Bathroom Remodel Not Bathroom Addition

The Big Bailout aka Rescue Plan - since I last posted in September the economy has tanked so the powder room I previously wrote about is on hold until the economy recovers in 2016, according to Suzy Orman. Most of the news media seem to be in hysteria mode, but all agree we need to save and not spend -- harder for some of us then others. To that end, the 200 square foot mud room (which already has a 1/2 bath in it) will be remodeled instead of adding a fifth bathroom to the house, as previously planned.

Back in the day wallpaper was hot, but not anymore, so one large wall of ugly vinyl wallpaper will be removed, the old tile floor will be replaced, and paint, ceramic tile, crown molding and a new work sink will make the current large mud room bright, happy and something one can be proud of. The over sized washer and dryer will remain in sight, but updating the room will make them shine and part of 2008, not stuck in the 1980's.

The small bathroom adjacent to the mudroom will be updated as well, with a new water saving toilet, new flooring, new paint and of course new bathroom accessories. The small wall mounted sink will get a new faucet and the outcome will be fresh and appealing. A quick look at the "before" photos explains the need to complete this total house remodel by finishing the mudroom. Ugly, isn't it? You just wait -- it will be painted a happy shade of apple green with off white woodwork. The floor tile will be purchased today. The small mudroom bathroom has a large window so the wall color can be dark and sophisticated. A deep red with a hint of blue would be perfect. The project begins tomorrow at 8 a.m. when the two workers appear. I can't wait --

Photo attribution: somewhatfortyplus

Powder Room - Part 1

Planning a new powder room is both exciting and time consuming with so many choices in sinks, toilets, lighting and tile. Determining the floor plan for the new room in an old space means one of the zillion closets will have to go. The luggage closet, a two tiered 4 foot by 3 foot closet adjacent to the front hall will lose the luggage and gain a toilet and sink. To make this powder room large enough to accommodate those in need of "powder," four feet from an adjoining closet will be adopted, so the configuration becomes an "L" shape, with the toilet in the lower right side of the "L," and the sink in the corner left side of the "L." The third side of the room will be built on a slight angle, widest where the sink and toilet live, and narrowest at the entry. The new room will be a long narrow triangle, with the sink visible from the doorway, and the toilet coyly slightly hidden from view.

Large 18" X 18" Italian porcelain tiles will continue to flow from the foyer into the new space, adding continuity and lightening the space. White crown molding will highlight the ceiling, and wide white trim will connect the walls and floor. Wall colors are being evaluated but one thing is clear: light colors seem to make a space larger, and dark colors often make a space appear smaller. Since painting the room a light color in hopes of making it seem larger is absurd in such a small space, a deep dark dramatic color will be selected for the walls. a Merlot, deep red, chocolate or dark blue will be used. As of today, the reds are winning.

An ADA Kohler tall elongated white toilet will be added. The problem is the sink: the space requires a sink of 24 inches, max, either as a pedestal sink, corner, wall mounted, or vessel sink. Always a lover of natural materials, granite or marble needs to be added to the room, somewhere, on the walls behind the sink (?) or as the base of the sink (?) as seen in the photo from Southern Living. Stay tuned as the powder room adventure begins the end of September and decisions will need to be made. Any suggestions? I'm listening.

Photo attribution: Southern Living