SCANDINAVIAN STYLED EXTERIOR: MAKEOVER TAKEOVER

The Makeover Takeover series focuses on helping my readers – whose own homes provide challenges that they are having a bit of trouble solving. Whether it is a room that they want guidance on styling, a floor plan that needs re-configuring, or they are stumbling with choosing an exterior color palette, I am happy to help. I offer solutions through virtual design and source links.

Today’s Takeover is the first in the series to feature an exterior remodel example. I was approached by a couple who had a unique situation. They purchased their country home a few years ago. It is nestled in an absolutely stunning setting, surrounded by nature and wildlife -giving them plenty of room to roam – something that is very appealing to them as a large, young family.

The house though, has a very interesting story. Originally built as a church, it was moved to it’s country location and set atop a new full basement by previous owners. The church, turned home, offers plenty of living space for this large family, but creates a bit of a challenge from an exterior design perspective.

 

THE EXTERIOR TODAY

 

As you can see, a large drive under canopy was part of what was inherited from the house’s church days. Though it offers plenty of shade, the primary function is questionable. Because the house now has an attached garage, the homeowners do not need the extra space to park their vehicles.

Removing the canopy would prove to be more than the family wishes to take on – as it is firmly tied into the structure of the house. And the columns, which provide additional support, are embedded in concrete.

 

To the left of the canopy is the attached garage, and to the right is another wing of the house that features a covered porch. The family enjoys this space and how it functions. It simply needs a bit of added detail, and probably a new set of steps.

 

The exterior is primarily covered in faux stucco panels. Though the material is quite durable, the application is not as pleasing to the eye as it could be – with visible seams showing between each panel.

 

I created a non-detailed, 3D representation of the existing house. In total, the front facade is over 130 feet long. This also creates a bit of a challenge, because your eye tries to take the whole thing in at once. The canopy is a natural place for eyes to focus, but as it is at the moment – it offers little visual interest that would make you want to pause and admire.

 



 

PROPOSED CHANGES

Primarily, the homeowners asked that the visual scale of the canopy be brought to a more comfortable level, and that details be added to the exterior to give it more personality and presence.

Being of Swedish lineage, the family has a special fondness for historic Scandinavian residential design – especially it’s clean, simple lines, and the fresh contrast that often exists between the main exterior paint color and trim.

example of a simple, historic Scandinavian home

 

In addition, they plan to take on this exterior refresh using their own sweat equity. For that reason, they asked that all design changes presented would be simple enough for them to tackle, and not include anything that would require special structural attention.

They plan to first focus on the front facade, and eventually bring the same detailing to the other sides of the home.

 

FINISH INSPIRATION

My inspiration for the exterior remodel is centered around the look of classic Scandinavian residential architecture – with classic vertical board and batten detailing, and white trim to accent the red overall color of the home. At the same time, I am proposing the use of low maintenance materials and plantings, which will help the house to look fresh for years to come.

 



AND NOW FOR THE BIG REVEAL!

I would say that is quite a transformation! In reality, the changes that will need to be executed are not extensive. Only a few key design elements were incorporated to achieve this stunning look.

 

The first area of detailing that I tackled was the canopy. The visual weight of the large overhead piece, being supported by four seemingly small columns, made the entire house look unbalanced. By giving each column a wider base, and adding 8×8 timber post accents at the top, the scale of the columns appears much more sturdy.

 

 

Though they will not be supporting any weight, the addition of two columns at the front face of the canopy will further add to the feeling of balance and stability. Because they line up to frame the windows on the house’s wall beyond, they will also contribute to the visual symmetry of the canopy element.

 

The smaller entry porch feature that currently exists is dwarfed by the size of the overhead canopy. I propose a raised deck area that extends the entire width of the canopy and projects eight feet, from the face of the house to the first set of columns. Integrating the deck with the column structure will give the sense that these elements were planned for a purpose – neither being an after-thought. The steps of this small porch extend the entire width, and lead to a ground level patio.

 

In order to hide the seams of the faux stucco panels, I am proposing the use of 1×2 batten pieces. These will cover the seams, and be spaced approximately 2′-0″ on center. Painted the same color as the house body, they will serve to add texture.

