Before And After Master Bath

May we talk? Sometimes when I look at all these beautiful blogs I am overwhelmed! On a high school coach's and teacher's salary, I have never been able (and will NEVER be able) to even approximate some of these beautiful makeovers! HOWEVER, if given a little moola and some time I can upgrade a little. That's what my blog is really all about...encouraging those who don't have quite as much in the ole bank account.



We all have resources whether it be some money, some creativity, some desire or somebody to help us along the way. So my hope is that you will find some little something on this blog that will give you a gentle push to upgrade your physical surroundings, your cooking skills, your life or your hopes and dreams. Here is a nightmare that turned into a dream for me!

I lived with this bathroom (below) for 13 years. It had so many coats of paint on the walls that I was sure one day the entire room would fall down under its own weight. I couldn't upgrade for all those years. Sometimes I'd go in there and just pretend that the double vanity, whirlpool tub, and shower were NOT nightmare green! Sort of a teal...sort of cave like, sort of HORRIBLE!

I could have started a paint outlet with all the colors I tried. I once even painted it chocolate...oh, now I know how Jonah felt in the belly of the fish!

Once a much older lady from my church came to see my home, when she entered the master bath, her jaw dropped and she said (and I quote), "Oh, my! What in the world were they thinking?" I made a pledge to myself right then and there, before I die, that bathroom would be redone. All brass fixtures, those movie star lights, two huge mirrors, one in front and one in back over the tub...now that's a real bummer first thing in the morning would all one day be gone.

One morning I had enough, I sat up in bed and announced, "We are re-doing the bathroom." The hubster said, "Oh, no, not repainting again." I was firm, "Nope, the whole thing." He countered, "We can't afford it. No way." I was firmer, "Find a way. If you want me to continue living in this house, find a way." He did. He gave me a budget and I came in under it. I still have the bank book to prove it.

I bought brushed nickel faucets on Ebay. I received light fixtures for my birthday present. I bought accessories as I could, but I did it! And I love it. We replaced the green with a neutral marble and removed every last piece of brass in the room. I scrimped and saved and it might not be a luxury bathroom to you, but to me it's the Waldorf Astoria! Behold...my bathroom!!!

I kept both mirrors..I know, but I had added a boatload of molding around them and I sort of liked the look once I got the green out. I won the two needlepoint pictures (left of vanity) in the oval frames on Ebay. I love the undermount sinks. My dirty clothes bin is in between the vanity storage units. I would have loved freestanding sinks, but I have a lot stashed under the sinks...couldn't lose those cabinets.

Little vignette above medicine cabinet. It makes a great little shelf. I've had the popcorn berries for 31 years!

I purchased the lights at Sunbelt Lighting...they were the only thing I splurged on. They are Minka-Lavery "Agilis". My birthday present was the matching ceiling fixture. Beautiful glass and brushed nickel.

I saw a metal piece like this in Ballard's for over $100, but it was "O, Happy Day" when I found it at Old Time Pottery in Foley, Ala for under $20! And I know the rule about mixing metals, but I think it can be done, if done carefully.

A pretty bronzey mirrored tray, fragrant soaps, SLAH holder and my mother's silver and glass powder holder reside on the vanity.

The monogrammed bathmat came from Wal Mart plain and I had it monogrammed for $7! Total spent about $15...this is one of those later purchases, as I could. One compromise: he wanted a whirlpool tub, I did not. I wanted a fancy tile border in the marble shower, he did not. Either would have pushed us over budget. We compromised, neither got what we wanted in this instance (and we are still happily married).

Pottery has been mostly gifts. I love southern potters and featured here: Frogs and small pieces are by Peter's Pottery; large pinched vase is McCarty; large green bowl by Sheila Clark.

Towels from Tuesday Morning and SLAH...all on sale, I might add!

I share all this to let you know that you may not be able to have all you WANT...but if you save, are frugal and wise with your choices, you may be able to have some of it some day! I've been married 33 years this spring...it's been a long time coming and it's still not over the top like some, but it's all I need. It's clean, it's loved by us and it's paid for!!

PS: I am participating in Metamorphosis Monday, House in the Roses, and Polish the Stars blog parties with this post. Please, come and see what all they have!