Bathroom

Refinishing Or Replacing Your Bathroom Vanity Cabinet

02.25.2015 by Amanda Hartley //

Today Carissa writes:

Dear Diva, I’ve lived in my house for 4 years now and I can’t take my master bathroom any longer! It’s fixtures are old and I’m ready for a re-do! Problem is, my budget isn’t very big. I have given it a lot of thought, and I think if I change the bathroom vanity I can get the biggest bang out of my buck! Problem is, I don’t know what to do. How do I decide whether I need to completely replace the vanity or if I can get away with just refinishing it? Any help would be gladly accepted!

Carissa, depending on the age of your home, this question may be easier to answer then you think. If you live in an older home or the fixtures in the bathroom are ancient, you may need to figure out what needs to be replaced first. To quote my grandmother; “If it won’t last the winter, then you need to replace it!” The reason I’m pointing this out is because I’ve seen countless home owners refinish items on the outside that were aesthetically displeasing, and then run out of money to replace the internal items that actually needed to be addressed. For example: refinishing the outside of an outdated vanity cabinet is nice, but if your plumbing is leaking or problematic, you won’t be able to use it.

Your first step should be figuring out what really needs to be replaced. Put aesthetics aside for a moment, and consider the state of the plumbing in your existing bathroom vanity. Is anything internally leaking, cracked, or just unusable? If you can answer yes to any of these, then you need to fix that item first before you move onto the cabinet portion of the vanity. If the answer is no, and you just don’t like the look of your bathroom vanity, then check out the pros and cons list below to help you decide on your next step.

Refinish your bathroom vanity cabinet- To refinish your vanity cabinet, you’ll need to first remove the old hardware. This means removing all vanity handles and pulls, as well as the hinges. The logic behind this is that you’ll have an easier time painting the doors and cabinet once they are removed. Next, wash the cabinet with a good household cleaner to remove any surface residue and dirt. For vanities that have been previously painted, I’d recommend sanding off the existing paint before applying a new coat.

For cabinets that have been stained on the other hand, I’d recommend using a deglosser before applying a primer. Watch this video on how to paint old cabinets to learn about Deglosser and go over the basics of refinishing a bathroom vanity cabinet. Once you’ve sanded or deglossed your vanity, apply the primer, and wait the recommended time for it to dry. Then apply your paint. Read the instructions on the paint can for best results. Typically, you’ll apply a minimum of 2 coats of paint. Then apply the new hardware and you’re set!

If you are new to painting cabinets, have multiple cabinets to paint, or just like having everything you need paint-wise in one handy kit, you might want to check out Rust-Oleum’s Cabinet Transformations painting system. It’s DIY friendly, comes in a variety of colors and helps simplify the process. I’ll admit it would be a little spendy if you’re working on only one tiny vanity cabinet since it starts at around $75 per kit. But for newbies and larger projects, I think it’s well worth the extra money.

One quick additional note, not all bathroom vanities are created equally. For example, a solid wood cabinet will be easier to refinish then a particle board one. Not to mention, that as life happens in your bathroom the new paint on the particle board will scratch and crack much easier than a painted piece of solid wood. For vanity cabinets that are made of particle board or have laminate veneers, I strongly suggest going the replacement route instead.

Refinishing Pros: Inexpensive, easy to do, and versatile – you can make the cabinet any color you choose!

Refinishing Cons: Doesn’t work well on particle board or laminate veneers, will not fix functional concerns, or increase storage space.

Replace your bathroom vanity cabinet – To replace your vanity cabinet, you’ll need to remove the old one and replace it with a new one. Keep in mind, you will also have to uninstall and reinstall all of the plumbing, as well. Depending on your DIY skill level, you may want to consider hiring someone to do this project for you. Watch this video on how to install a bathroom vanity to help you decide if you are up to the task. Plumbing is one of those home improvement projects that I warn people to only do if they’re confident in their DIY abilities and they can follow directions closely. I’m not trying to scare anyone, rather warn them that if it isn’t done correctly you could be creating a bigger problem for yourself – like a water leak or mold issue down the line.

