Who’s ready for the big bathroom reveal?
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):
- prep/planning (brainstorming, picking a color palette, going shopping, priming, sanding, spackling)
- bigger upgrades (painting walls, refinishing or painting cabinets, laying new flooring, etc)
- 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).
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.
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).
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.
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).
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.
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…).
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).
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.
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.
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.
She even noticed the little things, like the small blue knob that we added to her 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.
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?
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.
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.
We were so happy to get to do something so fun for one of the sweetest women on the planet.
Then we hopped back in the car, and drove home with smiles on our faces.
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.
Nicole says
So sweet! She is adorable.
Laura says
It’s probably too late now, but I’d love to see an after pic that shows the transition from the carpeted room/hallway/whatever into the bathroom. The floors weren’t making a lot of sense to me at first, maybe because of how dark they look (as you said) but there was one shot on day 2 I think that showed it next to the carpet and it totally made the transition into the bathroom nice and smooth. Was that a factor in your flooring color choice?
YoungHouseLove says
Yes, that’s actually why we chose that color tile. We knew her carpet was a warm tan color so we thought it would make the space feel more seamless if we continued that tone into the half bath. Sorry we can’t snap a picture for you now!
-John
Kate says
I’m sure your granny hears this all the time, but she does NOT look like she’s 90 at all! Amazing :) Is she your only living grandparent between the two of you? I’m the same age as you both, and am always so amazed that people my age still have grandparents living. What a blessing!
YoungHouseLove says
Sherry’s paternal grandmother Vicki is still doing great (she’s hilarious!) so we feel very blessed to have two great-grandmothers for Clara to enjoy!
-John
nikki says
This just warmed my heart! You guys should consider starting a series/bi-monthly spot on making over the spaces for people in need (ie, single moms, people that have lost a spouse or loved one, people’s lives affected by tragedy, etc). You all rock!
YoungHouseLove says
That would be pretty cool!
-John
laura says
this is one of my most favorite posts you’ve ever done…it also makes me miss my own granny. bravo, yhl!
Tonya says
I loved this series of posts!!!!! I loved the tulip, too. Years ago, my dad got on a wood crafting kick too. He made a bunch of those tulips. We lost him waaaay too early to cancer nearly five years ago, and my tulips? Will always have a place of honor in my home.
MichelleR says
I love it! It looks so fresh and clean.
Ashley @ Any Lovely Thing says
Oh, I teared up at the reveal! Sweet Granny is so happy with her new room. You guys did a wonderful job. What a beautiful little half-bath :)
xo,
Ashley
Bree says
LOVE the room, but I
LOOOOOOOVE the last picture with all my heart.
…like it made me tear up. <3
Erika says
Granny is adorbs! Love the makeover…you guys rock!
Andrea Ferree says
That made me all teary eyed! So friggin adorable. You guys were so sweet to do that for Granny. Obviously you had other things you could have done that weekend but you chose to help her instead. Love it. Love you guys!
Erin says
She is so sweet! I just want to hug her! I love that you guys did a room for Granny that didn’t look granny-ish. It matches her style for sure… If her outfit wasn’t evidence I don’t know what is! Great job!
Sarah says
So cute! What a great quickie makeover. And I’m joining the “I love your Granny” fan club. She reminds me of my own 90-year old Grandma Billie. :)
Sarah H says
Can I just say that I LOVED THIS POST!!!! Your Granny is so sweet :) You guys are lucky to have her!
Susan says
What a fantastic makeover! And Granny is in amazing shape for 90 and stylish too!
On a different topic, I got my new HGTV Magazine in the mail yesterday and you guys are mentioned for your Thanksgiving jar where you write down things you are thankful for. Wanted to mention it in case you haven’t seen it.
Also, I happened to see this on Crate and Barrel’s website:
http://www.crateandbarrel.com/x-base-bench-vanity-stool/s337580ed
They are selling X-base stools just like the ones you made for the foot of your bed for $349 each!!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks! Our just arrived this week too and we were so flattered to be on its pages!
-John
Steph says
I have no idea why, but I can’t look at that picture of Granny smiling after the reveal without tearing up, she’s just so cute! This was so nice for you guys to do and I’m sure Granny deserved it!
My own Grandma passed away just last week, so it makes me happy to see well appreciated Grandmas :)
YoungHouseLove says
Awww, so sorry to hear it Steph!
-John
Susan says
I’m stunned. The only thing that comes to mind is….”and the greatest of these is love”. God bless.
Lesley says
How sweet is that! Way to go, guys!
Erin {Home Everyday} says
You youngsters are seriously the sweetest people! It turned out amazing!
Tassi says
That video of the reveal is so cute. That looks fantastic.
christa says
Oh my.. great post! Love, love the results. It’s absolutely beautiful. So clean and fresh. I’m waiting for the bebe to wake up so I can watch the video.. can’t wait to see Granny’s reaction! What a fun thing for you guys to do for her!!
Quick question.. sorry if you already said something about it. Did you add a tp holder somewhere or just reuse the stand? Silly question, I know.. but curious because we have a stand and I really don’t care for it. Been mulling around the idea of adding hardware to our vanity, but not sure if I can bring myself to drill holes in it yet.
