{Big Box Bathroom} The Reveal

One of the first things we said after deciding to move was, ‘Nooooooo, we just finished the new bathroom!! I don’t want to leave it!’ And funny enough, several of you had similar sentiments, ‘How can you stand to leave that wallpaper behind!?’

But when we started the Big Box Bathroom remodel last Fall, the idea of moving was non-existent in our minds. Our goal was to make better use of the space, making it more efficient, and feel larger for the kids, since they shared the small bathroom.

The previous design was always meant to be temporary, and worked fine when they were smaller…but when one becomes a teenager, and the other more involved with hairstyles…not to mention the need for privacy…the room became an issue. Hence why the remodel moved to the top of the list. Now you’d never even know it’s the same room!

Hi Sugarplum | Big Box Bathroom Reveal

In order to truly appreciate the transformation, let’s look back at a Before shot (you can see them all here). Top to bottom, it was builder basic…with some really nasty floor tile, a wobbly toilet, and minimal storage and counter space.

We could have easily spent over $8,000 for a similar space, but instead we shopped the big box stores, and still created a high-end, designer space, for less than a third the cost.

Hi Sugarplum | Big Box Bathroom Remodel
Taking the shower tile to the ceiling really opened up the room, and the new vanity doubled their counter and storage space. Gorgeous Moroccan tiles replaced the grimy old ones, and add a touch of softness to the straight lines of the room.
Hi Sugarplum | Big Box Bathroom Reveal

I would have loved to carry the wallpaper all the way to the floor, but that would have blown our budget…so by installing wood planks, we were able to get a similar look, and only had to buy two rolls. Plus, I didn’t want to panic every time toothpaste and water splattered off the sink, and on the beautiful paper.

Hi Sugarplum | Big Box Bathroom Remodel

Hi Sugarplum | Big Box Bathroom Remodel

As you can see, I showed rare restraint and painted the door and window frame white. That really allowed the mirror and wallpaper to shine.

My original plan was to add the kid’s monograms in kelly green to the towels…but since they’ll each have their own bathroom in the new house (#hallelujah), I saved the expense. But wouldn’t that have been so cute?! And since it’s both a boy and a girl’s bath, I balanced the masculine and feminine elements so they’d both feel like it was customized for them.

Hi Sugarplum | Big Box Bathroom Remodel

Hi Sugarplum | Big Box Bathroom Remodel

Hi Sugarplum | Big Box Bathroom Remodel

Hi Sugarplum | Big Box Bathroom Remodel

In order to clear the small ledge at the top of the planks, we used extra long screws to mount the mirror to the wall, then placed a little wedge at the bottom so it wouldn’t lean forward.

Hi Sugarplum | Big Box Bathroom Remodel

Hi Sugarplum | Big Box Bathroom Remodel

Hi Sugarplum | Big Box Bathroom Remodel

Hi Sugarplum | Big Box Bathroom Remodel

Okay, one more Before and After…

Hi Sugarplum | Big Box Bathroom Reveal

I’m still shocked at the transformation…and we’ve lived with it for six weeks! Had we known we were moving, we’d never have started the project, but I like to think it contributed to the speedy sell. Or at least that’s how I’m rationalizing it to make myself feel better. But I really am going to miss that paper! Good thing I have a fair amount of remnants…I’ll find a way to take it with me!

{Source List}
Vanity Hardware // Diamond Gal Knob
Mirror // World Market Natural Segovia
Bathmat // Ikea Toftbo
Waffle Weave Towels // Birch Lane Winchester
Soap Dispenser // Threshold Acacia Ceramic
Toothbrush Cup //  Threshold Acacia Ceramic
Grout Color // Dolorian Gray







{Follow along from the beginning for all the Project Details}


***Yes ma’am, my rockstar-contractor did all the labor on this project, too. I
don’t trust anyone but Classic Kitchens & Baths (214-349-5999)!
***

*This post was written in collaboration with Lowes Home Improvement. They provided me with a gift card and challenged me create a designer space from a big box store. All opinions, tile fondling, and selections are my own.

Leave a Comment

51 Comments

  1. It is amazing!!

    Posted 2.3.15 Reply
    • Thanks girlie — I can't wait to see your space with this wallpaper! It's just divine!!!

