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lori_haskell

Help with late 70's bathroom

11 years ago

Comments (23)

  • 11 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Looking to update this bathroom with just paint, counter top, flooring, and hardware while trying to keep the exsisting tub, sink, and toilet which are in immaculate condition. Any ideas are appreciated.

  • PRO
    11 years ago

    Get rid of the wainscoting it doesnot work in the small space and go for a very neutral palette so maybe creams browns and a spalsh of blue I would change the sink to a brown glass vessel sink get rid of the wood toilet seat and get one to match toilet. A great granite remnant for counter no mathching backsplash but something nice for that. A glass shower screen instead of curtain some simple vinyl floor covering that looks like porcelain tile then paint walls a pale blue with some blue and brown towels. Paint the vanity an espresso color with new hardware some hooks for towels and a matching TP holder.and of course a new faucet. hang a piece of art work above toilet not that shelf.


  • 11 years ago

    take more pics of the light fixtures and mirror please

  • 11 years ago

    Try picking up some paint chips that match the yellowish colors of the sink, toilet and tub (and tub tile if any). Circle the ones that match, throw out the rest, tape the good ones to some white paper. Then head out to the flooring and countertop shops. Either the countertop or the flooring will be the dominant choice that leads to the other choice. If the current flooring is sheet vinyl, try looking at Marmoleum. Formica comes in a zillion colors, so getting a new countertop to coordinate with the flooring will be easy. I think granite would look out of place with the 1970's fixtures, but barely-patterned solid surfaces would be fine.

  • PRO
    11 years ago

    It's definitely time to update...although the plumbing fixtures are functional, I would highly recommend updating the toilet and faucets to conserve water. Outdated toilets can use up to multiple gallons of water each flush compared to today's federal plumbing standards of 1.2-1.6 gpf models on the market. There are many styles and affordable price ranges to choose from starting at $99. One of our favorite color schemes is soft gray and beige with white porcelain fixtures. . . good luck with the project!

    Lori Haskell thanked CORINNE GAIL INTERIOR DESIGN LLC
  • 11 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Are the fixtures green or gold? Can never trust my monitor, but I sure remember the 70's colors! The floor is unique- if it's tile and also in good shape, I'd invest in the walls for now and remove the beadboard. If the sink isn't an exact match, I'd go with a composite countertop with integrated sink. Switch hardware to something more period friendly. Can't wait to see how it turns out!

  • PRO
    11 years ago

    Thanks Patricia Colwell, for the repost of my bath project. That bath, all in, was probable about a 40K powder room complete with Barbara Berry light fixtures and Rocky Mountain Hardware bath accessories, and so on....So here's some questions for Lori, are you ever going to be happy with a bath that hosts harvest gold fixtures; and would a prospective homebuyer see this as an upgrade they would pay for (in the case of a unexpected home sale), or would it still read as "dated"? Even on a super tight budget I would suggest a new sink (as little as $100), go with an undermount, if you plan a new solid surface counter top remnant available through all stone fabricators, a new toilet (less than $200) and reglaze the tub. I just read on another post that nice hardware can be picked up on Craigslist, especially since you need so few! I think these few changes to your plan would result in an update that would yield the most return on your remodel dollar!

    Lori Haskell thanked Gather and Spruce Design Remodel
  • 11 years ago

    I really appreciate all this great advice. This bathroom is in a house that I'm purchasing and will be closing on it with in the next 2 weeks so I can't get back in to take pictures of the mirror/lighting, etc just yet. The kitchen and 2nd bathroom also need updating which is why I'm trying to be a little careful, but I'm willing to put some upgrades into it. I can tell you the mirror is just a sizable, flat to the wall, generic mirror. Nothing fancy. The toilet as well as the tub are both harvest gold. The tub/surround is actually all one piece with no seams. I'm not fond of the color, but sometimes I see things I don't like until someone comes up with a great way to make it work. The sink really doesn't match so I think that will have to go the more I think about it. I like Patricia's idea for the sink. The floor is solid vinyl. My husband loves it. I think it's too busy and I have no idea how to make it work which is why I was just going to get rid of it. I am pretty open minded and can be conviced on keeping it if there is a way to make look neat. So far this is what I get from the advice: 1. Get rid of the toilet or replace lid. 2. Replace sink and counter top. 3. Pull down the wainscoting. 4. Paint. 5. New handles on vanity. So should the floor stay or go? What about the shutters on the window? Should I paint them or get rid of them? Thank you all!

