My question for you today is…
If this was your bathroom, how would you update it?
We live in a teeny tiny house in a really cool neighborhood but the house has its quirks, that’s for sure. And this bathroom, a half bath really, is one of them.
Aside from the fact that this bathroom is probably the smallest one we’ve ever had, there are a couple of things that even after living here a bit, I still can’t figure out how to go about improving them.
For instance…
The sink situation. 😉 Or rather, how to hide the pipe that is coming out of the wall. This is how the water gets to the sink. That is not going to change. We are not going to call a plumber and have them re-route the pipes to behind the sink.
If that was possible, it would have been done already. The pipe stays.
So the question is… How to hide said pipe AND the red and blue water lines that go to the sink.
I had thought about replacing the pedestal sink with one with a sink/cabinet combo that would but up against the wall…
But seeing how we only have about 12 inches to work with between the wall and the radiator {that isn’t going to move either…} we are stuck with simply replacing the pedestal sink {same size}.
The top of the pedestal is cracked and the faucet hardware is corroded so that needs to be replaced too.
Here’s a close up. If this was your bathroom, what would you do?
To the right of the sink there’s also this sweet wooden screen {shutter?} that hides all the mechanical stuff like the hot water heater {it’s on demand, which is small so that’s good!} and various other pipes.
The wooden screen is held in place with a hook and eye that is attached to the wall.
But wait… There’s more!
This is our bathroom door. It’s crusty and old and I actually kind of like it. Or rather, I think I would like it a little bit more if it was blue like Alvaro and Christina Olson’s door.
It’s a barn door. Which is kind of cool.
So that’s our quirky little half bathroom. I know it can be SO MUCH more than it is…
We just need to:
- Replace the banged up bathroom cupboard
- Change out the outlets to white
- Paint the bathroom
- Get new light fixtures
- Replace the radiator cover
- Buy a mirror
- Replace the sink and faucet hardware
- Figure out how to hide the sink pipes
- Find a better solution for the wooden screen that hides the mechanical stuff/pipes
- Paint? Replace? The bathroom door
Do you have any suggestions? If this was your bathroom, what would you do? I need all the ideas I can get!
~Mavis
Kimberly Vassar says
I’d leave the door…It’s way too cool…great alligatored paint.
Sarah says
They make vanities that are meant for small spaces. I have one in my bathroom and it is 12 inches deep. The other possibility would be to get a wall mounted one.
Mel says
This is my thought as well. Try a floating vanity or a shallow one, perhaps with sliding doors to avoid hitting the radiator.
Laure says
We had a similar sink situation and went with a wall-mount/floating. It’s flexible in that ours was installed slightly higher than the old pedestal sink to work with the various other things we had going on (for you, this might be the heater). Although it doesn’t go to the floor and so doesn’t fully cover the red/blue hoses, since it is boxier than a pedestal, you now can’t see them unless you bend down to look under the sink…and we liked they were still really easy to access. Plus, I loved gaining even a small amount of storage. If you don’t want to see the hoses at all, if you have a wall-mount, you can place a decorative basket/container under, perhaps with extra TP or similar.
They make them incredibly small, if you want to stay small. Look for European sizes or apartment sizes.
Look forward to seeing what you decide to do!
Anne says
There are some that aren’t wall mounted too. Example: https://www.wayfair.com/home-improvement/pdp/ebern-designs-sangre-186-freestanding-single-bathroom-vanity-set-with-leftright-side-storagemodern-undermount-single-ceramic-sink-combo-w100643231.html?piid=1416793195
Erin says
It would cost more than a standard cabinet, but a custom cabinet maker can make it to size & have the piping holes ready for install! And you can buy small sinks (think RV size) to accommodate that short depth. I think a cabinet is definitely still an option here & would dress it up nicely plus give you a little storage for extra towels or TP.
If you have enough space in the ceiling, you could install a recessed light. I believe they make shallower ones now for tighter spaces. Some people install the retrofit LED lights but those flicker & drive me bonkers.
And you could frame out the utility space with a minimal frame & install a working louvered bifold door. That would make it look more intentional.
That old door is so much fun, but it is really thick. If you wanted to reclaim that space, you can get a single small closet door & install it as a sliding barn door – just less of a footprint & takes up less space on the back side. Otherwise, have fun & paint it blue as-is! I like the rustic charm of it.
It’s such a cute space!
