home my cottage projects book club shop featured my buttons advertise

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

My Master Bath

If that is what you can call a bathroom this small.
This is my master bathroom. It is very tiny. 
This bathroom is so small.....
(How small is it, you ask?)
This bathroom is so small...You have to sit sideways on the toilet!
I kid you, not.

Remember last week when I was talking about wanting a ruffled shower curtain in my bath?
I don't think there is room for ruffles in this room.

This is another one of those rooms in which I am making the most of the cards I was dealt.
I don't have the true before on this bath. 
It got lost in my files on my work computer but
it was painted dark taupe.
The medicine cabinet was recessed into the wall.
I wanted to remove it immediately but I would have had to patch the 
plaster where the hole was cut to recess the cabinet.
I knew there would always be a visible patch
unless I retaped and bed the whole wall.
I did not want to do that.

So I decided to make that recessed cabinet work for me.

It's the same medicine cabinet that is in my hall bath.
I made that one work by playing up the mirrors.
I put a venetian mirror on top of it and two petite chandeliers on each side.
The cords of the chandeliers run inside the sides of the medicine cabinet.
I keep those two sides slightly ajar so that the mirror angles in toward you on either side.
This is the sort of cabinet is was.
It installs into the wall.
Like this. Except mine had a large faux art deco bar light above it.
I installed this light fixture early on...but always thought it was too big.
I really wanted an oval venetian mirror above the sink.
So I took the mirrored doors off
and hung the mirror in front of the inset shelves.
I hate that backsplash by the way.
I added decorative molding all around the existing cabinet and painted and caulked all 
to look like it was planned to be this way.
Now it looks like a built in fancy shelf.
This was my first little molding job and it went perfectly using a little miter box and small hand saw.
Of course that means all can be seen that is stored on these shelves.
But I really only used it for my toothbrush.
I now keep my tooth brush in the wall cabinet in the corner...which I show further down in this post.
It is the reason there is no knee room when at the toilet.
I made the sink skirt this past summer but only today installed it with velcro.
I made it from a shower curtain that matches the one I have up on the tub.
I hoped the skirt would help balance out the weight of the backsplash and cabinet above the sink.
The pedestal sink just looked too small in comparison.
I would never have made these choices if I'd redone the room.
But speaking of redoing the room. 
I was given these photos of the house upon purchasing it.
This bathroom had a bad...very bad renovation long ago.
This is what this bath looked like in either the late 80's or early 90's.
Other photos I have in this pile of pics date 92 but these bathroom pics do not 
have a date on them....so they may be earlier than 92.
Can you imagine?
Wood paneling with gold trim and mirrored glass tile?
Do you think that mirrored tile looked to them like mercury glass does to us now?
I hope not.
I remember this stuff from my childhood and I hated it then. 
Although I liked flocked wallpaper.
Still do.
Yes, the whole bath was paneled.
I'm sure someone thought this was very glamorous at the time.
So back to my make do.
The first light I installed quit working on me. Which was a good thing...because I never liked it.
So last summer I went in search of a new one.
After searching online for hours and buying two different ones...one at Home Depot that I returned
and one at Lowe's I returned. I was in Walmart and thought...I'll just take a look and see what they have.
There was just the light I'd been looking for. 
I didn't want it to be too big or too small and this one was just right.
I think it cost like $25. 
You just never know what you might find there.
The toilet corner.
I hate this dinky toilet.
Hope to get a larger one soon and one that looks more vintage.
I hope a little bigger one will fit into the space.