With this design, all of the windows will receive 1×4 trim. When painted white, this trim will contrast nicely with the bold house color. Framing the windows with this simple detail instantly adds visual interest to an otherwise flat facade.

 

Around the perimeter of the patio, I am proposing natural grasses and low maintenance flowering bushes that can aide in softening the entire structure, as well as defining the outdoor living space.

 

I am very happy with how the design came together, and can’t wait to see pictures of the finished project! The family hopes to get started very soon!

 

If you would like a digital home design consultation for your home, please email me using the contact information provided in the main menu above. Though this service is no longer offered free of charge, my prices are very reasonable and I am able to accommodate your design needs – whether it is a one hour consultation or an entire new house design!

 

This post contains affiliate links to products for your convenience. If you purchase via my links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting Arrow Hill Cottage!

 

ORGANIZED MUDROOM + LAUNDRY IDEAS: MAKEOVER TAKEOVER FOR JOSH & TARA

The Makeover Takeover series focuses on helping my readers with bits of their own homes that are giving them challenges. Whether it is a room that they want guidance on styling, a floor plan that needs re-configuring, or they are stumbling with choosing an exterior color palette, I am happy to help. I offer solutions through virtual design and source links.

Today’s Takeover brings us to a working family ranch, one that is busy all the time. Josh and Tara built their house a couple of years ago. At that time, they made the decision to hold off on adding built in organization cabinetry for their mudroom and laundry, for budgetary reasons. Now, with two young children and a baby on the way – they are realizing that it is time to make these spaces more functional.

Because this is a newly built home, no walls will be moved, and no existing finishes changed. My plan was simply to offer organization solutions that could make these rooms efficient and ultra useful for this young family.

THE MUDROOM TODAY

The great news is that the space layout is wonderful and there is plenty of square footage to work with. Though the plan shows locations of cabinetry and built-ins, none of these items were built during the construction phase.


 

PROPOSED CHANGES

Organization, organization, organization. The space is here, but they need some family friendly techniques to make the space run efficiently. Tara mentioned that though she loves the look of white cabinetry and subway tile -they simply would not hold up at the ranch. They need durable finishes that will wear well and can be easily kept clean.

The family sees this as their forever home, and as such they asked for a timeless look – with finishes, colors, and cabinetry styles that aren’t too trendy.

This is the view the family sees when entering their home through the garage door. Tara admits that it has become a bit of a drop zone for items that don’t have a proper storage spot. I want to make this view welcoming – one that says ‘come in and relax… you’re home’.

 

Swinging around to face the door, you can see that the family has attempted some temporary organization solutions. They prefer not to have a traditional coat closet, and instead choose to hang their coats so that they are readily available. My plan was to transform this corner into a command center of sorts. A place where all the mail can be set and sorted, where phones and devices can be charged. The pocket door in the right of this photo leads into the laundry room.

 

This is the view as you enter the laundry room. The oversized washer and dryer seem to dominate the space, as does the large laundry sink. My goal with this room was to streamline the look and to scale down the appliances by adding additional elements, such as a folding center and shelving.

 

Across from the washer and dryer is a large alcove that the family currently uses as a place to hang clothing to dry. Tara requested that a more permanent drip dry station be positioned here, as the location functions well for this purpose.

 

There is also a smaller alcove close to the door. I imagined that this could make for a convenient spot for the brooms, vacuum cleaner and cleaning supplies.

 

FINISH INSPIRATION

With durability and timelessness in mind, I searched out materials and products to finish off the rooms.

Each of the products below combined will form a very efficient working mudroom. You can learn more about each product by clicking on the titles below.

SINK: A more shallow, stainless steel bowl is more in scale with the space and can be mounted into a counter space.

FAUCET: The spray nozzle can be detached with a hose, to easily spray down clothes in the sink.

COUNTER TOP MATERIAL: Faux marble finish in white – bringing a bit of brightness and luxury into the space.

TILES: The clean lines of these simple square tiles detracts the eye from the unevenness of the surfaces they connect.

CABINET FINISH: To match existing trim and door colors and wood species.

WALL CLOCK: This large element serves to bring your eye upward. It is also beautiful!

LAUNDRY BASKETS: One for each sorting cubby.