Erin says
Wait. I got a better look at the barn door. It isn’t as thick as I thought it was in that space. I say make it into a pseudo-pocket door if you decide to frame out the utility bifold somehow. Basically, I think it could definitely work if the barn door stays put (aside from painting). Just start the bifold framing separately from the door (if that makes sense – it makes sense in my head lol).
Katie says
agree on finding a custom cabinet maker to create a vanity that hides the pipes.
Jeni says
Can the sink be turned around onto the wall with the pipe? The hoses would be on the side of the sink unless you can find a small enough vanity for that space to cover it all.
I love the door, too! Would a whitewash cover the yellow color well enough to not show through blue? That shutter “door” is a conundrum. What is the wall next to it? Could you use a tension rod above and hang a curtain? Might be temporary solution but look better than the shutter.
If all else fails, I check pinterest for ideas and usually find some ingenious ones 🙂
JulieP says
Yes I too wondered if you could turn the new sink and pedestal and you can get quite large pedestals with a hollowed out bit big enough to hide the pipes. I love the sliding door. Could you have the boiler and other bits hidden in that space properly boxed in?
Brianna says
Sink. I would put in something similar to, Swiss Madison Brusqu 18-1/2″ Specialty Ceramic Pedestal Bathroom Sink. It is boxier and has more of a flared base. I would also change the orientation so the sink is below the light fixture. Replace the flanges on the plumbing since they cut them and look rusty. Get a new faucet that fits the design you are looking for.
Radiator. I would brush the rust off with a wire brush and gently sand the surface to smooth. I would then use a metal spray paint in your color to repaint it. You can do this in place if needed and just cover the area well and wear a mask and vent. Or just buy a new replacement if you can find the right one.
Toilet Area. I would get rid of the cabinet above the toilet, it makes the sloped ceiling look short and the cabinet inaccessible. I would replace it with a single wood shelf that goes wall to wall. Replace the TP holder with something you like or even get one of those standalone ones.
Utility area. I would use a hidden door that is a shallow bookshelf. Like a Murphy door, but not a lot of depth to the shelves. Have it open towards the room or wall for accessibility. We have one and love it and it wasn’t too expensive to have custom made.
Main door. The antique door is nice, but it doesn’t fit the space and looks haphazardly put on. The hardware on the barn slide doesn’t match the door and should reflect the style and age. I would have it correctly installed as a pocket door. Pocket doors aren’t hard todo, but take time and patience and I am not sure if you have electrical or something else in the wall. If it cannot be installed as a pocket door, I would modify it to fit the opening correctly and paint it the blue you like and change the hardware to match the age. The little eye closure or piece you grab to open it has got to go. Make something functional and not something that looks like an afterthought.
Lighting. Maybe change the sconces to something a bit more updated like seeded glass. Kichler has some wonderful fixtures to accommodate the space. With the right fixtures and correct bulbs it can be a bright cheerful room.
Paint. Paint the color you want, just do not white wash the room as it has sloped ceilings and that can make that architectural detail feel smaller and more closed in. Consider painting the ceiling a white with hint of tint of whatever color to show the detail.
The farm girl says
Ikea has lots of vanities and sinks that are small and / or wall mounted. Check out their options.
Jamie says
Some kind of cabinet under the sink to hide the pipes
Elaine says
Cool wallpaper! No one will notice all the other idiosyncrasies of the room then.
Cindy R says
I would have either your husband or a cabinet maker make a custom cabinet taking into account the radiator or they can do a cabinet that stops just above the radiator and you can have “feet” on the cabinet. Also I would get a new flat door to the utility closet (if it needs a vent, have it at the top of door), paint it the color of the walls so it blends in, and if they cannot put a regular closure on it, I would do a magnetic closure so you don’t have to look at an eye and hook.
Meg C says
I, too, would flip the sink to the wall with the large pipe. Many manufacturers make vanities and/or wall mount sinks to fit tight spaces. In my neighborhood, we know two families that even have mini (airplane sized) sinks on the top of their toilet tanks! After I flipped the sink, I would make sure the lighting was in the right spot. I agree with the person who suggested a minimally framed door to hide the utility side of the bathroom. A curtain isn’t a bad idea either, and it easy to swap out when you want something with a different look. I 100% agree with the reader who commented on the sloped ceiling & how to approach celebrating that architectural feature in your paint/shelving choices.
You are going to have a lot of fun with this space! I can’t wait to see the results!
Jennifer says
I would simply put something in front of the pipes. A decorative plant or a small shelf
wendy panozzo says
We had the same problem in my son’s bathroom. Pipes coming out of the side of the wall. We built a vanity (think basic small table) with a top mount small sink (Ikea) and an open bottom with a shelf to allow for the pipes and to have access to it. The shelf also is for storage which we use cute baskets. My sons is on the rustic side but you could easily paint yours a cute color for your decor. Lots of ideas on Pinterest.
