I shared this bathroom last year-
where it began –
and just how far it has come since
when we first found our house.
I just recently changed a few things around,
brought in a new piece
and took out some of the others…
so sharing the bathroom story again…
as well as it’s new look.
The Good.
The Bad
and the (REALLY) Ugly.
(Picture heavy post coming your way!)
Our house was never lived in full time-
it was just a little vacation cottage in the country.
It was dilapidated, vandalized and neglected for over 50 years.
It was beyond really bad.
It would have been easier to tear down and rebuild
But there was something about it.
I fell in love with the original details that were there.
The knotty pine walls. The large fireplace.
The old kitchen with original cupboards and hardwood floors.
The gorgeous property that it sat in the middle of.
I am an old house romantic.
(Before photos taken part way during the destruction –
that was fun- NOT!
and from original post found HERE )
Where there was a a neglected rotting house with broken windows…
I was seeing potential- it just needed to be uncovered and polished up a bit.
Okay, well maybe A LOT.
Let’s just say,
I don’t know that I would take this house on again
if finding it for the first time now.
(A wee bit older and wiser now!)
The original bathroom was only about 5′ wide x 8′ wide
and had 6 different tiles in it.
Red, orange, brown, gold and brown spotted, white spotted with brown and plain white.
‘Eclectic style’ maybe?
We ripped every last bit of the 2500 (lol) types of tile,
old fixtures, knotty pine boards, flooring and sheetrock
out of this bathroom.
We were left with a floor open to the basement,
a ceiling open to the roofline and basically a big. fat. mess.
and a clean slate.
I had a vision for this crusty little space.
I knew what I wanted it to look like.
I wanted a vintage bathroom-
but in a good way.
A charming space with a raised up beamed ceiling
Bead board wainscoting and wallpaper
A crystal chandelier above a new bathtub
Two pedestal sinks and a huge window looking into
the backyard for lots of natural light.
So
a lot of sweat,
a few tears
and a bit of blood later…
Here’s how it came out.
We took out the old dropped down ceiling
(which was in the original bathroom)
and created a faux beamed angled ceiling in it’s place
with bead board and 2×4 beams.
We added 2 pedestal sinks
(one in the original sink spot and the other where the cupboard was)
three vintage inspired sconces to light the area and
placed a dainty commode from Ross in between the sinks for storage.
We did all the work ourselves with my dad –
who is a contractor/builder and who helped immensely with the new plumbing
and overseeing to make sure everything was up to code.
The shower got a makeover with a beautiful pale grey marble tile
and we went with a taupe and cream tumbled marble
checkerboard pattern for the floor.
The ruffled shower curtain is a drape panel from Target.
The room was doubled in size by taking space from the laundry room
We used a large beam where the wall/doorway used to be between the original bathroom
and the water heater area-
the tub faucet is now where the water heater is in this photo.
The large beam runs across the door opening.
I love the mix of the rustic shabby beam ceiling with the elegant wallpaper
and French armoire.
I am big time bath girl…
Love love love to take long, hot baths
so a bathtub was top on my list of wants (and needs!)
Opening up the space and adding another 6′ in length to the
size of the bathroom allowed for my Jacuzzi tub.
The crystal chandelier brings a bit of romance and drama
and was a thrift find for $15.
The French armoire is wonderful for storing everything.
It’s original pale grey finish is a favorite of mine.
I took the doors off to use it as an open cupboard.
Loving it.
My little old iron flea find chair
holds a wooden candle lantern for a little ambiance
next to the tub.
I love to relax in a hot bath with the fountain trickling outside the window,
the chandelier dimmed
and a little Puccini on my ipod.
It’s Pure Enjoyment.
michelle says
Courtney that is absolutely gorgeous!!! Everything about it! I love the ceilings and that armoire is so beautiful! Happy soaking and relaxing!
xo
Marsha @ Tattered Chick says
Absolutely beautiful!! WOW!
xxoo
Marsha
Amber ~ The French Pressed Home says
WOW! I loooooove it! I am drawn to old houses too. New houses just don't have the same charm. You did an amazing job! Love the armoire idea with no doors.
xo, A
Teresa@magazineyourhome says
Hands down one of the most beautiful bathrooms I've seen! I especially love the open amoire
Unknown says
You have a beautiful bathroom ! Very inspiring !
DEB says
Oh my goodness!!! What a makeover…this bath HAS to be one of the most gorgeous I have ever seen!!! LOVE it…everything in it says….relax! Beautiful job!
I am dying to know about the wallpaper..its tooo gorgeous!!
