The name I gave my blog makes a whole lot of sense now!
So update: I have not forgotten the plan to renovate, I just have been ruminating/too lazy to go shopping for stuff. I have no idea where to begin with this and it is intimidating! It isn't just a vanity and tile...it is plumbing, grout choices, new trim, etc etc. How do you even cut trim in a condo? how do you even cut tile? I have NO idea!
But I have decided who is going to be helping me tackle this and she is a pro (she does it for a living) so I think the two of us really need to sit down and make a list of what we need for material and tools and make a PLAN. Then I think I can actually wrap my mind around this!
I have definitely made some decisions based on conversations with my dad about return on investment and saving my pennies for my forever-house renos. I am going to put in a new vanity and therefore I am probably going to redo the floor. The floor is very builder basic and I think it would be a smart update. I may decide to forgo the floor if I can get the right vanity solution (the floor choices and actual tiling terrify me). The vanity is the most important thing though because it is kind of cheap looking and the comparables in my neighbourhood have much nicer finishes (my condo was one of the first on the block and now newer, more modern ones have been built).
The issue with the vanity is that it is custom built into an alcove and I am not confident putting a new vanity top on would be a smart idea because it would need to be custom and the base might not be built for the weight. Plus I need more storage in the bathroom.
So I sketched out this idea of using a narrower vanity, but adding in some built in storage. Is this over the top complicated? Probably. But I would love your opinions!
Actual Bathroom Now:
New Idea (not 100% to scale):
Btw- does anyone else thing my sketch of a toilet looks like an angry duck??
You are a much braver woman than I, tackling the bathroom. I can't wait to see updates on this!
ReplyDeleteI like your idea of the shelving and I totally agree with you about your toilet looking like a duck. :P
I havent tackled anything yet!!
DeleteYou're not the only one shying away from a bathroom reno Casey! We've been talking about gutting our bathroom since the first showing of the house.. But have we done anything? Nope.
ReplyDeleteAs for your vanity, though it may be in an alcove, chances are that it's builder-grade & a standard width. Take some measurements, poke around and see what you can find. If you're lucky you'll be able to forgo a custom build (and save some $$).
Nope. it is 33.5" wide so the width is custom and therefore the top would be too!
DeleteI really like your design, but I'm a little worried that the shelves will make the sink area look and feel cramped. Do you really need that much open shelving in a bathroom - that's a lot of stuff to have on display.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like those little lower shelves are probably going to be a pain to keep dust free. I'm a lazy cleaner, so those deep shelves would drive me batty. Maybe keep the small upper shelves, and keep the vanity the full width of the nook so you have the same amount of hidden storage?
Looking at your picture again, what about wrapping the counter out over the toilet - it looks like the toilet tank is about the same depth as the distance the vanity comes out into the room. It would give you some more counter space. I did something similar in my bathroom with a DIY shelf with a drawer. (http://sweetsuite10.com/2011/06/bathroom-makeover-part-3/)
I'm kinda excited to see what you do - I too dream of a full bathroom makeover.
The issue I was trying to solve with the shelves is that the nook is 33.5" wide and I cannot get a vanity in there without going custom. The shelves on the vanity side might not actually be deep (maybe 4"?). Anything on the shelves would be in baskets to make it look neater. But I do see what youre saying about it looking crowded. My condo luckily doesnt collect much dust!
DeleteI could wrap the counter around, but again, that would probably involve going custom to get a stone top.
I love the sketch! And I think it would look really great, especially with some careful styling and organization skillz that I don't have! I think it's a great idea, but for the sake of giving you another one to consider... what if you got a vanity and just centered it in the space? No need for the shelves - except maybe some above the toilet! And it would look nice and spacious. Just another idea for you to throw out or add to your already huge collection of ideas, I'm sure!
ReplyDelete(PS. If you need any full-bathroom reno tips, let me know! Our reno felt totally painless. Of course, we had a second bathroom to use at the time... and a backyard... Ok, maybe I don't have any tips...)
That was my original idea! I just started toying with this one last night and I wanted opinions!
DeleteI have no second bathroom. and im pretty sure its against the condo rules to throw human waste of a balcony. hahaha. ew.
But the pool upstairs in my building has a full bathroom so I can pee and shower during regular pool hours. not sure what to do at night. perhaps stay with a friend
Haha, I totally see the angry duck in the toilet sketch.
ReplyDeleteAlso the idea of actually tiling terrifies me too, even though everyone says it's so easy.
I'm probably the worst person to give advice about a bathroom reno (ours is... rough), but have you considered retrofitting a dresser/nightstand as a vanity (sort of like YHL's old bathroom? On a semi-related note, you may be able to get a remnant of a solid surface counter from somewhere like solidsurface.com.
Can't wait to see what you decide!
If I am afraid of tiling, I think id be more afraid of retrofitting a dresser! I like their's, but for me id prefer an undermount sink and a stone top (much easier to clean)! Im just not sure I can install a stone top on my existing vanity :\
Deletethanks for the link!!
You're welcome! That makes sense. I meant to mention that I have seen it done with a vessel sink, a surface-mount sink, and an under-mount. Here's a link from This Old House, if it helps. I think I'd still be nervous to try it myself.
DeleteI think the vanity + shelves are a bit much for the alcove, and I agree that just centering a smaller vanity would look fine! Love the angry duck.
ReplyDeleteYa that seems to be the going opinion. Thats why having a blog is so handy!! id end up with hot pink popcorn texture walls otherwise!
Delete