You guys. You’re varsity. Once again, I was blown away by the 500+ awesome and fun ideas that you shared – along with some pretty amazing photoshop skillz – for Jamie’s design roadblock last week. There’s nothing like a group brainstorming session, and Jamie’s so excited about all of the options she has to explore (and has promised us after pics when she’s done). So let’s dive right into Meghan’s dilemma, because I can’t wait to hear your take.
Say hello to my little friend! Yes, I have a giant Scar Face bathtub. My husband and I bought our 1987 home a little over a year ago. We have been up to our eyeballs in projects but are making steady headway in making this house our home! But this is the one place where I still scratch head and walk out of the room more confused then when I walked in – and this is our master bathroom, so that happens a lot! Note: for anyone who wants to play around in photoshop, just click this image to enlarge it – and you can share your creation in the comments by linking to it on a free photo-sharing site like Flickr or Pinterest.
This bathtub is. huge. And my husband hates it, but it’s not in our budget to tear it out. Should I tile or beadboard the front? Put shelves or bookcases on the side? And what do you put inside said bookcases? I need something to mask it and make the space more functional. Thank you! – Meghan
Once again, I just started off staring at that before photo, trying to picture things and work out what could go where. Then I dragged it into photoshop to test out a few ideas. Here was my first thought:
I love the idea of some white bookshelves (I don’t think I’ve ever met a built-in I didn’t like) so I brought two of those in to flank the tub. They add some nice height and draw the eye to the pretty stained glass window in the middle. I also beefed up the trim around the window a bit, just for some nice balance. The backs of the bookcases could even get a soft blue-gray paint job (like Aqua Smoke by Behr) to pick up on the tones in the stained glass window, and the walls could be painted a light sand color (like Hazelnut Cream by Behr) to tie into the existing tub and floor color. As for those shelves, bathroom-y stuff like this could be nice:
- fluffy extra towels
- textured baskets
- glass containers (like these) filled with sea sponges, loofas, or something decorative like sea glass
- pretty bottles of bubble bath or bath salts/oils
- a stack of mags to read (I can never manage to keep reading material dry in the tub, but hopefully Meghan’s more coordinated)
- some candles to burn while bathing (or those flickering battery operated ones if she’s skeered of fire on a bookshelf)
- beachy keepsakes, like jars of sand/rocks/shells – or even labeled little vacation jars like these all lined up
Oh and I really liked Meghan’s mention of redoing the front of those steps with something white to cut all of that tan tub tone. I think three fun options she could go with are:
- white subway tile
- white beadboard (they make bathroom friendly beadboard that stands up to moisture)
- white horizontal planks (they also make bathroom-safe boards to avoid rot)
Meghan could just attach the sheets of beadboard or thin horizontal planks under the lip of each step with some adhesive that’s meant to hold up in a bathroom (gotta make sure it can weather steam and moisture). Or she could tile it if she’d rather have something shinier (I think white grout would be a good choice since anything too high contrast might look busy with the pattern/movement on the surface of the tub).
Next I tried for something a little more dramatic but still soothing: a dark green tone (like Mermaid Net by Behr) on the backs of those bookcases, light blue on the walls (like Country Mist by Behr) and a new color (a soft putty tone) on the surface of that step and the entire tub. Once again the stained glass window served as my color inspiration, so I worked from there, and I beefed up the white trim around it, just to make it feel nice and proportionate.
It’s not clear if the tub can be professionally reglazed, but getting an estimate from a local reglazing expert (we used one for our first house’s tub and loved the results) would determine if that material could undergo a color change, which is always a nice way to affordably update a tub that you can’t afford to replace. Oh and replacing the tub’s hardware with something in a brushed nickel, chrome, or oil-rubbed bronze finish would update things even if the tub ends up not being reglaze-able.
Lastly, I thought built-ins in that entire nook could be another way to go.
This photo feels a little busier, but it could just be my photoshop shortcomings. I also tried to give Meghan more ideas for what could live on those shelves since I had more space to play with (although the shelves along the back might need to be narrower, so candles and bubble bath could go there and deeper items like towels could end up on the shelves on the side). I think if she’s worried about anything feeling cluttered or busy, just keeping the items on the shelves in a soft neutral palette would work well.
