Office Bathroom Reveal
This makeover has been a rollercoaster. and I screamed the whole way. not literally because I have a toddler to do that for me 
Let’s do a short recap for all you folks just joining us…
Lowe’s Creative Ideas Magazine has bequethed upon us a $500 giftcard to makeover a bathroom. We decided to go with the flesh skinned, chocolate trimmed, gilded office bathroom…which doesn’t get much action because of the nightmares it can induce.
The entire thing hasn’t been touched…short of hanging a leftover mirror I had in my college days…just so that it wasn’t awkward for the two guests who go in there to blow their nose and might have a cling-on.
The bathroom has 99 problems but a cling-on ain’t one
Speaking of problems, the vanity was too close to the wall, the gold was waving the white flag, the paint colors were begging to be put out of their misery and the entire space lacked any style.
I told ya all about our plans for the space here….but in short – change, well, everything.
There were a couple things that we couldn’t afford to change…one being the tile. The slate shower and the creamy marble floor were going to stay. The toilet and the vanity also needed to stay…just simply to stay in budget…and also because as much as I would love a new Kohler throne, this one really does function just fine for the limited tinkle-time it receives.
The fixtures needed to be switched out though…including the shower, the sink faucet and the lighting situation.
And we needed a little more function…as in, at least a place to put a damp towel or two…you know…for the folks that aren’t Rod Tidwell and choose to not air dry (name that movie).
Oh and the paint colors absolutely positively needed to go. I’m pretty sure that this color combo is a reason unto itself for anti-depressants.
Now that you got the 360 degree view…you probably will agree that this bathroom was anything but fierce….unless you count fiercely fugly…which I do.
I challenge you to notice the little things…the dingy outlets, the brown register cover, the ill-placed toilet paper holder, the random holes in the wall, the gold, the gold, the gold.
And now I would love to introduce you to our newly madeover girl-next-door-ready-for-the-prom-and-her-first-kiss….
Armed with our $500 gift card, we first decided on a color scheme and a plan. Once I saw the Allen + Roth shower curtain, I knew. We were gonna go with the feminine turquoisey blue. Based on that, I was able to choose paint – a neutral “Marble Tile” for the walls and “Park Place” to pop the vanity (both Allen + Roth shades). The trimwork also got way too many coats of white paint (and I ended up with a claw). I felt like the only way to make bright white trim and cream tile get along was to mix both through out the space…and the wall hue was simply an extension of that to me.
Unfortunately, our shower curtain was too short. Yeah. So I broke out a remnant of linen I had in my sewing stash and added a girly gathered skirt. Now she looks like a tailored professional in Nashville
Once I picked the textiles and the color scheme, it was simply the Irish luck running through my veins that lead me to the polished nickel accessories. I scored a great deal on the mirror, towel hooks, shelf and toilet paper stand. (you can read all about it here)
The art was actually something I got a long time ago at Goodwill (here’s when I debuted it) and have been waiting for the perfect spot to put it. It just so happens that it picks up the colors in my plan and is feminine enough to tickle my ovaries.
The faux succulent was 18 cents in the Hobby Lobby discount aisle. I love me a good succulent…especially since I can’t kill it. I just popped it into an old Ikea vase and paired it with a Target’s christmas votive holder (it cost me a whopping 40 cents) and a mercury glass head from TJMaxx. This particularly beautiful lady (she told me she was a girl) wanted me to let you know that she may look like a Buddha head but in fact, she is a very conservative southern Baptist….which makes sense, since we live in the Bible Belt
I love the sparkle of the head and the shine of the chrome and the simple color scheme. It feels girly to me. It feels like a feminine bathroom…and that’s hard to do with slate in the mix.
The toilet didn’t get anything done to it. Nada. Maybe one day I’ll switch out the lever. I did clean it. First time since we moved in. Don’t judge.
I really dig the curtain rod and the little rollers…they jingle when you move the shower – which apparently makes Will squeel…so I did it for about twenty minutes before I decided he should breathe. Consider these quality control tested
You probably already know what’s hiding behind the hand towel…a new outlet. I showed y’all how to switch it out…and it just so happens that the perfect place for the towel ring happens to be right in front of it.
I would be remiss to not mention the new faucet I got. It is a far cry from the gold monstrosity that previously resided here. And the $39 pricetag is something most everyone could handle. (haha…punny) It’s the Pfister Sonetrra in polished chrome.
