Bathroom Make-over Part 1

We purchased our home over three years ago. Since then we have kicked major butt and tackled some serious renovations. Brian is anti-track house, so we really wanted something unique and with lots character. I have since learned that getting something with "character" really means I want to spend most of my Saturday working on the house. We have had our fair share of tears, sweat, and every once in a while an argument over our home. But we wouldn't trade it for the world!

Our third story consists of three spare bedrooms and two guest baths. They were all somewhat easy renos except for the hallway bathroom. We have spent the last three years laughing at how ridiculously ugly it is. But since that will be Brady's bathroom (and guests do occasionally use it) we had to stop the hysteria and strap on our tool belts.

The previous owners (God bless em) had put layer upon layer of wallpaper up and once they decided the wallpaper was out they opted for the obvious solution: just paint over it. Seriously?! So I spent two full days scraping and sanding, and scraping some more. (Tip: 4 parts hot water to 1 part vinegar really does help speed the process up.) This was about 1/4 of the way in. Yikes! Oh, don't let me forget to point out the sexy linoleum on the floor.

Once the wallpaper was down and the walls were clean we used joint compound to fill in the larger dents and spackle to hit the smaller holes left from the wallpaper residue. One coat of Kiltz primer and two coats of Sherwin Williams 'peppercorn' later... we had huge progress already.

I also wanted to point out that hole in the wall. It previously had been used as a toilet paper holder. But the previous owners strike again by deciding they didn't need one. So obviously instead of adding a small section of sheet rock they used duct tape to cover it. Yep! You read right: duct tape. They flawlessly painted over it and left their masterpiece for us. If that isn't a redneck reno character for ya, I don't know what is. 

Our next step was adding white bead board paneling. We thought this was going to be a bit more of a challenge, but it actually ended up being the easy part of the reno.  After making his cuts, Brian added adhesive to the back and used tact nails to secure it to the wall. We opted for a 5 foot tall panel to create the illusion of a larger space. 

Once all the beadboard was in it was on to Brian's specialty, the tile floors. I am constantly blown away by Brian's skill. He creates these beautiful designs and makes each project look like a custom designer had a hand in it. 

We are in the home stretch. Next on the to-do list is baseboard moldings, caulking the tub and vanity and my personal favorite, DECOR. I have already picked out some key pieces such as a bathroom mirror and this shower curtain. Stay tuned... part 2 will be coming your way in just a few short weeks!