Bathroom vanities come in a wide range of colors and styles, so you should be able to find the right vanity for your home. Not to mention, a wide range of prices, starting at as little as $39 and going up in the thousands of dollars. Because of this, I recommend waiting to choose a new cabinet until you’ve had a chance to sit down and go over your budget. This way you’ll have enough money to get the entire project done and won’t spend it all on the new vanity. Another important tip to mention, is to make sure you measure your old vanity or the space you have for a new vanity before going shopping. There is nothing worse than falling in love with and purchasing something that won’t work in your space!

Replacing Pros: Choose a whole new style, get more storage and increased functionality.

Replacing Cons: There are many steps involved in the installation process, and it can be expensive to have someone do it for you.

Whether you replace or refinish your existing bathroom vanity, I’m confident that you’ll make the right decision based on your own personal needs, style and budget!

Do you have questions about the selecting or the installation of: tile, carpet or wall treatments (window blinds, etc)? Then email me your tale of woe (diva(at)homemakeoverdiva.com) and perhaps I will be able to answer your questions right here at the Home Makeover Diva Blog!

Antique Style Vanity

02.19.2015 by Amanda Hartley //

Today Angie writes:

Diva, I need your help. I’m trying to find an antique style vanity for two of my bathrooms. The problem I’ve had so far is finding vanity styles that honestly feel antique, without actually spending money on something that is that old.

The first bathroom needs a vanity for double sinks, the second requires a bathroom vanity for a single sink. Also, I’d prefer that they not match exactly, as this takes away from the antique feel of the bathroom. So close, but not matching would be ideal. Can you think of any examples I might consider? I’ve had little luck on my own.

Well Angie, I actually have two different antique vanities that come to mind. Each one will fit the needs of your bathroom quite nicely, based on what you’ve described to me in your email. The first one is going to be for your bathroom requiring the double sinks, with the last one being a nice a fit in your single sink bathroom.

Don’t let the price of this double sink vanity fool you. The 72″ Kleinburg double Sink Bathroom Vanity is worth every penny for the look you’re aiming for. The best part is that it presents itself in a very tasteful cream marble counter top, while being supported by a very warm looking vanity structure. And the under mounted bisque porcelain basin brings the entire piece together very nicely.

Now the faucets are sold separately, so you may want to shop around a bit for the best match. This said, anything themed for the classic look that comes in a darker tone will work very nicely. The provided storage offered by this vanity will meet the needs of just about anyone looking to fill up this kind of space with a double sink. The material this vanity is made of is of the highest quality, so it will not present any problems with lengthy exposure to humid conditions, such as being installed into a high traffic bathroom.

Now this attractive little vanity is just perfect for your second bathroom. And as you can see from the image to the left, the 31″ Fiesta sink vanity Cabinet comes with a marble counter top, while offering up warm wood tones that vary ever so slightly from the tones found with your other bathroom vanity. This single sink vanity also offers you the option of the under mounted biscuit porcelain basin.

It should also be noted that this smaller vanity offers greater degree of design whereas the one above, is not as “curvy” looking. Based on what you shared in your message to me, this is more of a feature than a problem. It will help to lend a distinctive flare to your smaller bathroom without looking out-of-place. Sometimes avoiding the “matchy-matchy” look to home decor can go a long ways.

If after looking at both of these, you’re still not sold, I do have other options. You could always consider a Rustic Bathroom Vanity or another type of Wood Bathroom Vanity Design altogether. Either way, you do have some solid choices to browse through.

Brondell Swash Toilet Seat

02.16.2015 by Amanda Hartley //

Today Grace writes:

Are bidet swash toilet seats just as effective as the real deal? I’ve lost some of the mobility in my shoulder and I think this could solve the problem, but I don’t have the space for a bidet. I am hoping that the toilet seat is the next best thing. Thank you!

