ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT
It's time to revive this 80s-style bathroom
October 21, 2008
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Denise Holtby
SPECIAL TO YOURHOME.CA
Sometime in the mid-1980s, probably while I was throwing toast at a midnight showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, someone was planning the horror that is my bathroom decor.
Twenty-five years later, I'm not sure who's to blame for the electric blue laminate countertop, the frosted glass shower doors and the white vinyl floor that never looks clean. But the fact that it's all still there is disturbing, don't you think?
So, over the next two months, the "time warp" that is my 80s bathroom must go. It definitely has plenty of room for improvement. But it does have one or two decent features, including a dated but solidly
built vanity cabinet and classic white tiles that are in good shape.
My husband Dean and I plan to reuse, recycle, repurpose and incorporate "green" features wherever possible during this project. With that in mind - as well as our $1,000 budget and two-month timeline - here's our plan for the bathroom:
• Replace the drawer fronts, doors, and hardware on the vanity
• Install new granite countertop with integrated sink
• Install new faucet and taps
• Frame the mirror to match the vanity
• Replace the lighting over the mirror
• Paint the walls
• Remove the glass shower doors and install a shower curtain and rod
• Replace the vinyl floor with porcelain tiles
• Replace the toilet with a dual-flush model
• Install a bathroom fan for improved ventilation
Over the next week, my husband and I will be making many choices about the elements in the room.
But before we start, let me be clear about one thing: Dean and I are no experts.
While I love to daydream about decorating, my ambition far exceeds my technical skills. Dean, on the other hand, is pretty handy with any power tool, but stares in wild-eyed confusion at the mere mention of paint colours or decorating trends. My daughter Emily, who has an excellent eye for colour and fashion,
will also want to weigh in during this debate, so it should be a lively
discussion - and lead to some great results!
Join me next week as I continue the tale of our latest home renovation project.
deniseholtby@gmail.com