Oh and a few other options that came to mind were that Meghan could…
- add glass doors to the bookcases for a glammy upscale feeling (this could be helpful if she doesn’t want items getting steamy, but less convenient if she wants easier access)
- paint the frame around the window the same deep charcoal color that’s in the stained glass (it could make that window even more of a focal point)
- hunt down some subtle gleaming tile (perhaps some small glass mosaic ones in a soft celery tone) and tile the entire back wall around the window with them for added interest
- find a tiny bathrobe to put on the cat, just so he’s feeling the luxury too
So those are a few thoughts I had about Meghan’s little friend. Can’t wait to read all of the other ideas you guys have for her – and of course to hear what she thinks!
Psst – Got a particularly tricky spot or a dilemma in a certain area of your house? Please submit at least three photos of the space along with a quick sketch of the floor plan and a short description about what has you stumped to [email protected].
djs says
Dollar friendly – Paint the walls or use a textured neutral wallpaper. Hang some simple art as to not compete with the window if you have to keep it. Paint the vertical planes (risers) of the tub steps,etc… off white. This can be done by de-glossing, using a very good primer and oil based paint.No need to tile or cover with bead board – easier and cheaper. Especially if you are tearing it out later. Use large rustic baskets for towels, spa goodies, etc…Floating shelves are a good idea for an inexpensive fix until the full on remodel. You can always ORB the fixtures too! Not really as bad as it seems.
Sandy says
As someone who lived with a dark colored tub for years, I would suggest going with a lighter color. Darker tubs are hard to clean, scratch easily, and show lot of water spots. So, if you do go for reglazing, keep that in mind!
Erin @ The Impatient Gardener says
This might take the cake for the most unhelpful answer of the day: Honestly, I wouldn’t spend one more penny on that thing. I would put every bit of money you save not improving it into a special fund and save, save, save. Stick it out for another year or whatever and then make it right. Because as amazing as those ideas that Sherry came up with are, it’s not like they are ever going to love it. John and Sherry have proved to me that incremental change can work great, but I just think that bathtub is too far gone for that.
Maggie S says
I guess it depends on how soon you think you can replace it. If you think it might be 1 year+ then I vote for taking it out-and waiting until you have the money to replace it. If you think it will be YEARS until you can get to it –then I would spend the money fixing it. Love the 1st option.
I like the idea of doing what you can to make things look nice (like Sherry & John) but if I do a partial fix it is very hard for me to get the rest of the job done–it is like I’ve checked it off in my mind.
LauraCinIndy says
I’d save and save and then rip it out. There’s no covering up that much 80’s. That’s a beast
Isabel says
Whoa! I think I would scratch my head and go crazy every day too! I would go with option 2 if it’s possible to reglaze the entire tub in a new color, although I really like the idea of tiling the back wall and using the same tile for the steps but also like the idea of painting the window frame in a deep charcoal to make it stand out. Maybe instead of tiling, paint the back wall a deep charcoal color that offsets the window (keeping the frame a light color) and use it for the back of the built-ins as well? I think any one or a combination of all Sherry’s and other readers’ suggestions would go a loooong way! Good luck Meghan!
sandi says
Don’t have photoshop, but it reminded me of this inspiration picture:
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/112941903124717475/
Some dark tones on the front and shelves could make it look a bit more sophisticated.
And I’d fill the shelves with decorative bottles of bubble bath and books to read during long soaks. Jealous.
YoungHouseLove says
Ooh that’s really pretty too! Love the ideas guys! Once again, I’m just beaming at the computer. Can’t wait to see what Meghan goes with!
xo
s
Naomi says
Reglaze the horizontal surfaces, Air Stone the verticals, built-ins as mentioned, updated fixtures!
That tub is huge. I wonder if the original owners were swingers?
Taya says
I really like the built ins on either side and the reglazing idea. I think that will give you the most change and bang for your buck! Rust oleum also sells reglazing kits that are self leveling that you could look into, but be aware that the reviews I’ve read say the area needs to be well ventilated. Good luck, Meghan!
