A blogger friend of mine (and yours too, probably) – Kate – is undergoing the hell excruciating pain distress pleasure of a bathroom renovation at the moment. This is reminding me that I have promised and so far failed to deliver on my own recent renovation experience, also a bathroom.
This was a whirlwind of a renovation, with most of the work being completed by contractors within the space of ONE WEEK in May.
Don’t hate me. This has never happened to me before and will likely never happen again.
It helped that two contractors (drywall, tiling) live a few houses away from me and could pop over in the evenings or on the weekend for an hour here and there, while still pursuing more lucrative and involved day jobs than my wee bath. And that my favourite plumber had openings on his schedule.
Here is the BEFORE: the old bathroom in all its beige 1990 glory:
And here is a video of the glorious AFTER:
I am so happy with my refreshed bathroom space. It puts a big smile on my face when I pass by and catch a glimpse of the shower curtain and the plants and coloured glass hanging in front of the window. And an even bigger smile on my face when I am relaxing in my new, much deeper soaker tub. It’s the hippy-dippy bathroom of my dreams!
This is officially the last large renovation I am doing in my little cottage (she says, hopefully). And also hopefully: LAST RENOVATION EVER.
I don’t want to temp the renovation gods after this incredibly smooth, incredibly fast one!
Rock on,
The WB
I had to read the phrase “one week in May” a dozen times. Seriously? It took 3 weeks for my tile guy to do the shower which is a standard size, nothing fancy shower. We are in week 6 but the end is in sight. Painter will prime today, vinyl plank flooring tomorrow, then finish electrical and plumbing fixtures. Vanity and countertop is in. This is our last big renovation too. If it can’t be done in a week, we ain’t doing it! A lesson I learned is that although I’m happy with our contractor (except for the timing), I’d look for a smaller contractor who does a lot of the work himself or with a helper or two. We lost a week waiting for the tiler to be available. The painter has been prepping all week but that means one coat of spackle a day. I had hoped he’d do a coat first thing and another last thing in the day but nope. I love your bathroom. I love color. So many are tones of a single color. I may use wallpaper to spice mine up a bit so it’s not terminal neutral.
Thank you, Kate. I was so fortunate that my people were willing to come back after hours to continue the work (especially if things have to have drying time) and even on the weekend to get the job done. Never happened before, probably will never happen again! In comparison it took 6 months to even get someone booked to tile my kitchen backsplash!!! Smaller contractors are the way to go, especially if they are your neighbours ๐. Thanks ๐
I love that you have a skylight in your bathroom. I always wanted one. Your little corner cabinet (as seen in the mirror) is a great addition both for ascetics and function. Great job.
Thank you, Jean ๐ The skylight certainly brings a lot of light into the bathroom, and even the stars at night! I love my corner cabinet find.
Beautiful! ๐
Thank you, Natalie ๐
Nice. I was expecting the tub to make way for a walk in shower. We did that years ago and love it and don’t miss the tub one bit.
If I’d had enough room, I would have had a separate walk-in shower too. I would always want a tub if at all possible – love to have a good soak. Thanks, Kieran ๐
A week??? We are putting a bathroom in the basement and it’s been 3 months just trying to finalize the plans. This is due to my husband being a perfectionist and a procrastinator. I can’t image how it will go once they actually start work.
I wish you luck, Dawn! I started a kitchen renovation in 2022 and finally got my range hood installed in May 2024 so I can actually call it complete now ๐. My bathroom HAS to be karma at its finest. Thanks ๐
I felt the same way with our last two bathroom renovation and want you to know it does work out, but the stress of getting there is hell. I don’t know why that is, but it’s the truth that few people talk about, like if you don’t mention it to anyone it didn’t happen?
Renovation is like childbirth – when you are going through it, you vow never again. And then that memory fades and you find you are having your next child/renovation ๐คฃ. Thanks, Ally ๐
I can vouch first-hand that your new bathroom is absolutely amazing. I highly recommend that all commenters come check it out in person. After all, you are close to the airport! ๐
True! Nice and close to the airport ๐คฃ. Thank you, my friend ๐
Hi Deb – that’s good an invitation from Donna … I’ll make a plan! Well done on your conversion … that skylight just makes a difference, as too the corner cupboard … well done – and no wonder the dragonflies are enjoying their resting place … cheers Hilary
Thanks, Hilary ๐ Do make a plan ๐
Good for you! Well done in every respect. Our bathroom renovation is planned for next year, and I’m already nervous about the expenses (and determined to do this one as budget-friendly as possible). Congrats! – Marty
Thank you! Good luck with your renovation, Marty๐ค. Thanks ๐
From one renovator to another: wow!!! I am obsessed with my bathroom progress โฆ hope mine turns out as well as yours!
P/S โค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธ the dragonfly shower curtains and the beautiful purple/lilac walls
Thank you!!!
I hope so too! Thanks, Ju-Lynn ๐