      Posted 2.3.15 Reply
  2. i loveee all of your tile choices! beautiful job! xo jillian – cornflake dreams

    Posted 2.3.15 Reply
  3. Thank you for all the sources–much needed as we will be doing both our girls baths next summer! Love so many of the elements. PLEASE do tell where you found the mirror! (I will check back.) I am on the hunt for several mirrors for our home and love this one. Really beautiful bathroom. Oh what fun you will have decorating two for your kids in the future. 🙂

    Posted 2.3.15 Reply
    • Ooops, totally forgot the mirror…not sure how since it's one of my favorite things in the room!! I updated the Source List with it! And good luck with your remodels!! xo

      Posted 2.3.15 Reply
    • Thank you SOOO much! I am getting this!! It will look stunning in my entry area, over the Everett table from WM that I painted and distressed. 🙂 I have been racking my brain for other places to look for a mirror and totally forgot about WM! What a deal! Thank you!

      Posted 2.3.15 Reply
  4. Turned out so good. The new owners will be very happy, I'm sure 🙂 Love how you were able to make such a big impact with just a little wallpaper.

    Posted 2.3.15 Reply
    • You think the new owners would notice if I peeled it off and took it with us?!?

      Posted 2.3.15 Reply
  5. Absolutely stunning!!! Glad you got to enjoy it for a few weeks at least!

    Posted 2.3.15 Reply
  6. oh wow… stunning! and yes i would be crying over leaving it behind but i know your new house will become all sorts of fabulous.

    Posted 2.3.15 Reply
  7. Cassie! Gorgeous!!! I'm sad it is no longer yours, but I'm excited to see what the new house brings…or has brought…because that kitchen…swoon!

    Posted 2.3.15 Reply
  8. Looks beautiful! Where is the mirror from?!

    Posted 2.3.15 Reply
    • Thank you, Kristen! I updated the source list with mirror info!! xo

      Posted 2.3.15 Reply
  9. GORGEOUS!!! I'd happily strip down in this bathroom. Every last detail is amazing. My Pinning finger's cramping up!! This is just a foreshadowing of what's to come in the new house, seriously.

    xo

    Posted 2.3.15 Reply
  10. Gorgeous bathroom Cassie! And to think, you get to do it all over again in the new house 😉 Love the natural wood touches on the mirror and the cups. They're just enough.

    Posted 2.3.15 Reply
  11. Linda wrote:

    Would you please share what you used for the planking and any helpful tips associated with installing, painting, etc. it?

    Posted 2.3.15 Reply
    • Hi Linda! There's some info on the planking in Day 2 post. They attached them to the walls with tiny finishing nails (using a nail gun so they'd be counter-sunk)…and used a penny between boards so the spacing would be consistent. Then I came back and filled all the holes with spackle and sanded smooth. Finally, they all got a fresh coat of paint…I ran a credit card through the seams after so the paint wouldn't make them look like a single board. Hope this helps!!! xo

      Posted 2.3.15 Reply
  12. gorgeous. gorgeous. gorgeous. love it. i know it's hard to leave a space you pour energy into. we did it when we left seattle. we renovated our main living space and my husband did all the work himself… windows converted to french doors, new kitchen, new hardwoods. and then we moved a few short months later (totally unexpeted). my first exclamation…. "noooo, i can't leave my new farmhouse sink."

    Posted 2.3.15 Reply
  13. So much brilliance happening in here. Love the wallpaper paired with the dark ceiling paired with all the white! Gorg. And I know we are mirror twinsies so I am a bit bias, but it is SOOOO good in your space. That wood tone paired with all of the whites and grays makes my heart race. Way to go love, every last detail is amazing.

    Posted 2.3.15 Reply
    • Thanks, my love!! Of course we are mirror twinsies…we're practically one in the same! Now let's talk about those beams in your house!!!!!

      Posted 2.3.15 Reply
  14. Oh it's soooo good. I LOVE that mirror in there. I can't believe you have to leave it. Just box it up and take with you. I'm sure you'll do something amazing in the new house.

    Posted 2.3.15 Reply
  15. SO good!! I really love everything about it!! Now I really want to start remodeling our bath! 🙂

    Posted 2.3.15 Reply
  16. The wallpaper and mirror pairing is perfection!!! Awesome job!!

    Posted 2.3.15 Reply
  17. Did I miss where the shower curtain is from? Blame it on postpartum brain if I did! And do you feel like the new owners will keep the wallpaper? I sure hope so!! It looks beyond gorgeous in there!

    Posted 2.3.15 Reply
    • Dang…I missed another thing! I'll update the Source List…but the shower curtain is Target! #whereelse

      Posted 2.4.15 Reply
  18. It's about darn time!! 🙂 I love it all!! That wallpaper really makes it special! My OCD side is getting twitchy with the brass/gold door handles but that's not yo' problem! I clearly have issues!