Mona R McGinnis says
Vanity to cover the pipes w/ an overhanging sink? Wallpaper in a small space for impact? I’m a fan of barn doors & the sliding door has a lot of character. You choose the color. Frame in the “mechanical” area with access. A creative person like yourself will come up with a solution.
Chelsea says
Very fun space, fun that you’re asking for ideas!
Here’s are some ideas: wallpaper the bathroom, or paint it a dramatic color.
For the sink I would put a little square shelf/piece of wood (or other material mounted to the side and back wall) that goes from the wall under light right up to the left edge of the sink. Mounted so that it is flush with the 2nd lower rim of the sink, not flush with the top. The shelf would sit an inch or two below the top of the sink counter. Then I would attach a velcro sink skirt (on that 2nd rim) that goes around the sink and the front edge of the shelf and ends at the wall. Here’s and idea https://www.pinterest.com/pin/281543724504076/
For the water heater area I would also hang a curtain as high as I could above the barn door.
Can’t wait to see what you guys come up with!
Jenny says
Hard to see the amount of space in the pictures, but consider installing a cabinet vanity, rotate it so it is under the light, hang a mirror under the light. Can you replace the existing radiator with a smaller one to give the vanity more space (I am a lifelong California girl and know nothing about radiators)? I also would recommend framing a wall and installing a bifold door to hide the hot water heater.
Julie says
How about a wall mounted sink with stand alone curtains just under the sink edge? Similar to a really small privacy/changing screen. That would also provide a place to hide extra toilet paper and cleaners. And it would be a fun project to design and construct!
If my HH would have a voice, he would turn this into a closet and perhaps put a drinking fountain in place of the sink.
If the circumstance were that you couldn’t change anything out, perhaps a curtain to hide the hot/cold water pipes, fancy paint on the wall pipe gasket, and hang towels from that pipe as if it were a low hanging towel holder. An opportunity to display a hand stamped towel with a crab on it.
Margo says
I’d leave the door, it’s beautiful as is, but even painted or refinished it would be gorgeous! If you can find a small standing base ( jewelry cabinet maybe?) and place a pretty sink bowl on top with some new faucet fixtures, the you would be able to hide the pipes and tubes, and have a pretty sink. A cabinet maker could make one to your needs as well.
Susan says
For the sink, can you have a cabinet made? There are really narrow cabinet/sink deals, but with only 12 inches, you might have to cut off the back and then mount a pedestal top on top. (Is the 12″ including taking the trim off? or leaving it?)
For the hook & eye, could you replace with a cool looking bracket for outdoor shutters? (might look cool along with the barn door)
For the Barn door, I’d maybe find some sort of cool handle if it doesn’t run into the wall when the door is open. But I like the paint. If you can’t stand to keep the paint, then strip and repaint it to a cool color you love.
Tisha says
For our sink in a small powder room, we used an antique foyer type table with a shelf on it. The shelf has a basket for storing toilet paper and cleaning, supplies. We placed a vessel sink on top of the table, with a hole cut out for the pipes. This turned out to be a much cheaper option for us than doing a new cabinet. The table was around $100 and we already had the sink.
KC says
Crazy idea: could the sink be put at a diagonal? So, abutting the corner, pedestal (but with a fake “corner” wall/board underneath it on both sides for pipe/tube coverup), with a triangular shelf (or set of shelves) behind the sink and above it? I don’t know how that would work geometrically with the drain, though, or whether there’s enough space for it, period.
Christy says
What about a corner sink vanity? There are many options when I did a search including items that looks like furniture with feet/legs. Could be custome made or off the shelf.
If the utility area does not need a lot of venting, I would frame it out and put a real door on it that matches with the rest of the house style.
Jeanine says
Some kind of custom cabinet to cover the pipes \__/ with a sink installed on top. Mirror above the cabinet. Shelves above toilet instead. What is the white door along side of the wall by the louvred screen? Anyway, maybe a curtain with a spring rod that can be removed easily for access to heat pump, etc. Also, can the floor heater be replaced with a smaller one? The pocket door…white wash with a soft blue like the picture. Just some ideas….anyway, you will come up with a plan. Crazy bathroom. Have fun.
Every house you buy, you come up with great ideas and make them nicer. We all enjoy the ride along, as you fix up every house.