Lola says
That is so sweet and just warmed my heart.
Lisha @ 1house1couple says
so cute! And I mean the bathroom AND Granny :)
~Lisha
Erika says
Wow – the bathroom looks great! So glad Granny liked it, and how sweet of you to do that for her.
Aida says
Hey Sherry, just wondering where you placed the capiz bottle shown along with folded fabric. Do you plan on returning it back to target? I thought the ear bud bottle was the one but on squinting real hard I realized its not. Just checking because I thought the bottle with that capiz top was real pretty.
YoungHouseLove says
That was from HomeGoods so we did return it. Granny had something similar (a little glass q-tip holder) so we loved using that.
xo
s
christa says
oh shoot, just saw it in the video…sorry. looks like you tied it in with a coat of paint! :)
YoungHouseLove says
We debated replacing it with a wall-mounted version (and even came armed with a polished chrome version to replace it with) but in the end thought it was so charming in indigo that we used her original stand.
-John
Gina says
At least your marker was purple!
Gorgeous makeover, you should have a show!….. & come re-do our house :)
Chelsea @ Riding Escalators says
So so SO cute! Love her reaction! You guys sure made her happy! :)
Fantastic job, as always!
michele double you says
Call me a goober, but that made me cry. In a good way, of course.
Jillian {Her Split Ends} says
Ok…so i totally teared up watching that video. What a sweet granny and such a wonderful gift that you guys did for her! Just sweet and lovely and wonderful all around {i love her!}
Cheers
~ Jillian
http://www.hersplitends.com
Jocelyn Pascall says
Looks fab!!! Nice work.
Karen F says
Just wanted to add to the chorus about how great the powder room turned out and how sweet you guys are! This series was pure, classic YHL at it’s finest – DIY, and inexpensive (and pretty) decorating with a sentimental touch! Great job, and I’m so glad Granny enjoyed it! I’m sure she will think of you every time she sees that room!
Kristina says
The picture of John, Sherry, and Granny melted my heart! She is adorable! You guys did a beautiful job on the bathroom and I love all of the personal touches!
Cassie says
Looks awesome, and that was so sweet of you two!
I just watched the video where Clara feeds the giraffe… and my daughter has the same jammies except they’re long sleeve! Funny!
YoungHouseLove says
So funny!
xo
s
Lanie says
That is really the sweetest thing ever. :) You guys are fab!
Erica says
Love everything about this, from the violet color on the walls, to the little blue knob, to the sweet keepsakes. Beautiful! We completely surprised my mother-in-law once with a much needed update to their den while she was on a trip, and I am kicking myself for not taking before and afters or video of her reaction. She cried. I think we were a little tired because we had bitten off a bit more than we could chew and our 2 day project was really more like 6.
Jessibee says
It looks so pretty! What a difference three days makes…I especially love the curtains and having them on the dark rod with the hooks really updates the look. Such a nice, fun, happy makeover for your Granny!
Susan says
You guys were soooo sweet to do that for your granny. It meant so much to her and she will think of you with love whenever she sees it.
Erika says
Oh man, like everyone else said, that totally made me cry! So sweet. Thanks for sharing such an uplifting project and glimpse of your family :)
Candice says
Goodness gracious, did anyone else boo-hoo at the reveal? Perhaps it just made me miss my grandmothers, but I was not expecting that kind of a reaction. So sweet! Thank you for sharing her with us for a bit.
Melissa H says
Yep crying at coffee shop thanks to this post! I love sweet, happy grannies.
Arli says
The makeover is incredible, but Granny’s reaction and joy are priceless.
Emily V. says
Your Grandma is adorable! Bathroom looks awesome! Love it!
Annie says
Question: do you ever get picked on for writing lowercase a’s like a font?
I write mine that way and it causes quite the ruckus. Why? Who knows.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, I don’t think we do. Do we? Not that we’ve noticed? Haha!
xo
s
lauren m says
LOVE this! so gorgeous, so sweet! makes me wish my Mamaw was still around to spruce up a piece of her home. if i wasn’t a fan of y’all before, i am now. [but i was before :)]
Christina says
Love it!
Jamie says
oh she is so sweet. That video made me cry. you guys did a wonderful thing. it looks amazing!
Janice says
I enjoyed this so much. I needed this reminder this week that there is still good people in this old world like you and your husband. Your parents and grandmother should be very proud. I love the curtains. And if I ever get to Va. would love to visit Ufab to get some fabric to make our home new curtains.
Liz R. says
I’m going to do a mini makeover for my mom’s bathroom and I suggested to her that we paint her bathroom vanity white but she likes the dark wood color that she has going on now. The vanity is pretty old and the wood needs some sprucing up. I’m planning on changing the existing hardware, but what can i do to spruce up the wood? Would appreciate your help!
YoungHouseLove says
Maybe try shining the wood and changing the hardware and just putting pretty things on top of it? Hope it helps!
xo
s
Kirsti says
Oh boy… Did I just cry watching her reaction? Yes I did! She is just the cutest thing ever!