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Answers (4)
- BungalowMo
- Contributions:232
Greetings plant! I had the same issue. My bathroom was dog-ugly 80's.
Cheap Sears pressboard vanity, old nasty vinyl flooring, and the entire room was painted a flat beige.
I went with an "old school" design which fit the original era of my home, which is ca 1916. I went with subway tile walls, black hex tile (matte finish) floor and antique fixtures from ebay. Including the cost of new plumbing in the bath/shower, new wall under windows (now insulated!) & new plumbing for the toilet, this entire remodel cost me about 5k! It CAN be done. Got my sink on craigslist...1923 Standard. All fixtures are a mix of porcelain, chrome, nickel plated brass and glass!
I still have a few things to finish, like the med cabinet door & the shelf & trim below the windows, but I can use any color combinations with this basic black & white. Do yourself a favor & go with some classic neutral tile & floor colors. You won't regret it. I would also keep the tub, or at least replace it if you don't like the fiberglass. Get a clawfoot! They're very stylish & you can find them for pretty cheap on CL.
Cheap Sears pressboard vanity, old nasty vinyl flooring, and the entire room was painted a flat beige.
I went with an "old school" design which fit the original era of my home, which is ca 1916. I went with subway tile walls, black hex tile (matte finish) floor and antique fixtures from ebay. Including the cost of new plumbing in the bath/shower, new wall under windows (now insulated!) & new plumbing for the toilet, this entire remodel cost me about 5k! It CAN be done. Got my sink on craigslist...1923 Standard. All fixtures are a mix of porcelain, chrome, nickel plated brass and glass!
I still have a few things to finish, like the med cabinet door & the shelf & trim below the windows, but I can use any color combinations with this basic black & white. Do yourself a favor & go with some classic neutral tile & floor colors. You won't regret it. I would also keep the tub, or at least replace it if you don't like the fiberglass. Get a clawfoot! They're very stylish & you can find them for pretty cheap on CL.
- jim.bushart825
- Contributions:12
When it comes times to invest money into a home remodel, most professional property appraisers, banks, and realtors would agree upon selecting a kitchen or bathroom remodel in order for the homeowner to maximize the profit when it comes time to sell the home. What if resale isn't a consideration? A remodel just for the sake of enjoyment for the owner is of course always a good investment.
In the good old days of the 1950s and before, many homes were not designed and built with today's family, lifestyle, or luxuries in mind. Most rooms and even hallways were of smaller dimension. In fact, many homes built up until the end of the 1970's were built with smaller rooms than those homes of today. The big change came about in the 1980's, when the U.S. economy enjoyed rapid growth.
What of the homes of today? Many builders and families are opting for the return of smaller homes and an environmental footprint. This is largely due to finances. Even though a family resides in a smaller home; does not mean luxuries have to be sacrificed.
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- Candi Randolph, "Candi Randolph"
- Contributions:35
Hi Jan;
First, here is a link to an hgtv.com site that always has great photos and ideas...one of my favorites (I am interior designer as well as a realtor):
http://www.hgtv.com/designers-portfolio/bathrooms/index.html
I would keep the tub in the bathroom for eventual resale, and, you never know what the future holds. You might find a need for it at some point.
Keep your update simple - no need to spend even $20,000 if you are going to keep the size and layout about the same as you have now.
Some suggestions:
Select a tile that is neutral overall. Keep it to the floor only.
Keep the toilet, sink, tub surround, etc neutral as well - I like a natural, or bisque, type of color.
A lighter wall color with white painted trim will update the space and keep it from looking small.
A glass shower door will also help make the bath look larger, so I would consider this even though you have to wipe it down after use.
Granite, corian or other type of solid surface would work well for the counter top. You can add a lot of personality with your choice of cabinetry and door pulls. Because the bath is small I would keep the selections in mid to light tones overall.
You can add some drama with your choice of mirror and light fixture. A simple beveled edge mirror is classic, and a clean, contemporary light fixture above could work well.
Add color with accessories such as towels, rugs and wall decor. That way it is easy to change out the color palette over time.
Select all of your materials first to make sure the shades and nuances of color work well together. You'll be more satisfied with the result if you take the time to do this at the beginning of the project.
