From Boring to Bold: Our Dramatic Bathroom Renovation on 29th Avenue

Last fall marked a significant chapter in our lives as my husband, our two furry companions, and I embarked on a westward journey to Portland, Oregon. We were chasing a long-held dream of making our home in the lush landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. Leaving behind our light-filled, airy dream kitchen in Utah was bittersweet, but the promise of new beginnings spurred us onward. We quickly began putting down roots in our vibrant new city, eager to transform a charming 1920s bungalow into a haven of Scandinavian-inspired design. Our ambitious project began with a complete bathroom renovation, a full-scale overhaul right down to the studs!

Bathroom featuring a tub, commode toilet, and washbasin, pre-renovation.

The “Before”: A Bathroom Ripe for Reinvention

To be fair, the existing bathroom wasn’t an absolute disaster. However, it bore the hallmarks of a rushed DIY project executed by the previous owner. The most glaring issue was the faulty plumbing, specifically a toilet that leaked into the basement with every flush—a homeowner’s nightmare! Then there were the questionable surfaces: cracks, mold, and stains were abundant. And, perhaps most importantly, the bathroom lacked any discernible style, at least none that aligned with our aesthetic sensibilities. So, we made the decisive choice that any self-respecting homeowner would make: we gutted the entire space and started completely from scratch. It was, undoubtedly, the most logical and satisfying solution!

Before the makeover: A light-colored bathroom showing the toilet and shower area.

Speed and Sanity: Why We Opted for a Contractor

Let’s be honest: This was our one and only bathroom. Consequently, we were under immense pressure to complete the renovation as quickly as humanly possible. The prospect of navigating daily life without a functioning bathroom was less than appealing (portable toilets, while functional, don’t exactly scream “luxury”). Therefore, we made the strategic decision to hire a contractor. I know, I know… where’s the DIY spirit? Believe me, the thought crossed our minds. However, for this particular project, speed and efficiency were paramount. But fear not, DIY enthusiasts! The rest of our house is overflowing with potential DIY projects, so stay tuned for more exciting makeovers and innovative ideas from our home renovation journey on 29th Avenue!

The bathroom space, cleared and ready for the dramatic transformation.

Dreaming in Dark Hues: Gathering Inspiration

While the contractor tackled the demolition and structural work, I immersed myself in the exciting world of design possibilities. My mission: to meticulously plan every detail and scour Pinterest for inspiration. I was seeking bathrooms that spoke to my soul, spaces that exuded a sense of dark, dreamy drama, with touches of brass and a distinctly Scandinavian feel. Think along the lines of these captivating images:

A white bathroom featuring a striking black bathtub.

And this:

A beautifully designed white tile bathroom with a modern freestanding bathtub.

And, yes, even this:

A light and airy white bathroom featuring a unique black roof.

Crafting the Vision: Dark, Dramatic, and Scandinavian

Ooh la la! Dark, dreamy, dramatic, brass-filled, and undeniably Scandinavian – these were the key elements that defined my vision for our 29th Avenue bathroom. I wanted a space that felt both luxurious and inviting, a sanctuary where I could escape the everyday stresses of life. Once I had a clear picture of the desired aesthetic, I embarked on a virtual shopping spree, browsing the digital aisles of Lowes.com and other favorite online retailers. The process involved painstakingly weighing the pros and cons of every conceivable fixture, finish, and modern bathroom product. Let’s be real – making decisions can be surprisingly challenging! Ultimately, I gravitated towards a line of sleek and modern Kohler products, some classic oversized subway tile, and, of course, an abundance of gleaming brass accents.

A curated selection of items for the bathroom makeover, including a stylish light fixture, patterned wallpaper, and modern plumbing fixtures.

The Grand Reveal: Stay Tuned!

I’m going big, and I’m going bold! Get ready for the unveiling of our dramatic bathroom transformation. Check back soon to witness the incredible results of our hard work and design vision. You won’t be disappointed!

[Bathroom inspiration images: 1. Design Sponge 2. Domino 3. Michael Graydon 4. Michael Graydon 5. Christopher Sturman]

This project is made possible with the support of Lowe’s. While I’m grateful for their partnership in renovating our bathroom, all opinions and design choices expressed here are solely my own.