How To “Polish A Turd”

We knew from before we moved in that our main bath was in need of some intense TLC.

When I put up a sneak peak post on Facebook and had the nerve to refer to this as a “remodel”, I was quickly reminded by my husband that this was no remodel. Derek wanted NOTHING more than to rip this thing down to the studs and start completely from scratch. But neither time nor our budget allowed for such a thing and we needed to get this bad boy fixed up before we begin having company in the coming weeks. So, according to my perfectionist of a husband, he would not be doing a remodel…

He would be polishing a turd.

And thusly, this is as torn apart as it got…

So then… what does one do when they need to fix up a bathroom, ensuring an inviting, clean atmosphere, but without going into debt?

Here are my suggestions:

Update #1: New Floors!

The couple renting this house before we bought it owned a couple big dogs… dogs which, it would seem, were granted free access to the bathroom, as well as a kitty who’s litter box was kept in the closet. This made for chewed up, grungy floors with kitty litter in the crevices. That being said… the floors were in DESPERATE need of replacement. Derek still hopes to eventually completely remodel, so rather than go with new tile as we would have done otherwise, we simply chose a cute stick down wood look that will suffice for the time being, and I really like it!

Update #2: Floating Shelves

Replacing an old cabinet with some open, floating shelves is a fantastic way to add a subtle but modern update to your bathroom. It was such a small addition, but throw in a few cute, inexpensive touches from Dollar General, of all places, and viola! I absolutely LOVE it!

Link for the SODUKU Floating Shelves: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086ZDB3DW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_F5Z1BXAB8RJY2Q2KMWSX?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Update #3: New Sinks And Faucets!

I’m just not a fan of brushed nickel. Especially old, worn brushed nickel. I’m blessed to say that my husband is not only a carpenter and an electrician, but he has somehow gained the skill of a plumber as well. After swapping out the toilet (also very necessary), he swapped the brushed nickel ringed sink for a simple, clean look and swapped the brushed nickel faucet for rubbed bronze. Y’allllll… this made me so happy and I think it made all the difference.

Update #4: New Soap Dispenser

Can I just say that I love Mason Jars like a redneck loves his Duck Tape? Like for reals. Although I’m not into canning… cause, well, I don’t want to be… I do drink out of Mason Jars, store all my baking ingredients in Mason Jars, chalk paint Mason Jars for decorations, and keep way more Mason Jars around than I could ever possibly find a use for. And now, I’ve discovered how much I love them as soap dispensers and tooth brush holders. Cause y’all, the soap dispensers in the bathroom aisle at Target are stupid expensive and I just can’t. So rather than spend $20 on ONE soap dispenser that looks decent, I grabbed four Mason Jars I already owned and purchased four farmhouse dispenser lids for about $15 on Amazon. That’s FOUR super adorable soap dispensers for the price of less than ONE! I felt very thrifty, indeed.

Link for the Mason Jar soap dispenser lids: https://www.amazon.com/Elwiya-Farmhouse-Dispenser-Plastic-Regular/dp/B08BCBB2KR/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=jar+soap+lids&qid=1632165021&sr=8-2

Update #5: Paint Cabinets And Swap Hardware

Can I just say that I installed the hardware??? That’s like one of my only accomplishments on this bathroom besides the prep work. I realized a few years back that I’m quite the cabinet pull and handle installer. When we moved into our last house I was 9 months pregnant with Elijah and thusly, not a whole lot of help for the most part. But this girl right here waddled her very rounded, puffy faced self into the Hardware store, picked out new hardware for the kitchen and bathroom cabinets, came home and installed every single one all by her worn out, exhausted, but very proud self. So, this time around, I knew that I, minus a huge swollen belly, could definitely tackle this one. My sweet husband then acquiesced to my request and repainted the cabinets in a soft white and subtle grey. I think it really helped spruce things up a bit.

Update #6: A New Light Fixture!

I’m convinced that switching out an outdated light fixture for something that makes you happy is one of the biggest updates a bathroom deserves! I saw this, I loved it, the hubby installed it, and I’m a happy human.

So…

That’s about it in a nutshell. We also gave the walls a fresh paint job and added a barn door shower curtain that I absolutely adore. This endeavor included many trips to Lowe’s with three boys on a tablet in tow (don’t judge me… ok, go ahead judge me… I’d have judged me back about 6 1/2 years ago… but I’ve learned that desperate times call for desperate measures!)

It’s been a fun project and I am grateful for a husband who temporarily set aside his perfectionist tendencies and added a few happy touches for his now very happy wife. It nearly killed him to leave the outdated tile on the walls… but I honestly think it’s a touch of vintage with a fresh makeover. And I like it.

Soooooo…. for the final reveal… (drum roll please).

Here’s how it started:

And here’s how it ended:

So… there it is… our “polished turd”. And I really, really like it.