Bathroom Remodel: Before

 

 Gentle blog readers: BRACE YOURSELVES! You are about to be transported back in time to the early 1990's, when shiny brass fixtures and forest green, mauve, and country blue were the all the rage. Our master bathroom, while very nice when we moved to this house in 1994, has been trapped in time. We have updated most other areas of the house but it seemed like a waste to spend money on a space that no one but us ever sees.

While the bathroom decor has never been my style, it is still functional, and I'd be lying if I didn't say I feel somewhat guilty about taking on a project of this scope. I am still having a hard time with the idea of spending money on a space that only we will use. I'm just not accustomed to using our resources in that way.

But, at the end of the day (as they say), this remodel is well past due and I know we will enjoy and appreciate the new space every single day. So on we go!

Like any diligent memory keeper, I took a few "before" pictures before the contractors arrived on Monday. And, because I'm pathetic, I gave the bathroom a good cleaning as a little "send-off" to the fixtures before they hit the dump. Who cleans the bathroom before contractors arrive to tear it out? I guess that would be me! :)  

I'm NOT sorry to see the shower go. The track at the bottom of the sliding doors has been very tough to keep clean. Goodbye, shower!

I have always disliked this type of light fixture. With all of the light bulbs on, it generates a LOT of heat so we have to keep a few of them unscrewed. I am very excited about new lighting -- although that has proven to be a somewhat challenging part of the process. More on that in another post!

We are lucky to have a very large closet which will not be touched during this part of the remodel. After we're done with the bathroom, we'll be doing some updates to the bedroom and will paint and replace the carpet at that time. It is original carpet and not in good condition, as you can see by the wrinkles!

I'm also looking forward to getting rid of this massive corner tub. It has only been used a handful of times in the 21+ years we have lived here. The tub has been a great place for my plants over the years, but for us, it is not good use of the space. And it seems that many homeowners agree: Our contractor told me he has torn out over 20 of these tubs in recent years!

After considering all the options, we elected not to put a tub in the space, since there is one right around the corner in the other bathroom.

I am also ready to see the wallpaper go. While still in good condition, it is out of date.

 

After thinking through a number of options, I came up with a plan for the walls which does not involve stripping wallpaper. More on that in a later post!

On the morning before the contractor arrived, I took a few pictures of the space in "stripped down" mode. I have to say that I felt badly knowing that all of these fixtures would soon end up in the landfill. I always try to avoid that, but it just was not possible this time.

I felt a little sad and sentimental (yeah, I know I am weird...) that all of the fixtures which have served us over the years were going to be put to rest. I took my "last shower", then brushed my teeth and dried my hair for the last time while standing at this vanity. I have many, many fond memories of rolling Bailey's hair for show choir competitions in front of this vanity. **sniff, sniff**

I didn't actually cry (kind of surprised about that!), but I did take some time to be in the space before the contractors arrived. I know I'm completely goofy but change is hard for me...

...even change that is well past due!

So I hope you'll follow along with me on this process! I'm excited about the design for the space and look forward to sharing our progress. Change can be good, and I know this change is going to be a big improvement!

jp