Continuing the tour, let’s walk down the hall and peek into the bathrooms and bedrooms.
Four years ago, when we closed, the only tub in the house was the clawfoot in the main bath. Having two little kids and guests, a tub only wasn’t the most ideal layout, nor were the finishes selected.
Our first project was to remodel the bathroom, adding a tub/shower combo, and create more privacy by the toilet.
Across the room, a large, intricate vanity with small drawers and little storage took up a lot of floor space. Note the plug-in sconces, in a bathroom.
Utilizing vertical space, we built the floor to ceiling narrow shelving for storage. Keeping the vanity open, and painted a unique color, visually lightens the room, while still offering storage for toilet paper, towels, and bath toys.
The smallest bedroom in the house, the guest room, featured wall to wall, floor to ceiling oak bookshelves, a boob light, and another broken window.
With a tight layout, we wanted to create a useful room, with plenty of walking space and even a dresser. To do so, we cut out a notch in the shelves to recess the bed, making a cozy nook. Sconces flank either side, with the shelves serving as a nightstand. A larger window creates an egress access and brightens the north facing room.
Across from the bed is a petite dresser and small closet.
Perhaps the most neutral space before, the boys’ bedroom, had two windows and oodles of sun shining in. It also had unevenly patched walls and popcorn ceilings.
When working on spaces for kids, I like to ask for their opinions. Before getting started on the fun stuff, I fixed the walls, scraped the ceiling smooth, and we replaced the fogged up old windows. Then came the fun part, and the boys helped choose the wall color, art, and stripe curtains.
There’s a small space between the entrance and closet doors, but the starting point was a blank slate.
To use the small space, a handed down bookshelf fills the space nicely, without eating up precious real estate. Of course the Star Wars gear makes an appearance.
While the boys’ room was neutral, the master bedroom had peeling/painted over wallpaper, electric blue walls, two large windows, an ugly ceiling fan, and popcorn ceilings.
As with the entry, we added a wood planked wall for texture and interest and later painted it white. On other walls, I painstakingly peeled off the old wallpaper and scraped off popcorn ceilings. A custom bed, sewed leather top curtain panels, and floating nightstand add character and warmth. We also replaced the window and added a door leading out to a small, private balcony.
Along the left wall is our walk in closet.
Oh the power of paint! Blue walls be gone, in with bright white and nearly black walls. A large leaning mirror is a functional way to put the small area to work. Storing extra blankets looks good on a DIY ladder rack.
Across the room is the entry door (to the right) as well as the master bathroom (on the left). With a generous open area, it’s a bit challenging to put to good use. A master sitting area seems to be the go to.
Instead, a recently found Craigslist dresser brings the warm wood tones over to this side of the room. Added storage is always a plus, but I love having a surface to hold decorative items, too. I hear masking tape is the new, modern alternative to picture frames, didn’t you? Haha, no, a frame will happen…eventually.
Four years ago, if you went through the door you would have seen a hot dog covered with ketchup and mustard-esque room. Red walls, yellow tile and sinks, and brown floors. In a word, woof.
After a full gut remodel, we have a modern meets rustic retreat. Ben built a custom walnut vanity, topped with a stainless steel counter and vessel sink. More tongue and groove is a durable lower wall and a high contrast against the dark upper.
Double sinks on a long vanity were nice, but not something we really need.
Instead, we shortened the vanity to five feet with a single sink, allowing room for the clawfoot tub we pulled out of the main bath.
Though much of the basement is still in the process, here’s a peek at the previous arrangement. Door number one (to the left) led into the under stair storage, and the small French doors went into a big, open space.
With a bit of reconfiguration, we turned part of the under stair storage into a small mud nook. Straight ahead is a bedroom, with a theater space on the other side.
Stay tuned for the exterior changes, as this post has also gotten lengthy.
I never noticed your painted bedroom doors before! Which doors did you choose to paint and how did you decide their color? Are they painted the same on both sides?
Hi domesticphilosophy!
All doors throughout the house are painted the same color (Squirrel from Behr) on both sides. Depending on the lighting, it’ll look more gray or green. 🙂
Thanks!
Amanda
Really nice. Such an improvement. Great post thanks for the tour.
The rooms are much improved. The interior looks like a different house than the one you moved into. And compared to the outside, the inside looked pretty good. I know the exterior is coming but just thinking about all the improvements outside blows my mind. Once I see it all together in one post, I know it will really be amazing. Congratulations on such a good job making this home yours.
Amanda, I’ve been following your blog since your old house. Your ability to transform is amazing. Love the changes you’ve made!
Hi Amanda,
I love your ideas for maximizing the space in the guest bedroom. Really clever and such a great amount of work throughout your home! I’m impressed 🙂
Eva @ http://www.cafedesign.us
Hi Eva!
It has made that small room so much more usable now. And thank you for being so sweet!!
Thanks!
Amanda
Lol! I thought my husband was the only one to refer to those ceiling fixtures as boob lights! Standard, cheap builder’s fixtures, fortunately easily replaced. Your renos look beautiful!
Hello Helen!
Ha, it’s a technical tern. 😉 That’s the great thing about lights, they’re usually quick and easy to change, but can have a huge impact. Almost as much as a new paint color.
Thanks!!
Amanda