TOWEL RING: In a dark oil rubbed bronze finish.

METAL CANISTER SET: These tall galvanized canisters are the perfect fit for this rustic space.

HANGING RACKS: Can be stored on the wall, out of the way – but come in handy when needed!

CLOTHESPIN ART: A bit of whimsy!

LAUNDRY ART: This simple yet timeless sign is another little accent that brings life to the utilitarian space.

WICKER BASKETS: Used to store cleaning supplies or extra towels.

MOP AND BROOM HOLDER: Attached to the wall right inside of the pocket door, the brooms and mop will be easily accessible.

COLORED BINS: One bin in the ‘command center’ for each family member.

COAT HOOKS: The gunmetal finish adds another rustic touch

RUG: Jute material is the perfect durable choice for this space.

BOOT TRAY: Set under a handmade pine bench, the boot trays offer easy cleanup and practicality.

DRY ERASE/CORK BOARD: As part of the command center – the perfect spot to write notes or pin up important reminders.

CHARGING STATION: Every modern family has quite a few devices. This charging station offers a clutter free alternative.

 



 

AND NOW FOR THE BIG REVEAL!

I am very happy with how all of the elements came together! Because of the home’s location on a ranch – I wanted to offer a few subtle rustic touches. I also made sure to keep durability and organization in mind. Let’s take a little photo tour, shall we?

 

This gorgeous large stained wood bench becomes the focal point when walking into the house. It is offset by a wall of fun, yet durable, corrugated metal paneling. Hooks and shelving add function, while boot mats underneath the bench add practicality and make for easy clean up.

 

The opposite side of the room features the command center, easily accessible from the back door.

 

It has a place for just about everything, with cubbies and bins for each family member, drawers for small tools, cabinets for off season gear, and shelves for books. The over sized counter-top provides the perfect spot to sort mail and charge devices.

 

Sight lines into the laundry space can be left open to reveal natural daylight, or blocked with the beautiful pocket door. The mudroom is now functional, with a place for everything.

 

Walking into the laundry space, you are greeted by handsome wood cabinetry and sleek tiles.

 

This simple laundry sorting system is practical, and now efficient with the counter space above.

 

Above the large counter is a convenient spot to store frequently used items, such as laundry soap and clothes pins.

 

By adding counter space above the washer and dryer, their scale is reduced. The laundry sink and tile are tied together by the finish of the counter material – a faux marble.

 

New drying racks that can be easily folded up against the wall when not in use.

 

A bit of whimsical laundry room art is positioned next to the storage alcove. The broom, vacuum and cleaning supplies are within easy reach and ready for action at this busy ranch home.

 

I’ve created a 3d animation of the mudroom/laundry makeover for a closer look. Click the play button below to view.

 

I hope that Josh, Tara and the rest of their family will love the ideas for this new organized space! These functional additions would help keep everything in it’s place.

 

Remember that this is a FREE digital home design consultation, which is available to anyone who subscribes to the Arrow Hill Cottage website. If you or someone you know could benefit from this service, simply email me with a few photos and a description of what issues you would like resolved.

If chosen, I will offer a solution + inspiration through 3d images and sourced items. Hurry though! I only have the ability to do one Makeover Takeover each month and the spots are filling up quickly! I have plans to eventually make this a paid service, so if you have been thinking of contacting me about a project and want to get in on the free deal, don’t hesitate!

 

This post contains affiliate links to products for your convenience. If you purchase via my links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting Arrow Hill Cottage!

 

RUSTIC KITCHEN IDEAS: MAKEOVER TAKEOVER FOR BEN & ADELL

The Makeover Takeover series focuses on helping my readers with bits of their own homes that are giving them challenges. Whether it is a room that they want guidance on styling, a floor plan that needs re-configuring, or they are stumbling with choosing an exterior color palette, I am happy to help. I offer solutions through virtual design and source links.

My first two Takeovers were both bathrooms – a modern Small Beachy Bathroom, and a Classic + Clean Bathroom remodel in a historic home. They were both met with wonderful reviews, and this time around I was excited to shift gears a bit and work on a kitchen remodel.

