tasks like hanging curtains or painting entire walls bring about sweeping, dramatic changes. Yet, at other times, it’s the meticulous attention to smaller details – like selecting the perfect hardware or updating a window treatment – that truly imbues a room with a special, personalized charm, making it feel uniquely yours. These “mid-point upgrades,” though seemingly minor, contribute significantly to the overall coherence and personality of our bathroom. They are essential steps in transforming a functional space into a beloved sanctuary.
What exciting projects have you been tackling recently? Have you discovered any small, mid-point upgrades that made a surprising difference, or perhaps embarked on bigger, more elaborate renovations? We’d love to hear about the changes that brought significant impact to your home. Share your experiences in the comments below – your insights and tips are always an inspiration!
Psst- For a fun diversion, we’re finally sharing Clara’s delightful hidden talent with the world over on Young House Life. We’re left wondering, does “Name That Tune” have a toddler edition?