Easter Bunny Bathroom Updates
Remember our Easter Bunny Pink Bathroom that we entered into the True Value Design SOS contest back in October and actually got picked for the top 10 ugliest room?
Well we didn't win the contest but we took the hint... like if someone offers you a breath mint, you might want to take it. Ok, the room is ugly but money doesn't grow on trees and new subway tile, hex tile, bathtubs, new windows, updated electricity, and updated plumbing don't either. So what did we do in the mean time? Some cheat updates to make the pink a little more passive and tolerable.
First off, the yellow wasn't helping anything. The only thing it was doing was making the pink look brighter and uglier. So we got rid of it. It's hard to see in the photo but the walls are textured paint (like a pop corn ceiling but on a wall) and the ceiling is also yellow. Ug. So we got a roller with a super thick nap (thickness) and went to town with white ceiling paint. Even though we don't love any of that pink tile, we took precautions to keep it from getting worse by taping plastic over the tub and any tile. Because of the texture of the wall, the paint splattered to the extreme!
Other than tearing up the linoleum I don't think I've encountered a worse job than painting corners over textured paint with a 1" brush while precariously balancing with one foot on a window frame and the other on a drop cloth covered tub. I had to take a few frustration breaks.
With the walls and ceiling painted and every other piece of yellow removed, the bathroom was already looking better - relatively at least.
We were super excited to see that the white ceiling/walls drew our eyes to the pedestal sink and tub instead of the pink tile. There's hope!
Once we had our little "yellow" problem fixed, it was time to add some decor. Again, we chose to work with the pink rather than fighting it so we found a shower curtain with a classic toile print in pink and white. We got one matching towel, but used gray for all the other textiles.
I found a tray from Ikea (intended to be for candles) to sit atop the radiator and put some hand lotion, soap and washcloths on top for guests. A small basket I already owned holds a few extra toilet paper rolls.
We added even more sparkle for Christmas (which was hard to share without revealing the other changes!) so we'll extend the holiday cheer a bit longer and share these pictures as well.
Price Breakdown
(Christmas stuff not included since that came out of our Christmas budget!)
$0 Paint (ceiling paint leftover from previous projects)
$0 Grey bath, hand, and wash clothes from Target (wedding gifts)
$0 White toilet seat basket, almond soap, diffuser reeds and candle (previously owned)
$40 Waverly Home Toile shower curtain and towel from Target
$7 A fingertip towel from Bed, Bath and Beyond
$0 Grey rug from Target (wedding gift)
$5 Tray from Ikea (similar to this one)
$15 Soap dispenser (no idea exactly how much or which one since Target doesn't have it any more)
$20 Garbage Can (HomeGoods)
Total: $87
What do you think about the pink now?
December 29th, 2010 - 10:47 am
I actually like the pink! Those small updates really worked wonders. I can't tell- are the floor tiles pink too? Either way they look awesome. I have this crazy notion that pink bathrooms like this are going to come back in vogue… but I'm no interior designer, I just play one on TV.
December 29th, 2010 - 2:35 pm
WOW! The white walls really did help, and right when I saw that shower curtain I knew it was from Target, it is a beautiful toile print and perfect for the pink tile bathrooms out there. I think it looks lovely now! What was that person thinking with the yellow and pink?!? Yikes! Breaking those pink tiles off the walls is going to be a heck of a demolition project someday!
December 29th, 2010 - 2:42 pm
If Amanda's right we'll never have to take them down
The floor IS pink too. It's a wonderland. If pink doesn't come back and we do demo, we'll just take the plaster right off the wall. We have to do plumbing and electrical anyways. It will make life easier and we'll put cement board up when we're done.
December 30th, 2010 - 5:29 pm
This is a huge improvement! Also I have to tell you (and I hate that I have to type this because I wish it was not true), but we ALSO have a bathroom with yellow popcorn-textured walls. It's on my "to do" list for 2011 to get rid of that wretched texture. Seriously, what were people thinking? We have subway tile also, but it's white with gold speckles. We don't love the gold speckles, but it's subtle and mostly inoffensive. I like the changes you've made, but have you considered painting the tile? I've struggled with this option for a while now. Here's a blog post I wrote about it in case you want to read through the comments (I got some interesting feedback):
http://www.chateauwhitman.com/2010/03/big-question-of-painting-tile.html
Also I am behind on responding to comments and also commenting on the blogs I read. I'm adjusting to a new job, I guess, but starting to get back into my old stride. So anyhow thank you SO MUCH for reading and commenting. I really truly appreciate it.
December 30th, 2010 - 5:51 pm
I think it's a huge improvement! Call me crazy, but I actually like the tile floor – not so much the pink tile walls, but that pink floor actually looks pretty good to my eyes
January 2nd, 2011 - 8:36 pm
What ever happened to that fern that I had offered to take off your hands? Has it survived?!
January 3rd, 2011 - 8:32 am
Wow it's amazing what a coat of paint will do! great job in turning an eyesore into something pretty!
January 11th, 2011 - 3:58 pm
Please don't tear out the pink bathroom!!
January 12th, 2011 - 4:38 am
Well that turned out quite lovely didn't it. I am envious of the giant "bathroom fern" that you have. And the radiator tray .. couldn't have gotten a more perfect fit if it was custom.