Fix a master bath

8 years ago

We're moving into a home with a newly renovated master bath that is not to our taste. It’s so dark it feels like a cave, the trim/moulding, cabinets and even the knobs are distressed wood that looks like it belongs in a hunting cabin, and the doors are a modern frosted glass. It feels mismatched and my tastes are more of a white/grey/marble, etc.

What changes would you suggest to make it lighter, brighter and more streamlined without a complete overhaul? I've included pics of the room as well as what style I gravitate towards. Please help!

Featured Answer

acm

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

I'd start with painting the vanity white. You're never going to get to your inspiration pic without tearing it all out, but white woodwork and removing the stone wainscot (maybe leaving the walls bare or replacing with white wainscotting that matches the vanities) would make a huge difference without too much cost. Then give yourself some time to live with it -- it may not be your taste, but it's also not terrible, so changing the context of the elements plus bringing in things you like (rugs, art, etc) may be all that's required.

Edited to add: I'd paint the window frame white at the same time as the vanity -- the beam overhead will seem a pleasant natural element when it's the only wood feature.

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Comments (7)

User
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
You can rip the tile wainscoting off the walls, paint the vanities white, and add lighting. But nothing will fix that looming mass of river rock overhead. Musta been a $1.98 sale on it.

That should be first on the list to demo and redo properly. Not going to be cheap at all. Not with it wandering out of bounds on the ceiling too. Figure 10-13K just to fix that shower. But it should be a priority.
shirlpp
8 years ago
Remove the tile from the ceiling over the shower. Remove the tall cabinet. Replace the countertops with something lighter. Replace the light fixtures.
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Elle
8 years ago
I agree with acm and would just start with lightening the vanity and window trim.
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
8 years ago
I agree paint all the wood white , it will definately make a huge change. Change the lighting to some modern LED fixtures add some pretty fluffy aqua colored towels and see if you can live with it for a while.If it is possible I would remove the X trim on the cabinets and add some nice chrome knobs or bar pulls.
Joanne Chen
Original Author
8 years ago
I'm not a fan of the pebble to the ceiling either so that would need to be changed eventually. I think for now, painting the cabinets and trim white is definitely in budget. My painter/carpenter says he can paint it and the walls for $900. I think I might want to ask him to chop off the top half of that tall cabinet too as it seems out of place to me. I like the idea of removing the X too so I’ll ask him about that as well.

What paint color would you do the walls if I made the cabinets white?
PRO
JAC Design
8 years ago
First I would paint the cabinetry a soft gray similar to Sherwin Williams Big Chill SW7648. Then stain the ceiling beam a gray as well. Paint the walls a simple white. Consider changing the flooring to something without so much movement. There is a lot of textures competing in this room. Softening those will make this a beautiful oasis.