Grace, in the last couple of years bidet toilet seats have come a long way. If you had asked me before this change I would have told you not to waste your money, but these days I think they are worth every penny. Of course not all brands are created equal. So it is still important to do your research on a specific brand and model before purchasing one. I did a little research and found one model in particular that I think is worthy to recommend. It is the Brondell S900 Swash Toilet Seat and it has glowing reviews! It retails for around $399 so it isn’t the cheapest toilet seat available, but it also isn’t anywhere near the most expensive as other models are around $1000 or more. Attachments to make a bidet toilet seat start at around $40.

The Swash toilet seat comes in both the round and elongated shape so it will fit any toilet. The toilet seat also claims to be installed in less than one hour. None of the reviewers mentioned that it was hard to install, so I think this guesstimate is trust worthy. But I haven’t installed one myself yet, so I can’t say this from experience. It also comes with a wireless remote that would impress anyone who is into gadgets. I know this in particular because my husband who is a self-proclaimed gadget geek, saw the image on my computer screen and thought a toilet seat with a remote was something we needed. Considering he is not so easily impressed with toilet seats I think the remote caught his eye.

Getting back to the your question Grace, the wireless remote would be very helpful with your mobility issue. Rather than having to stretch or reach, you would just hit the buttons on the remote instead. This is one of the best features of the Brondell Swash bidet toilet, it’s hands free! And according to the reviews, the remote is easy to use and understand. So you won’t have to worry about remembering which button does which, unlike most remotes.

In addition to the hands free feature, the Swash toilet seat is also heated. What this means is that you won’t have to worry about sitting down on a cold toilet seat during the winter months! Which I have to admit this feature sounds very nice considering the seasonal arctic chill.

Another plus to installing a bidet toilet seat is that it saves on the cost of toilet paper. This may not seem like a huge savings compared to the cost of the toilet seat, but it will add up quickly over time. My guess is that depending on how expensive the toilet paper you use happens to be, you will have saved the amount of money the Swash toilet seat costs in just a couple of years. And of course, let’s not dismiss the bidet’s health & hygiene benefits over that of standard toilet paper.

I think a bidet toilet seat is a good call, especially if you consider the Swash or a model similar to it. And if you consider that the toilet seats are less expensive and better built than in years past. Add to that the fact that bidet’s are hands free, heated, will save you money on toilet paper and hygienic and you’ve got a winner.

Easy Mirror Frames With MirrorMate

01.25.2015 by Amanda Hartley //

Today Anna writes:

I hate my plain beveled glass bathroom mirrors but I don’t feel handy enough to remove them and put up new ones. Do you know anything I can do myself – that will jazz them up but be easy to do? Any suggestions would be most helpful!

Anna, you’ve come to the right place! Not only have I tackled this task myself and can give you first hand experience, but I can also give you a second option that is just as easy. And both projects will help jazz up your mirror, while allowing you to be able to be custom tailor the look to your individual style! This is done by adding a frame to or around the existing mirror. The most common materials used are wood or tile. The reason I’m suggesting wood or tile is because both have easy to follow install options, that are very do-it-yourself friendly!

If you’re confident in your wood working abilities, you can make a wood frame yourself. If you’re like me though, and don’t want to spend the time making perfect mitered corner cuts, you can order one to fit over your existing mirror. One company that makes ordering a mirror frame easy is MirrorMate.

To install a MirrorMate frame you only have to follow these three easy steps:

First step: Put your frame together. The frame comes with wood glue that you evenly spread on the adjoining ends.

Second step: Insert the corner connectors, then use your thumb to keep them securely in place. Don’t forget to wipe off any excess glue.

Third and final step: Install your frame. Place the frame in the spot you are going to install it and put the two placement corners into both upper inside corners. Take the frame down, but leave the placement corners up they will be your guide. Now remove the tape backing and set the frame into place using the placement corners. Remove the placement corners and press the frame firmly into place. And viola you old mirror has a new look!