I follow u on twitter…& now your blog:)
Hugs..
Deb:)
June says
Yes where did you get the WALLPAPER
Courtney says
From Lowe’s probably 15 years ago now.
Pam@OurAdventuresInHomeImprovement says
It is absolutely GORGEOUS!! Thanks for sharing.
Pam
Nostalgic Dreams says
Absolutely beautiful!
Heather says
What an amazing makeover and an absolutely gorgeous bathroom! I love it!
Melissa Lally says
When it comes to creativity and decorating, people like you are my idols! I wish I could take some long hot baths in that bathroom too! 🙂 So pretty!!!
ROSE VINE COTTAGE says
So pretty….you did an amazing makeover! Now please let us know where you found that wallpaper (:
Marianne says
Courtney, what a beautiful retreat you have created!. It's simply gorgeous!
Marianne 🙂
Perfect Imperfections by Jeanne says
Hi Courtney! You have just been awarded with the Versatile Blogger Award! Your blog is an inspiration. To find out more about this award check out this post: http://perfectimperfectionsbyjeanne.blogspot.com/2011/09/versatile-blogger-award.html
Richard Cottrell says
I can relate. It is hard to believe those are the same rooms. What a mess and what a beautiful make over. You have worked and done your self prod. It belongs in a magazine. Thanks for sharing, Richard from My Old Historic House.
Debra@CommonGround says
Oh Courtney, this is fabulous! You need to be a bath designer!! great job, I can't believe it started out like it did! xoxo
CLD says
Oh my goodness….this is just lovely. Beautiful from every angle. Each detail is more amazing. Thank you for sharing your talents. Have a great week. Bobbie
Rachel Noelle Pallas says
AMAZING! LOVE what you did to the space~magazine worthy for sure! xoxo Rachel
Carole @ Blue Chateau Interiors says
Wow! It's pure eye candy. You do amazing work!
Fishtail Cottage says
Courtney! unbelievable makeover – i love the statement that the book shelf gives in the room! & the empty frames (so inspirational) Everything is just so gorgeous! oxox,tracie
Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says
I love it. It is just wonderful. You have added such fabulous detail and I love it all. Hugs, marty
Amy Chalmers says
I fell in love the first time I saw this bathroom. I am thinking the cupboard is a new addition?? I am gaga over it!!! Soooo fantastic!
Susan says
That is one beautiful bathroom!
Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR says
What a gorgeous bathroom! You should be so proud of all of your work. I LOVE the armoire. It makes such a statement in the bath! And the chandelier is absolutely stunning! Very pretty!
Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says
Courtney, Your bathroom is one of my absolute favorites! I love the armoire, the chandelier and the pretty mirrors. Everything is gorgeous! It's hard to imagine the humble beginnings of this room. Congrats on creating such a beautiful bath and thanks for sharing at the Open House party.
Hugs,
Sherry
HIBISCUS HOUSE says
I absolutely love what you have done to your bathroom! Very creative and beautiful
Unknown says
Such a gorgeous and elegant room! Love the soft colours, the armoire, your tile choice….just a great room.
joanne says
WOW !! i am astounded ! you took one ugly duckling….worked a LOT of magic and labor into it…and what a cinderella she has become …
ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL !!! i cannot say this enough….
WOW !
Lynn @The Vintage Nest says
I never saw the original post so I am thrilled you shared again. Your hard work was worth every inch of that room. It's FABULOUS! 🙂
Rosemary@villabarnes says
Awesome remodel. I admire that you worked around the details of the house. It looks fantastic.
Vickie @ Ranger 911 says
Beautifully done! Now my projects don't seem so big after seeing what you accomplished.
At The Picket Fence says
Courtney, that truly is a jaw-dropping transformation!!! I don't think I had ever seen that many of the before photos and it is incredible how gorgeous that bathroom looks now. You guys did an amazing job and it just has "you" stamped all over it! 🙂
Vanessa
Sarah says
LOVE!! You gave me a lot of inspiration for my own remodel…it's gorgeous!!
Shanon at Vintage Sparkle Chic says
Gorgeous! Just yesterday I popped by your blog and saw this first posted in 2010. Beautiful then and I love the changes you've made again! I just love every little detail. How fun to take baths there.
~Shanon
Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia says
Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous!! Thanks for linking, lots of love to you 🙂
XO
Catie @ Catie's Corner says
LOVE it Courtney!! What a great makeover. You guys did an amazing job. I really like the shower curtain and the zebra rug. Must be the wild woman in me. lol = )
~ Catie
Burlap Luxe says
I could move in and live in your bathroom…But we would have to call it something else 🙂
It is truly a bathroom of bathrooms a perfect place to soak and dream!
