Young House Love

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Our $170 Bathroom Makeover For Granny

Who’s ready for the big bathroom reveal?

affordable-bathroom-makeover

As we mentioned in Monday’s post, there are almost always three main steps to room makeovers (some of which take forever and a day, and some that are done fast and furiously, like this bathroom blitz):

  1. prep/planning (brainstorming, picking a color palette, going shopping, priming, sanding, spackling)
  2. bigger upgrades (painting walls, refinishing or painting cabinets, laying new flooring, etc)
  3. finishing touches (curtains, new hardware, art, accessories – all the things that add “you” to the space)

So Day Three (see Day One and Day two here and here) was all about those finishing touches. Here’s how it all went down (and yes, I was writing on the back of a paper plate with a calligraphy marker – gotta use whatcha got, haha).

GrannyThree 1 To Do List

Ta-daaa! It took about an hour to make some custom curtains for Granny’s window thanks to some designer fabric (made by Braemore, if that helps) that we scored at a deep discount (at U-Fab in Richmond on our way out of town) and some no-sew hem tape.

GrannyThree 2 Curtains Hung

I just measured the window to see how long I wanted them (a few inches below the bottom of the window trim felt best) so I cut two rectangles of fabric that were 29″ long (the length that I just measured plus two inches to allow for hemming) and 31″ wide (to give them enough fabric to feel drapey and full when they were hanging up there). Here’s a better shot of the fabric to jog your memory (it’s hard to photograph it in front of the window).

GrannyOne 4 Fabric Frame

Once they were hemmed on all sides (using this method), they were 27″ x 29″ (my target size after accounting for those extra 2″ in each direction that would be used by the hem). Then it was as simple as hanging a curtain rod from Target and using some ring-clips (also from Target) to hold up my little fabric rectangles.

Here’s a close up of the pretty fabric. Something about it just screamed “Granny” to us. It’s so happy and sweet.

GrannyThree DETAIL Curtain Rod

Oh and just when we thought we were done with the caulk on Day 1, we decided that one seam (where the front of the vent met the new flooring) could look a lot more polished with a smidge of caulk) so I made a video for you guys that might help you get a nice clean caulk line:

Then came the fun part: accessorizing tiiiime, baby. In came a lot of items that Granny already had (in colors that we pulled from the curtains like emerald, navy, and violet).

GrannyThree 3 After

We even grabbed some fresh flowers from the nearby grocery store and plopped them into a vase that Granny already had. And see that wooden tulip on the toilet? Papa actually made that for Granny years ago, so we loved working it into our little room reveal. It’s the simple things, right? Speaking of those, how is it that a once-white-now-navy toilet paper holder can be so cute? It’s just one of those little upgrades that makes something feel a lot more fun than just going with a basic store-bought version. Note: For some reason the floor looks Snooki-tan orange in some of these shots, so the one below is the most accurate.

GrannyThree 4 After Drawer Side

Here’s a straight shot of the cabinets with their navy hardware on them (we wish we had enough time to make a false-drawer on the top right – maybe next time we’re in town…).

GrannyThree 5 Drawer Close Up

We mentioned that we wanted to bring in some meaningful art, so this is actually a picture of Granny and Papa when they were younger that we shared back in this post. We loved it so much that we got it printed as a 5 x 7 for our new purple frame from HomeGoods. Next to it, I also framed a scrap of extra fabric. Printed or patterned fabric behind glass = free art (and Granny can always switch it out for a picture if the mood strikes).

GrannyThree DETAIL Granny Papa Picture

This pretty silver tray was already Granny’s, just like the sweet green vase. She has so many awesome things around the house that it was fun getting to showcase some of them in the room reveal – especially since she really seemed to love seeing them in there among some new things like a basket of extra hand towels, the flowers, and the frames.

GrannyThree DETAIL Flowers

In such a tiny room, we really wanted it to feel cheerful, so while some folks might think it’s crazy to stack bold green and blue hardcover books on the back of the toilet, we really wanted to add color and use things Granny already had around.

GrannyThree 6 Sink Side

The funny thing is that the colorful books were probably her favorite part along with that meaningful little wooden flower that was made for her by her husband so many years ago. Aww.

GrannyThree DETAIL Toilet Tank

She even noticed the little things, like the small blue knob that we added to her medicine cabinet.

GrannyThree DETAIL Medicine Cabinet

And we can’t forget how rough things were looking when we arrived, so here’s a flash back to the sink area before… and after we worked a little magic.

update-an-old-sink-with-caulk

It was a really simple update. We just cut out that old caulk, re-caulked, and painted the wall behind it. Is caulk not the MVP of DIY, or what?

And here’s that shot of a few of the other more challenging issues in the room next to a final shot of the space. It’s amazing what a few days of work can do, huh?