My friend Adell and her husband Ben live in a super adorable traditional home with their four young kids. Though the house has architectural features that really shine, the kitchen leaves much to be desired.

THE KITCHEN TODAY

The layout of the appliances is actually quite efficient. The sink/ DW, fridge and oven are arranged in the basic work triangle, which works well.  There is a portion of wall next to the fridge that juts into the space, but because of the way the floor steps down to meet the attached garage access, it needed to stay. For the most part, I wanted to focus on the cosmetic aspects of the room and on making it as organized as possible, finding a home for everything.



PROPOSED PLAN CHANGES

As you can see from the photos, this is one busy family! There are little reminder notes, and calendars on the cupboards, and the kids art projects are taking over the fridge. I wanted to streamline the organization of these bits, cleaning up the space.

I also wanted to maximize the work space, by finding a home for all of the small appliances and kitchen gadgets that are residing on the counter tops.

They have an open layout from kitchen to dining, and the counter extends so that there is space for seating on the dining room side. However, because of the position of the stove, it isn’t a safe place for the kids to sit.

There is a pantry that opens into the kitchen. The storage is nice, but it creates a bump out that leaves a strange little corner. The family has a small table positioned here, but as you can tell by the picture – it has become a bit of a drop spot. Again, I wanted to provide them with functional storage.

And last but not least, I wanted to clean up some of the strange finishes that the previous owners of the house have left – including the wallpaper border/ back-splash and the sheet linoleum floor that was PAINTED to look like individual ceramic tiles. What? Yes, it’s true.

 



FINISH INSPIRATION

Adell and Ben sent me images of kitchens and materials that they love – and based off of their selections, I would say that they have a very classic style, with traditional lines and a touch of rustic flair.

I was able to source a wonderful selection of products that I think would be amazing in their space. You can learn more about each product by clicking on the titles below.

SINK: This stainless steel apron sink will match the other appliances well.

FAUCET: In a simple black finish.

COUNTER TOP MATERIAL: Quartz in a simple white color (Arctic Lace)- a clean, fresh look to compliment the dark cabinetry.

RUG: Adds a splash of color to the space.

FLOORING: This beautiful porcelain tile looks like weathered wood. Set in a herringbone pattern, it adds a beautiful surprising detail.

LIGHT FIXTURE: A black industrial barn pendant set above the kitchen sink for extra task lighting.

BAR STOOLS: Simple and a bit industrial.

CABINETS: A custom cabinet maker can get specialty sizes, but this stock variety could save a bundle.

CABINET PULLS: These simple matte black pulls compliment the cabinetry without overpowering it.

CUTTING BOARD: A dose of natural walnut adds warmth and character.

WIRE BASKETS: These simple baskets are handy for storage, but because of their openness – don’t promote clutter.

ART: A fun kitchen is one you can dance in.

WALL COLOR: ‘Agreeable Gray’ from Sherwin Williams – the perfect neutral.



AND NOW FOR THE BIG REVEAL!

Can you see the changes? Even though the footprint of the room didn’t change – it seems so much more open! The colors are muted and neutral, which will blend well with the rest of the home decor. Just for reference, let’s take another look at the space pre-makeover.

Quite the difference, I think! Here are the details of what I did to achieve the casual rustic look that Adell and Ben love.

Obviously, all new cabinetry provides a fresh look. Because they are a darker gray stain that shows some wood-grain, I opted to go with a very simple quartz for the counters. Quartz is a wonderful low maintenance surface that is perfect for families with young children. The window above the sink was doubled in size, to allow a greater view of the backyard and let in more natural daylight.

The sink was replaced with a stainless steel apron variety. The large double bowls are very efficient. All corner cabinets in the kitchen have hinged doors that allow access to Lazy Susan storage.

Above the sink I hung a large industrial barn style pendant light. This will provide wonderful task lighting, and is also a focal point for the room.

I removed a window on the fridge wall, which allowed me to even out the counters and provide a more accessible spot for the microwave. The small shelf above the microwave is the perfect size for a cookbook or two.

Next to the fridge, I am proposing a framed piece of sheet metal that can be used to hang notes, calendars and even kid artwork. This wall isn’t as visible from other rooms in the house, making it the perfect location for those random bits.

