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].
Lynn W says
I took away the lower step. It will open up the room, and I just feel like steps help with the dated feel. I also added the shelves on the sides. I left the stained glass since Meghan said it had sentimental meaning to them. The cat got moved up a level. I think large rectangular tiles for the vertical surfaces would look better, in whatever color goes with the tub and other room colors.
http://www.sapphireskydesign.com/images/meghanstub.jpg
YoungHouseLove says
Love that! I hope the floor continues under the step, so just popping it out and tiling around the edge is an easy fix! That looks really good!
xo
s
Ruth says
Man there are a lot of not-stained-glass fans around here. Love the stained glass. Also there might be other comments earlier but I note Meghan’s husband can’t do the work – but Meghan how about hitting this demo out of the park yourself and tackling the project yourself?
Pia says
I think the tub looks alone and in need of company. I would just dress the place. Have a long shelf over the window with a lot of plants and a gold Buddha head. Palmtrees on the side of it and a massive huge chandelier hanging from the ceiling. And nice white towles. That would be easy and no building work required only shopping…..
robin says
I love the towel warmer idea. Those are heavenly!
Doria says
Soooo… I am kind of a newbie to this blog (been following a couple weeks) and totally obsessed. I love these brainstorming sessions and how everyone contributes..what a network!
As far as that tub – definitely look into reglazing, although I don’t think I’d want to DIY that, I too have heard not so good things about the kits. My mother had her tub reglazed by a local professional with EXCELLENT results (the original tub was that lovely mustard yellow). And it only ran her a few hundred $$. Good luck!
Ana Silva says
Welcome Doria. Just so you know you will be hooked on this blog ;) I am since day one when I Goggled something and their blog came up. Been reading ever since and that was years ago.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, thanks guys!
xo
s
Beth Ann says
Here is my two cents (ideas), create a more spa-like retreat.
– I would not do 2 or 3 walls of shelves, I would probably just do 1, because ultimately you want the tub and the idea of what a soaking tub is (relaxing) to be the main feature not walls of stuff.
– reface the fronts/sides of the tub with the airstone or some sort of tile. http://lovelycraftyhome.com/2013/01/28/update-your-boring-builder-bathtub-with-airstone/
– paint the wall colors a complementary color, maybe a soft/ light brown/tan ( collingwood from Benjerman Moore is a pretty color, but not sure it would complement the color of the tub)
– a few wicker baskets of varying sizes (heights and shape), a smaller one with white wash clothes and hand towels and a larger one with rolled up white towels. Somewhere I read that you have kids so maybe a basket to hide the bath toys. I really like this chevron one: http://www.target.com/p/nate-berkus-chevron-pattern-storage-basket-14/-/A-14555657#prodSlot=medium_1_15&term=baskets (or these guys have a tutorial on painting a basket :)) or this: http://www.target.com/p/threshold-alicia-round-storage-basket/-/A-14104461?reco=Rec|pdp|14104461|ClickCP|item_page.vertical_1&lnk=Rec|pdp|ClickCP|item_page.vertical_1 or this: http://www.target.com/p/threshold-bath-storage-basket-espresso-medium/-/A-14322275#prodSlot=medium_1_38&term=baskets
– a chandelier centered over the tub, like this one: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20089464/
– a tub pillow, similar to this: http://www.jcpenney.com/hotel-spa-mold-to-shape-bath-pillow/prod.jump?ppId=pp5001890207&selectedSKUId=74413250018&selectedLotId=7441325&ppId=pp5001890207&fromBag=true&cm_mmc=ShoppingFeed-_-GooglePLA-_-Bath%20Pillows-_-74413250018&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=74413250018
– White candles (5-7) to create a ‘spa’ feel. using glass candle holders, maybe a candle in an apothecary jar?
– a Jar of bath salts http://www.target.com/p/anchor-hocking-glass-jar-set-of-2-1-2-gallon/-/A-12705098/#?ref=tgt_soc_0000018899
– small magazine rack to hold a couple of magazines or books (or if you do a shelf stack a few books/magazines in there)
– to add a little color, a pot with plants or succulents, Dana has a lot of fun ideas: http://housetweaking.com/?s=plants
Best of luck. Looking forward to pictures!
