skip to main content
Get Ideas
Photos
Stories
Discussions
Houzz TV
Houzz Research
Shop Products
    Shop Curated Bathroom Vanities
Looking for the perfect gift? Send a Houzz Gift Card!
LIGHTING SALE Sale
ON SALE - UP TO 75% OFF
Shop Promo Banner
0
Your shopping cart is empty.
Sign In
Join as a Pro
Houzz Pro: One simple solution for contractors and design pros
Join as a Pro
Houzz Logo Print
Explore DiscussionsFeatured Home DiscussionsFeatured Garden Discussions
Design Dilemma
design4menow

1950's Pepto Bismol pink and Mint green bathroom

Dianna Dunn
9 years ago
This bathroom needs a lot of help to be able to function.
The shower is very very small and separate from the tub.
When you first walk in the shower is to the left and forward you see the tub under the sink.

I would like to have a tub and shower combined ( tiled around tub all the way up. Gain at least a 48 in wide vanity with one sink.
Bathroom is around 5.5 ft wide by 11.5 ft long.
Featured Answer
  • PRO
    Sightlines
    9 years ago
    I love pink bathrooms myself, so I feel obligated to put in a word for them, and for the campaign to save them! http://savethepinkbathrooms.com/. Myself, I'd keep the tile but get rid of the valances, strip the wallpaper, paint the wood (window casing, vanity, mirror cabinet) white, clean the dickens out of that shower to make sure it's nice to be in there, and turn my attention to other things. Okay, maybe I'd replace that vanity and mirror cabinet.
    All that said, if pink just isn't your thing and the shower stall is too small for you/family, you would want to start from scratch. Getting a 48" vanity might be a trick--you'd need to move the toilet somewhere else. You could possibly move the toilet into the current shower stall space, and even put a pocket door in front of it so it wouldn't be clearly visible from the hall, always a nice thing.
    It will be a big job.

    • Comments (32)

    • PRO
      nancy34
      9 years ago
      The demo and new plumbing along with new fixtures will bring your budget up, maybe more then you are thinking about spending. I have a plumber I have worked with for
      years and he will do the complete bath remodel and have me for consultation. With new
      fixtures, new cabinet, sink, faucet and shower set, mirror, lighting, tile and electrical labor, prep, demo and new construction on old shower, maybe a linen closet, have you decided
      on a budget????????????
    • Dianna Dunn
      Original Author
      9 years ago
      I just bought the house 6 months ago. I've never done a complete demo in a bathroom so I don't know what to expect. But I do know that the PINK has to go. I was hoping to stay under 15k. Plumbing is all open in basement so hopefully that will help.

      I want a very simple design. I like classic colors like white, gray or beige.

    • Related Professionals

      Whitman Interior Designers & Decorators · Pembroke Architects & Building Designers · Plainville Architects & Building Designers · Royal Palm Beach Architects & Building Designers · Paramus Furniture & Accessories · Eagan General Contractors · Ashtabula General Contractors · Catonsville General Contractors · Corsicana General Contractors · Hamilton Square General Contractors · Havre de Grace General Contractors · Mount Prospect General Contractors · Sheboygan General Contractors · Tabernacle General Contractors · Troy General Contractors
    • Dianna Dunn
      Original Author
      9 years ago
      I should mention the shower is on the right as you walk in. Typo on entry.
    • Soumaya Haddad
      9 years ago
      oooo that's a gut and restart type of job! All of that lovely pink needs to go! U should turn the shower area into a storage/linen closet, get a ``light`` barely there type of sink to really open up that space.. Implement the idea of horizontal stripes on the window wall (pattern you can make with the tiles you choose) as well as for your floors. This will make the space feel less narrow. Paint that window casing white and stick to white trim. Choose light blue/gray (very trendy right now) for paint or stick to white (clean, fresh, timeless) and add a splash of color with your accessories (towels, wall art, candles etc..)
      GOOD LUCK!