I stare at toilets at Lowe's trying to decide which one.
The La Petite Parisienne sign goes against my rules of decorating.
I try not to include anything that is fake french or mass produced signage or art.
This print came from Hobby Lobby.
I just could not resist as it has a dachshund on it.
You never see a dachshund used in this manner.
Poodle, yes. Scottie...maybe. Dachshund....never!
So it had to come home with me.
I think I might still need a few more of these black lacquer baroque frames.
I found this small silver tray on clearance in the Christmas stuff at Michael's before Christmas.
I sprinkled snow in it at Christmas and displayed glittered reindeer.
But today I decided it was perfect to go on the back of the toilet to display a few bottles and baubles.
The Botero prints don't really go with the Hollywood Glamour Girl vibe I have going on in the rest of
the art but I love them. I did a post on Botero and vintage tile bathrooms way back last year - here.
I have to say though...I think these prints are far more humorous in a bathroom that is not owned by 
a person who looks much like these nudes.
This has me thinking of taking them down. 
In a skinny girl's bath - delightful.
In a fat girl's bath...
People might wonder if it's a self portrait.
Not kidding...again.

The last boyfriend I had...gave them a very strange look indeed.
I have a love / hate, mostly hate relationship with this cabinet.
On the one hand...I have no idea what I'd do without this storage for 
bath supplies, hair care, makeup and such.
But I hate that it takes up much needed real estate in the bathroom.
 It goes all the way to the ceiling.
This cabinet is where the original door was to the bathroom.
Long ago they closed off the doorway from the hall and put a new door in 
entering from the back bedroom. This so it would be a master suite.
I don't use this bedroom however. I use the front bedroom.
Maybe one day I will switch. 
But the front bedroom is larger.
So its inconvenient for me.
I have to go out in the hall and around a corner to the entrance of the bathroom.
Better than before when I had a cat with a litter box back here and I had to jump a baby gate 
on the way to the bathroom in the middle of the night.
This is why I don't have a cat any more. 
I didn't get rid of her because of this...but when she left this earth....I did not replace her.
I feel lucky that no one ripped out the original penny tile.
Love it and it inspired the black and white color scheme.
I think I like the sink better with the skirt.
It does balance out the heaviness of the cabinet and tile above.
And I can hide the trash can beneath.
First project of 2011 - done.
Now back to that dining room of mine!

sharing at


72 comments:

Teresa@1800 Farmhouse Rd said...

I think your bathroom is adorable! You have done a fantastic job with what you had to work with. I always love your colors. I am working on our master bath now and the toilet is in a separate room (more like a closet) and I can't figure out how to get a ladder in there to paint. Really, that is how small it is.

Nita Stacy said...

Teresa -
This room was absolutely the worst room in my house to paint. Yes, too small for a ladder. I had to stand on a chair or on the toilet or on a chair in the bathtub. It was misery. I was thinking I might want to paint it pink...but I do not want to repaint it any time soon because it was such a horrible experience. And I usually don't mind painting. But this room is just too small.

Courtney ~ French Country Cottage said...

I love it Nita- It is darling! The skirt is so sweet and I think the medicine cabinet turned open shelving is fantastic - with your darling accents and mirror- love it! You did a great job! :)

High Street Cottage said...

Nita, you really have done a wonderful job. I think at times you doubt your skills, but they're nothing short of amazing. I love the colors you choose, the material and textures. The fabric is perfectly matched to that amazing mirror. Well done my dear, xoxo tami

Carol@6WilsonBlog.com said...

Hi Nita, yet another thing you've done that I l.o.v.e. It's just so pretty and so in keeping with the style you have going on. The mirror is just brilliant over the shelves, and the cabinet reinvention is fantastic, too. No matter how many times I read you, there is always something you say that makes me chuckle out loud. I love reading your blog. But I've said that, what, a dozen times before? :)

Melanie {The Tiny Tudor} said...

Nita, another beautiful bathroom! I think you chose the perfect fabric for this room and it looks good on the sink too. The floor is great. The pictures of all of the glam starlets are fabulous. I have a couple black and white pieces of artwork bookmarked for my bathroom and I think I need a glamour girl pic too now! I agree with you that I don't love the backsplash in the "before" pic, but as soon as you accessorized and added all of the other elements, it looks completely different- matches the black and white theme and looks great. Those before-before pics remind me of my 70's gold bathroom I may have mentioned before...I can't wait until I have a budget to re-do it. I've never picked out a toilet or sink before...I have lots of research to do (and lots of money to save) before I get to that bathroom. Thanks for sharing your bathroom makeover. I love seeing more of your house- you are so inspiring!

