Our little guest bathroom. It’s finally finished!
When we started talking about remodeling our super awkward and seriously outdated {9′ x 3 1/2′} guest bathroom with the weird banjo countertop {3′ of which is taken up with the shower, so really, we only had 6’x 3 1/2′ to work with} we thought we’d be able to do it for around $1,500. And well {spoiler alert} we ended up spending just under $1,600 to remodel the bathroom ourselves.
We love this place and have no plans on going anywhere, so we selected items we knew we could see ourselves still enjoying 20 years from now. Clean, simple, classic and good quality, that’s what we were after. Oh, and a high and wide toilet, because I figured old people love high and wide toilets, so we got one of those too. 😉
And although we were extremely limited on what we could move {the shower unit and the placement of the toilet couldn’t go anywhere else} I think we did a pretty good job of maximizing the space without it feeling too cramped.
We ended up going the vanity route instead of a pedestal sink so there would be a little storage {extra roll of tp, tiny waste basket, room for a guest to stash their bathroom stuff if they wanted etc.}.
I wasn’t interested in a shelf, or a stand for tchotchkes of any kind to clutter up the small room. A guest bathroom is not a lounge, it’s a place for people to do what they need to do and leave.
It’s not a gift shop, a museum, or a room of wonderment full of things to touch, it’s a bathroom.
Keep it simple. That’s my motto. 🙂
Here are the before and after pictures.
We still need to take a photo to fill the barnwood frame {a lighthouse perhaps?} but other than that, I think we’re good to go. We can check this home improvement project off our list and move on to the next.
Life. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Make a decision, stick with it and move on.
Here’s to a happy and productive Wednesday,
~Mavis
The list of items we purchased for the guest bathroom makeover:
- Cedra 18″ Single Sink Vanity $475 {Pottery Barn}
- Chrome Knob and Pull for Vanity $12 {HH ordered it online}
- Moen Rinza Chrome 1-Handle 4-in Centerset Faucet $103 {Lowes}
- KOHLER Cimarron White WaterSense Round Toilet $209 {Lowes}
- 12 in. x 24 in. Glazed Porcelain Tile $53 {The Home Depot}
- Pearson Single Sconces $254 {Pottery Barn}
- Pearson Towel Rack and TP Holder $79 {Pottery Barn}
- Metal Retangular Mirror 18″x24″, Chrome $206 {Houzz}
- Symmons Origins Single-Handle 1-Spray Round Shower Faucet $119
- Waffle Shower Curtain $15 {Amazon}
- Fabric Shower Curtain Liner $10 {Amazon}
- Shower Curtain Rings $4.69 {Amazon}
- Rustic 16 x 20 Barnwood Frame in Walnut Blue $52 {Etsy} I LOVE these frames. This was my 3rd order from Tammy’s Elegant Frames
- The Best Quality {Fake} House Plant {Mrs. HB – from Watson’s Greenhouse}
- Mortar, Grout, Spacers, Paint and Schluter Ditra were leftover from previous projects
- Guest towel was from the last house
Tracey says
Perfect!
Carrie says
Life. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Make a decision, stick with it and move on.
This is perfect. I think society pushes for over thinking and perfection. Its a guest bathroom. It doesnt have to be magazine worthy (not that I dont think it looks great). You made it simple and used quality products.
kathie Paje says
It’s beautiful job well done
Aunt Diane from Streator says
I’ve been waiting for this reveal! Awesome! I admire HH and you for getting stuff done! We just think & dream…
Robin in WI says
Love the transformation! Simple is my motto too. 😉 When I was younger I had decorations everywhere — was a fan of Victoria magazine. Then reality set in that life is not a pretty photo shoot — what a pain in the butt to remove everything to dust then put it all back, not to mention the drain on the wallet and being bored with half of it a few months later. 🙂
Faith says
(Trigger warning-honest “opinion”ahead ) Mavis, I’ve been following you for well over ten years, and I have to say, this is the first project you’ve done I don’t love. The faucet/sink/cabinet proportions are off with the other items in the room. The sink/cabinet/countertop needs to be a little wider or you need a smaller mirror and shorter faucet. My opinion matters 0%, and I know you love it, I’m just mathematically ocd. Love your blog and read every post!
Ruth says
Agree. Looks cheap.
Lisa says
Not digging it either. I also think the frame should be centered on the wall instead of the toilet.
Linda Sand says
Me either. I like the warmth of the wood. The room now looks stark to me. I do like most of the things you do but this one is an exception for me.
Linda T says
My mother always said “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.” Mavis likes her new bathroom. It is her house. Period.
Ell says
Fantastic! I had no idea such tiny cabinets were even available or I would never have suggested pedestal sink and shelf. I love it!
Sue Peterson says
Love the bathroom make over!
Rachel B says
The only thing missing to me is a place to hang your towel while you shower and maybe a bath mat. Other than that is seems classic, clean and functional–which is pretty much your design aesthetic.
Linda Practical Parsimony says
That was my first thought–where do I put my towel and outfit I might bring in to change into. Is there a door hook for a bathrobe?