Where the pantry used to be, I am proposing a more shallow base cabinet with pull out pantry drawers. This is efficient storage for canned and boxed goods, and it offers additional counter space. Because of it’s location to the entry from the attached garage, this area naturally becomes a drop spot.

There is no shame in that. Every house needs a drop spot! The key is to keep the space organized and efficient so that it remains useful and not cluttered storage. Baskets can be placed on the shelves for papers that need to be filed, bills that need to be paid.

The counter/bar seating near the range has been raised, for safety purposes.

With the addition of rustic wood corbels, this is now an attractive spot to eat an afternoon snack or do homework.

And immediately next to the bar, where a small cart used to reside, I am proposing an additional built in cabinet – to house the broom, cleaning supplies, and all of those fun kid craft materials.

The real masterpiece of the room though has to be the amazing wood-grain tiles set in a herringbone pattern. So beautiful and durable! Accented with a pop of color from a distressed bohemian style rug, these floors really come to life!

One last look at the completed space:

I’ve created a 3d animation of the kitchen makeover for a closer look. Click the play button below to view.

 

I think that this casual rustic kitchen design would blend very well with the rest of Ben and Adell’s beautiful home. Working on this project for them was a lot of fun!

Remember that this is a FREE digital home design consultation, which is available to anyone who subscribes to the Arrow Hill Cottage website. If you or someone you know could benefit from this service, simply email me with a few photos and a description of what issues you would like resolved.

If chosen, I will offer a solution + inspiration through 3d images and sourced items. Hurry though! I only have the ability to do one Makeover Takeover each month and the spots are filling up quickly! I have plans to eventually make this a paid service, so if you have been thinking of contacting me about a project and want to get in on the free deal, don’t hesitate!

 

This post contains affiliate links to products for your convenience. If you purchase via my links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting Arrow Hill Cottage!

 

TRADITIONAL BATHROOM REMODEL IDEAS: MAKEOVER TAKEOVER FOR MATT & HARMONY

I’m back today with another MAKEOVER TAKEOVER!  The first virtual takeover, of my own parents bathroom, was received very well and I have since had a few requests come in from readers with tricky spaces they would like help with.

Remember that this is a FREE digital home design consultation, which is available to anyone who subscribes to the Arrow Hill Cottage website. If you would like this free service, simply email me with a few photos and a description of what issues you would like resolved. If chosen, I will offer a solution + inspiration through 3d images and sourced items. Hurry though! I only have the ability to do one Makeover Takeover each month and the spots are filling up quickly!

This post contains affiliate links to products for your convenience.  If you purchase via my links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.  Thanks for supporting Arrow Hill Cottage!

For this Makeover Takeover installation, I had the fun privilege of helping with a bathroom that is located in a house that Craig and I used to own! We sold our 1905 American Foursquare to Matt & Harmony about three years ago, and it has been amazing watching them transform it to meet the needs of their own family. It is wonderful knowing that a house you lived in and loved for nearly 10 years is now in the care of people who love it just as much! They have tackled other remodel projects in the home with much success and have decided it is now time to turn their sights on the upstairs hall bathroom to make it their own.

This is the only bathroom on the second level of the house, and serves all four bedrooms. The owners before us had done a bit of repair in the room – to get it clean and updated. They didn’t, however, take the style or period of the house into much consideration and some of the finishes just don’t seem quite right. When Craig and I lived in the house, the most major update we gave the bathroom was removing the plaster ceiling and installing drywall. We also added a new light fixture/ vent fan, installed built in shelving in the corner for extra storage, and painted the room a bright yellow.

This is how the room looks today:




PROPOSED PLAN CHANGES

As you can see by the plan, there are some odd angles in the room. There is ample space though, and some nice natural light brought in by a high square window. There isn’t much of a reason to reconfigure the fixture locations in the room. Thankfully the layout seems logical. Matt & Harmony did request that the large clawfoot tub be removed and replaced with a tiled shower. Though it is a really cool vintage touch, the shape of the tub means that it isn’t super functional to stand and shower in. I’m sure the historic fixture will find new life in another bathroom somewhere.

Another major change for the bathroom is the door. Currently the door swings in and hits the toilet. It makes sense to install a sliding barn door. Not only will it free up space in the room, it will look amazing!

