Master Bathroom Renovation (With a Focus on Vintage)

Late last winter we took the big plunge and had our master bathroom renovated. It was the first time we had ever had an entire room redone. And yes, they took it right down to the studs. We had the nicest group of four men you will ever want to meet doing the work: three brothers and a dad–the Vandenburgh’s.
 
Walk with me as I take you through the gorgeous work they did in renovating our master bathroom. (Of course I don’t have any before photos, but trust me, it was builder’s grade ugly everything(!).)
 
Master Bath Tour with a Focus on Vintage: Vanity
Upon entering the room, the vanity lies straight ahead. We went from a double sink to a single without any problem whatsoever. I purchased this piece at a Bargain Outlet for half its original price. We’ve been enjoying the luxury of a marble top, and I like its contrast with the chrome fixtures. We went with chrome everywhere, since I think it provides a nice, clean timeless look
 
Recognize the vase? I stole it from my mantle for this “photo shoot.” To the right of the soap dispenser are two small, vintage apothecary jars. The ribbed one on the left with the wide mouth came from England. The one on the right was part of a large lot I purchased in the fall at a garage sale. It’s missing its label, but I’ve been thinking of printing out a pretty French one from the The Graphic Fairy.
 
Master Bath Tour with a Focus on Vintage: The Tub
Pop’s, the dad from “Team Vandenburgh,” and the sweetest man you will ever meet, referred the tub area as “Cleopatra’s barge”(!) Being one step up and with the addition of an archway, it has a royal air and is truly a sight to behold.
 
 
Master Bath Tour with a Focus on Vintage: The Archway
 Here’s a shot of the archway, and you can tell that we have a couple of different chocolatey colors. And yep it took us forever to find the right ones and nope, I don’t know the names. (Not very helpful, I know.)
 
Master Bath Tour with a Focus on Vintage: The Vintage Print
I call this lovely lady my muse. The wonderful sea glass color of the background is the one I’ve been using to accent the room, though I’m not finished quite yet. The print dates from about the 1960’s or 70’s; the textured green frame has a very 60’s/70’s vibe.

The image, known as “Spring,” was found on a wall in Pompeii, although it’s been removed to a museum since the discovery. Mt. Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, burying the city in ash. In actuality, the ash protected homes, artifacts, and even bodies. This meant that many could be rescued and studied. Though “Spring” dates to the first century, I think she’s timeless, don’t you agree?

 
Master Bath Tour with a Focus on Vintage
Here’s my brand “new,” vintage stool that I just recently cleaned up and recovered. Take a look at these step by step instructions on the simple process I went through to give it new life.
 
Master Bath Tour with a Focus on Vintage: Vintage Upcycled Stool

 Here’s a better view; I just adore her gorgeous legs!

Master Bath Tour with a Focus on Vintage: Vintage Apothecary Jars
I’m in love these old store canisters with the ground lids. They add a clean, fresh sensibility to the room, especially containing the pure white Q-tips and cotton balls. They are also great to use for the currently very popular candy bars seen at weddings and showers everywhere. Filled with sour balls, peppermints, and chocolates, they make a beautiful display.
Master Bath Tour with a Focus on Vintage: Antique Apothecary Jars
Last fall I purchased a number of apothecary jars at a nearby garage sale. The owner planned to move across the country and had no room for these lovelies. The two you see here cracked when I attempted to clean them with hot water. Sad, I know. I didn’t realize how fragile they were. They were both filled with some kind of chemical, and their stoppers were stuck. I needed the hot water to loosen the stoppers and clean them out. The up side: I never would have kept them if they were perfect, and I do think they add something to the bathroom’s decor.
Master Bath Tour with a Focus on Vintage: The Shower
We really enjoy our big “walk-in” shower. I opted to use a curtain rather than install glass, since I HATE cleaning glass! I particularly love my little “shaving nook” (my term); it’s where I tuck my toes whilst (a British term) shaving. I think it’s pretty clever idea, if I do say so myself, and it was my idea. Honestly, didn’t steal it from anyone.
Master Bath Tour with a Focus on Vintage: The Shower

My shaving nook and this shelf both have bottoms that angle slightly in toward the shower so that water runs out, rather than puddling. Another one of our builder’s very helpful tricks.

Master Bath Tour with a Focus on Vintage: Burlap Tags
This open shelving is to the immediate right of the vanity, and these four hyacinths leaf baskets once lived in my laundry room, but when I realized they fit this shelving perfectly, they found a new home in the bath. The tags are the very ones I did a tutorial on, in case you find that you need some of your own.
 
Master Bath Tour with a Focus on Vintage: Decorating with Hydrangeas
I bought myself a pretty pink hydrangea, which has found a home in my beautiful “new” bathroom.
 
Thanks for taking a tour with me!

Bye for now, 
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16 Comments

  1. Diana, I really like your bathroom, but I'm not sure I would want to go from each having their own sink to sharing with my husband. As it is, he has the master bath, and I take the guest bath, lol, and we each have double sinks (even though we each only use one). I definitely like the vanity cabinet you chose, and it all looks really pulled together, including your newest stool redo.
    Rita

  2. Oh, it's all so pretty!! I love the vanity- and the vintage stool- and that gorgeous painting! Thanks for the tour- I sure enjoyed it:)

  3. Love, love, love your new bathroom! That painting is gorgeous, and you had a great idea to put it where it is to balance that window. Love the old bottles, too. That's great that you had such a good experience with your builders, and they sure did a wonderful job. Featuring this on my Link Party Features Pinterest board. Thank you so much for sharing this at History & Home this week. Take care – Dawn @ We Call It Junkin.com

    1. Thank you Nancy! I was planning to post it but then forgot all about it. I'll head on over ๐Ÿ™‚

  4. Diana, it's beautiful!!! I love all of it, but that tub is really special. Great job of decorating with luxury without pretention!

  5. beautiful beautiful remodel I can imagine when you are soaking in your tub you just take in everything and sigh with contentment.

  6. I LOVE your vanity!! What a beautiful piece! I would be thrilled to get ready at that station each morning!

  7. Your gorgeous bathroom will be featured tomorrow at Every Room In The House. Thanks so much for sharing it with us, Diana. ~ Nancy

  8. Pingback: What I Collect: Vintage Artwork

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