Last fall, my husband and I embarked on a new adventure, moving to Portland, Oregon, with our two little dogs to realize our long-held dream of living in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. While we dearly miss our light and airy dream kitchen back in Utah (RIP, it’s often on my mind!), we quickly settled into our new city and eagerly began transforming our 1920s bungalow into a Scandinavian-inspired haven. And where did we begin? With a complete, down-to-the-studs bathroom makeover!

This bathroom wasn’t inherently terrible, but it had definitely suffered a hasty and somewhat misguided DIY makeover at the hands of the previous owner. The result? Poorly installed plumbing that led to a leaky toilet (each flush resulted in a basement shower!), questionable surfaces plagued by cracks, mold, and stains, and, quite frankly, a complete lack of style – at least not our style. So, we did what any sane homeowner would do: we completely gutted it and started from scratch. It seemed like the only reasonable solution!

Before the Transformation: A Bathroom in Need of Rescue

The existing bathroom was functional, but lacked any real character or charm. The color palette was bland, the fixtures were outdated, and the overall aesthetic was simply uninspiring. It was a space that desperately needed a refresh and a complete design overhaul to bring it into the 21st century and align with our vision for a Scandinavian-inspired home.

Why We Hired a Contractor (This Time!)

Now, full disclosure: this bathroom is our one and only, so we were under immense pressure to get this renovation completed as quickly as humanly possible. While the thought of embracing the temporary nomadic lifestyle afforded by portable toilets had its momentary appeal, we ultimately decided to hire a contractor.

I know, I know. What about the satisfaction of DIY-ing the whole thing? Trust me, the thought crossed our minds. But given the time constraints and the complexity of the plumbing and electrical work involved, we felt it was best to leave certain aspects to the professionals. Rest assured, future DIY adventures are definitely on the horizon! The rest of our house is brimming with potential DIY projects, so stay tuned for more “29th Avenue” makeovers and creative ideas.

Gathering Inspiration: Setting the Stage for a Dramatic Transformation

While the contractor tackled the more technical aspects of the renovation, I dove headfirst into planning every possible detail. I spent countless hours scouring Pinterest for inspiration, carefully curating a mood board that reflected the dark, dramatic, and Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic we were aiming for.

The inspiration images showcased a common thread: a sophisticated blend of dark hues, luxurious brass accents, and clean, minimalist lines. We were particularly drawn to bathrooms that incorporated bold tile patterns, statement lighting fixtures, and natural textures to create a sense of depth and visual interest. This meticulous planning phase was crucial in ensuring that the final result would be a cohesive and stylish space that we would love for years to come.

Scandinavian Bathroom Inspiration: Dark, Dramatic, and Dreamy

This image showcases the perfect balance of light and dark, with a crisp white backdrop that allows the sleek black bathtub to take center stage. The minimalist design and clean lines embody the essence of Scandinavian style.

The use of oversized white tiles creates a clean and modern feel, while the freestanding bathtub adds a touch of luxury. The subtle pops of color and natural elements bring warmth and personality to the space.

The dark ceiling in this bathroom adds a dramatic and unexpected element, creating a sense of intimacy and sophistication. The contrasting white walls and fixtures keep the space feeling bright and airy.

Decision Time: Selecting the Perfect Fixtures and Finishes

With a clear vision in mind, I embarked on a mission to find the perfect fixtures and finishes to bring our dream bathroom to life. I spent hours browsing websites like Lowes.com and other favorite shops, tediously weighing the pros and cons of every possible product. Decisions, decisions… sometimes they can be overwhelming, right?

After careful consideration, I finally honed in on a line of super modern Kohler products, oversized subway tile, and, of course, an abundance of brass accents. The combination of these elements promised to create the dark, dramatic, and Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic we were striving for.

The choice of Kohler fixtures was driven by their sleek designs, high-quality craftsmanship, and commitment to innovation. The oversized subway tiles offered a modern twist on a classic design element, while the brass accents added a touch of warmth and luxury to the space.

The Building Blocks of Our Dream Bathroom

The key to a successful bathroom makeover lies in the careful selection of materials and products. We wanted to create a space that was not only visually stunning but also functional and durable. Here’s a breakdown of some of the key elements we chose:

• Kohler Fixtures: Sleek and modern faucets, showerheads, and toilet from Kohler.
• Oversized Subway Tile: Classic subway tile with a modern twist, providing a clean and timeless backdrop.
• Brass Accents: Warm and luxurious brass fixtures, hardware, and accessories to add a touch of elegance.
• Dark Paint: A bold and dramatic dark paint color for the walls to create a moody and sophisticated atmosphere.
• Statement Lighting: Eye-catching lighting fixtures to illuminate the space and add a touch of personality.

The Big Reveal: Stay Tuned for the Finished Product!

I’m going big and I’m going home, y’all! The transformation is underway, and I’m so excited to share the finished product with you. Check back later this week to see how everything turned out!