What a room to love!
xoxo
Dore
Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says
Courtney, I did not realize your home was so old. I love what you did in the bathroom. Love the beams, wallpaper, armoire, well, love it all.
Heaven's Walk says
Hi Courtney! I never knew how much work you all put into your wonderful home! You amaze me! Well…you always amaze me…but this transformation is just incredible! You have such a way with bringing a French feel to your style. I just LUV it. Your bathroom is so calming, serene, and French! ♥ I want you to come to my house and wave your magic wand….. 🙂
xoxo laurie
Elegant Economies says
What a beautiful bathroom! Love, love, love the armoire.The grays are so soft and elegant.Audrey
Honeycomb Creative Co. says
Wow! That is so beautiful! I wish I could pick my favorite thing, but there are just so many! I love the armoir, and the way you styled it. The beveled mirrors are gorgeous- I love their shape. And oddly enough, I noticed your makeup brushes in the littler silver pitcher- I just love how that looks! Your bathroom is truly breathtaking!
Courtney
Jacqueline~Cabin and Cottage says
Pretty gorgeous! Apart from the new space you created, you did a beautiful job on the decorating! The wallpaper does so much magic, and the French cabinet, and chandy does the rest! Perfect!
Katie @ Wildwood Creek says
Simply stunning! Love the beadboard, wallpaper, armoire, chandy. Love it all!
Karena says
Courtney I adore your armoire, I wish a had a bath large enough to fit one! It is all beautiful!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
ibshell says
SO Beautiful! I miss my tub!! I love everything from the beamed ceilings, to the crystal chandelier, the armoir and the wallpaper, right down to the zebra print rug…and everything in between. WELL DONE!!! I love it 😉
Unknown says
Gorgeous is a small word for this bathroom…Amazing…tha armoire, the wall paper…so inspiring
And the fact that you guys did all this..is wow
Rasha @ mychampagnetaste
Shabby soul says
Your bathroom is a dream!
I'm recently looking for some idea of bathroom I like, 'cause I'll have to redo mine.
Surely I'll take inspiration!!
Love your armoire and all the little details.
Thanks for sharing!
Silvia
Unknown says
Wow, It is really one of the most beautiful bathrooms that I have seen! Colors are stunning!
Anonymous says
Your blood, sweat and tears have paid off. It's very lovely.
shabbyfufu says
Courtney, what a wonderful transformation…one of the best that I've seen! Love that armoire, how GORG! xo
Unknown says
Fab! When can I come over to "borrow" your tub long enough for a bubble bath and maybe some chapagne and insanely expensive chocolate? Love it, love it, LOVE IT!!!
~Mikey @ Shabby French Cottage
http://www.shabbyfrenchcottage.com
Ricki Treleaven says
Gorgeous bath, Courtney. I cannot get over the before. I am always impressed with people who can see potential in a neglected property. Wow. I think the most stunning element in your bath is the armoire. It. Is. PERFECT!!! Everything is even arranged inside artistically. *nice*
Pam Kessler says
That is one amazing transformation. I think my favorite part is the wallpaper. Or maybe the picture frames. Or the armoire. OK, I love it all.
~ ~ Ahrisha ~ ~ says
It's so beautiful it's making me cry! What a wonderful place to bath and relax.
~ ~Ahrisha~ ~
High Street Cottage says
Courtney your bath is breathtaking! I've always envied those who's baths are large enough to fit furniture in. I love the large French shelf and the wonderful toile wall paper. Everything really, how amazing the transformation is.
Tanya Anurag says
I am not sure if somebody can fall in love with a bathroom or not… but I just did!! It is gorgeous. I liked that open armoire so much that I pinned a picture of it.
The piece of furniture between the two sinks and that chair are also very well placed! Ahh.. I can go on and on…
Darleen~ Places In The Home says
French & Fabulous! The grey you selected for the armoire is drop dead gorgeous. Pretty always works and this works well. Smart idea placing the chest between the two pedestal sinks! Really nice.
Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your Home says
Stunning…absolutely beautiful!!!
Catherina says
It is PURE BEAUTY! 🙂
Debbiedoos says
My gosh Courtney your bathroom is beautiful! It sure did not start out that way. You did an amazing transformation. Love those mirrors!
Natasha in Oz says
That is my dream bathroom! I love every single thing about it!!
Best wishes and thanks for the inspiration.
Natasha.
ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says
GORGEOUS Courtney!! Your bathroom was always a favorite of mine. I LOVE LOVE the new armoire! Martina
Kelly says
I just adore your beautiful bathroom! It's the exact style that I love. You did an amazing job with it. The armoire is my favorite feature I believe. I'm popping by from White Wednesday!
Roeshel says
Wow, Courtney! I'm glad you shared this again because if I had seen it before, I would have remembered! It's stunning. Beautiful and amazing transformation! LOVE it! Inspiring – I want my bathroom to look like that! 🙂
Pamela says
Gorgeous Courtney!! I could spend all day in there!
Tricia says
Oh my goodness, I am in LOVE!! I think I remember those before photos. That armoire is sooo gorgeous, I love the color and I'm so envious of your beamed ceiling too! You sure have the magic decorating touch, Courtney 🙂
Marigene says
Just gorgeous!
At The Picket Fence says
So, so beautiful! I am glad you shared it again, because I did not see it the first time around and would have been so sad to have missed seeing this stunning bathroom retreat! All of the details are just perfect. No wonder you love it so much!
Heather
Okie Chic says
Omg sooo sooo pretty!!! Not only is it beautiful but it looks so relaxing. Great Job!!
Alison @ The Polohouse says
So pretty Courtney!
I love an old house too.
Your bathroom is just stunning.
Love what you did with it!
Debra Hall says
It's so beautiful…..love the old house too!!
Jenny @ Simcoe Street says
This is incredible!!
Jenny
http://www.simcoestreet.blogspot.com
vanessa says
What a beautiful room! I love your creative vision brought to life-so inspiring.
Shelia says
HI Courtney, your bathroom is gorgeous! I love everything about i! You did a great job designing it to what you wanted.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
Honey at 2805 says
Your bathroom is beyond gorgeous! I remember reading about your cottage and seeing the transformation and was totally amazed by it at the time. You really brought it to beautful life.
BettyJean @ ShabbyTeaParty says
$15 for the chandelier??? Where is this Thrift Store LOL. You've done an amazing job. Love everything about it…. beautiful armoir…. removing the doors was billiant. I found you through Nifty Thrifty Tuesday. Thanks for sharing.
Miss Char says
Courtney, I can hear the house thanking you for loving her. You've done a magnificent job.
chateau de fleurs says
So very beautiful Courtney, I love it all! XO Christie
DIYbyDesign says
That really is stunning. The chandelier is amazing. I love each and everything you have done. Thanks so much for sharing it at DIYbyDesign.
Mimi@blueroofcabin says
You had me at French Cottage. It is so pretty. I want that armoire! I just love it all!
Biljana says
Amazing, I love,love all,absolutely beautiful:-)
Hugs, Biljana
Alison Agnew says
i had to smirk in agreement
when you said that you might not
buy this house again
given the choice now
i agree
because my home
while lovely
is my own personal money pit
but your bath is truly lovely
and worth the effort
thanks for sharing at fridays unfolded!
alison
tendrplace says
Amazing and so beautiful. thank you for sharing. 🙂
Youaretalkingtoomuch.com says
Oh
My
Gosh!
This is in your home? Gorgeous! My readers would love to meet you. Come show off on my Monday Linky Parties! Love, Me
http://www.youaretalkingtoomuch.com
Decor To Adore says
What a fantastic bathroom makeover!
I would love for your to post this gem up on my Fall In Love linky party on Wednesday.
Until then come by and see a spectacular new spice cabinet.
Unknown says
Courtney, I love this remodeled Bathroom. So fabulous, french country. I really liked how you placed the small chest between the sinks, great idea for storage as well as adding interest. So pretty, I also love the Armoire, great upcycled project. I have pinned some photos, to good not to share!
Unknown says
Courtney, I love how beautiful your bathroom turned out.Fabulous Country French. I especially love the way you placed the small chest between the sinks. A beautiful way to add storage. I also love the upcycled French armoire, perfect color, it looks absolutely right for storage in this great makeover. I can relate to all the hard work when you buy an old home and renovate, but I agree it is worth saving the old homes that have such good bones.
I had to share some photos on my pinterest boards, too pretty not to share.
Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage says
Your armoire is the prettiest piece of furniture I have ever seen! Ever! I hope you gave your husband lots of kisses for bringing that beauty home! Your whole bathroom is gorgeous and stunning and really, really, should be in a magazine!
Nita Stacy says
This is so beautiful. I just had to feature today on Mod Mix Monday!