Amanda B. says
Can I just say I love this new feature at YHL? The conversation and ideas for tough spaces is so fun!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Amanda! I love it so much it’s unhealthy. I’m just sitting here grinning at the computer. Many minds on the same dilemma are so much greater- and so much fun to read!
xo
s
Meghan says
OMG my heart skipped a beat when I saw the title, thinking you chose my submission for your post. But alas, it was another Meghan!
Anyway, I’d rip out that first step, add board and batten, and then built ins on either side of the tub like your first picture!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, I’d love to tackle every last dilemma that lands in our inbox, so we’re going to keep chipping away at them! Hope to get to your sometime Meghan!
xo
s
Julia Kent @ The Domestic Blonde says
HUGE fan of option #2 Sherry! If you can re-glaze that tub, definitely do it. I would spend a crazy amount of time in there!
Melissa says
I love option 4 (the last one). When I get to the point where I am ready for ideas, I want to send in a photo of my living room. It is bad! We need a new coach/loveseat (puppy got to it), new paint color, curtains, etc. I do not like this room at all!
karla says
It doesn’t look like there is room along the back wall for shelves. it looks like the backsplash to the tub is right under the window.
I like Sherry’s first rendering, but I’d replace the stained glass window with something more current. you could find or make something that would look less 1987. How crafty are you? Tiffany style stain glass is not hard, just a little time consuming. I took lessons years ago. it was fun, plus it cured me from being afraid of broken glass. :)
YoungHouseLove says
I think any shelves along that back wall would definitely have to be shallower, but maybe just bubble bath and candles could work back there? I love that you’re a DIY stained glass expert. That’s awesome (and I’m totally afraid of broken glass) so… you’re my hero!
xo
s
Laura M. says
if they don’t use/want the tub for now (which it sounds like they don’t) could they remove the hardware, plug all the holes and cover over the top of the entire tub with some plywood, MDF, beadboard etc painted to match the color scheme and use that area as a place to store baskets with fluffy towels etc (in addition to the built in shelves– love the built ins). That would completely disguise the tub. And if it was REALLY temporary, ie. not nailed down, they could even use the tub part for extra storage– ie. extra toilet paper, paper towel rolls etc. Not sure how any of that would hold up to moisture though…
Osh says
I say wait and save the money to rip it out. In that space you could not only fit a nice sized tub, but probably a nice sized walk in shower too.
DKL says
I wouldn’t put more money after bad, that is one ugly, space consuming tub, but I would start a “demo the tub” fund! That being said, if you can remove that first “trip” step, it would help a lot in the meantime. You must bust your shins a lot.
Marla says
We went with Rust-oleum’s Tub & Tile Kit. It was quite easy to use. We masked the jets and the wall around and did two roll on coats. Each coat took about 30 minutes to apply. The major negative is that it stinks something crazy for about a week. Great money saving temporary solution. Finish dries with no paint strokes. Doesn’t look like a new tub, but pretty darn good for $100.
YoungHouseLove says
It’s so good to hear that people have had luck with these kits! A few years ago we heard that at-home kits were terrible, so it sounds like they’ve really improved! Thanks again to everyone for sharing your experiences and suggestions!
xo
s
Kayli Schattner says
These are all great ideas!! I’m loving the second one…wonder how much it would be to reglaze!
YoungHouseLove says
Some folks have commented that it would be a few hundred dollars for a pro but others have said they now sell DIY kits at Home Depot (I think Rustoleum?) that do a good job (it’s so interesting to hear from folks who have tried it and had success, since a few years ago the consensus seemed to be that the kits were terrible and the only option was to use a pro). Times they are a-changin!
xo
s
Melinda says
I *so* want to upstage this post with a picture of my 70s Swinger’s Tub… hahah
PS: I love the Scar Face Tub reference. LOL
Sara says
I like the ideas, but I would rather see the whole thing go later when the budget allows. If you do do some of these short term fixes, I would reglaze the tub, remove the first step, tile the risers, and PLEASE DEAR GOD get rid of that stained glass window. If you can’t rip it out, I would just buy a similar sized framed mirror and hang it right in front of that OOOGLY window. Something like this one: http://www.wayfair.com/Aspire-Window-Wall-Mirror-74397-L41-K~EHQ2387.html?refid=GX21919139700-EHQ2387&device=c&ptid=33262909140&gclid=CKL6tIzP37oCFQpnOgodtUEAXg or
http://www.target.com/p/threshold-arched-windowpane-mirror/-/A-14137993?ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001&AFID=Google_PLA_df&LNM=|14137993&CPNG=Home+Decor&kpid=14137993&LID=PA&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=14137993&gclid=CLX726jP37oCFag7OgodbmEAFQ
Lil says
A mirror! Brilliant! That window must go.