Thanks
Candi
First, here is a link to an hgtv.com site that always has great photos and ideas...one of my favorites (I am interior designer as well as a realtor):
http://www.hgtv.com/designers-portfolio/bathrooms/index.html
I would keep the tub in the bathroom for eventual resale, and, you never know what the future holds. You might find a need for it at some point.
Keep your update simple - no need to spend even $20,000 if you are going to keep the size and layout about the same as you have now.
Some suggestions:
Select a tile that is neutral overall. Keep it to the floor only.
Keep the toilet, sink, tub surround, etc neutral as well - I like a natural, or bisque, type of color.
A lighter wall color with white painted trim will update the space and keep it from looking small.
A glass shower door will also help make the bath look larger, so I would consider this even though you have to wipe it down after use.
Granite, corian or other type of solid surface would work well for the counter top. You can add a lot of personality with your choice of cabinetry and door pulls. Because the bath is small I would keep the selections in mid to light tones overall.
You can add some drama with your choice of mirror and light fixture. A simple beveled edge mirror is classic, and a clean, contemporary light fixture above could work well.
Add color with accessories such as towels, rugs and wall decor. That way it is easy to change out the color palette over time.
Select all of your materials first to make sure the shades and nuances of color work well together. You'll be more satisfied with the result if you take the time to do this at the beginning of the project.
Thanks
Candi
- sunnyview
- Contributions:25139
I would keep your expenses low is possible. Focus on the things that people will look at like the lights, mirror, sink etc. I would not take out the tub since many people will not buy a house without at least one tub.
I think a pretty granite top with an undermount is the still the way to go right now. You can choose an undermount sink that looks traditional, but modern. Maybe something other than oval. Go with round or a bucked rectangle here to look fresh, but not have the cleaning hassle of a raised vessel.
As for the doors, you can go with glass over a curtain. They are a pain to clean, but a squeege and car wax will keep the spots down. People like them even if they are a pain.
I would not put the tile up the wall. In a bath that size, it is likely to make it look smaller. Choose a neutral that is in scale with the bathroom and pop the color your choose with towels and accessories instead of the floor. You can also ask a local agent in your area what clients like right now and where you will get your most money back.
I think a pretty granite top with an undermount is the still the way to go right now. You can choose an undermount sink that looks traditional, but modern. Maybe something other than oval. Go with round or a bucked rectangle here to look fresh, but not have the cleaning hassle of a raised vessel.
As for the doors, you can go with glass over a curtain. They are a pain to clean, but a squeege and car wax will keep the spots down. People like them even if they are a pain.
I would not put the tile up the wall. In a bath that size, it is likely to make it look smaller. Choose a neutral that is in scale with the bathroom and pop the color your choose with towels and accessories instead of the floor. You can also ask a local agent in your area what clients like right now and where you will get your most money back.
Remodeling a 1980s bathroom
We are planning on staying in this house. I have this dilemma with the bathroom. It is the 1980s look (7.5 x 12.5 ft) w/ 48" oak vanity/tri mirror medicine, bar lights above, regular fiberglass tub/shower (bone color), linoleum ... you get the picture. This is the main bathroom that ppl would use if they were visiting. Since we use the master bath (shower) we don't use this bath and we have absolutely no desire to ever use a tub, but it is the only tub in the house. How do we re-model this bath with an updated classic timeless look (not that I am totally opposed to a "salad bowl" type sink, but they do look kind of silly) it is just that I don't want to keep sinking tons of money into a bath chasing the latest trend. I do not want to spend over $ 20,000 - 30,000
1. Do I get rid of the tub., replace w/ a 4-5 ft shower and let the next owners worry about it? Either way, the guests don't need one of those gorgeous expensive spa shower/tubs
2. What color for the toilet, sink etc?
3. What type of updated vanity? Not fond of pedestal? Granite tops still a good choice?
4. Decorative mirror and sconces still the style?
5. What type of tile floor and does it go up the wall?
6. The shower curtain has to go, but I don't get the clear glass tub/shower door (who cleans this thing every day)?
7. Does anyone have a favorite website or design center for ideas.
Thanks in advance
Jan
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