FINISH INSPIRATION

Matt & Harmony shared with me some inspiration images of finish materials they want to see in the space, and let me tell you – they have GREAT style! They really did make my job very easy! I was able to source amazing items from various online retailers to create an inspiration board for an updated traditional bathroom that fits the time period of the house and the classic style of it’s owners. You can learn more about each product by clicking on the titles below.

VANITY: This piece is a great focal point for the room. Created using reclaimed lumber, it adds warmth and history.

FAUCET:Dark bronze with an antique look, this faucet complements the vanity well.

SUBWAY TILE: You really can’t go wrong with a simple white subway tile!

HEXAGON TILE: Another all white option, the hex tiles are the perfect choice to pay homage to the period of the home. They were all the rage in 1905!

PATTERNED TILE: The fun pattern adds a bit of whimsy to the room. I added it in the shower only, so as not to make the small room seem too busy.

SHOWER PARTITION: Ties in the other black and white elements in the room.

SHOWER FAUCET: Complete with a rain shower head and a hand held spray, this faucet system is versatile. It also has a matching finish to the sink faucet.

BOARD & BATTEN: A great traditional detail that adds charm to the room. The link will bring you to a tutorial on how to install DIY board & batten.

TOWEL RING: Providing a simple place to hang a hand towel near the sink

MIRROR: This thin trimmed mirror looks great with the other finishes in the room.

WALL SCONCE: An updated light fixture with vintage charm

DOOR HARDWARE: The sliding barn door will require some heavy duty hardware!

RUG: Fluffy white and just big enough for place to stand both at the sink and when getting out of the shower. The bonus is that it is washable and has a non-slip backing!

HAMPER:Large enough for dirty towels and clothes, but small enough to not overtake the small room. Comes with a lid and a liner.

WASTE BASKET: A small metal variety with a lid – fits perfectly in the small niche, under the shelving.

SHELVING: Adding a bit of industrial look to the space, these shelves dress up the niche.

SHOWER BENCH: A shower bench adds a lot of versatility to a shower, allowing even young children to shower safely. This bench is made to fold when not in use.

WORD ART: Fitting sentiments for a bathroom!

FLOWER CANVAS ART: These flowers add the perfect pop of color.

TOWEL HOOKS: One for each member of the family – lined up on one wall.

TOWELS: These colorful fluffy towels are sure to brighten up the room.

WALL PAINT COLOR: I think this light grey color from Behr, called ‘Cotton Grey’ provides the perfect backdrop.



AND NOW FOR THE BIG REVEAL!

Can you spot the differences? Quite a few changes, I would say. I think the virtual makeover gave the room a much more period appropriate style – and yet the room also has clean and contemporary lines, a fresh look.

More views of the virtually remodeled space

The 3d animation really shows the space changes well. Click on the play button for a virtual tour!

 

I hope that Matt and Harmony are able to incorporate some of these changes and that they invite Craig and I over to see it in person once they do! Working on their bathroom gave me a lot of fun ideas for our bathrooms at Arrow Hill. Maybe I will work on those next!

If you like what you see, and think a friend could get some inspiration from this bathroom virtual makeover, go ahead and use the buttons below to share this post. Spread the word about the free Makeover Takeover service while you’re at it.

Thanks friends!

 

SMALL BATHROOM REMODEL IDEAS: MAKEOVER TAKEOVER FOR BILL & VAL

As I mentioned in THIS POST – some fun new features were added during the website re-design, including the member only benefit that I am calling MAKEOVER TAKEOVER. Simply put, it is a FREE digital home design consultation, available to anyone who subscribes to this website.  Give me a few photos of a trouble space in your home, or an exterior that could use a little help, and I will offer a solution + inspiration through 3d images and sourced items.

FREE virtual design consultations. See what your home improvement project might look like before you even lift a hammer.

This post contains affiliate links to products for your convenience.  If you purchase via my links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.  Thanks for supporting Arrow Hill Cottage!

For the very first Makeover Takeover installation, the pilot project if you will, my own parents offered up their basement bathroom. Located in the same home I grew up in, this bathroom is obviously a room that I am familiar with. I know its strengths (linen storage + great ventilation) and weaknesses (lack of counter space and cramped shower stall). As teenagers, my two sisters and I would fight for our turn at the sink and use of the tiny mirror that hung over it.