EngineerMom says
Earlier in the comments, the submitter said the window had personal meaning to her and her husband (the state flower of the state where they met).
Sara Richins says
Maybe it’s just me, but despite the out-of-dateness of the tub, it looks like a great tub! I personally would not spend a lot of time or money to do anything to it, especially since I consider the luxury of a bath something that would be accompanied by closing my eyes. Instead of builtins, I’d just find a moisture resistent shelf to hold bubble bath, etc. and put a plant on the other side. Maybe a couple hooks to hange a robe or towel can also fill the space as well as add soft, sound-soaking elements to keep the reverb of the room from sounding too spacious and therefore less cozy. Some paint could tone down the browness of the room. But (even as a thirty year old) I believe in the old adage, “Use it up, wear it out, make do or do without.”
Bridge13 says
I agree with you 100%.
Jen says
How about one of those wall mounted floating fireplaces worked in somehow? Something like this: http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Teva-Arch-Top-Wall-Mount-Fireplace/2682306/product.html?searchidx=0
Jill says
The problem with a tub (or anything with a drain), is that you need to always be able to access the drain. If you never use the fixture, the trap dries out and you will get sewer gases in the house. So don’t totally cover over the tub.
I personally would rip the whole thing out (demo is the easiest DIY project, IMHO). I don’t think a plumber would cost much to cap off the supply and drain lines, or you could do it yourself if you feel comfortable. (google Sharkbite and Fernco). Then I would live with the rough-in until there was $$ to fix up the space. Just my 2cts!
heather says
I like the designs Sherry came up with, but felt like they were missing an accessory or two.
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e349/dncektn/YHL_Meghan_zps49b282ea.png
YoungHouseLove says
Bahahahah! This better be a tradition now Heather. Two weeks in a row I have snort laughed so loudly that John asked if I was ok.
xo
s
GreenInOC says
I love the cat in the pajamas – the cat’s pajamas eh?!
heather says
It all started so innocently because I had no idea how to fix last weeks, but now it is probably a thing. Even if I have a good idea, you might find Shaq tucked in somewhere.
And yes, the cat is in a horribly photoshopped bathrobe.
Meghan J says
Oh my goodness! I am just overcome with all the wonderful suggestions. We have two wonderful daughters and they see this tub as the greatest thing ever because it is soooooo big. Indoor mini pool? (check!) My husband works very long hours and would have little time during the week to commit to working on a reno of this size. So as it stands right now, we gots to make due with what we gots. Plus, it matches our shower stall. The ceiling is very high and we did hang a chandelier that I bought on clearance at Lowe’s for $53. I told strangers in the street about it for 3 months I was so happy! The stain glass is staying, the dogwoods have special meaning for our family and honestly I screamed “IT’S A SIGN TO BUY THIS HOUSE!!!” when I saw it. :) Love, love, love the idea of a rug, totally putting it on my Christmas list. My husband is rather handy in the wood working department and I will have to talk in great detail tonight with him about making some built in. He is very annoyed that he cannot pull up the blog at work and keeps texting me to ask what everyone is saying. Thanks!!!!
PS~ Shaq in the bathtub gave me the giggles and I will find a bathrobe for the cat.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw I love that Meghan! So good to hear more from you about your sweet home :)
xo
s
GreenInOC says
I like your first idea Sherry!
Although I would find a piece of glass art to cover up the window. Something with a quatrefoil mirror but with an opaque window film on it (unless they like the mirror in the bathtub – hey!!). Something like this (the even outer shape but with the design inside:
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6RuB-MyU_O4/SQqw8YQPCiI/AAAAAAAADNA/gRqlZqPOULM/s400/pottery+barn+clover+quatrefoil+mirror+black+wood+frame.jpg
I would also have an electrician put in water safe outlets in those built-ins so that a TV could go on either side. Meghan’s husband might become a big fan if he could relax in the tub while watching ESPN?!!
