Guest Bathroom Renovation - Modern Farmhouse Style

Life has been full of diversions lately. One of the more interesting project diversions has been the boy's bathroom renovation. First let me say, this really started in February of this year. (I know...) The tub was an almond color and looked dirty even when clean. For a quick and inexpensive update, we hired someone to Ceramicoat the finish. The tub and shower turned out well, for the most part. However, the countertop on the vanity was ruined and he wanted to charge us to come back out. For the price to bring him back, we could replace the existing vanity and countertop if I was frugal; and that I was...

I went online and trolled Craigslist looking for the perfect vanity that would add a bit of a clean-lined modern look while feeling right at home in a farmhouse bathroom. It had to provide plenty of storage and cost around $200. As always, the Lord provided. This spring, Kevin happened to be in East Texas over seeing some of his stores. That same day I decided to search Craigslist again. Then I got curious and expanded my search to include East Texas. One item popped up in the search. It was a brand new, $800 special order from Lowe's and was listed for $200. The catch was that it was in Marshall Texas, a bit out of his area, but not too far. With some working around schedules, Kevin and the owner were able to meet up and secure the deal! It has set in our living room for months and was only recently installed. I am so pleased with the results. The before and after with the green and blue shower curtain were part of my first blog for this project. Here are the After photos from when we were selling the home.

So before we get to the finished details, I have to tell you a little bit about what was done. First, the shiplap was cut and installed. To keep it clean, all the gaps were caulked. We considered the more rustic look, but using the sprayer would be the only way to paint the bathroom. That would not be possible because of the space constraints and ventilation. Plus, dusting the grooves to keep them clean would not be pleasant long term. I love the rustic look but would not like living with dirty, dusty walls. The door trim was cut, hung and caulked. All the walls and ceiling were painted in Valspar Du Jour white. I have used this color of white all over the house and love it in any lighting. It is a soft neutral white; every designers dream color. Believe me, I took forever to find the perfect white and this is it. The floor had been laid around the existing cabinet that we chose to paint when we moved in. After removing the cabinet, flooring had to be removed in spots and relayed. The toilet had been replaced by one a friend gave us. We found out why it was replaced... It would stain and was hard to keep looking clean. So, a beautiful, CLEAN, new toilet was installed. Then the vanity... I had purchased clearance faucets months ago and was so excited, but the holes on this vanity were VERY widely spaced, so you had to buy a special faucet to fit it. The light fixture was originally installed really low and we didn't change this when we changed the fixture. This was the perfect time to raise the lighting because shiplap covers a multitude of ugly drywall problems. Thankfully, my husband was able to raise the lighting. It worked with the white paint to really brighten the space.

Here is a picture in progress to show you the faux shiplap we made from ripping 4' x 8' sheets of utility board into 8" strips. The edges really must be sanded because it splinters a bit when cut. They are glued and nailed into place and Voila! Farmhouse look on a seriously inexpensive budget. The price is only $13 a sheet at Lowe's. Major change for a song and a bit of sweat. The entire project cost around $550 including all materials. I will update with more pictures of the progression and include a shopping list and prices for those interested.

Several things are still lacking on this project. The closet door needs to be painted and reinstalled. Shelves are being made for above the toilet and a towel bar is being made from an old pipe that Kevin had salvaged. I will post extra pictures showing the progress once it is complete. I just wanted to give a peek to those interested in some of the projects I have done.

Today I picked up a 1940's Duncan Phyfe Buffet/Sideboard to refinish. It is solid mahogany and has a bow front and concave doors. It will be a real beauty fit for any farmhouse. I will be listing it for sale with a number of other items I am currently refinishing. Check my facebook page for details.