Ruth says
You need a custom cabinet for the sink. My friend had this done and, while it wasn’t cheap, it solved all of her problems. It looks and functions much better than if she had tried a make-do, work-around solution.
The carpenter could also solve the issue with screening the utility area. I like the painted door: it’s “art.”
suzanne says
I would buy a stock cabinet (restore?) and cleat wood shelves to the left, trim out the front and caulk/paint the entire thing to match my newly painted blue door. A floating vanity would also work. Replacing the radiator with a taller narrow one would give room for a stock cabinet. This is something your HH could easily do as he’s replaced light fixtures. You’re a minimalist. Nix the cabinet over loo and run a single shelf then “hang stuff” on that wall. If you keep the slider door your only real option is to hang curtains to the ceiling. This will give you a slight quirky clean English cottage vibe. You will execute it to perfection and not to quirky cause you don’t roll that way.
Kippy says
At first glance I thought maybe a skylight on the angled part of the ceiling. However that might be pricey.
What about getting a cabinet and custom fitting it in sink/pipe area? Is a corner sink possible? For mechanical area I’d use a tension rod and subtle pattern curtain. Maybe a shell, lobster or floats pattern The shutter is too invasive and thick.
Cari says
Floating vanity; butted up against the wall and altered on the left side to accommodate the pipes. Open at the bottom. Replace the sink and tap. It won’t interfere with the baseboard heater that way. The big shutter could be replaced by a slim bi-fold, a full-length mirror door, or a jaunty curtain which would blend with whatever colour scheme you choose. Go BOLD in a small room!
Lucy from South Carolina says
These are some great ideas. Especially, turning the sink to be against the other wall. Your HH is so handy he could make a custom vanity to cover the pipes yet have access if needed. Recessed lighting will free up your wall to put what you want to showcase and be able to change it accordingly with the seasons. I like the idea of a beach scene sink, like a shell that water flows into. Utilize the space above the toilet to still be functional as you’ll need that space. Brings a new meaning to “water closet”.
Patti says
I can picture a corner wall mounted sink with a cute skirt attached with velcro to cover the pipes. Repeat the fabric with another curtain to close off the mechanical area. You may have to use a spring loaded curtain rod to hang it or heavy duty wire hung with two screw eyes since it looks like that would have to be at an angle. Build a ventilated box to cover the heating unit (maybe use caning seat type material for ventilation) and paint it. Paint or wallpaper the walls and add a small rug to warm the floor.
Molly says
I would do really fun wallpaper, a custom cabinet and a door where the screen is if possible. I’d also leave the bathroom door just as it is, but maybe put a clear coat on it so the paint doesn’t flake off if it hasn’t been done already.
Tracey Morris says
Could you turn that sink a quarter turn to the left? It looks like that would hide a lot of the pipes
Donna Sanford says
Maybe a plant in front of the pipe could hide it. I’m thinking a snake plant.
Cathy says
Perhaps a corner vanity would work. Here is the description of one at Lowe’s – Fresca Coda 18-in White Single Sink Bathroom Vanity with White Acrylic Top. You could have one made custom for your space if these dimensions don’t work. I really liked the whale tale hooks you used in a previous house. They would add a bit of charm in this bathroom too. Can’t wait to see what you decide to do!
Rachel says
Wow! What a bathroom. My first thoughts for the sink/pipe situation is paint. That thought is followed by a short, very bushy plant to place in front of the pipes. Or, can you made something like a half (or third) height Japanese type screen? But with one of your primitive designs painted on it? But paint or wall paper that bathroom. Make it busy enough that the pipes are never noticed. Looking forward to see what direction you go!
Sue S. says
I would leave the room blue as it is. It’s cheery and very coastal. Then I would look for a small antique wooden cabinet for over the toilet. Next, I would look for another antique cabinet to install around the base of the sink. Last I would hang a curtain on a wooden painted closet pole, ie tab curtain in blue/cream plaid (hint Vermont Country Store or Plow and Hearth – I have them in various colors all over my house), Finally, design a cool rug for the floor. Leave the barn door but get an antique glass doorknob, if one will fit on the outside. Have fun and can’t wait to see the “after” pictures.
Sue S. says
Almost forgot – paint the radiator or get one of those cool covers from Home Depot or Lowe’s.
Annette says
I would be afraid of the pipes freezing with that outside wall.
Attach a skirt around the sink with Velcro, to hide the plumbing.