Not only did the vanity get a new coat of paint, but it also got some new handles. Aren’t they dashing?
Did you notice I also switched out the register cover on the floor? The new vent is bright white (to match the trim) and I think it draws a whole lot less attention than the old brown one.
The little space between the door and the shower was too narrow for even a small 18″ towel rod, so we opted for a couple of hooks instead. The towels were a wedding gift from my grandmother – and I love that they have flowers and a bit of silver thread at the bottoms…perfect for this space, dontcha think?!
I also threw together a linen shade for the window. It’s a simple double layer with a tension rod at the top. I used clothes pins to pin it up for a bit of light…simple but effective.
Also, I had no idea what kind of doorknob to get for the room – since the office isn’t done yet and it would be visible in there – so I left it open for now.
Another unfinished piece of this puzzle is the shower head and faucet. I ordered them from Lowes.com earlier this month but I am still waiting. The delivery time was estimated to be yesterday (giving me just enough time to install it) but I’ve learned that sometimes it’s best to just roll with the DIY punches. Also, don’t tick off your delivery guy….cause they can leave tire marks in your grass. that tip is free
The glass shelf is perfect for narrow objects. I love shelves over toilets. It makes for a spot for accessories. And girls love accessories.
Last but certainly not least is the light fixture. It’s a Portfolio 3 light in brushed nickel. I know. I know. But Katie, all your accessories are POLISHED! Isn’t that light mixing wine and beer in the same glass? I have no idea. I am no designer. Or a mixologist. I am a girl that liked the brushed light fixture more than all the polished ones…and honestly because they are not right next to each other, you don’t notice the difference that much.
The light fixture was bought separately from the shades….and I am so glad I did. The fixture could change completely with the shades.
The shades I went with were the most feminine. I loves the little gathering pleats…the mini glass beads that were glued to the inside make it glimmer like an Oscar red carpet.
Oh yeah, this pretty girl is dancing tonight…
And because I know how much we all hate burning those calories scrolling our pointer fingers up – here are some side by side before and afters:
Jeremy even loves it (even with all the girly touches)…and is very excited to get started on the office next. I’m thinking we might need a paint sprayer for all that trim
Because some of you all ask for the real nitty gritty when it comes to moolah – I broke out the receipts and tallyed it all up for ya….
Budget Breakdown:
- Wall paint – $31.98 – $5 rebate = $26.98
- Trim paint = $28.97
- Vanity paint = $2.94
- Vanity hardware – 2 @ $3.34 = $6.68
- Vanity faucet = $39.00
- Oval mirror = $51.79
- Portfolio 3-light fixture = $29.98
- Clear glitter glass shades = 3 @ $10.47 = $31.41
- Shower fixture (not pictured) = $86.24
- Ashbury shower curtain = $19.98
- Shower curtain liner = $8.98
- Curtain tension rod = $11.98
- Roller hooks = $7.98
- Glass shelf = $28.34
- Robe hooks – 2 @ $4.49 = $8.98
- Toilet paper stand = $7.49
- Hand towel holder = $5.99
- Electrical stuff = $18.91
- Register cover = $6.74
- Additional supplies = $30
- Towels – already owned
- Art – already owned
- Accessories – already owned
TOTAL : $459.36
My strong suite is not math – so hopefully that was correct. If not, blame my mom – I was homeschooled Oh and everything that I didn’t say where it was from – it’s from Lowe’s
A very heartfelt thank you to LCI for making this bathroom possible…we couldn’t afford such a transformation right now…and I am so grateful to them and my readers who keep this blog going and for your constant support. You all are the glimmer in my toilet paper holder….and knowing how much I love my toilet paper holder, that’s really saying something.
p.s. Lowe’s Creative Ideas is on Pinterest! Definitely worth perusing!
Love it Katie! The ruffle on the shower curtain is such a nice touch. Your blog is so inspiring to me, wish we were neighbors! I have a little boy Will too!
xo from NC
I literally “ooh”-ed when I scrolled down and saw the first finished picture! My two favorite things are the vanity and the mirror (those shades are a VERY close third). I wouldn’t mind seeing a pop of color in the artwork, maybe red or plum, but it is gorgeous, and a 100000x improvement the way it is!
