Software
Houzz Logo Print
kkteplitz

How do I work with pine ceilings and dated tile in this tiny bathroom?

last year
last modified: last year

I need help! I've moved into an old mountain home that has dark-ish/orange-ish pine ceilings and dated neutral-toned tile in this bathroom. I painted this tiny bathroom's walls and door BM's Simply White to try to brighten it up when I first moved in. My style is generally modern or transitional modern. I cannot figure out how to make this bathroom work so it feels warm, light, and inviting. The Simply White walls is better than the chilly blue it was before, but it feels really stark now. I was thinking of trying to paint the vanity base or repainting the walls, but I am lost and don't have the funds to replace the shower tile or whitewash the ceilings. I'm stuck with paint, textiles, and the vanity base. I cannot figure out a good color palette or the right texture combination that modernizes the space while also makes it feel warm. This room doesn't get a lot of natural light. Any suggestions??





Comments (10)

  • last year

    Is the floor tile something different than what's in the tub surround? Or is it wood? I'm not sure painting the vanity is going to solve your problem, but if you want to explore the idea, look at greens. If you DIY the painting of the vanity, be sure to research how to paint cabinets. Done well it involves using a certain type of paint (not just any wall paint) and a multi-step process. Done wrong it will peel within a year.


    The lighting is not good. I would add a fixture over the mirror over the sink so you get light where you really need it. And get a different fixture for the existing location if you still need something there after installing a new fixture. Even though this involves paying an electrician (if you don't have the expertise in house), this seems to me to be an investment with no downside. No one doesn't want light over their sink.

    kkteplitz thanked kandrewspa
  • last year

    I agree! The lighting is terrible and also dated. I like the idea of changing where the light fixture is. And thanks for the tip on the process for painting the vanity. I was even thinking of replacing it if I could find something reasonable.


    The floor is new vinyl wood planks. I realized I should have taken out the floor mat when I posted the photo.


  • last year

    There is also almost zero storage in the bathroom. I added temporary shelves on the walls. I was thinking of an over-the-toilet storage that hides items, but I was also afraid that might take up too much space and make the room feel even more cramped.

  • last year

    Look at over the toilet cabinets on line, and mock up the dimensions with cardboard. Live with that for a week or so. That will tell you if it makes the room feel cramped. I think it would be a great way to introduce storage without clutter.

    My son uses an over the door organizer on the back of his bathroom door. It hold a ton of stuff, and is out of sight when the door is open.

    Your bathroom definitely needs some color. The white walls brighten the space, but everything in the room is neutral. A snazzy shower curtain and matching towels would make a huge difference, even if you don't do anything else.

    kkteplitz thanked AnnKH
  • last year

    I dont see anything that is really wrong with your bathroom. What you do need is better lighting, and a bright and cheerful shower curtain, and a bright colored rug in front of the sink, and some pretty towels. The basics are done, it just needs to be dressed a bit.

    kkteplitz thanked cat_ky
  • last year

    I agree with kandrewspa regarding adding a light fixture by your vanity (instead of where it is currently located) - it actually apppers that you could put in sconces on either side of a mirror over your vanity. Sconces provide better lighting in a bathroom vs. lighting over the mirror.


    If you feel that the knotty pine ceiling is too rustic for your style, you could paint it. If you decide to paint it, you need to make sure that you use a good primer that will keep the knots from bleeding through the paint.


    Using cardboard boxes to simulate storage for over the toilet would be a good way to see how the size will fit - and whether it will make you feel like it's too tight.


    How many people use this bathroom?

    kkteplitz thanked dani_m08
  • last year
    last modified: last year

    Keep the simply white. Shower curtain in tones of the tub surround, the ceiling and floor will pull things together.



    Paint the vanity Simply White in high gloss finish.

    Better lighting, storage on the door.



    https://www.drivenbydecor.com/bathroom-storage-ideas/

    Art over toilet. Love this guy!


    https://eugeniagorbacheva.com/products/parrot-art-print-watercolor-bird-wall-decor-yellow-gray-cockatiel-art-minimalist-birds-giclee-parrot-lover-gift

    kkteplitz thanked elcieg
  • last year
    last modified: last year

    @dani_m08 Thanks! This is the master bath, so it's designed for 2 people, but it's tiny! We don't have kids yet, so my partner took over the hallway bathroom and the master is mostly just for me unless we have visitors.

  • last year

    Thank you all for the comments! I appreciate the additional set of eyes!