Bathroom 2

So, I introduced you to Bathroom 2 in my first post. I encourage you to read that one first to get the history. But here's the beginning chapter of its story.

Logistics: we've got lovely brown floor tiles, a white and brown larger than life standing shower, 90's glass blocks, white laminate, a "etched" mirror and standard vanity lighting.  What we have is a complete redo here.

I wasn't planning on starting with this bathroom.  I didn't have a choice.  I received an email from my management company saying that my unit is leaking into the hallway (Oh hello home ownership, nice to meet you.) Several handymen and a plumber later, I've learned that the tile is shot and I've got to completely redo the shower.

Why just do the shower? Let's do the whole bathroom!

Originally this room to me was the guest bedroom/roomate's room.  But I'm leaning towards converting this to the master for a few reasons.  1. This room is more secluded than the first bedroom (sorry future roommate, you'll get to live behind the kitchen but in another amazing room regardless) 2.  It already has hardwood floors 3.  This bathroom is going to be amazing. End of story.

Step 1: Kelli takes a Friday night trip to the Tile Outlet (#adulting)

So, I venture over to the Tile Outlet.  This place is great. Not fancy, no showroom. Just tile stacked everywhere.  And I went without a plan (this may not be the best plan for a remodel). But oh, how I loved this Friday night.

I started by explaining to the tile people that I have a curved wall in this standing shower (the building has a lot of cement poles that hold the building up) and needed to know which tiles could accommodate such a curve.  So immediately, he says, we've got to go Subway tiles.  Ok, duh. Love those. Easy.  (A subway tile is a classic rectangular shaped tile found in the iconic NYC subway stations)

(I'm hoping my photography skills will improve over the course of these projects!)

I love white. You'll learn this quickly when we get to the kitchen.  I didn't know (remember no plan in place before getting to this store) that I would go with white for this bathroom.  But I loved the white subway tiles, all 7 colors of white.  Yes, that's right. There are multiple shades of white. And they all look alike but are different in slight variations... So I picked one and just went with it.  So we will have a subway tiled wall for the shower.

Now here's where I get creative.  I knew I wanted some type of accent tile to add a little interest and I absolutely knew I wanted a hexagon shaped floor.

Like I mentioned, much of my inspiration lives in my mind and comes from places I've been. I was in a bathroom at a restaurant in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. (Shout out to Teton Tiger - your ladies bathroom was my inspiration for this flooring.) I did not take a photo (probably should have) but for some reason I loved the flooring and it came back to me while tile shopping.  It was small hexagons with a dark grout. Seemed durable and didn't show much wear.  So enter, my plan for my own bathroom floor below. Also, they had navy walls. We'll get to this later.

For the accent, I wanted something that would pop but not take away from the classic, clean lines of the subway tile.  I found this one. Just went with it. No real inspiration or ideas really.

I chose a dark grey grout. So the tiles will pop. And the grout won't show wear or stain.

Step 2: Fixtures
With all the white, I wanted to do something that would bring a more relaxed vibe to this space.  I wanted bronze, all the oil-rubbed bronze.  (Isn't this going out of style? Maybe. But it's going to be great, so bear with me for a moment). I didn't want to go classic silver. I want unique. I want a more rustic feel for this space. And I want it to be me. You're going to love it.

So I went on the hunt for oil-rubbed bronze fixtures. We're talking shower head, sink faucet, shower door detailing, lighting.  This wasn't the easiest to find in person.  I went to the big box stores and was able to find a handful of options but none in stock in the store.  So I went online. This was overwhelming but I narrowed it down to Moen, Delta and Kohler (recommendations from a Florida neighborhood plumber) and picked the style I envisioned in my mind.

I found the shower door online, correct color (important), frameless and clear (important and I want the tile work to be seen) and it was on sale (important). Done. 

I went with Delta for the shower fixtures. Mainly because I saw these in person and liked the color and size.  These were not on sale (many are not) so I picked these based on style only. 

Step 3: The Vanity and Mirror
So here's where things get fun.  I wanted a pre-made vanity (mainly because I didn't want to have one custom built for this bathroom) and I wanted to conserve cost both with cabinets and stone countertops. I wanted it to be functional, look pretty, and match my style. I wanted grey. (I know you're thinking, we've got white, we've got bronze, and now we've got grey. And she's mentioned navy. What is she thinking?) Again, I think you're going to love it.

So, after hours and hours of looking at online retailers. I went with Costco for this one. It has good reviews (important), it was on sale (important), and it matched the colors I wanted.  The cabinetry is a dark grey and the countertop is a white and grey marble.  I had this delivered (note Costco does not deliver inside and I begged them to put it in my garage, which they did). Shout out to my amazing tenants, for hauling up this 300+ pound vanity to my unit. You are lifesavers.

I will decide if I'm going to change the hardware.  Many of you know, I hate matchy-matchy. So we'll see how I feel about it once it's in place together.

I purchased the vanity lighting from Lowe's.  I liked the style and the quality seems good.  The faucet is from the Kohler Georgeson line and fits the overall look I want.  (Both not on sale..)

I have purchased a mirror for above the vanity from Homegoods.  It has a distressed, dark grey frame.  And it cost $35 (!!!)  This may or may not be my final choice so I'll wait to reveal once it's completed.

I love the Color Blackboard from the Magnolia Homes line. I saw this color in person when I visited the Silos in Waco last summer and has been on my mind ever since. It's basically black with navy undertones.   I may incorporate it in this space somehow. But don't fret, you'll see it in another room soon.

Step 4: Construction. Begins next week. I should have demo and final photos very soon! Stay tuned! Fingers crossed we don't run into any surprises.

Next up, fireplace overhaul. I know, you cannot wait.

xo, -Kelli