Brooke @ Putter Home says
Pic #3 is perfect, and I might consider hanging a curtain or something over that window. Unless you’re into giant flowers in your bathroom. I assume it’s stained glass and not one of those vinyl inserts. That’s a pretty awesome space afterward! I could totally see myself soaking there, reading a magazine, glass of wine nearby with some candles going and maybe some spa music coming from a neat iPod speaker sitting on the shelf. Ahhhhh…
If you can’t deal with the window then maybe incorporate some green or purple into some of your accessories (not overboard but just a few things).
Casey says
I’d put in a fireplace and some stone on the surround to warm up the area and blend in with the tile.
This is what I’m thinking:
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/162974080235176369/ combined with this:
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/162974080234975958/
or this:
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/162974080234960993/
Could be very cool!
YoungHouseLove says
Love all the links guys! Thanks so much for sharing all of these ideas for Meghan!
xo
s
Tia B says
I love the idea of built-ins but instead of going against the side walls, I love the idea of surrounding the window instead (sort of like the bookshelves you guys did around your bed in your first home, except I would continue the shelves across the top of the window as well). I would then subway tile the back wall inbetween the window and the side of the shelves (but a beautiful neutral color would look great too). I would beef up the bottom and top of the built-ins with some beefy molding (possibly crown molding)and paint the inside of the shelves a beautiful color (loved the mermaid color). If reglazing isnt in the budget, I have had complete success with the kits they sell from home depot (mine has held up 3 years strong with no problems at all). For the front of the stairs I saw a fantastic tutorial ( http://lovelycraftyhome.com/2013/01/28/update-your-boring-builder-bathtub-with-airstone/ ) for putting faux rock called Airstone from Lowe’s(that comes in a tan and a gray color – http://www.lowes.com/Search=airstone?storeId=10151&langId=-1&catalogId=10051&N=0&newSearch=true&Ntt=airstone#! ) on the front of a bathtub, that would work nicely for the fronts of the stairs (and maybe even the back wall instead of paint or tile). It is a tad bit pricey, but I think either color will soften the intense color of the tub.
Aimee says
Yikes. That Airstone stuff reminds me of the PermaStone facings that were put on the fronts of homes built in the 50s and 60s and created those huge divider planters between the foyers and living rooms of such homes. Doesn’t scream *bathroomy* to me in the least, sorry.
JG says
Okay, I spent wayyyyy too much time photoshopping my design! :) Fun, creative project; although really I should be working on my own house projects right now!
This link is to a mockup of my Craftsman+Asian style redo. It highlights the window Meghan and her family loves, and downplays the tub color. It also doesn’t require any reglazing of the tub color itself. I think it changes the look quite nicely to relaxed and beautiful.
The original window frame is there, just painted black now, and framed out in rich wood around it.
I would suggest using cedar for the tub slats and/or using a waterproof coating. For fast and easy, just silicone the slats to the decks. Alternatively, for easier clean up, create mats of slats and hinge them, or use small dots of silicone to prevent them moving but still allow them to be lifted for cleaning. I think the right wood color or stain or weathering could make it so the vertical parts of the steps and sides don’t even need to be painted or cased.
Hopefully this link works and is publicly accessible (first time trying it!)
http://s810.photobucket.com/user/greenhygro/media/Meghan_redesign_zps471f90be.jpg.html
YoungHouseLove says
Very spa like! I love it! The slats right over the tub deck with silicone are something I’d never think of!
xo
s
Rachel @ Common To Moms says
okay, I vote for this one! :)
Amanda says
This is above and beyond the best one yet. I truly didn’t think there was a way to make this tub work but if she wants to keep it, this is the direction I would go. Nice work JG!
EngineerMom says
LOVE. THIS.