Ooh – that would look pretty too! Wish I had tons of artwork on hand…don’t you?! If only!
xo – kb
Hey Katie, your transformation is awesome! Any tips you could share for removing the glass shower doors? I have a pair I’d love to tear out and add a curtain in their place.
Well, I am planning on doing an entire post about all the behind-the-scenes stuff we learned through this bathroom reno. It’s definitely a process.
xo – kb
I love the new look! I also love how the before shots include the cleaning supplies on the toilet with the lid up – it makes the transformation even more impressive by comparison (like any self-respecting before-and-after).
Wow, Katie, the bathroom looks fantastic! It’s an amazing transformation!
I have 2 questions for you….
1. You mentioned several times about wanting to make the bathroom more feminine, but I’m just curious what made you lean that way. How did you find that inspiration?
2. Now that Jeremy has moved his office into the basement, what will his old office become?
Again, it looks GREAT!
Thanks!
Lori
Hi Lori,
Thanks and let’s get right to those answers –
1. I leaned that way because it’s going to be my office and since the bathroom is only accessible through the office…consequently my bathroom. So I was definitely wanting a more feminine space.
2. The upstairs office will be my domain – a place for photography stuff, sewing, art and crafting. Jer always complains that my stuff is everywhere, so for now the plan is to find a space in this room to put it all
xo – kb
Beautiful work Katie and the Bower family! It is like a breath of fresh air. It would be awesome to see a similar color scheme extended into the office!
Thanks for the inspirartion
It’s beautiful!!! When I saw the first “after” photo, I literally said “Oh, Katie – I love it” out loud…to my computer
I LOVE the makeover!! You did a fabulous job..and kept it under budget! Your bathroom kinda matches your blog header!!
Can’t wait to see what’s next
~*Jessica
oh my goodness, it looks SO GOOD! well done, katie!
I am in LOVE with the shower curtain. That pattern is amazing. The transformation looks awesome too!! Great job. Can’t wait to see the office next.
WOW!!! What a diff. Everything looks so good together, from the color of the vanity…to the print….to the shower curtain….to the lil glass shelf, etc etc.
Great job….and I really don’t think it’s that girly. I love it.
It looks ah-maz-ing! I love everything about it!
i am floored! i’ve never left a comment…but i had to on this one. simply. totally. amazing!!
Aww thanks Meg – and don’t be a stranger
xo – kb
The difference is amazing! That shower curtain is gorgeous and I love the new colours in the room. I think the floors and the slate looks great now – nice job working with what you have and pulling everything together!
Haven’t scrolled down far enough to see the reveal but I am anwering your challenge!
Rod Tidwell —– JERRY MAGUIRE! Love that movie!!!! You just made me lol 
I haven’t scrolled down far enough to see the reveal but I am answering your challenge!
Rod Tidwell — JERRY MAGUIRE!!!! Love that movie! You just made me lol
“feminine enough to tickle my ovaries.” LOL….that almost made me spit out my honey bun. I think I officially have a girl crush on you.
This is one of my favorite make overs that you have done so far. It looks awesome!
That turned out great, it gives me the motivation to get off my butt and go and finish my bathroom. (I am literally going to get off the computer now and go and paint)
Just happened across your blog because I spotted my new shower curtain (plus a ruffle) on Pinterest and had to click on it. I too, planned my whole color scheme around this curtain when I spotted it at Lowes. I also bought the mirror for $51.79, but went back last weekend and it was marked down to $18.49 and Lowes was happy to give me the $33 price adjustment. Might be worth a trip back to Lowes with your receipt! Love your new office bath, mine should be completed this week!
I went back yesterday for a last minute item and they still didn’t have it discounted at mine. Maybe I should check another local Lowes
Thanks for the tip though!
xo – kb
Katie, you always make me laugh with your posts! I really like what you did with your bathroom. I’m actually a fan of the slate tile and the colors you chose really compliment it and the existing floors. I would love to add this to my paint color galleries and do a feature post on the paint colors. You wouldn’t have to do a thing, just jet me know if you’re interested!
Sure! I’d be honored
xo – kb
It looks great – I love it! I’m in the process of doing a makeover on our own fugly 1/2 bathroom and with a teeny tiny budget I find this so inspiring. Thanks for sharing!