GrannyThree BA Rusty Area

It was pretty darn satisfying to see our to-do list all crossed off:

  • Brainstorm colors & go shopping for accessories (Day 1)
  • Spackle/sand/caulk everything to prep the room for paint (Day 1)
  • Rebuild the cabinets a bit so they look more balanced (Day 1)
  • Prime and paint the cabinets for a more updated and open look (Day 1 & 2)
  • Paint the entire room, including the ceiling (Day 2)
  • Fix a few issues, like a rusted duct and an old dingy corner below the sink (Day 2)
  • Redo the floors, which were that old sheet laminate stuff (Day 2)
  • Revive some hardware/accessories with a fresh finish (Day 2)
  • Make & hang curtains to add some charm (Day 3)
  • Bring in some meaningful art (Day 3)
  • Add some functional/meaningful accessories to finish things off (Day 3)
  • Reveal the whole shebang for Granny (Day 3)

So that’s the story of jumping at the chance to redo Granny’s bathroom in three days and on a nice modest budget. Is it weird that we’re in love with this tiny room now? As in, we joked about bringing an air mattress in the next time we came to visit and sleeping in there. Yup, weird.

GrannyThree BA Full Room

Oh and we did happen to capture the big reveal on tape, but before we get to that, here’s a little budget breakdown for ya:

  • 2 quarts of paint, “Hint of Violet” in Benjmain Moore’s Aura in Satin (a gallon would have been too much/pricier, so we went for two quarts): $40
  • Zinsser’s Smart Prime & Benjamin Moore’s Advance Paint in Decorators White for the cabinet: $0 (already owned from this project)
  • 30 vinyl stick tiles from Home Depot: $30
  • 1 yard of fabric for curtains from U-fab: $15
  • Curtain rod and ring hooks from Target: $18
  • Wood for cabinet, new outlets, and outlet covers from Home Depot: $10
  • Valspar Indigo Stream spray paint from Lowe’s: $4
  • Trash can, towel bar, soap pump, frames, basket, and hand towels from HomeGoods: $45
  • Blue knob for medicine cabinet: $1.50
  • Flowers from Kroger: $6
  • Books, wood flower, green vase, toilet paper holder, tray, glass jar for cotton swabs: $0 (these were already Granny’s)
  • Spackle, caulk, paint supplies, hem tape: $0 (already owned, and carted with us so we had them on hand)
  • TOTAL: $169.50

Not bad for a new floor, upgraded cabinets, freshly painted walls, new curtains, fresh-looking hardware, and getting to say good riddance to rust and peeling caulk, right? But enough money chit-chat, let’s move on to something priceless. Here’s Granny’s awesome reaction:

The funniest part is that we didn’t coerce her to wear that sweater to match the room, she just happened to have it on! We loved that. And we loved that she loved the room even more.

GrannyThree REVEAL Granny Checking Out

We were so happy to get to do something so fun for one of the sweetest women on the planet.

Granny Three Reveal With Granny

Then we hopped back in the car, and drove home with smiles on our faces.

GrannyThree REVEAL Virginia Sign

What about you guys? Have you ever gotten an opportunity to help someone else with their space? Did they promise not to peek or were they in on the action with you? We actually loved that Granny gave us free reign and avoided that hallway so she wouldn’t see what was going on. And we’re so glad that she liked the result.

Comments

  1. Meg says

    What a great job and such a sweet thing to do for your Granny! I love how much y’all did with such little money. I also completely love that you used things Granny already had rather than all new and foreign objects to decorate the space; so many people want to go for all new everything and forget to put a bit of themselves into a room. Using things one already owns not only saves a little cash, but it also injects character into a space.

    Reply

  5. Melly says

    What a transformation! The room is so fresh and pretty now. Count me among those who got misty-eyed (I miss my own grandmother and mother so much!) and I wish I could give Granny a hug.

    Reply

  7. Anna-Lisa says

    I love posts where you work on other people’s spaces! While I enjoy seeing the whole process of your house coming together, it’s a fun change of pace to see a space that’s new to us, where you’re designing it for someone else’s style, and where we get to see the whole transformation over a few days. So, if you have any other family/friends who need rooms redone…

    P.S. Granny is so cute! I love her face in that picture!

    Reply

  9. kris says

    This post totally made me cry! You guys are really sweet and the bathroom looks beautiful. I hope she enjoys it for many more years.

    Reply

  10. Sara says

    First time non-giveaway comment: This is why I keep reading you guys. You are so sweet. This was a truly fantastic series. So glad you shared it. :)

    Reply

  11. Ally says

    For the big reveal, I see the Petersiks broke out their finest duds…$herdog in her turkey legs, and JBoom in his ice-cream shirt! :)

    And you go, Granny! That lovely lady is definitely bringing up the “Powder Room GPA” in her lovely ensemble! :)

    xox

    Reply

  12. Sarah says

    What a fantastic reaction from Granny! She’s obviously a very sweet gal, and well-loved by all. Such a darling little purple bathroom. This makes me miss my own Grandmother – she would have been over the moon for it as well!