Forget my suggestions – Do this one! It would still coordinate with the shower, it makes the window look like awesome instead of an afterthought, and would be so cozy for a soak!
haverwench says
Yeah! That’s what I’m talkin’ about!
And you rock for including the kitty in your reworked room.
JG says
Aw, thanks! :)
Robin W says
I also thought cedar slated mats would be a great idea (like they use inside saunas) The whole thing looks really good like this, good job with the photoshopping :)
If this was my bathroom I’d do this, probably with a few more plants (ferns, orchids, maybe some succulents or anything humidity-loving) and baskets.
Kirsten says
Don’t know if anyone has mentioned this yet,but maybe if it is in your budget you could put in a huge picture window above the tub. I did read that the flower in the stain glass window is sentimental? You could always keep it in tacked and use it else where. By putting a huge window in it will draw the eye to the scenery (hopes that there is a lovely view there) instead of stopping at the darker toned tub.
Good luck! Hope you come up with something amazing :)
Jaimee Nicolino says
I like the 2nd rendering the best, but the window is really bothering me – because the tub is so huge it feels out of proportion. I know (from experience!) that windows aren’t a cheap fix, but I think adding a window on either side of the stained glass (maybe even with transoms over everything if the ceiling is high enough) would make things feel a lot more impressive and current.
Michelle says
2nd option is closest to what I was thinking! If re-glazing isn’t in the cards though, what about drawing the eye up and away from the beige faux marble and using some floating, reclaimed wood shelving? Something like this. Also, the stained glass window, while beautiful and permanent, is really low, which I don’t think is helping the eye move anywhere but to your giant Scarface tub – shelving or art above the window, a different paint colour, a cool, beefy ceiling light centered above the tub, all might help the situation.
Also, built-ins, bead-board and tiling are all excellent options on top of that! Have fun!
Meghan J says
This is so much fun! My children are in the other room watching TV while my husband and I look over all the comments and throw ideas back and forth. I am calling tomorrow to have someone hopefully give us an estimate on reglazing the tub. LOVE the idea of putting sconces on either side of the window.
Question for all of you who have used the at home kits for reglazing~ How long ago did you do it? I have read several reviews that it starts to peel or crack after about 6 months.
YoungHouseLove says
Wahoo! Best of luck with everything and please keep us posted!
xo
s
hollyloo says
how about this?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/23773542@N00/10828691203/
glaze all the horizontal surfaces and inside the tub, apply airstone to the vertical surfaces, paint the walls benjamin moore kendall charcoal. warm wood floors.
YoungHouseLove says
That’s some great photoshop! Looks nice with the tones in the window too!
xo
s
Teresa @ wherelovemeetslife says
Wow… I wasn’t really feeling the airstone as much until I saw your rendering. That is a great look.
ana conceicao says
Plants! I think that some plants around the tub, some built in shelves and hopefully changing the color of the tub would make a huge difference. Taking the focus off the size…also adding a drop down light fixture…maybe a rustic chandelier,so the the eye can move up the wall too….and painting the whole nook a deeper color, could work as far as making it cozy and warm. I am thinking a deep navy, which always looks great with whiteand tan if the tub has to stay that color… good luck!
Lisa says
In this current economy, I love all the “phase 1” ideas. It just isn’t always financially feasible to gut a room. Also, I love trying to get creative and work with what you have.
We have a 20 year old ranch that we bought 6 months ago. We are absolutely trying to work with what we have. We work really hard at our jobs and have a child in college. We just can’t drop thousands to redo our kitchen and bathrooms. (Can you say green laminate kitchen counter tops?) But no one that comes to visit complains about those things. We love to have people over and to share our home with visitors. The green countertops never get noticed. What is noticed is the welcoming feeling of our home.
Rachel @ Common To Moms says
Okay… call me simple… but if Meghean is looking at not a lot of time from her husband or money in her life but wants to redo this space then I would go WAY simple. I don’t have photoshop but I will try to describe.
Love the idea of painting the window frame a dark color
Also love the idea of dark and new faucet.