Robin@DecoratingTennisGirl said...

I love this vintage inspired bathroom. I am a big toile fan, love the honeycomb floor time and the pictures of Jean Harlow top it all off! Great job!

Anonymous said...

Nita! This is a gorgeous little bathroom! I love every precious inch of it! I too have had experience with having your knees up to your chin while "taking care of business" so I understand the love/hate thing! LOL I think you did a wonderful job with the medicine cabinet. I also agree that ruffles would be too much. You captured what was needed with what you did! Wonderful! I just love your use of mirrors and all things sparkly! Go figure! I'm a Sagittarius - we LOVE things all sparkly! My ex-husband use to laugh at me when we were out and about because my attention would be easily diverted by "sparkly things" LOL

By the way....the Botero prints are adorable. Who cares if they don't quite match your theme!

Ann@A Sentimental Life said...

Small but elegant! Love the black tolie and the floor is gorgeous! In my college apt. I could got to the bathroom, wash my hands and stick my leg in the bathtub..I understand the tightness!

Cindi Myers said...

ROTFL!!!!
I'm sorry, it's not nice to laugh but just thinking about sitting sideways on the potty makes me giggle!!!!
I thought that I had a weird shaped bathroom! (4 1/2 feet by 14 ft!) But I must say you made it look AMAZING!
You are so funny! But ya know, I almost bought a Botero print and stopped for the SAME reason! I didn't want people sitting in there thinking it was ME!
Instead I have DOG prints in mine! (Big surprise there! Right?! LOL!)
I LOVE the idea of taking the medicine cabinet door off! You are SO clever!
Hmmm. maybe I'll make a skirt for my sink! Yours is so perfect!
Thanks once again for a great post!
XOXO - Cindi

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Nita, I love the charm of your bathroom. Love the tiles on the floor and the mirror on the front of the cabinet has to look better hat mirrored doors. Love the fabric on the skirt and your new light fixture. You know you can paint the tiles above the sink if they bother you. Thanks for linking up.

Amy Chalmers said...

The bathroom is darling. I love the toile curtain and skirt! I think the skirt does balance out the mirror and the cabinet. I adore that kind of floor tile too, and it looks great with the toile. Always enjoy reading your commentary about the background info and the fun stories.Looking forward to seeing your inspiring projects. Now get to the dining room Nita!

Green Door Girl said...

great redo - it is such a beautiful bathroom - even if small - I love the black/white toile and all the accessories, you pulled it together wonderfully

Mari said...

HI~I HAVE TO SAY THIS IS ONE CHIC MAKE OVER!!! I LOVE THE WAY IT TURNED OUT :) JUST FABULOUS!!! ITS TOTALLY ADORABLE :)
CAN'T WAIT TO SEE HOW YOUR DINNING ROOM WILL TURN OUT :)

XO~MARI

All That Glitters said...

My master bath is super small too. I have done nothing with it since we moved here 8 years ago! EEK!!!

I love your bathroom!!! So glamorous!

the cape on the corner said...

fabulous floor tile, and i LOVE that you added the moulding to make the medicine cabinet work for you. that's such a creative idea. i can't imagine sharing that tiny space with a litter box either. we didn't have any bathroom storage, and being pretty much without halls, and therefore hall closets, meant we had to add a big unit to our upstairs bath. luckily it is spacious enough, and the cabinets are behind the door. i think you did a fabulous job with your space!

Debra @ Life in a 320 square foot home said...

Oh, Nita, WOW! How glamorous! You are a genius! I need to start sending you money, you have saved me SO MUCH MONEY - I no longer purchase decorating books! When I need a fix I just hop on the web and check out what Nita is doing!

Well done.

Sarah, Three Boys said...