My parents are no strangers to DIY projects – they aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty. There have been some minor updates to the room over the years. New paint. Different flooring. But a major bathroom remodel, which has been discussed and daydreamed about for quite a while, has taken the back seat to other more important home improvement items.

This is how the room looks today – (photo taken from the door looking in)

It is actually quite a spacious room, at 9′-0″ long by 6′-4″ wide; But the awkward layout of fixtures and the inclusion of the large linen closet (which is ‘mostly’empty) visually squeezes the space, making it seem smaller. On their wish list, my parents requested a larger vanity, jetted tub, and convenient storage.


PROPOSED PLAN CHANGES

Step 1: Demo the closet – opening up the floor plan. Step 2: Move the position of the toilet. Though this will require some extra plumbing work, it should not be too costly and would greatly improve the function of the room. Step 3: Remove the shower stall to make way for a large jetted tub. Step 4: Replace the existing small vanity with a larger, more up to date model.

FINISH INSPIRATION

I sourced some really amazing finds to create an inspiration board for the space. My goal was to make the bathroom feel like a relaxing retreat – a place to go to unwind at the end of a busy day. You can learn more about each product by clicking on the titles below.

Modern + Beachy Bathroom makeover. This small bathroom virtual makeover will give you plenty of ideas for your own small bath remodel. Links to each and every product in the inspiration board!

1. JETTED TUB : Who wouldn’t love to soak at the end of the day in one of these?

2. VANITY: By re-arranging fixtures, I was able to place a 3 foot vanity – a full foot longer than the previous one. I think the open bottomed vanity, which looks like a piece of furniture, helps to keep the room feeling open and uncluttered.

3. LINEN CABINET: Ok, really – how cute is this?  I love the style, the shape, the color.  Love, love, love! Includes plenty of storage space, both in drawers and shelving. It’s technically an entertainment cabinet – shhhh!

4. VANITY LIGHT FIXTURE: Simple, sleek, and polished.

5. FLOOR & WALL TILES: I chose to keep the field tile a light neutral color because it covers such a large area. It provides a nice basic backdrop to all the other fun pieces in the room.

7. ACCENT TILES: Pretty with a bit of iridescence. This blend is called ‘Lake Illumini’ – quite fitting!

8. BORDER TILES: This bronze border pulls colors out of each of the main tiles, and is really complimentary.

9. WALL ART: Just looking at this art can transform your mind to a more relaxing place.

10. RUG: The colors of this rug are beautifully muted, adding the perfect accent without stealing the show.

11. LARGE BASKET: The generous size of this basket serves as a great place to store rolled towels.

12: BATHROOM ACCESSORIES:With a bamboo finish, these accessories really fit the theme, and the price is great too!

13. TOWEL BAR: Another chrome accessory to tie with the light fixture.

14: SHOWER CURTAIN: A simple grey color helps to pull the wall color throughout the room. The fabric adds some much needed texture to the space.

15. WALL PAINT COLOR: The color name says it all.  Sea Salt.


AND NOW FOR THE BIG REVEAL!

Looking at the Before and After side by side you can easily see the changes.

A few more images of the proposed space:

I also put together a fun little video, which I think probably shows the room better than still images can – like a virtual tour!

I’m happy to report that my parents are excited about the ideas I laid out for their bathroom. If they decide to go ahead with the project, I will get to enjoy this space in real life – super pumped about that prospect!

NOW IT’S YOUR TURN

Do you have a home project you are struggling with? Do you want an extra set of eyes to take a look? I’m here to help. Simply subscribe to this blog – then email me at angela@arrowhillcottage.com with a few pictures and a description of the problem you are having, and your wish list of how you would like it to function and/or look.  If your project is chosen for a digital makeover, I will contact you via email and ask for additional information such as dimensions and more insight into your personal design preferences.  My goal is to have at least one Makeover Takeover per month.

Go ahead and use the share buttons below to show others this amazing bathroom transformation.  Or if you know someone else who could use this free service, make sure you get them the information on how to sign up!