Then on the sides of the tub I would line each side with cute/large baskets that could be used for holding towels, wash cloths, lotions etc (or books and toys if the room is not functioning as a bathroom- that is still unclear to me after reading a few of the comments).
Then on the side walls (if they dont’ have time/money for built ins), I would hang white floating shelves to display candles or family pics (keep it simple, but draw the eyes up, create a mood etc)
I would leave the whole painting/paneling the front of the tub as an option if they had time/money etc, but not as a necessity to update the space…
Ummm and I LOVE someone’s idea to throw pillows and blankets in the tub for a reading nest if they are not currently using the tub! :)
Oh and a rug in front of the tub. Okay, I think I am done :)
Tessa says
I don’t know that this is even a good idea, but I don’t think anyone has suggested it yet, so I’m throwing it out there: what if you put something in front of the tub ? I’m picturing something spa-like (http://www.pinterest.com/pin/491877590522542301/ ?) Add on some of these other commenters’ great ideas like removing the bottom step, adding airstone or tile, the shelving, trim, and you have a hidden oasis…
YoungHouseLove says
Love all the tips guys! It has been so much fun to see everyone coming up with so many options for Meghan! I hear her husband couldn’t wait to come home from work so he could read them all (he can’t read blogs at work, and it was torture for him).
xo
s
Paula says
I tried to read through and see if this idea has been proposed; sorry if I’m repeating a possible solution.
For the most minimal investment,I would consider two large baskets filled with big bath towels. Several pots and perhaps baskets for a few low-light plants; upright style in the back (ficus), maybe a spider plant and trailing ivy in front of the upright. Those, along with a basket of kids toys or soaps would cozy-up the outer shelf and give more of a luxurious spa-like feel. I do love built-ins, and build in every nook and cranny that I can ;), but for an area that I wasn’t totally in love with, I might consider a less costly and time consuming upgrade than constructing, trimming, caulking and painting built-ins. Just a thought!
Melissa says
As someone with a sore back this evening and no tub worth speaking of, I love the tub just as it is! Haha. I’m jealous.
Kkmk says
To reduce the 1980’s feel, I would swap out the brass hardware for brushed nickel or a dark finish, take out the stained glass, and add height with shelves or tall accessories like baskets or large pieces of pottery. A stylish chandelier or hanging light would also help draw your eye upwards and away from the large block of bathtub. You could frost the window or use sheers or blinds if privacy is an issue. If the stained glass has sentimental value you could hang it in front of a window in another room.
Ina says
I am not big on Photoshop, Meghan, but perhaps a few visuals may give you the direction you can go. It seems that there is lot of brown/tan in your bathroom from the photo but it can just be that, your photo. So I am working based on what I see.
First, it will be good to tone down some of the brown/tan there. Consider painting the walls a nice neutral grey such as Autumn Fog, Flint Smoke or Silver Gray. Here’s the link
Next, consider tiling the vertical spaces of the bathtub using stick-on tiles. They are cheap, can be removed easily and add interest to the tub. My choice will be Stone. Glass Mosaic and Slatestone Mosaic, both have a nice mix of grey from the walls and brown from the tub. I am sure you have other brands in the market so take your pick. Here’s the link
Last, consider framing the three walls above the tub using chunky warm-colored wooden shelves as shown in the kitchen in this link . They add storage and balance to the patterns of the tiles.
Hope this helps.
Kkmk says
I just saw Meghan’s note that the dogwood in the stained glass has a special meaning to her family. The stained glass might get more lovin if it was in a more visible place in their home. My in-laws have several pieces of stained glass hanging in front of other windows and one sort of blocking off an unwanted pass-thru in a wall.
Lori says
If at all possible, I’d say get rid of the entire step. Yes, you’d have to replace the floor, but it might be worth it to reduce the footprint of that monster tub. Then face the outside of the tub with something, maybe beadboard. Wood would be a nice addition to all those synthetic surfaces. Shelves added to the sides would be nice to cozy up the space, however, I’d like to see them have doors, again in wood, to reduce visual clutter. We facelifted an 80s master bath in our last house and found that dark woodtones warmed it up tremendously.