      Soumaya
      Interior Decorator
    • Dianna Dunn
      Original Author
      9 years ago
      I like the tile floor choice . I thought a type of subway or medium size tile for wall around tub would be ver eat. I just looked at a couple samples a few days go at the tile shop and Home Depot . Blue gray is a favorite of mine. I too love to change out colors with accessories and towels. Yes the linen towel closet is. Good idea.
    • OldGrayMare
      9 years ago
      the true renovators may get the vapors by me saying this, but have you considered having that tile "painted"? "Painted" may not be the correct word..."glazed"?....whatever...it was great! We had this done in two bathrooms in my sons condo in Hawaii, and in one of bathrooms in our old house in Virginia. Our bathroom was approximately the same size as yours here...total cost for walls, shower and tub was right under $1,000. we went from TweetyBird yellow to a lovely soft creamy taupe color, with a white tub, and then we painted the walls in a dark taupe color. It was lovely, affordable, and no issues 7+ years later.
    • User
      9 years ago
      *gasp!*
    • PRO
      nancy34
      9 years ago
      I think a budget from $8,000 to $10,000 should work, not knowing the location of the project. My thinking on design would be to use classic wonderful White Subway tile for
      the new shower, tub. An over head shower along with a hand held for the tub. If the
      vanity is off the floor you can have sensor lighting under the cabinet which is so nice.
      Not knowing what is in back of the existing shower, could be a bedroom, if so, you
      could design a doubt opening, one on each side for extra storage in both rooms.
      Clean design is always recommended, but I see the floor being the turn of the century
      Black and White Mosaic pattern, white fixtures, finish on hardware of your choice, and
      then icy grey walls. Use the grey grout for the subway tile and your maintenance will be
      good. I am not forwarding photo, if you need help - let me know.
      Nancy34
    • PRO
      Patricia Colwell Consulting
      9 years ago
      You can do this for 15k easily if you do the demo and clean up an hire someone to install new fixtures I am just finishing one reno and came in just under 12K with home owners doing del and painting. Hunt for fixtures at places like Wayfair they have free shipping and choose simple tile with maybe a strip of glass mosaic for bling . I would not waste the money having the tile reglazed even if you wanted to keep the fixtures. Maax tub and showers are very nice and you could go that route and not have to worry about tiling that area at all that would save a lot. Maax has this great installation for refit that requires no silicone between pieces and looks like a one piece unit very easy to clean and looks great. I love mine it is so much easier to keep clean than my old one with tile.
    • greenfish1234
      9 years ago
      I'm gonna second the vote to keep the pink. Some day people will be saying "eeeeewwww" to the ubiquitous (but lovely!) white subway tile. Get retro on that room, and lose the cheap 1980s vanity AND wallpaper. I say paint trim BLACK. If you must lose the way cool shower, consider "European style" open shower with half glass. Pics to follow.
    • Dianna Dunn
      Original Author
      9 years ago
      Well I thought about that option. Haven't called anyone. I was under the impression that the tub will only last up to 4 years and then it can't be redone. But I will look up a contractor and get the real low down. I live in the twin cities of Minnesota,
    • greenfish1234
      9 years ago
      houzz.com
    • greenfish1234
      9 years ago
      http://houzz.com/photos/673257
    • greenfish1234
      9 years ago
      http://houzz.com/photos/458486
    • greenfish1234
      9 years ago
      Check out the Houzz story "homeowners give the pink sink some love". It has a great take on the idea of going retro, and it's growing popularity. Next one is a good pic, like the glam wall. Maybe grey w mint medallions?
    • greenfish1234
      9 years ago
      http://houzz.com/photos/48050
    • greenfish1234
      9 years ago
      Vanity ideas: http://houzz.com/photos/100744
    • gatoryak
      9 years ago
      I have a long and narrow, pink-tiled (walls and floor) bathroom, too. I chose to embrace the pink. Using a conch-shell for color inspiration, I painted the non-tiled wall a beach-sand taupe. Looks great. Cabinet and mirror were reclaimed from a junk pile and painted to look like they had been on a beach for many years. Lighting fixtures were the key, don't skimp on this; your bathroom lights are ugly. You have a disadvantage of having the green bullnose tile, bath, and soap dish; the tile and soap dish would be easy to remove and replace yourself. CAUTION: do not convert the existing bathroom into a shower unless you remove the window, sill, and framing and install a system that was made for shower duty. Don't forget to add a proper exhaust fan.
    • Dianna Dunn
      Original Author
      9 years ago
      Nancy: Behind the wall by tub fixtures is a bedroom closet. The other inside wall is the kitchen.

      I do have a linen closet just outside the bathroom. It's like a little nook. Archway from hallway the the little nook with a linen closet.

      I live in Minnesota .

      A lot of the tile has been separating or touched up incorrectly from previous owner and the shower is in worst shape. I do have a 3/4 bath in lower level .
    • Dianna Dunn
      Original Author
      9 years ago
      Patricia....I have used wayfair a few times. I wonder how much energy it is to bust up the tile! The floor is horrible.
    • gatoryak
      9 years ago
      It's not difficult to remove tile, but it is dirty and takes some patience. Put a trash bin outside the window and throw all the old stuff in it. Be careful no to track tile/grout dust through your house; it will scratch your other floors.
    • Dianna Dunn
      Original Author
      9 years ago
      I appreciate all the comments. All have been very helpful. I'll make some phone calls and see what I can do with this inherited bathroom. If I had a white tub and no mint green on bullnose plus the disgusting dark green tile it would be easier to embrace the pink. But we will see. I'll keep working on the solution but any new input is helpful. Thanks
    • PRO
      Sightlines
      9 years ago
      I painted a white porcelain tub myself using an epoxy product. It was kind of a pain in the neck but actually easier than I thought. I got a pretty good result. I can't vouch for how long it lasted because I no longer own the house but it seemed fine for some months--and I figured hey, I could always touch it up or repaint. (You can do both, I don't know why you were told it could not be redone.)
    • PRO
      The 3D Genie
      9 years ago
      Hi 'design4', when you think you have narrowed down your choices, you can upload your bathroom photo along with your product selections and see how everything will look together. Why guess and hope? The3DGenie.com Good Luck!
    • Neryl Hollingsworth
      9 years ago
      A bit off-topic but does anyone else think Pepto Bismol is really fun to say out loud? :0)
    • PRO
      Patricia Colwell Consulting
      9 years ago
      Maybe the words but not the colour. The tiles are easty to remove you go rent a machine that takes them all out in hours don't expect to save anything so just gut to the 2x4's and start over upgrade plumbing and electrical while you are at it,
    • greenfish1234
      9 years ago
      Go big or go retro. No cheap cover-ups. Make it cool as is until you can afford the bathroom of your dreams. This bathroom could be a great "conversation piece" if you spruce it up in keeping with the style, having some fun with it, then you have time to plot and plan the perfect renovation :)
    • Dianna Dunn
      Original Author
      6 years ago
      last modified: 6 years ago