    Posted 2.3.15 Reply
  19. I would never think to paint a bathroom ceiling dark, but it works and is even relaxing! I hope whoever buys your house shares your aesthetics and has an eye for design. I would never tell it is the same bathroom!

    Posted 2.4.15 Reply
    • Thanks Mila! My first choice was to wallpaper the ceiling, too…but I didn't want to mess with that trouble…and was afraid having it over the shower would be a problem. So my compromise was to paint the ceiling the same color as the wallpaper…so it gives the illusion it keeps going. xo

      Posted 2.4.15 Reply
  20. Carrie wrote:

    Jaw on floor. Wow. What a makeover. I WANT THIS BATHROOM!!! Love!!!

    Posted 2.4.15 Reply
  21. Tiling the shower to the ceiling was a game changer! Looks so great – can't wait to see what you do in your new house!

    Posted 2.4.15 Reply
  22. Erin wrote:

    Love how it turned out!!

    Random question about the new owner, do they like all your color choices?? I love them but a pink dining room with red ceilings isn't everyone's cup of tea. And I love that wallpaper but I can see someone thinking it's could be too much. Just curious!! :0)

    Posted 2.4.15 Reply
    • I kind of thought the same thing, but our agent insisted we keep everything the same for the listing. (well, we kind of had to because of the whole magazine thing) All I know about the buyers is they stayed in the house for 2 hours when they saw it, and the wife said, 'I just don't want to leave!' Oh, and they insisted on keeping everything but the furniture…every last hook, drape, rod, knob, matchstick blind, mirror and light fixture. So I think that means our house is exactly their cup of tea. Or at least I'll keep telling myself that! 😉

      Posted 2.4.15 Reply
  23. hnousun wrote:

    Wow it's beautiful!

    Posted 2.4.15 Reply
  24. Mallory wrote:

    No wonder your house sold in like a day! The bathroom alone would have sold it for me! Awesome job! xo

    Posted 2.4.15 Reply
  25. Swoon……it looks fab, love every.single.thing.

    Posted 2.4.15 Reply
  26. So light and perfect, I'd have a hard time leaving it too!

    Posted 2.4.15 Reply
  27. It's perfect!!! I'm drooling over the wallpaper and mirror!

    Posted 2.4.15 Reply
  28. WOW LADY!!!!!!! GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!! And I know I saw this all the time….but it is SO YOU!

    Posted 2.5.15 Reply
  29. Pa-pow!!! Nailed it! I'm glad you mentioned what you did to get the mirror to sit correctly because I was wondering how I was going to tackle that when I copy every last detail 😜

    Posted 2.5.15 Reply
  30. I love everything about this- I'm going to link to this post tomorrow (I post links to things I love on Fridays).

    Posted 2.5.15 Reply
  31. René wrote:

    Oh my goodness! This bathroom looks amazing! Dying to makeover both of our bathrooms! That mirror is so good!

    Posted 2.6.15 Reply
  32. Karin K wrote:

    Had to come back to say THANK YOU for sourcing that gorgeous mirror! Judging from the number of other people who also asked, World Market needs to cut you a commission check. The room turned out beautifully!

    Posted 2.6.15 Reply
  33. jana bek wrote:

    Such a gorgeous design Cassie! I would have never guessed you were on a budget! The wood planking was a genius move! Xx jana

    Posted 2.6.15 Reply
  34. emily wrote:

    fantastic job. proof that good design isn't about how much money you spend, but how you put all the elements together. I just love the proportions and contrast of the wood planks and the wallpaper…I think it looks better than if the wallpaper had gone all the way to the floor…the perfect combo of beauty and function. really amazing renovation!

    Posted 2.7.15 Reply
  35. vy wrote:

    LOVE what you did! looks fantastic, the monogram towels would be too perfect. Can i ask where there birch branch planter is from?

    Posted 2.9.15 Reply
  36. This is gorgeous Cassie! I love that wallpaper, your clean white planked walls and all the details.

    Posted 2.10.15 Reply
  37. TidyMom wrote:

    Oh I love so much about this! We are currently buying the house we've been renting, and first on my list is our master bath…..this has given me so much inspiration!!

    Posted 2.11.15 Reply
  38. What size do the birds measure?

    Posted 1.1.16 Reply
    • Sorry for the delayed response, Stormie…I had to dig up a scrap piece of the paper to measure since we don't live in that house anymore 🙂 The birds are about 10×6…the website gives the repeat size, etc. Hope that helps!! xo

      Posted 1.5.16 Reply
  39. Aly wrote:

    I love this so much! What size trim pieces did you use? Since you went with wood, did you use pine? Thank you!!

    Posted 9.8.18 Reply