Gaby says
I wish my spa tub had a step!!! It is so hard to get in and out of it, I know I look ridiculous doing so. Just something to think about. Plus, the flooring won’t run under the step and that opens a whole other can of worms.
YoungHouseLove says
Good point Gaby!
xo
s
Nicole says
My first thought was make it feel like an upscale hotel suite. I’d do the first idea of flanking the tub with shelves. (I’d buy them from IKEA and add molding to make them look like built-ins) I’d paint the backs of the shelves to give a little visual interest. Then hang a pretty chandelier. If she doesn’t use the tub I might even consider some kind of window treatment. Maybe extra molding around the window or a cornice board to cover the top.
I’d even consider hanging drapes at ceiling level in front of tub to give it an enclosed feeling..you could do that without spending any more money on renovating the space.
Nicole
RDS says
A dark, traditional wallpaper would keep all eyes off the tub:
http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af208/rds1536/Picture2_zps61a82974.png
http://trustworth.com/wallpaper.shtml
YoungHouseLove says
Ooh that’s a fun idea! Thanks to everyone for sharing their suggestions and links and photoshopping!
xo
s
Jodi says
Yes, not the best looking tub, but it’s only a tub.
If it were me, I’d paint the walls a sofistcated tan (not too yellow) so that the tub is less prominent. (Kinda like painting a wall behind a TV dark so that the TV disappears into the background. Eliminate the contrast between the tub and its surroundings. Then hang some beautiful art, surround tub with a stack of white towels, a pretty candle and some bath salts in a glass bowl
…and call it a day. Maybe even a nice plant by the window would be soothing.
Personally, I wouldn’t attempt the built in shelves. It would be throwing good money after bad, and result would likely just draw attention to the space. Save your money, and enjoy the large tub. As some commenters said, there are some that would really appreciate such a large tub.
Jessica says
I thought it would be super great to use shutter board to frame the edges, and add white to brighten it up!
I added larger molding around the window, and wanted to highlight the colors in the glass with the wall color. Add some shelves and some new hardware… maybe some lighting. Could be worth a try!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/105176429@N03/
YoungHouseLove says
Really pretty!
xo
s
Aimee says
I like that one. Simple and not OTT, coordinates well with what she has, not a lot of work to pull off.
Cynthia L says
So I used to have a bathroom with a sink this color, and I couldn’t replace it. One color scheme I REALLY like with a sandy color is lilac / lavender, and white. Amelia suggested “embrac[ing] the 80s glam” and mentioned Kelly Wearstler. Even if you decide not to jump on that ride, a violet-y plum-ish color may work well. If you DO want to hop on, by George it’s a fun ride. :-) Check out the links. http://www.pinterest.com/pin/1125968628375695/
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/391672498813483934/
I feel like if you go with the 80s glam, you probably shouldn’t go with the built-ins. I did like the built ins, but only for a really clean, simple look (didn’t care for the 3rd one, too busy). Lots of jewel-tone glass, metallics (the brass can stay), and BIG pieces. None of this rinky-dink stuff. BIG. I’d take down the dogwood, put up a BIG geometric wallpaper in purple tones, and–I kid you not–put up a mirror ball above. TOTAL STATEMENT PIECE. Or you could go ‘Sputnik’ style like Ms. Wearstler did in the second link.
And a round gold mirror, hung high. And a gold statue centered underneath. Or three. See the links?
http://www.houzz.com/photos/89230/JonaCollins-com-Distinctive-Details-contemporary-entry-san-francisco
http://www.houzz.com/photos/82914/City-Zen-Space-asian-bedroom-other-metro <I like the size of this one, actually.
http://www.houzz.com/photos/120793/Whistler-traditional-living-room-vancouver <Three of these guys would be awesome
http://www.houzz.com/photos/181913/Asian-Exterior-asian-exterior-las-vegas <Wouldn't actually have to be metallic.
http://www.houzz.com/photos/31224/huntley—co—-American-Glamour-contemporary-spaces-dc-metro <If you went with this finish, I STILL wouldn't change out the bathtub hardware. Things shouldn't be too matchy-matchy.