If a wood frame doesn’t fit into the vision you have for your bathroom, consider installing a tile one instead.

Follow these three easy steps to install a tile mirror frame:

First: Plan out your frame . This is important for two equally important reasons: You can make any cuts in advance and you won’t come across any surprises once the tile is glued to the mirror. This is especially important if you are using natural stone, because each tile may be a different color or have a different pattern. By laying the tiles out on the floor or a table, you will be able to plan out which tile goes where and rearrange them until you get the look you are going for.

Second: Apply the adhesive. There are many types of adhesive for applying tile to a mirror. Which one you use should be determined by what type of tile you are using. For thin glass tiles, you can use a double-sided foam tape. When it comes to heavier tiles, you will want to use a glue or mastic. Make sure you read the product label for instructions, specifically those instructions regarding what the adhesive will bond to. You want to make sure that it will stick to both your tile and mirror. Personally, I would look for an adhesive that bonds to mirrors and glass and comes in a caulking gun tube, like Liquid Nails or another such brand. Then apply your adhesive and wait the allotted time before the next step.

Third: Set the tiles. Make sure that you set the tiles in the adhesive and wiggle the tiles lightly back and forth to ensure the adhesive flattens out. Start at the bottom of your mirror, then work your way towards the top. The adhesive will take a little while to set, so to ensure your tiles don’t move. Consider using painters or masking tape to temporarily secure the tiles in place. Immediately remove any extra adhesive while it is still wet. Once the glue is set, you can remove the tape and admire your handy work!

Whether you chose to install a MirrorMate frame like I did, or choose to tile instead both of these options are easy do it yourself friendly projects! Which one you choose is up to you and should be based on your preferences, style and budget! I am confident that either choice will look smashing and jazz up your old plain glass beveled edge builders grade mirrors!

Do you have questions about the selecting or the installation of: tile, carpet or wall treatments (window blinds, etc)? Then email me your tale of woe(diva(at)homemakeoverdiva.com) and perhaps I will be able to answer your questions right here at the Home Makeover Diva Blog!

Kohler Elevance Rising Wall Bath

04.20.2011 by Amanda Hartley //

Today Shelly writes:

Dear Diva,

I need an ADA compliant tub, but I don’t want something that looks institutional. What can you recommend that doesn’t sacrifice design for function? Also is it possible to get one with the jacuzzi option? Thank you.

Shelly, there is a new product by Kohler that gives you all of those qualities and more. It’s called the Kohler Elevance Rising Wall Bath. It even comes with optional Bubble Massage. And I’ve got to tell you this bathtub is pretty cool, which is something we both know isn’t said about ADA compliant bath tubs very often!

First off it’s easy to get into. The opening Elevance Rising Wall Bath is extra wide at almost the entire length of the tub, which is five feet. The seat is at chair height and there are integrated grab bars to help you get in. Even the grab bars are designed for both function and design. Once you’ve sat down in the bath tub and maneuvered so that you are inside, there’s an easy to lift rising wall. According to Kohler it requires less than 5lbs of force to move the wall up and down. Getting in and out easier with thoughtful design. And as an added bonus, it still looks cool.

Other cool features include a waterfall, optional Bubble Massage and toe tap drain. The integrated waterfall fill feature also adds a peaceful feeling to the bathing experience. Add to that feeling with the optional Bubble Massage, you’re left to imagine feeling like your being enveloped in a “cushion of massaging bubbles!”

You won’t want to get out of the bath tub! But when you finally do decide to leave the tub, don’t worry as getting out is simple too! Just touch the toe tap drain and touch a button on the side wall and water will drain in less than two minutes.

On top of all these great features the Kohler Elevance Bath is only five feet long which means that it can fit in a traditional tub space. So it works for new construction and perhaps even more importantly, works well with new renovations. The Elevance bathtub isn’t cheap at a starting price of over $8700, but considering the features and the design it’s worth checking out!