      This project got started and then on the back burner because some health issues. Now I've moved forward.


      I'm having some challenges of what flooring & wall paint choices. Maybe second guessing myself but since I'm a novice at this and it's a final decision I could use some good input.

      The bathtub tile is white subway (4x8). Thinking maybe whisper gray grout or bright white with 1/16 grout line.

      Below is where the project is...
      * First photo is new layout.
      * Second vanity
      The faucet and shower head are Delta Ashlyn ( I didn't like their towel bar choice) My towel bar choice is Delta Ara Chrome, since it's pretty close to original.
      *. Floor Tile: I'm Questioning my modern choice ( this is a mock up layout) Since it's a 1950's house should get a vintage hexagon tile or stick with the modern choice I made or something totally different.

      *. Wall paint. My gut says a very light warm gray and add color in towels, shower curtain etc.

    • Dianna Dunn
      Original Author
      6 years ago
      Floor option and we now have the glass block window installed
    • shwshw
      6 years ago

      So glad you came back to update us. Love what you have done so far!

    • Dianna Dunn
      Original Author
      6 years ago

      Thanks. I'm hoping the floor won't distract from the marble floor.

    Related Stories
    GREENMint Green Is Fresh Again
    By Becky Harris
    Interior designers are rediscovering a taste for this cool hue, in vintage and modern looks alike
    Full Story
    8
    MOST POPULARHomeowners Give the Pink Sink Some Love
    By Mary Jo Bowling
    When it comes to pastel sinks in a vintage bath, some people love ’em and leave ’em. Would you?
    Full Story
    285
    BATHROOM DESIGNTickled Pink in the Bathroom
    By Mary Jo Bowling
    We asked you to show us your vintage pastel bathrooms — and you responded with a tsunami of photos and comments
    Full Story
    154
    COLORBathed in Color: When to Use Pink in the Bath
    By Jennifer Ott Design
    Even a sophisticated master bath deserves a rosy outlook. Here's how to do pink with a grown-up edge
    Full Story
    53
    COLORPretty Pink Color Schemes, Subtle to Sensational
    By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer
    How do we love pink? Let us count the ways: soft, sassy, with chartreuse and electric blue and, yes, even red ...
    Full Story
    62
    COLOR8 Pink and Purple Rooms Sans Sugar Shock
    By Lisa Frederick
    Little-girl dreams find grown-up expression in rooms that work pink and purple into chic and sophisticated palettes
    Full Story
    45
    DECORATING GUIDESNature’s Color Wisdom: Lessons on Pink From the Great Outdoors
    By Laura Gaskill
    Leave your assumptions about pink at the princess playhouse door. Head outside instead for shades from shocking to subtle
    Full Story
    34
    BATHROOM COLOR8 Ways to Spruce Up an Older Bathroom (Without Remodeling)
    By Liz Miller Interiors
    Mint tiles got you feeling blue? Don’t demolish — distract the eye by updating small details
    Full Story
    233
    GREENColor Guide: How to Work With Green
    By Samantha Schoech
    With as many green hues as leaves in a forest, it's easy to find one that grows on you
    Full Story
    59
    BATHROOM DESIGNLight-Happy Changes Upgrade a Small Bathroom
    By Becky Harris
    Glass block windows, Starphire glass shower panes and bright white and blue tile make for a bright new bathroom design
    Full Story
    73
    Sponsored
    Re-Bath
    Average rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars12 Reviews
    Pittsburgh's Custom Kitchen & Bath Designs for Everyday Living
    More Discussions
    Reliable, high quality furniture brands - Arhaus, RH, Ethan Allen?
    6
    What to center the painting with?
    25
    Door Under Stairway Different Height
    10
    Updating our master bath. Struggling with what metal to use?
    6
    Bathroom design question
    5