Now that is one FANTASTIC makeover.
holy moly. that looks AMAZING!! such a great job, katie! huge transformation. love all your choices. sorry you had to paint five coats on that trim, but wow, it sure changes everything. you should hire a professional to paint the office trim or your mind might fall right off!!
Katie Bower!!! You have SERIOUSLY outdone yourself!!! SO excited to see how this has all transpired. You stayed with in budget and everything. You have seriously outdone yourself….I can’t say it enough!!! LOVE your new feminine bathroom!
go katie bower! looks great and worth the wait!
You said “Speaking of problems, the vanity was too close to the wall”, but it seems like it’s the same distance? Or is that my imagination?
Anyhoo, totally love it! And don’t feel bad about not touching your bathroom. When we moved in, we gave all the walls in the house a paint with some cheap mistints and our bathroom ended up with ugly ugly blue and mission brown trim… I haven’t touched it yet and we’ve lived here for 5 years!!!!
We got to move it out about two more inches – which to me was huge…but I know it’s hard to tell in the photos.
xo – kb
Katie, that bathroom looks AH-mazing! Your hard work and late nights were totally worth it. I can’t even believe it’s the same space!
I don’t really comment but this blew me away. I absolutely love the update. I’m so inspired now!
Love it Katie, it looks amazing!! This makes me want to go paint something now…. can’t wait to see more “room reveals” as you trek on along
GAH! I love it so much! I love the art! I love that you got it at Goodwill! Must check out GW art section more often!
!!!!!
Love it! It looks so fresh and warm in there. Nice work!
Beautiful transformation, Katie! Fresh and feminine and just the inspiration I need for my upcoming bathroom reno!
I saw the “after” photo and realized I had been holding my breath through all of that brass…and then I literally went “ahhhh.”
SO pretty!! Great job!
That looks SOOOOO much better! I love the airy colors and how you all took the shower doors down. Go Katie!
Amazing. It looks really great and well done. I swear you make it look so easy I am quite jealous at times. I am inspired now though so thanks. Keep you the good work and hope all you wishes come true soon.
It looks FABULOUS! Great job- I love the way you reworked the vanity and all the new hardware. It makes a huge difference!
I have the same shower curtain! I love it. This room is gorgeous!
this is incredible!!
you had me laughing the whole way through.
Wow, what a transformation! I think you did such a great job. I don’t know if I’ve ever said this before about a bathroom but it is a such an inviting space!
Katie – you are a wonder! I gasped too when I saw this reveal – it’s really stunning! I love love love the blue/green you used – what a huge difference! I so wish I could hire you to redo our house
LOVE IT! Great job, Katie! I love that you’re going to have your own little girlie area in a house of boys.
Emily
WOW. You know, you do feminine spaces REALLY well. Like this bathroom, which is phenomenal. Or your amazing dressing room in Casa 1. I’m so excited to see what magic you work in your office – but only after your hands, tear ducts, and soul have recovered from the birth of this beautiful bathroom! Also, you really did do an exceptional job picking a paint color. A suave taupe is juuust what this little lady needed. Somehow this is a bathroom that would make a girl half-squeal to use, but a dude wouldn’t feel like he was trespassing in lady land if he needed to wash his hands.
Where did you get the glass shelf? You may have mentioned that in another post, but I may have missed it. I love it and have been looking for a similar one for my guest bathroom. LOVE you new bathroom, by the way!
It’s from Lowe’s and part of the accessories I picked up. Here’s the link for that post.
xo – kb
Love it!! It’s beautiful and everything goes so well together. Fantastic job.
The bathroom looks absolutely gorgeous! It was all over pinterest yesterday, and with good reason. Great job!
Looking good in there, Katie B! Can you do a tutorial for those of us who are reallllly bad sewers but really want to learn how to add length to a shower curtain?! Pwetty pwease?! : )
Do you want to know how to add a ruffle or just make a curtain longer?
xo – kb
The first photo of the bathroom literally made me gasp! AWESOME transformation!!! The colors are great and everything is so gorgeous!
Thanks for the tips about the little glass shelf over the throne, I’m gonna have to do that with my bathrooms.
I know I’ll just be the 241st person to tell you your bathroom renovation looks absolutely amazing!! But still, here’s my HUUGE thumbs up! Nice work!!
Great job Katie!! It looks amazing!! You would never even know it used to be brown and flesh colored!!