Dianne says
Hi Linda,
It is a second bathroom. No need for housecoat hook. It’s to pee in, not get dressed and fussied up! That could and should be completed in the bathroom if no suite in guest bedroom. I agree in needs a towel bar. Although, when I have guests, I remove their towels and replace with fresh immediately if I can.
jj says
You nailed it Mavis
Katie says
It looks so good! So much more roomy. I’m meeting with a contractor today to discuss a small scale bathroom remodel in our townhouse we rent out. It’s mostly replacing the vanity. Who knew there were so many choices?!
Sydelle says
Cavernous when side by side. Well done!
Monica B says
Perfect!!
Brianna says
Did you move the GFIC switch that was partially hiding behind the original mirror? I love the flooring, it is very coastal looking.
Terri says
The mirror and vanity aren’t doing it for me. The mirror is too large for the vanity, but the vanity is certainly better than that banjo mess along the wall!
Cheryl says
It does not look cheap at all. You and your husband did a very nice job.
Laura Z says
Beautiful! That space is so tiny and difficult and everything looks like it means to be there now. Really nice.
Lynne says
I am amazed at how much bigger it looks because you took out that long, skinny counter that ran the length of the room. That one fix alone makes a huge difference! I think it looks great!
MEM says
I think it looks terrific! For those who don’t love it, remember its a guest bathroom and its tiny. I think a chrome hook or towel bar on the back of the door would suffice for the guest’s bath towel. Can’t see what the inside of the bathroom door looks like. I had to laugh at the empty frame – I thought maybe you were framing your favorite paint color!
Linda Practical Parsimony says
I definitely not a fan of the makeover. But, it is your bathroom and does not seem to match the quality of the rest of your work.
Bobbi says
This is fabulous! It’s so fun to take an awkward space and make it work for you, and make it beautiful. Great job!
Ashley B says
It’s such a tiny room! It looks neat and tidy.
Julie says
That was such a difficult space to work with! I do have both positive and negative opinions, but the only one I want to express is, “Please….center the plant on the toilet!” 🙂
Robin says
Wow – so many opinions going both directions here.
It was a tough space to figure out and you did what made you guys happy, if you like it then that is the only opinion that truly matters!
Susan says
Looks so much larger! I think it looks great! And yes to the higher toilet.
Susan
Diana says
The bathroom looks great! Good job! I wondered why you had a blank frame hanging there until I saw your comment, lol. Do you still have the cross stitch sampler you made? Maybe that could go there? Or a new picture of one of your fabulous sunrises or sunsets? That would be pretty. Or maybe a nice up close and personal of Lucy? LOL!
Looking forward to your next remodel project.
Mavis Butterfield says
You mean the “antique” sampler? Ha! https://www.onehundreddollarsamonth.com/bits-and-bobs-for-a-cold-and-sunny-wednesday-in-january/
LDA says
Very nice!!
Jamie says
I’m guessing the naysayers have never stayed in some of the nice remodels I have in Europe. Just because there is only room for a small sink, it does not mean a guest does not want to see their whole head as they get ready for their day or do it in the dark. This sink is much bigger than the one we had in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It was about the size of an airplane restroom sink and I appreciated that I could see myself in the mirror and barely had room to get from the toilet to the shower. We cannot truly see the space they have to go around the sink with the door closed. I actually think it looks fabulous!
Lindsey says
Looks brighter and roomier. Nice job.
Tammy says
It looks really great!!!
Lisa says
Dear Mavis, I always enjoy your makeovers. Simple and classic and will last forever. I really like all of the pottery barn fixtures. They really make your rooms look fantastic. I can imagine how sore and tired you both are after redoing room after room in all of your homes. It’s great that you two can work together on all sorts of projects. Your bathroom is peaceful and a perfect place for your guests. I hope Mrs. HB enjoys her stay there and enjoys that new bathroom.
Kim says
This looks very clean and updated. The small vanity is cute as can be. Well done Mafia and HH!
Kim says
Mafia? Oh my word. Thank you, autocorrect. Mavis.
Sue Penn says
I absolutely LOVE it!! Can you come and do my house next?
Wendy Steele says
“A room of wonderment”……LOLOL I love that turn of phrase…I’m going to use it soon!!!
Mavis Butterfield says
I was thinking about Mrs. HB’s guest bathroom when I wrote that. 🙂 She’s got pictures, artwork, seasonal hand towels, seasonal tchotchkes, candles, a small rug I think, tissues, lotions and potions, reading material {and probably extra tubes of Chapstick for guests}. You could stay in there for an hour if you were the type to linger in a bathroom.
Patti Vanderbloemen says
I think this looks absolutely fabulous! I would not change one thing! I am, however, appalled at the rudeness of some of the commentators….cheap? There seems to be no etiquette or filter anymore where social media is concerned. Whatever happened to “if you don’t have anything nice to say, say nothing”.
I would end this with an expletive describing those commentators, but don’t want to be put in the same class. Pfft!
judy says
Excellent choice!!!!! Excellent Job!!!!! Looks so homey now.
