Repurposed Projects in the Bathroom

Our upstairs bathroom was less than spectacular when we moved in. There was a tiled bathtub/shower surround, a toilet and a tiny, tiny sink. The bathroom was barely functional. A lot of improvements needed to be made. One of the first things we needed to do was to replace the tiny, tiny one-sink vanity. We really liked the look of the dresser-style vanities and thought that would suit our 100-year-old farmhouse perfectly. We saw lots of reproduction made- to-look-like dresser vanities in the big hardware stores. But we wanted the real thing! So we found exactly what we were looking for at an antique market. Actually, as usually happens, we found more than what we were looking for! We found a really ugly bureau and matching glass door cupboard. They were ugly because there were Dutch tulips stenciled on them. We actually think that the pieces were used in a kitchen?! We painted both pieces a crisp glossy white and replaced the hardware. So much better looking! The bureau took a lot of disassembling to make it work as a sink vanity. We cut the back off and had to add a little to the sides because it was too narrow. We then cut out the top drawer but left the front of the drawer to look like it was still functional (the sink basins are in that space). We cut a hole in the top and left just a little lip to hold the custom-made double sink counter top. The two bottom cupboards hide the sink plumbing and is used for storage. The matching hutch or cupboard didn't make it in the bathroom but it is right outside the bathroom door and displays some of our collections. We have loved these pieces for a few years now.

Just recently I decided it was time to redecorate the bathroom. Just a fresh coat of paint and updated window treatments. I bought a new shower curtain before I did anything else - I know - kind of backwards, but I really liked it! I couldn't find window curtains to match, so I made some out of place mats and bed linens. I bought a single white sheet for the bottom half of the window, sewed a hem and a rod pocket - very easy! And made a scrunched sleeve to hide the curtain rod on the top and just draped the place mats over the rod. So very easy!!! We get lots of sun shining through on the top and we still have privacy.
The framed art on the wall are vintage souvenir postcards of bathing "beauties". I love them every time I look at them they make me smile!

Here is an old toolbox used to store hair dryers and similar small appliances. It's on the floor in the linen closet; a very charming way to hide the clutter!
Now our bathroom is functional and spectacular!