    Reply

  14. Ariane says

    Well, that’s some nice work, guys ! And Granny’s reaction is the sweetest. I’m actually in the middle of a powder room revamp myself so as soon as I’m done, I’ll share a link. Take care !

    Reply

  15. Annie says

    Lovely! I didn’t cry like some of the other readers, but it certainly made me smile.

    I can’t imagine the patience your granny must have, I was frustrated that the reveal was spread over 3 days, let alone living in the house where it is going on over 3 days and not looking!

    I must be the only person (judging from other comments) that actually really likes the light fitting! Hehe

    You’ve inspired me to work on my bathroom, it needs it….but I guess the impending arrival of Baby Swift is going to have to come as a priority!

    X

    Reply

  19. Kalyn Mace-Guilloux says

    So precious! Love the reveal… and love even more how she reminds me of my own West Virginian grandmas and miss them (way to make me cry, guys).

    Seriously- now I want to go redo their bathrooms- good excuse for a visit! ;)

    Reply

  20. Stephanie says

    You Guys!! So lovely. I can’t think of anything sweeter than helping one’s grandparents with a household task like that. What a big difference it will make in her life. You all always tackle a task with a can-do spirit no matter the budget or other limitations and it is very inspiring!

    Reply

  22. Kim says

    Wow! Just wow! That powder room looks worlds better. And granny’s reaction was so fun to watch. Awesome job, John and Sherry! You’ve really inspired me and shown that updating a bathroom doesn’t have to take a lot of time or money.

    Reply

  24. Erin says

    Doesn’t it feel so good to do something like that for someone! Man! I am so happy for your granny – I had to watch the video a second time. :) What a great idea – you have inspired me.

    Reply

  26. Tanya says

    This post series and especially the last photo brought tears to my eyes! Such a sweet & meaningful make-over! Completely inspired and you guys did a fantastic job! I love, love, love it. Working old memories into a new space is the best method! :)

    Reply

  29. Renee says

    awwww…..that is so awesome! cute bathroom and even cuter Granny! :)

    have you guys ever thought of doing a monthly or bi-montly volunteer decorating thing like this for people in your area? with all your influence on the internet, i bet you could spark a lot of good samaritan activity in the world! just a thought :)

    Reply

  30. Tammy Dowden says

    I was crying watching her…it means so much to do something for your elders. They appreciate it so much. Having a 92 year old grandmother myself, I assure you Granny will be telling everyone what you did for her for months!! And let’s not forget the feeling you guys left with after making her so happy!!! There are no words, are there!!

    Beautiful, not just cosmetically, but emotionally as well.

    Love your blog & follow you guys everyday.

    Reply

  33. Kim W says

    This choked me up!! You two are so good at what you do!
    About four years ago I broke into my best friends apartment, invited four of our friends over and cleaned and decorated her apartment while she was at work. Before the big work day I schemed (broke in several times) and shopped every thrift store looking for updates and accessories. It was one of the best experiences of my life. Unfortunately I missed the reveal because I had to pick my kids up after school, but everyone that stayed said she was shaking and crying. I could work on my home for years and feel great, but nothing compares to how I felt that day!!! Keep it up you guys!!!!!!!

    Reply

  34. Crystal says

    Is it weird that the reveal made me cry? Probably. You all are so lucky to have her. You are so sweet to take the time to do things like that for her.

    Reply

  36. Wendy says

    Seeing how happy you made Granny has put a smile on my face. I can’t think of a better way to show someone how much you love them than through hard work, love, and thoughtful gestures such as this. Congratulations!

    Reply

  38. Teresa says

    That final picture is my favorite…you know, sometimes older people in our lives feel and make us believe that what they have is “good enough” because they fear they won’t be around long enough for changes to be “worth the trouble and expense.”. Hopefully your Granny will get to enjoy her beautiful new powder room for years to come, but if she only had that moment of joy at the reveal, your effort would be “worth it!”

    Reply

  39. Andrea says

    Not gonna lie — the first thing I did when I got to work this morning was check to see the “final result.” It looks fabulous. You guys are awesome!

    PS: the tulip was the first thing that grabbed my attention. I love that.

    Reply

  43. Ami says

    Looks awesome! I have to ask a question about the laminate floor. In the original before shots it looks like the sheet is peeling up a bit at the edges. I have this same issue in my 1950’s bathroom. How did you get the whole thing, including the new squares, to lay down flat?

    Ami

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      We just cut off anything that was curling up, which thankfully was just a few small triangles, so everything seemed to lay well once the peeling parts were cut off.

      xo
      s

  48. -alex says

    You made me cry, in a good way. I’m having a really bad week, so it was nice to have a positive, upbeat post to read and a video to watch. Keep on being your fabulous selves.

    Reply

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