Perhaps a wall mounted towel warmer worked in somewhere.
Marianne says
So sorry to say it but my biggest problem with the photo is the stained glass. Could you cover it with a solid shade and then do the builtins. Then the bath would almost look like flooring and the walls would be white. Apologies to the artists of the world!
Melanie says
First of all, I love that you guys are doing this. It’s so fun to stretch my design muscles while I’m sitting at my boring job. Now on to my suggestion…
I think the built-ins look awesome, and who doesn’t need more storage? I think your best bet would be to paint the space a bold color. There’s nothing like loud walls to quiet another eyesore. I’m thinking a really great jungly/huntery green. It would take the focus off the tub and onto that gorgeous (and meaningful!) window. You could either go whole-hog and paint all the walls and built-ins, or if you don’t feel comfortable with that much color you could just paint the backs of the shelves. Good luck! Can’t wait to see what you decide!
Melanie says
Ohh, and some pretty sconces on either side of the window would look really chic. Espescially combined with your black cat :)
Lauren says
hmm… this is a toughy! I am liking Sherry’s rendering with all the shelves on the side and back. Though I wonder how much space that would take up? Maybe just floating shelves?
Oh… I got it. A TV!!! Put in a flat screen TV! :) And maybe a shelf for wine bottles and a shelf for all different types of bubble baths. :) Hehe :) That’s what I would do. :)
Kimberly says
I say take the tub out – as the saying goes “lipstick on a pig” I don’t think shelves or any kind of “for now” cover ups would help. Either live with it until you can afford a new tub or like previously said, remove it and have nothing until you can afford to buy a new tub.
Another idea would be to update the entire bathroom to what you really love and just leave the elephant in the room, it would be obvious that it doesn’t match but oh well – Rome wasn’t built in a day!
JenP says
This is just me personally, but the only way I would keep that tub is if it could be glazed white. If not, then I think I’d rip it out and save up for a claw foot tub or come up with another use for the space altogether. I just think the faux marble is too dated to slap a band-aid on.
Shari says
Adding shelving on the ends would go a long way toward updating this space. I also like the idea of minimizing all the marble but instead of tile or real beadboard on the vertical surfaces, I would opt for using the paintable beadboard wallpaper. That stuff is awesome. It would be a much easier and economical short-term solution and it should stick great to that nice smooth marble surface.
Lil says
Sherry, You’ve outdone yourself. My first thought was “yikes!” followed by “lose the window”…which is a priority…even after reading your suggestions (which I really liked btw). Surely replacing that window wouldn’t be that expensive and would move into “phase 2”.
Good luck!
Mikki Madden says
I love the built in idea. It might be nice to install a fireplace on one side too. There are some great wall options with gas that are rated for bathrooms, or even using a faux fire place for many candles. Neither have to be vented. In fact many come with a gel like substance that just lights with a lighter and it looks like stones are burning. The options out there are endless. Go for the glam/romantics fell is my thinking! I would put the shelves all around, or if you did just one side, use breadboard around the window. The tub should really look like a whole built in piece.
Laura says
I really like the idea of enclosing the tub with built-ins of some sort. I have had these two images pinned for ages-
I like this one because the built in has some closed storage
http://www.houzz.com/photos/43680/Lafayette-Residence-Two-traditional-bathroom-san-diego
I am just personally not that organized to keep it all neat,
and I love that this one is closed in but still has the cutout with the glass shelf, it’s so airy, I love it.
http://www.onelifeescapes.co.uk/theofficershouse5-2.php
Sarah says
If you didn’t want to spend $$$ to build in shelves, you can always plunk down something like this on either side to make it truly temporary…
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80173068/
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20135300/
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S49931798/
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20159107/
Depending on the sizes of course. If you went with the second one, they have drawers/doors to hide some stuff away too. You can reuse any of them down the road for storage elsewhere! Good luck! :)
Mary says
Paint the walls dark green and fill the tub and decks with big potted plants. Play Jimmie Buffet music. Save your pennies for the day of destruction. :-)
Stahli says
I really like the idea of the shelves but was thinking…
Would it be deep enough to put cabinets (w/doors) facing out and then doing the shelves? Basically putting the shelves in front of the cabinet. The cabinet could be a great space to store some bigger bathroom items. If there isn’t room for both maybe do shelves on one end and a cabinet on the other with a TV hung up on that end.