  • 11 years ago

    And yes, the floor is like a very sturdy feeling sheet vinyl.

  • 11 years ago

    Given the other expenses in moving into a new house, I suggest painting it a light shade of harvest gold or the yellowish color of the sink. Or the beige in the vinyl. Then change the drawer pulls and shower curtain. Custom colored toilet seats run about $80. I would wait to replace the countertop, sink, faucet and toilet until other higher priority expenses had been dealt with.

    If you can't stand the floor pattern, try a sheet vinyl remnant from a big box store or a flooring store. It will require resetting the toilet.


  • 11 years ago

    Can't really see the full shape of the window from the photo, but shutters for that period are fine. I'd probably go with a decorative roller shade or a reed one. If you can live with the floor, take a color from it and paint the walls a couple of shades lighter- I'd go with the green. For the sink color, I'd think more long term. Do you think you'll keep the other fixtures when it's time to remodel again? If so, be a little more bold in your choice. If not, a white or limestone color would be a good neutral. Getting the room to a uniform style should be the immediate goal; removing the country features would be the most budget friendly option.


  • 11 years ago
    I love reading everyone's ideas! I can't wait to use them in a couple weeks when I start. I think removing the older toilet and replacing it with something more efficient is probably a great idea. I'll also replace the sink and counter top, plus change out the drawer pulls. Tear down the wainscoting and paint the walls. I also plan on replacing the floor. I'm not sure if the tub with attached surround can be reglazed because of the material. If not I'll have to work the bathroom colors around the harvest gold I guess.
  • PRO
    11 years ago

    Hopefully they have not installed the wainscot to hide some other evils that would require extensive drywall repairs! My finger are crossed for you!

  • 11 years ago

    I am also hoping that nothing horrible is hiding behind it! Based on the condition of the entire home, I think it will be ok. Assuming I have to work with the gold tub, what color should I paint the walls? What materials will be a good idea to use on the floor countertop? And yes, after thinking about it more it, an undermount sink is what I'll go with.


  • 11 years ago

    I found a photo of the mirror and lighting that was asked about.


  • 11 years ago

    not that bad. See what is your budget after you take down the beadboard. In my experience you could find anything you care to think of.

  • 11 years ago

    I think fixtures should match whenever possible, so I'd reconsider changing the toilet if you're keeping the tub. You could have the tub re-glazed, though, if it's cast. Tub surrounds are relatively inexpensive.


  • PRO
    11 years ago

    I don't think I saw a recommendation for painting the door. If you're not in love with it, a light color would look cleaner and more expansive. From the pic, it looks like birch, which paints well, but if its an open-grained wood like luan, I would leave as is.

    What great responses!


  • 11 years ago

    I agree with changing the toilet (go ADA height), picking up a remnant solid surface counter. New sink & faucet (not that much). Remove bead board. Reglaze the tub. Remove the big mirror. Buy a small rectangular one which you can add a picture frame to after painting it white. Do not get a glass tub enclosure Replace the light fixtures & hardware. Buy a quality shower curtain. line it with clear plastic curtain. Hang updated towel rods . Buy quality towels. Paint the door & cabinet Off-white. Hang some small prints of seashells with white frames. Floor install a cork floor It is soft warm & only needs an occasional sealing.

  • 11 years ago

    The door to the bathroom is the same as every other door in the house. I'd love to paint all of them and put some prettier knobs on them.

  • PRO
    11 years ago

    We can reglaze the tub and surround and it is a fraction of the cost of replacing. Contact our office for a free estimate. I would than recco replacing the vanity, commode, and floor. This would completely update the room and would give you the results you are looking for and not break the bank. Hope this is helpful. Call office for free estimate. thank you, Rachel