GrannyB says
Does the sink drain have a trap? I would check and make sure so when you “update” it is done to code. Also I would close in the mechanical area and put a regular door on the bathroom. The sliding door is too “modern farmhouse” and does not go with the Old English style you seem to be seeking.
Nancy says
Loving the move-the-sink ideas with the wall mounted sink! The electrical outlet on the left wall would probably have to be changed to GFCI to meet code if you move the sink. What if you took down the barn door and did a solid (not louvered) bifold door into the bathroom….then, put hinges on that gorgeous old door and use it to cover the water heater area with it opening into the bathroom when you needed to access the equipment? Is it too wide for that space?
Dot says
I love the barn door. If you don’t like the yellow. Strip it and paint it white and use cackle paint. Have a carpenter build a custom cabinet for the sink and a door instead of the shutter.
sandy says
1. wall mounted sink with a skirt or change the position of the sink
2. Big beautiful English wallpaper
3. Funky lighting
4. A more stylish toilet
5. Hang some kind of collection on the walls. Old paintings of nautical things or all old ship paintings.
6. Or an old sign
Paint the trim a color. Go Bold. https://www.hyggeandwest.com/products/amity-sunset
Gigi says
There are shallow depth cabinet vanities where the bowl stick out further than the cabinet. I would replace the light fixture by the toilet would drive me nuts feeling like I’m going to hit my head and no one wants a spotlight while they’re on the porcelain throne. By the sink, is find one of those string pendants that hang from the ceiling. It wont be great for putting on makeup, but at least look better.
For the shutter, I would do a more permanent, full size bifold door. Make it look built in.
Beth says
I’d put the barn door on the other side of the molding/door frame so you would have room for a real door to cover the utility area instead of that folding/shutter situation.
That would also give a few more inches to the closed room from the inside since the doorway looks extra wide
andrea d says
Could you turn the sink and angle it to do a corner vanity? Or turn it to sit on the other wall with the large pipe behind it? Or on the current wall but a smaller pedestal that is moved over to cover the red/blue pipes, and cut the plastic pipe shorter? Or if set on keeping as is and just ‘hiding’, have a custom built shelf/cabinet to cover the pipes and add a bit of storage space?
If you don’t want to spend the money to replace the radiator, they come apart fairly easily and can be cleaned up and spray painted. I’ve done that to almost all the radiators in my home.
I’m not sure about the door and screen area but I look forward to seeing how you solve all the bathroom conundrums.
Lisa says
A skirt around the bottom of the sink would hide most of the pipe situation.
Rubie Morin says
I am confused about the plumbing for the sink! I don’t think that white pipe is the water supply . . . the red and blue pipes behind the sink are the hot and cold water pipes that get water into the sink .. . what is that horizontal pipe for? Is it the drain? I think I would put in a vanity, installed against the left wall, hiding all the plumbing . . .
Amelia Wright says
I would cover it up with a wide base pedestal sink like this
https://www.kitchensource.com/bathroom-sinks/fre-fcb5024wh.htm
Or totally embrace the pipes, keep them exposed, but make them all brass, gold, black, etc.
As far at the shutter, toss that in the trash and hang up a tension rod and curtain to hide the mechanical.
Nancy says
That sink would be a fabulous solution to hide the pipes!
Linda says
I love the door. Keep it no matter what. Can you put one of the huge Christmas lobsters on one wall?
Jillian Rose says
This is what I would do:
Leave the door, and maybe spruce it a bit somehow. It’s fabulous.
Paint the walls a nice pale color, and do a cool wallpaper on the back toilet wall
Add thick floating shelves across the wall above the toilet, real wood
Make a nice skirt for the sink with an updated vintage print, or have a custom cabinet made
Add an elegant glass shelf above the sink for people to put their things when using it
Replace the light with something fresh and modern and simple
Put a new mirror
Add a couple hanging plants in front of the window
I think it’s a super sweet bathroom; I’m not sure what I’d do about the screen yet…
Julie V says
I would replace the pedalstool sink with a cabinet sink to hide the pipes and give a little bit of storage and counter space… maybe convert a cabinet that matches the shutter in color and style. I would build a surround to affix the shutter to that has a vented area on top for ventilation…some sort of grill would be nice… remember old fashioned houses sometimes had windows above doors for ventilation? Sort of like that with the grilling. For the sink hardware, I would look into getting a faucet that has more height and character, maybe a reproduction that has porcelain in the handles.