YoungHouseLove says
That’s another fun idea and it could be very budget friendly if they’re from the ReStore!
xo
s
Sassy Apple says
I wish I had some mad photo shop skills,or even photo shop would be a start :) Use your imagination…
1. I’m with the minority, I love the idea of a soaker tub, so I would invest in having it reglazed white. Note: don’t know what your family situation is, but children LOVE to ‘swim’ in a soaker tub.
2. I would choose a darker color paint for the walls to really showcase your stained glass window, which has special meaning (maybe something to pick up that grayish border in the glass?)
3. I would add some plants to the surround: Boston ferns, bamboo?
4. I really liked the platter of candles idea mentioned above on the surround.
5. If I did built ins, I would definitely do baskets or even doors on some of the nooks to put necessary but unattractive items.
Can’t wait to see the results!
Jayme says
I am loving the tub although, Photoshop rendering #1 is my favorite, paint some of it white to tone it down a bit but don’t cover the entire thing in white, it’s gorgeous!! As for built-ins, i think on just the two sides is perfect, makes it look luxurious without too many shelves going on, just more trinkets to dust! :) I vote Photoshop pic #1
Jennifer says
I’m with all the others – save up and tear it out. While Sherry’s suggestions are all great, at the end of the day, they would add up quickly and are simply putting lipstick on a pig. The bookshelves or lumber and any treatment for the steps and paint are going to be at least approaching $200. Reglazing a tub of that size would have to be at least a couple hundred, if not more, depending on your area. The towels and accessories (while cute, to be sure), is another $100 easily unless you have it all already. New faucet – $50 at least. You get the drift. It’s going to add up. You can do the demo yourself for just the cost of a bag removal service like Sherry & John used. A few sheets of drywall, redoing the floor (pick something “stage 1” to tide you over) and a new tub/plumbing would be the expenses to tear it out. As long as you don’t get “add-on-itis” where you end up doing the whole bathroom, a tub tear out should not be exponentially more than the “quick fix” or “stage 1” re-do that you and Sherry have thought of. Do the “stage 2” level re-do, hold off on the rest of the bath, and then at least the tub will be ready when you get to the “forever” re-do stage.
YoungHouseLove says
Meghan dropped in with her reasoning for not wanting to demo the tub in earlier comments. Of course that decision is different for everyone, but she’s firm on wanting to work with the tub. Hope it helps!
xo
s
rachel laree says
More shelves equal more dust in my house! I like option 1 the best!
Meg says
“Meghan’s little friend!” hahah. This is why I read your blog.
Megan CC says
I have a very similar bathroom situation! Must be a Megan issue. :) We do not use our tub either and have talked about tearing it out to make a giant closet. My only concern is if it would that take away from the value of the home to remove the master tub? We have tubs in both of our other bathrooms, so it’s not like we’d be tearing out the only one, but just not sure. Anyone know?
YoungHouseLove says
Great question! Anyone know?
xo
s
Deena says
I think that depends on the trends in your area. In our area, most homes have a separate shower and tub in the master bath and a master bathroom without both would be considered a “fixer upper.” If you have a friend that’s a realtor, they could probably tell you over the phone if that’s a must for your area.
Sara says
I think it really depends on the type of people who live in your neighborhood and will likely want to be purchasing your home. If you live in a young neighborhood with good schools, expect families to be interested in homes with bathtubs. If there are two other bathtubs, this may not be an issue for them at all. I personally never use my bathtub for myself so I wouldn’t miss it, but I wouldn’t buy a house with NO bathtub since I have 2 kids. Our neighbors renovated their home a few years ago and got rid of the 1 bathtub in the house and replaced with a fancy shower. Now they are moving out to the suburbs and are having a hard time selling the house bc our neighborhood caters to families with young kids and there’s no tub.
Veronica says
The best person to ask would be a realtor in your area. I would call 2 or 3 and bring them into the space and talk about tub value vs closet value.