Nice Job! Looks great!

Dawn said...

Hi Nita, Dawn from Suitcase Vignettes...I am really enjoying your updates on your house...what an adorable bathroom...you are so talented. I love the molding around the shelf and that mirror...oh my!!!! I'll be over around noon for lunch tomorrow to get a better view...lol...

the gardener's cottage said...

hi nita,

i just love that you did all this yourself and you really didn't spend a fortune on it. i admire you for this v much. i think it's adorable. my 'master bath' (i just love saying that) is so tiny too. i don't have any room for a cabinet of any sort. i have to keep my blowdrier in my bedroom. but i love it and seeing others with tiny spaces makes me happy.

xo
janet

It's a Wannabe Decorator's Life said...

I love it! I know it is tiny, but it is so pretty! I think my favorite part has to be the penny tile. It is gorgeous!!

Allison said...

I think you have done a fantastic job with your bathroom. It is beautiful. Very Hollywodd glam. I love your vanity skirt and that mirror is gorgeous. Very nice, Nita!

Unknown said...

aDORABLE.!

June Cleaver in Sneakers said...

This is my first visit to your blog. I can't believe the difference you've made in your master bath. My bathroom is just as small, if not smaller!! I have tried to visualize what to do with it but have come up empty. I am now officially motivated!!! My only regret is that we're in the middle of a Noreaster and I can't get to Lowe's today. (heavy sigh)

Sherry from Alabama said...

So much beauty in such a small space! My master bathroom is at least as small as yours. Mine doesn't even have room for a tub, only a shower. And there's no way a cute little closet like yours could fit in mine. On the bright side, it keeps hubby and me close! :)

Sherry @ A Happy Valentine

Pamela said...

Simply gorgeous! I just love what you did!

D.B. said...

Great job, Nita! You certainly did make the most of the cards you were dealt. Once upon a time, I had a potty you had to sit on sideways. Then I progressed to a master bath with 2 potties, His and Hers. It was heaven! Now I'm back to a master bath as big as my previous master shower and sharing a toilet. Carpe Diem! You've done an excellent job with your Story Book home. I always get excited when I see a post about it. Thanks for sharing your creative ideas!!!!!

Sharon Rexroad's Bringing Creativity 2 Life said...

Nita -- such a good job you've done on this room. But then, what did I expect given I love your design aesthetic.

I love that you found your light fixture at walmart. A couple years back, I was helping mom prep her house to sell and needed a small cabinet for the bathroom. But everything I found was too large. Until I went to Walmart! I realized then that they cater to people of more modest means, and more modest homes instead if to the folks with the mega-mansions. Even stuff at Target was too large but at Walmart I even had options!

Tammy @BeatriceBanks said...

You never disappoint sweet girl! You are becoming quite the handywoman, saw and all! Love the floor tile and even kind of like the tile behind the sink. Maybe put a little black laquered scroll piece in above it to tie it all together? Idk. But I do love the skirt! Charming!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

WOW! That is just gorgeous...so rich and luxurious! I love it! I'm getting ready to change my master bath...it's a challenge! lol Enjoy your day! You're off to a great start this year! ♥

Bonnie@Creative Decorating said...

I love your bathroom. It turned out just gorgeous!! Great job on everything.

Olive said...

Nita, this bath is elegant and fits your Mod Vintage style to a tee. I love the fabric. You could replace the tile with a marble remnant or paint it.

Marie said...

Hi Nita - Your bath may be small but I love love everything you've done to it. Total hollywood glam makeover for sure. I knew you picked that sign coz of the dacshund too!!!

Stop by when you get a chance, I posted about a giveaway on my blog this morning.
-marie

Teresa said...

That bath is divine...I love all the little "glam" touches.... You have a wonderful touch to design.
Thanks for sharing

Anonymous said...

Cute bathroom! You've made some nice improvements.

-FringeGirl

Victoria said...

