Cabin bathroom update

13 years ago

last modified: 13 years ago

I could use some help updating our rustic PNW cabin bathroom. The bathroom is tiny, but is getting slightly larger by removing a hallway -- it will be roughly 6.5'x9'. I'm removing the plastic shower enclosure and dividing wall and putting in an antique claw foot tub. The sink will be replaced with a sink made by a local artist (photo 2), which I am considering mounting similarly to photo 3. I love the feel of photo 4, and will add other inspiration photos after this message.

My big questions are:
1. Should I paint the knotty pine t&g or leave as is? It will be unpainted in most of the house.
2. The bath will also function as a shower, and if this is the case, do I need some sort of waterproof surround (and backsplash behind the sink)? I don't have a big budget for this, and it is hard for me to image adding another material to such a small space without it feeling too fussy.
3. Mirror, sconce ideas?

Featured Answer

Catherine Giesige

13 years ago

Hi Leanne, I see all your inspiration photos show the walls painted white and they do look fabulous, especially the dreamy one. I disagree with using the granite for the vanity as all your inspiration photos show a more rustic timber for accent and this is obviously the look you're after. I think iron fittings would look great too. The light fitting you chose is lovely but I think you would need a simpler shade, perhaps a clear frosted one. The best advice I was given when doing my bathroom reno was to have the lights coming from the side of the mirror and not above, as when the light is above it casts shadows on your face. Have you thought about putting that beautiful basin into a rustic cupboard for your vanity? I repurposed a vintage/antique sideboard into a vanity and it looks and works great. I gave it three coats of polyurethane so moisture wouldn't be a problem. You have great ideas and a pretty clear vision of what you like/want and you'll love it when it all comes together.

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Comments (26)

Leanne Downs
Original Author
13 years ago
Some more inspiration photos. First is the shower curtain I love for the space, second two are bathrooms with painted paneling, one with a tile surround. fourth photo is a kitchen, not bathroom, but captures well the casual feeling I'm hoping for the house.
Leanne Downs
Original Author
13 years ago
one last dreamy one...
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Whitney Stone
13 years ago
Love the wood paneling...I wouldn't paint it, you always run the risk of it not looking as good as you hoped and then that wood is ruined. I love the shower curtain shown above. Definitely would keep all new appliances and fixtures modern. What is the finish of your appliances? This will make the bathroom up to date and fresh. Love your faucet idea...because of the deep sink, you don't necessarily need a back splash, but it's not a bad idea to have one. What is your countertop material? Is it a built in vanity? Tile is always a good idea, white subway tile might be just the simplicity your looking for. I found some mirror options. Love the polished chrome mirror but it may be out of your budget, so I have the mirror with a "aged champagne" frame which is more affordable. I found all these things at shadesoflight.com
PRO
Winterhouse Kitchens, Bath & Custom Woodwork
13 years ago
I love the wood paneling, and wouldn't change it at all. Such a cozy feel to it. Sometimes small can be intimate, rather than cramped, and it looks like your ideas are really going for that feel. Your changes are wonderful. I really like the custom sink, and think it really adds to the uniqueness of the room. As far as sconces and a mirror go, I would recommend something with clean lines and unfussy, to further that warm and personal look.
Leanne Downs
Original Author
13 years ago
I'm doing a lot of cast iron and oil rubbed bronze in the house. The black looks great with the cabin feel, the stone and all the wood. I'd like to avoid too much silver/chrome, it looks too cold in the house. Do these sconces seem too precious, or would they work? Do I need something more simple?

http://www.potterybarn.com/products/brantley-mercury-glass-shade-sconce/?pkey=csconces-wall-lamps&