Debbie says
Wall paper maybe stick on wallpaper. Paint or re finish the doors replacing them might be pricey as they look to be custom size. Check on small vanity sinks that would fit your space consider a cover for the baseboard heat they’re available on line for an instant update
Christine says
Can you keep the door, but cut it down and convert it to a regular door on hinges? That way you’d be able to wall off the water heater into its own “closet.”
Agree with the many other responses that there is a vanity solution to your sink. Then I’d get rid of the wall cabinet and just hang some art there.
I’d also get rid of the wall sconces. I’d put a light fixture over the mirror and if that’s not enough light in there, have a can light or two installed.
Christine says
Thought of this after I hit post. The barn door could possibly stay as is, and you could create a “pocket” for it to slide into, just like any other pocket door, and then be able to close off the water heater.
Sue says
I am also confused by your sink plumbing. The hot/cold water is coming through the floor. The drain is already in the floor. Is the white pipe a vent pipe?
No to rotating the sink; there’s not enough space on that window wall. No to a custom cabinet; you don’t need one. A Wall-mounted vanity is the least expensive way to accommodate that white pipe and floor register. Here’s one that could work:
https://www.wayfair.com/home-improvement/pdp/allmodern-bexley-36-wall-mounted-single-bathroom-vanity-with-quartz-top-gcne1114.html
4 drawers for storage; one will have to be gutted and fixed to not open to accommodate the white pipe. Measure carefully when mounting vanity to ensure one drawer will be at the correct height. Your HH could do it in his sleep. Basket underneath to hide the water lines from viewers seated on the “throne.” :^)
Move the sink fixture & possibly the switch. I suggest a mirror with integrated LED lighting over the vanity to take care of both needs with one product.
Nix the bifold and simply hang some gorgeous floor-to-ceiling fabric (weighted on the bottom) on an expansion rod. Easy, keeps good access to the mechanicals, and doesn’t interfere with the barn door movement. Add the same fabric to the window for continuity.
I seem to be the only reader who doesn’t appreciate that crusty door as is. Scrape, paint/stain, and rehang. A nice sparkling glass knob with escutcheon would be nice.
Get rid of the shelf over the toilet and hang some large, lovely artwork.
Last, I would find a a vintage narrow wood cabinet with glass doors (for pretty sundries) Stand it between sink and fabric panel hiding the mechanicals.
This was so fun! Thanks for letting us weigh in! Can’t wait to see what you end up with–I’m sure it will be fab and unique!
HollyG says
Our guest bath sink sits on an old oak slab on top of a cast iron sewing machine base. We painted the plumbing black to ‘fade into’ the black cast iron. Perhaps something like that would work for you.
Is there some way to adjust the hardware on the barn door so it looks more centered (from the hall) when it’s closed?
Heather says
A wall mounted sink on the wall that the existing sink is on now would give you the option to have a larger sink instead of trying to install a sink cabinet combo to fit the small area. You could have a large mirror over the wall mounted sink that spanned the sink which would help make the area look more spacious. Some mirrors have lights already installed within/around the mirror if you wanted more light. You could replace the light fixture to the left with a sconce. How about embracing the awkward drain pipe situation and maybe making it the same finish as the faucet will be (stainless steel, brushed brass, etc.). Or if hiding the pipes is what you want, paint the existing PVC pipes flat black or put a skirt around the sink (maybe some velcro type of fastener so you could take it off to clean it)? As far as the door, if you are not keen on the color, how about white washing it? the texture would still show through giving it some character and it would look brighter and clean. To hide the mechanicals, it is hard to tell how much room there really is, but how about an actual wall that does not go all the way up or across the whole space so you can get back there if needed. Finsh the top off with a nice ledge and trim and put some plants on it or other decorative stuff?
Cecile says
I’d invest in an RV corner vanity , they might be a bit more expensive but built for small spaces. I’d take the shutter doors down and put in one that folds in on itself or get a track for a stand up shower stall that has a rounded corner (not sure if that makes sense) that the door slides into the flat section to use as a door to cover the water heater. Mirrors mirrors mirrors! One on both ends to add light and take the tp holder off the wall and put a stacking holder beside the toilet. I’d be walking into the wall one every time I went in the bathroom!
Christa H. says
I would do a reinforced custom floating vanity cabinet that hides all of the pipes with a small sink and faucet that has some counter space and storage underneath. Then make a custom closure door that matches the floating sink to hide the mechanical items or create a beautiful curtain that matches the look of the house in a print.
I would add a mirror above the sink, change out the lighting to recessed, replace the toilet paper holder, replace or sand and paint the register cover.
I would be sure all items are white since the room is so small. I would then add one piece of framed art for a pop of color.