Unknown says
Ooh! I love that furniture piece. I loved the other one too but this one has such beautiful detail and the color is PERFECT for that room. I adore the sweet simplicity of the open frames & wreath too. I didn't think it was even possible to improve on the original post but by golly, you did! I'm just gonna send you my floor plan & pics and you can just decorate everything for me, k? hehe!
Dawn-Hydrangea Home says
Such a beautiful bathroom. You did an amazing job in there!!
DIYbyDesign says
So incredible. I will be featuring it tonight at my Fall into Fall party. Please stop by and pick up an I've Been Featured button. Thanks so much. The linky opens at 8pm EST tonight.
Wanderlustnix says
THIS IS SO IMPRESSIVE! I AM IN LOVE WITH YOUR BATHROOM! THANK YOU FOR YOUR DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS.
I AM YOUR NEW FOLLOWER BY THE WAY!
LOOKING FORWARD TO MORE POSTS FROM YOU!
http://thechicregency.blogspot.com/
Angie says
Gorgeous transformation! Love your blog!
Angie
Dee ⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️ says
Your bathroom is an amazing transformation!!!
Dee
Zuni, Chickadee Home Nest says
All I can say is you have (or once had) courage to take this on, but I bet every time you see the end result you're glad you did it. It looks great!
Barbe @ Beez Rental Designs says
Hi, I'am a new follower, found you on Town & Country Living. This is my dream bathroom right down to the colors. Beautiful job. I look forward to seeing more of your work. Hope you'll stop by my new blog — Beez Rental Designs. : )
Stitch a Wish Designs says
What a dream!!! Gorgeous and I would be in that tub all the time! Newest follower! <3
LA VIE EN ROSE says
Oh I love your bathroom, what a great job! it's beautiful love the details and the wallpaper is sooo pretty, I'm just finishing a bathroom remodel of my own and I'm very tempted to do some wallpaper in there after seeing yours. Just gorgeous!!
Sharon
Venus Blues Hideaway says
What a great job you have done!! Who would have ever thought that the previous bathroom could have looked like that!! Great foresight and wonderful decorating.
I just found your site and became a follower!!
Faye
Kelly says
I am about to TRY to paint my bathroom vanity. Could you tell me what you did to your armoire. I can only hope my bathroom will turn out half as fantastic as yours.
Gucialoveskids says
breathtaking ! i`ve always dreamed about such bathroom..
Jocie@TheBetterHalf says
Wow, its so fancy and pretty!! love it!
Thanks so much for linking up and linking back to us. Good luck and feel free to follow us on facebook for all the contest updates!
slavica vucinic says
Today,I first time be on your blog.You are so CREATIV!BEAUTIFUL!BEAUTIFUL!Thanks!
junk2jewels-diy says
Oh my Heaven! Absolutely Stunning!! So much hard work, but it turned out gorgeous~~ Thank you for sharing and inspiring !! Theresa!
SouthernArtGallery says
Stunning. Can you share the armoire color?
Unknown says
I absolutely love your style.. its beautiful
JackieM says
I love your style. I am remodeling my kitchen and my bath after yours I love this site too fantastic!!
Katie @ Creatively Living says
Sooooo awesome! I LOVE a good before and after! Especially when it comes to room renovations and when the before is really bad!
Such great work!
–Kaite
Orlando Designs says
This is very beautiful, I absolutely love the wallpaper!
Unknown says
I love this! I've seen one of these pictures floating around pinterest and have it pinned on my board.
PrettyinPink says
This is such a gorgeous bathroom! Love French Toile de jouy.
Pinky at Designs by Pinky says
Just found you via Anita. This si an amazing tyransformation and turned out GORGEOUS!!!!!!!! I can't believe you got the chandy for $15.00!! Love the chair and lantern next to the tub and LOOOOOVE the armoire! XO, Pinky
Unknown says
Awesome bathroom remodeling design ideas for small bathroom remodeling with nice pictures! Thanks for giving such a great ideas.
Unknown says
This is such a beautiful bathroom remodeling. In Colorado Springs CO, my son remodeled his bathroom recently and it looks so good! Such a nice change, his is a little more modern but I like this. Thanks for sharing!
Daisy says
Just amazing and beautiful. Did you paint the armoire? I love the color.
Anonymous says
Courtney, that truly is a jaw-dropping transformation!!! I don't think I had ever seen that many of the before photos and it is incredible how gorgeous that bathroom looks now. You guys did an amazing job and it just has "you" stamped all over it! 🙂
Jon
MyBedMyBath
Unknown says
What color or stain did you use on your armoire? Its just beautiful!