Gina (Lady Goats) says
I agree with above, that it depends on your area. In my area (Chandler, AZ) you would get the equivalent amount on an extra closet that you would on a master tub. That’s definitely a quick question a realtor in your area could answer, though! Just facebook and ask if anyone knows anyone.
Brittany M says
I love option #1 with #2 coming in a close second (depends on the color scheme you’re going for). I think adding built-in’s all the way around like option #3 there’d be a lot of shelves to fill and clean. Plus the fact that it looks a little overwhelming (just as big as the bathtub itself).
Once it’s renovated I think it’s actually a really nice feature…..hey, at least it’s not that awful 60’s green.
<3 Brittany
Anderea says
Is it a real stained glass window or is it a decal? If it’s a decal, she could take a page from BowerPower’s book:
http://www.bowerpowerblog.com/2011/11/pinterest-challenge-project-antiqued-window/
I love the first idea you came up with – especially beefing up the molding around the window and tub.
YoungHouseLove says
Meghan dropped by in the comments to confirm its real and it has a lot of meaning to them (it’s a Virginia dogwood and they met in VA, so even though they’ve moved it reminds them of where they met).
xo
s
Anderea says
Makes total sense. I always love subtle sentimental statements. :)
Brittney Everett says
I would totally get one of those wall fireplaces and build a mantle around it.
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/48484133458901198/
or
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/48484133458018711/
or I would build it up with stones: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/48484133460230642/
Or if you do the shelves, go crazy with Lanterns: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/48484133458159986/
HeatherM says
First, the walls. I would do either floating shelves from Ikea (they are the sturdiest we have found), or do bookcases/shelving with glass doors. If you did the latter, you could even put a few lights in the bookshelves to make it more relaxing. You could put decorative baskets on the shelves or in the cabinets to store spare towels, linens, sundries, reading material- perhaps even a very small wine rack with a few bottles of wine and wine glasses. For the window, if you love it, leave it, but if you don’t I would put a decorative fabric shade up (ie homemade roman shade- see Pinterest). For the tub itself, I know there are a lot of concerns above about tiling/ deglazing/ etc. I would definitely replace the faucet to something darker. And then what about building a narrow “bench” around the front of it, with beadboard sides/ front? This part could be done for maybe $100 – $150, Ikea floating shelves would be about $100-$150, and a faucet would be about $50 max. So if you’re looking for a simple “phase 1” reno, that would come in at $250-350 plus the cost of accessories (depending on what you already have for baskets/ towels/ etc).
P.S.- Sherry, it seems a lot of these design dilemmas are looking for “phase 1” ideas. We see so many design shows and Pinterest images on how to overhaul an entire room- but not much on how to do an effective phase 1 improvement. I know you guys have touched on that some, but maybe you could do some posts elaborating on that, especially on how you decide what goes into phase 1 vs 2, how you decide where a project should end when home projects can be so very “if you give a mouse a cookie.” You guys are the only ones around really talking about phase 1 vs 2 improvements these days, so expound upon that!
YoungHouseLove says
Thats a great idea! We recently did a post called “Are Phase One Updates Just A Waste Of Money” so that’s there for folks who would like more info on that. We definitely can elaborate on how we draw the line on Phase 1 and Phase 2 as we go (ex: we found ourselves touching on it again in last week’s kitchen post, and are sure it’ll come up more as we go). I think you’re right about many dilemmas being about what people can do to work with what they have, probably because “just gut it” is a clear-cut way to solve most issues (and most people can pick new materials during a gut job so they might not be as stuck) but the challenge really seems to be trying to work with something you have while making it more functional and less of an eyesore if gutting it isn’t in the cards.
xo
s
Nichole K says
If the faux-marble is actually acrylic, you might be able to paint the vertical surfaces with paint made for plastics to lighten everything up. Spray paint?
I love the idea of removing the step too. Even if there’s nothing behind it, the whole front would be easy to cover up with bathroom-safe beadboard.
Although if the tile doesn’t continue under the step, you’re opening up a can of worms :(.
Can’t wait to see what you do, Meghan!
SLT says
Keep it simple…that can look updated too!
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/2814818490766363/