Kris R says
Super cute! I love the vanity so you do have a bit of storage. 🙂 I know I would have accidentally knocked off anything on the banjo counter top. LOL!
Janet says
I am not sure I would be so bold to look under the sink for the waste basket in someone’s bathroom. Is that snooping?
Katie says
It’s a guest bathroom. If I’m a guest, I’m looking through the cabinets, especially if I can’t find something. There may be towels, toilet paper, or extra toiletries I can use.
Katherine says
As someone that has lived through huge renovations projects on two different homes it all comes down to this, if you love it that is all that matters.
Kristy says
Very nice and inspiring! We have to remove our fiberglass shower tub combo. We would like to replace it with a tub with a porcelain tile surround to the ceiling. It’s going to be quite a job. Not looking forward to it.
Nancy says
Very nice clean lines. A nice coastal photo of pines, rocks and surf would look great in the frame. There are some lovely spots near st george that would be perfect.
Susie Janov says
It looks really nice! The only thing I would add is maybe a very small table beside the sink near the toilet. I know that, when I’m a guest in someone’s home, I sometimes struggle to find a place to set down my make-up bag, hairbrush, etc. Just a thought.
Lana says
Yes, I agree. Plus some hooks. Our son has a minimal bathroom for guests and a tiny sink counter and just getting my teeth brushed at night is a challenge because there is no where to put things and my belongings keep falling on the floor. The in the morning when I am trying to get showered and dressed there is nowhere to put anything except in the sink and still things dropping on the floor. There are many suggestions that you spend the night in your guest room but I also think you should try out the guest bath to see if it is comfortable and easy to use.
Judi says
It’s beautiful!! Great job!!
Molly says
I had to laugh at the “unflattering “ comments. People are so rude these days…
Bonnie from GA says
Very professionally done!!
My bathrooms both need updating badly, but will have to hire someone to do it. You are so lucky to have a HHH (handy handsome husband) Lol.
Dianne says
Looks good. I was hoping for a pedestal, as I like those types of sinks in small places. Overall, I think it looks refreshing and larger! I think you should put a lighthouse in the frame. It was mention to put in a small table for makeup bags etc while showering. You could also put a box of facial tissues on the table. Overall, nice job! Kudos to HH and yourself!
Dianne
Cheryl B. says
I really like what you did with the place…isn’t that a line from a movie? lol.
Anyway, it’s everything you wanted, simple and sleek with clean lines.
The tiled floor is awesome and you will never go wrong with a “higher up” toilet. I never gave a thought to toilet height until I hit my 60’s and this ole body required new knees and a hip.
Good job!
Vicki says
I love it. It looks so much bigger and brighter. Love the sink. You did a great job.
OregonGuest says
A little slow on the draw here, but I just made an astounding observation…..your door opens out, not in, right?? I don’t have a banjo counter, but I do have a hallway powder room that is the size of the “bathroom” on a recent Alaska Airlines flight in a crop duster from Seattle — if our door opened out, a human being could actually fit in the powder room without being de-skinned by the door when trying to close it, problem solved!
Cute remodel! I vote for a photo of Lucy in the frame….or maybe you could put all the grouchy comments in the frame (that would be epic).
Mavis Butterfield says
Yes, the door opens out. 🙂
Tamara says
Everything looks clean, fresh and inviting. Well done! My only suggestion is to try turning the picture frame to landscape; that may center it more.
Molly Jo says
I am quirky and actually liked the before and like the after too! makes it look larger and so fresh and clean! Great job as usual!
Katie says
Another vote to put a picture of Miss Lucy in the frame 🙂
Lea says
It’s amazing how much larger the room looks without the banjo counter!
I’m voting for either Lucy or a lighthouse in the frame, though I’m sure you’ll choose something lovely.
Lea
Rebecca says
You are so kind to invite us into your home and garden every day. Thank you! As your guest, I am going to say that your home is lovely, because it is. As a blog-reader, I am also going to say that your home is lovely, because it is. Great job on your newly finished project! You and the HH should be so proud of this fresh new space!
Peg says
I think it looks really nice, but the only ones who need to love it are you and your husband. I’d be interested in hearing if you like the shower curtain (as opposed to a door) on your shower. I’m thinking about removing the door on ours and hanging a curtain instead.
Mavis Butterfield says
Unfortunately a glass shower door was not an option because there would not have been enough room to open the door {I think it would open at maybe 60% before hitting any sort of sink option we looked at}.
The shower is small to begin with, 32″ or 36″ {I don’t remember} and it’s a quirky room {almost all small bathrooms are}. So when you are showering in essentially a box, a shower curtain vs a door gives a person a little more elbow room. 🙂
I wish I could have had a glass shower door… but it wasn’t really an option.
Melissa says
I think it’s lovely but I do find the toilet roll on the wall behind the toilet a bit odd – I would have put it on the wall next to the toilet for easier access. Other than that little foible of mine I think you’ve done a marvellous job!