And for Sherry: http://www.houzz.com/photos/140482/2010-HHL—Great-Room-contemporary-living-room-other-metro :-)
You've got to be really careful with the finish of the statue, I think. Too smooth-shiny (not metallic) and it brings your eye straight down to the tub. A matte finish, a rough 'natural' look, or a bright metallic gold each work, I think. Sorry about all the Buddhas. Guess I'm partial.
Good Luck!
Cynthia L says
Also, I understand that the Dogwood is a sentimental piece. I think you should keep it, but maybe not keep it Here. It doesn’t match. Maybe coat the frame for outdoor use, and hang it in the garden? It would look lovely over a couple of deep blue-y green painted adirondack chairs, and some soft plants nearby.
victoriaversailles says
If I had this bathtub I would totally just add fake gold statues and leafy plants and satin curtains and shag rugs everywhere. Just really go for it. Eat chocolate cigars in a bubble bath while listening to Push It To The Limit.
Ronan says
the shelves are a great idea. It might be worth getting some trailing plants as well. Is the bath tub made from marble or plastic.
The other thing you could do is floor over this bath tub and put another bath tub on top. You might want to consult an engineer though and could get pricey.
Amber says
I REALLY like your option #1 photo! As dated as the original tub is, I would NOT gut it. That tub looks like heaven on earth, and a great way to pass a nice romantic evening. With Sherry’s updates in photo #1 I think it ends up looking pretty great too!!
Jan W says
I really like the idea of the white bookshelves flanking the tub, and bulking up the trim at the window. I’m not sure about the bluish gray wall color though. The goal is to make the tub less noticeable, and to draw your eye up to bring attention to the pretty window and items on the book cases instead. To do that, I’d go more monochromatic with the wall color (a tan tone in the same color range as the tub and shower, either the same, darker or lighter). Going with monochromatic colors (tan, beige and white trim) for the things you want to hide would make the tub color just blend in with everything else and become less noticeable. The blues in the window will naturally pop because of the contrast–that’s what your eye is going to see. You could use fun accessories on the shelves that pull in blues and greens as well (anything from preserved boxwood, to sea glass, shells to vintage jars and bath accessories, etc.) This could be a very pretty bath! :)
Lindsay says
My hubby and I will be passing through Richmond today on our way to DC. We will be sure to stop by for lunch! Lol! Seriously, though I wish we had time to explore the city! It seems like such a cool place!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw man, next time Lindsay! Richmond is a fun spot to visit!
xo
s
Lynn says
I like the idea of painting the tub and doing the shelves on both walls. Bumping up the trim, so it’s a LOT MORE substantial, on the stain glass window…and you’re good! :)
I think Sherry had it right with her suggestions on this one! :)
LOVE the new input blog, a couple times/month…I like seeing what you guys are doing everyday….but this is fun too, on occasion! :)
Jess says
I really think contrast is what is important in giving this bathroom an updated look. The “sea of beige” fails to give the eye anything interesting to focus in on. Love Sherry’s ideas of giving the walls a fresh coat of paint and painting the stair risers. Those things alone make a huge difference in the overall feel of the room. Options 1 and 3 are my favorites.
Therese says
I like your last photo. It feels warm and cozy compared to open and exposed! If that is stained glass, I would back light it.
Robin says
Not sure if anyone metioned this but I would pull off the first small step. You would widen the room and possibly make the whole thing blend in a little. If you plan on facing the tub anyway this would make the job easier and cover all the mess. Good luck!
Susan says
We had the same dilemma…1986 master bath with a big huge jacuzzi tub !!
We tried to mask it, redesign over it, sit and stare and hoped it would disappear, but finally bit the bullet and removed !! It really wasn’t that bad and we donated the tub to Habitat for Humanity. Putting the money into a new freestanding soaker tub made more sense then trying to redo the space with new tile, etc…. only to still have a big old jacuzzi tub looking at us each morning!!