Your bathroom is gorgeous, I think you've done a fabulous job and I love the mirror! Although I must confess, I do have some mass produced fake French signage, I'll go and hide in the corner now:)

kluless said...

I absolutely love the way the oval mirror hung on top of the selves look. That was truely inspired!!

Lamp Tramp said...

Nita, I adore your vintage bathroom and all that you have done to it. Even if it is small, it's certainly a charmer. The floor tile is beautiful, glad someone didn't rip it up also. Your sink skirt and shower curtain are lovely, great job girl.

Connie said...

WOW! You are off with a big bang in 2011. I love your Hollywood glam and your use of venetian glass mirrors. The toile and floor tiles are something special.

On some blogs I just enjoy the pictures, but yours --I never want to miss a word you write.

WhisperWood Cottage said...

That was a long tour for such a tiny bath! The floor tiles are absolutely amazing! You really know how to make the best out of the things you have. Love how you made over the cabinet and hung the mirror in front of it. Clever! Thanks for linking up!

Stacey said...

The first thing I thought when I saw the bath is that I love the way you put the mirror over the shelves! Brilliant way to solve a problem. The whole room is adorable!

JoAnn S. said...

Nite, I love what you have done with that ugly medicine cabinet,it looks terrific now as for smallness of the bathroom as I am only 5'tall it works for me lol now my hubby would say its too small lol. the room looks great. hugs JoAnn

Unknown said...

Hi I removed your name from the award and realize that these are quite a bit of work but it was also quite a bit of work for me to go through 15 blogs to pass it to, I didn't realize you had the award before as I didn't see any acknowledgement of it on your side bar. You do have a lovely blog! Thanks for letting me know and I imagine there will be a few more that will feel the same but then again one never knows, I chose to follow through even though it was a lot of work I feel networking is important and didn't want to offend the person who sent it. Thanks for letting me know though so more don't come over without reason, don't worry I'm not offended as life is too short for sweating the small stuff, Hugs Marilou

Jacqueline~Cabin and Cottage said...

Wow! Amazing work! What a variety in bathrooms!

Vicki V @ blestnest.blogspot.com said...

Another fabulous job, Nita! I think the sink skirt accomplished exactly what you envisoned. I love the black and white color scheme, beautiful fabric and accessories, too. Your posts always inspire and amuse me.

Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage said...

Such a lovely room! I adore your gorgeous mirror. The framed photos of Jean Harlow neat too!

Debra@CommonGround said...

I think your bathroom is full of old Hollywood Glam. You've done a wonderful job with it. Love the color scheme. big toilets are way over rated!! te he. Did you know that you can paint the tile on your backsplash? yep.
Thanks Nita, for joining in for VIF!
big hugs,
Debra

Momma said...

Wow! LOVE love love the idea of the mirror on the open shelves! Plus love me some Bette Davis! ;)

Terry said...

I love everything about your redo! What a great idea to add the mirror over the sink and add pretty things in the cabinet! I just love it! I'm your newest follower and am so inspired by your project!

Blondie's Journal said...

I love this, Nita...I think you did a wonderful transformation. I love the fabric of the shower curtain and skirt and what you did with the medicine cabinet is fantastic! You really have a nice retro Hollywood thing going on in here...love the decor!

XO,
Jane

foreverdecorating said...

Great explanation on your bath. You have made it look so cute and even though it is not very funtional, this is where you ask if you are lucky to have this extra bath or not. I would say you are. You dressed it well to hide the flaws.

V I N T A G E O L O G I E said...

GREAT design ideas and tips here ... love the classic old Hollywood feel ... well done!
xo
Jill

Courtney ~ French Country Cottage said...

Hi Nita, stopping back over to say how darling this is again and thank you for sharing at Feathered Nest Friday! :)

Sommer said...

OMG you have absolutely done a fantastic job with this tiny space. I almost pee'd myself laughing about sitting on the toilet sideways and now I see why! I can see how giving up the storage would be depressing but the space it takes up also stinks. May I make a suggestion? What if you tore out that built in cabinet and did over head cabinets along that wall instead? Then at least you could sit strait on the toilet ;P

I just loved reading this post! And thanks for the laugh.