In the kitchen, I'll have a cream SMEG fridge (swoon), likely a small stainless electric range, and a cast iron wood/cook stove.
PRO
Winterhouse Kitchens, Bath & Custom Woodwork
13 years ago
I think they're perfect! I agree the chrome is cold. The sconces you picked out continue the warmth of the room. Beautiful choice.
Judy M
13 years ago
Perhaps reduce the height of paneling.
http://houzz.com/photos/5301935
Judy M
13 years ago
http://houzz.com/photos/501649
Pegster
13 years ago
Love the shower rod above the claw foot tub, Leanne Morris! My daughter did this in a rental with a transparent plastic shower curtain with sheers on the outside, which worked well because you could still see light in the tub when you wanted to shave your legs. Your Pottery Barn lights are OK, but the glass looks like it is the same color as the paneling. You might want contrast? The photo from Judy M is what NOT to do in my opinion. The glass tile looks so out of place with the rustic wood! A natural product would blend better with your wood. As for the mirror, maybe you can find one framed in rustic wood?
Leanne Downs
Original Author
13 years ago
What about the counter under the sink, more wood?
rapper53
13 years ago
I have a cabin in the Adirondacks, circa 1932. It has a bathroom w/claw foot tub and for the past 75 years, had no shower until it finally dawned on us that Restoration Hardware makes plumbing and shower rod hardware to run a shower head up the wall and hang an oval curtain rod from the ceiling. The paneling is painted white in the bathroom as well as the ceiling and I love it. (You might try marine paint). Since the perimeter walls of the cabin are logs-and-chinking and the interior walls are wood paneling (read: dark!), the bathroom feels very fresh and happy and clean. Another feature you may want to consider is that the ceilings were painted white between the supporting beams in the upstairs bedrooms (it's more like whitewash or milk paint) which relieves the darkness of the wood walls. This was not common at the time the cabin was built but gives a lift to the look.
Kathy
13 years ago
What about a piece of granite with the natural rough cut edges for the sink?
Leanne Downs
Original Author
13 years ago
Yes, I like this idea!
mekirsh
13 years ago
can you post more pics of your cabin to get a feel for the rest of it? I'm currently decorating a cabin and would like some "experienced" ideas of yours!! I have thought of painting too, but I'm not brave enough and feel it is so permanent should I not like it. I love the tub and sink....what colors are you planning to accent with?
Kathy
13 years ago
I thought of you when I saw these. A friend has these in her cottage and they are beautiful. There is a tall sconce also for another room.
Leanne Downs thanked Kathy
Leanne Downs
Original Author
13 years ago
None of the cabin has been updated yet, but here is a link to another discussion with some more photos: https://www.houzz.com/discussions/help-brightening-a-dark-room-in-vacation-cabin-dsvw-vd~633059

I am going to do mostly creamy white, natural linen with some mustard and gold. Cool colors don't look good at all with the cabin, makes everything look dirty rather than rustic!
Kathy
13 years ago
I once had a house with a window in the shower so I used marine varnish on shutters and they held up beautifully. I don't know if that would be sufficient for a shower but it would definitely work for tub or sink.
Leanne Downs thanked Kathy
Leanne Downs
Original Author
13 years ago
Do they make marine varnish in a matte or satin, or is it all pretty glossy? I like the idea of that.
Kathy
13 years ago
I'm pretty sure it comes in semigloss, satin and matte. I bought mine at a marine supply store.
mekirsh
13 years ago
Thanks, Leanne, love your cabin!! Getting lots of good ideas!
PRO
LB Interiors
13 years ago
Mirror ideas
m.a.p. inetriors · More Info

Irini Polemi - Mouyis · More Info
PRO
Carolyn Albert-Kincl, ASID
13 years ago
I love the look of white painted paneling in the bath with wood accents such as the shelf shown in photo, wood tray on tub and wood platform under the sink. I prefer the PB sconces that are the rustic ones and the Exeter.
Leanne Downs
Original Author
13 years ago
Yes, Carolyn, this is what I'm leaning towards as well. I think that would be great.
PRO
La Lune Collection
13 years ago
Love your mirror ideas, @LB Interiors - here are a couple more suggestions, which would continue the rustic emphasis:

http://www.lalunecollection.com/rustic-furniture/accessories/mirror-5033-5035/
http://www.lalunecollection.com/rustic-furniture/accessories/mirror-5050-5054/
Pegster
13 years ago
Cathieg is right about not putting lighting above your sink. We are very unhappy with ours that way, and now I have to add lights to the sides of the mirrors.