I am so happy we made the decision…Our bath looks up to date and so much more open and airy. We found our tub on Signature Hardware and, although a little leery about ordering a tub online, it was so easy. Their sales department were great and the new tub came to our door !!
I am sure the project came out cheaper then trying to retile and redeign the area so….rethink your idea that it isn’t in your budget !!
Hope this helps..I was in your shoes just recently and glad I took the plunge!!
djs says
I just purchased a beautiful apron/farmhouse sink for a kitchen reno from Signature Hardware…I too was nervous about ordering something over the internet and having it shipped across the country – so many things could go wrong! But it is fabulous, NO problems and it arrived in perfect shape…and it was a great price. They also have a great selection on all kinds of things..
Brandi @ Nest of Bliss says
I love all of these ideas… you’ve definitely shown that this could be a truly beautiful space! LOVE it!
christie says
Oh, that looks so familiar! We bought our house in 1982 and the tub had no window but instead had tub to ceiling mirrors on 2 sides along with pillars on each side! It was dangerous climbing into the tub with eyes shut but I managed it. When we sold in 2001 the new owners ripped it all out but I have no idea what they did with the space.
Aimee says
What’s worse than mirrors surrounding a giant jacuzzi tub? That trend of putting WINDOWS around them. Because everyone wants to flash the neighborhood. What were builders thinking when they did stuff like that?
Alison says
I think if Megan knows she’s eventually going to get rid of it, she should just embrace the 80s fabulousness and really play it up. I feel like the white just makes the beige of the tub look dingy, so what if you went in the total opposite direction and did a very dark, masculine, glamorous thing? You could use a wallpaper like this:
http://www.hyggeandwest.com/collections/view-all/products/diamante-gold
face the front of the tub steps with black (ooh or gold contact paper), get a couple houseplants, like a fig fiddle tree or a big fern if you really wanted to commit, and decorate with ceramic animal heads, and etchings, like a modern english hunter meets the 80s. I would also probably disguise or take out that window.
I would also totally add a little brass bar tray, with a martini shaker and glassware – you could keep bath stuff in it!
Lulu Chin says
Is it just me? The spa stone treatment has been mentioned a lot but the thought of stone around my naked body in a slippery place just makes me cringe. Seems like you’d end up with scratches and cuts. Maybe I’m just a big baby with no sense of adventure.
Gaby says
No I totally agree! Looks like it would be great for a fireplace but not a tub!
haverwench says
I think people are suggesting putting the stone on the vertical surfaces only. It’d be pretty hard to bump into it there.
Kelly says
Check out this DIY countertop paint kit.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0034IGVV2/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1384357421&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70
The white version would be a great option for the risers.
YoungHouseLove says
Smart!
xo
s
Erika K says
I like picture #2 the best! If they could reglaze the tub, it would instantly knock out the 80s-ness (hello, Farble?). I like the built-in on the sides vs. the surround, it seems a little less busy.
Stewart Pillow says
Meghan,
That tub-thing needs to go!!!!! 1) do you guys have another full bathroom? 2) would you be able to survive with an empty master bath until you can afford a new tub?
I’ll convince my husband that we are going to some kind of comic book show and once we are there we can just rip that sucker out! He’ll have no choice because he won’t know where we are :)
Cost of said project? Pizza.
Jen says
Love option #2. It’s amazing how much prettier the stained glass window looks by surrounding it with similar colors instead of all that beige.
If they will not use the tub, they could block the drain and add some aquatic plants and some koi. That would be really fun.
Sarah Young says
I added to one of your photos by adding a small rectangular glass tile wall in the back and framing the window like a fireplace with square blocks and molding, complete with it’s own mantel. This would allow you to decorate the back wall without it feeling overcrowded. Here is a link to the photo: http://thecreativephysician.wordpress.com/?attachment_id=292 Wish I could put it in my comment directly! Hope you see it!
YoungHouseLove says
Pretty!
xo
s