......Michele @ Portlandia Vintage said...

I love the print of the shower and sink curtains. You are right - the skirt on the sink is a big improvement. Stunning! Wonderful transformation.

Dee@FrenchBleuVintage said...

Great job!!! You gotta love sink skirts ~ they just hide a multitude of necessities. Your new bath looks amazing.

Anonymous said...

love your blog and what you did with the space! i am your newest follower! Come join me when u cna. ;)

Karen said...

This is my fist visit to your blog and I must say....I am so glad I clicked on your link on Cindy's Romantic Home blog. Your tiny little bathroom is exquisite to say the least. I absolutely love it and wish it were in my house. Today's hollywood ladies are beautiful...that's true. But they can't compare to the past hollywood legends who will always be associated with the word ~ GLAM - that's for sure. Thank you for sharing your talents.
~ Karen Thompson

Olivia said...

Great job! I love the Hollywood glamour photos! That's some awesome inspiration to beautify in the morning. :o)

Serendipity Chic Design said...

Vintage glam and simply stunning!

Take care,
Lisa

Dearest Home said...

Beautiful! Great job!!

Brittany

Anonymous said...

You, my dear, are super talented at taking what you have and making the very best of it. It is an utterly charming bathroom. I love everything about it, including your detested backsplash. ; )

HollyM

Jena @ Involving Color and Home said...

Nita, your bathroom is gorgeous! I love the fabric you chose. So glad I came across your blog. I'm a new follower.

Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia said...

This is fabulous, I love every inch of it!!!!
XO
Kristin

Unknown said...

This is BEAUTIFUL, Nita! I love it. Thank you so much for linking up with air your laundry Friday. I agree with you...I think I like it better with the skirt, too! Either way is gorgeous though.

Hugs,
Jami

Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage said...

Well, you've worked your magic again, Nita! Your bathroom redo was "masterful"! ;)

I have to laugh at how often you say there is something in your design scheme that you don't like, because I usually do like it. That backsplash actually seems to play up your "mod vintage" theme, to me.

Thanks for linking to the party. I love seeing your projects each week.

Blessings,
Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage
http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/

Bonnie@ The Hopeless Romantic said...

I love the bathroom, and what uve done with the medicine cabinet is pure genius. I know u said u hated it, but i actually like the backsplash, it ties in quite nicely with the floor. I also love the black and white, especially the skirt on the sink, always buy an extra shower curtain, lol. I read ur comment and think the room would look darling pink, but thats a very biased opinion, lol, Bonnie

Anonymous said...

Love how you handled the medicine cabinet problem!

I have a super small bathrm too. I shortened the shower curtain to just hit at the top of the tub. It really helps make the room feel bigger and the tub is vintage so seeing more of it is cute. Try it with pins and see if it doesn't give you a little more visual space.

CharlesR said...

Hello!
I just stumbled across your blog.

I hope you won't think me presumptuous, but I do have a suggestion to give you a little more room in the

bathroom.

Why not install a barn style door on the outside? You could make it like the rest of the house with just

some nice trim around it etc.. Paint it how you like and it would blend with the rest of the house.

You could even spray paint the rod and fixings to blend with your wall.

I hope this helps a little.

I have subscribed to your post.

Charlie

CharlesR said...

Sorry, I thought your lack of toilet space was from the door opening in.

Darren Demers said...

Remember last week when I was talking about wanting a ruffled shower curtain in my bath? mens necklaces wholesale uk , swarovski bracelet canada ,

toniaa said...

Mumsports stands out as a trusted provider, delivering not only a complete PAINT PROTECTION FILM service but also unmatched PPF durability. Their website provides valuable information on the various types available, emphasizing the longevity and effectiveness of their products. When it comes to ensuring the durability of your vehicle's paint, Mumsports is the name to trust for lasting protection.