This week, we’re creating a grandmillenial-style bathroom by incorporating modern elements to Chelsea’s mid-century main bathroom.
Chelsea plans to do a primary bathroom addition in the future, so for now, we’re updating this bathroom to accommodate her and her husband, Brandon, while keeping in mind its future use for her daughters.
For this reason, we’re keeping the pink bathtub and tile but introducing some new elements that will tie in well to this grandmillenial-style bathroom.
This granny-chic wallpaper pattern is perfect for this grandmillenial style bathroom. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Hang Wallpaper
When Chelsea first moved into her home, she removed dated the wallpaper in the bathroom. And now, we’ve come full circle and are applying a new, modern-printed paper that will complement the bathroom’s retro elements and complete this bathroom’s modern grandmillenial design.
We’re encasing this bathroom with literal wall-to-wall wallpaper, including the ceiling. This will give this future girl’s bathroom a jewelry-box feel.
Patching the wall where the ceiling trim once was gives us an even surface for our wallpaper. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
First, we remove the ceiling trim so our wallpaper runs seamlessly onto the ceiling. To fill the spots behind the trim, we apply drywall mud with a putty knife to fill in the gaps left behind.
Next, we clean the ceiling and walls with a mold killer so we have a fresh slate for the new wallpaper.
Then, we hang the wallpaper. Here’s a step-by-step guide (link) on how to do it.
Encasing the bathroom with wallpaper creat a jewelry box feel. (3 Echoes Content Studio)This outdated vanity offers little storage space and stands out in a bad way. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Replace Vanity
This vanity isn’t original to the house, so it looks out of place in this bathroom. Plus, it’s a little too short and narrow. So we’re replacing it with a more functional, modern one that still works with our grandmillenial style.
To replace the vanity, we remove the toiletries stored inside and disconnect the sink plumbing. This old vanity wasn’t connected to the wall, so a firm tug is all that’s needed to detach it.
The wall tile fused to the wall underneath, making it impossible to remove whole pieces. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Before we install the new vanity, we try to salvage some of the wall tiles behind it to use for replacement tiles on the wall behind the ceramic towel holder. Unfortunately, the tile is not coming off in one whole piece.
Grey painter’s caulk camouflages the holes left behind from the grab bar. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
We’re disappointed we can’t remove the towel bar, but when in the end, it’s still functional. The metal grab bars, however, can be removed. We remove the screws and fill the holes with grey caulk that’s a near match to the tile color.
A chisel and hammer easily knock off these ceramic holders so we have a flush surface for our vanity mirror. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
We knock off the ceramic soap and toothbrush holders above the sink so the mirror can lay flush above the vanity.
The toilet in the bathroom is the only thing that’s been updated this century, so we keep it. However, to add some extra pizzazz, we install a bidet.
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We chose theFluidmaster Soft Spa Electronic Bidet Toilet Seat. It features an integrated water heater, adjustable water pressure and wand positioning, as well as a heated seat and warm air-dryer. Plus, it has a remote, so you can face forward to use it, instead of reaching behind to make adjustments.
A T-valve connects to the existing water line that supplies the water to your bidet toilet seat. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
The bidet requires a water line, so we shut off the water at the toilet to install a T-valve so both the toilet and the seat can get water from the same source.
Chelsea and Brandon’s bathroom is 65 years old. At that age, there’s some baggage like the pink tub and the lack of ventilation.
The vanity was newer than that, but it really didn’t fit the style of the room and it lacked character.
But now, the room is overflowing with character and grandmillenial style. The wraparound wallpaper not only creates the jewelry box feel that Chelsea was after it also makes the pink tub look intentional.
The vent fan makes the space more functional, and the larger vanity makes it easier to use. Plus, its black finish complements the room style, and the new bidet toilet seat elevates the whole room to a spa-like experience.
Want to incorporate a creative pattern to a room? Hang wallpaper!
Pick a bold pattern for an accent wall or encase a whole room for an almost instant transformation.
There are two types of wallpaper: Pre-pasted and unpasted.
Pre-pasted wallpaper has adhesive applied to the back of it. To activate, simply wet the back and begin to apply the wallpaper to the wall once it’s sticky.
Unpasted wallpaper requires you to add the adhesive to the back in order to paper to the wall (or in this case the wall) in order for the wallpaper to stick.
Before you begin hanging wallpaper you’ll want to establish a plumb line adjacent to a corner. This straight, vertical line marks where the ends of two pieces of wallpaper will meet. Mark this line in an inconspicuous spot so the transition from one sheet of paper to the next is not as noticeable.
Cutting wallpaper is much like cutting gift wrap. You’ll need a sharp pair of scissors. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
2. Prep Wallpaper
Cut the paper itself an inch or so longer than the vertical dimension so it can be cut top and bottom.
Tip: Roll the paper backward before you hang it so it lays more flat on the wall.
Some wallpaper has self-adhesion and others require you to put the glue on the paper or wall while installing. This wallpaper specifies for the glue to be applied to the wall, rather than the paper, before hanging.
Use a paint roller to roll the glue onto the wall, and apply the first sheet of wallpaper.
A smoother removes air bubbles and keeps the wallpaper surface even. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
4. Remove Bubbles
To remove air bubbles while you’re hanging the wallpaper, use a smoothing tool.
Pay close attention to the pattern so you’ll have a seamless transition from one sheet to the next. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
5. Match Pattern
Because there’s a pattern on this paper, we have to match up the pattern for each new piece. We line it up and mark the point where the top meets the ceiling so we can cut it to the proper length.
A slight overlap will accommodate any shrinkage after the glue dries. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
6. Overlap Seams
Overlap the seams by a little less than an eighth of an inch. This will eliminate any gaps if the wallpaper shrinks as the glue dries.
To trim any excess wallpaper, use the smoothing tool as a straight edge along the top and bottom of each piece. This gives the paper a clean, sharp look to complete the installation.
Over the years, I’ve shared more than 500 Simple Solutions — many of them have to do with painting specifically painting neatly.
And over time, many Today’s Homeowner fans have shared their own solutions on how to make painting easier.
This tip from John from Clancy, Montana, will help you paint neatly from a can using a paintbrush.
The challenge when dipping a paintbrush in a can is how to keep the paint from dripping around the rim. Not only do you waste paint, but you also make a mess on the outside of the paint can and the surface underneath it.
To prevent any paint from dripping down the side of the can, create a built-in paint scraper in the center of the can. Here’s how to do it:
Touchless faucets are nothing new, but Kohler is bringing that technology to your home bathroom.
You’ve seen them in airports, arenas, restaurants and more. Touchless technology unquestionably prevents the spread of germs and limits water use.
Kohler’s touchless bathroom faucet gives you those touchless faucet benefits in the privacy of your home bathroom.
This post is sponsored by The Home Depot, and this page contains affiliate links. If you purchase a product from these links, we will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
This Kohler touchless bathroom faucet doesn’t need any knobs, so it opens up valuable countertop space. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
This touchless water faucet not only helps to limit water waste, but it’ll also save on your utility bill. You’ll be doing your part to conserve this precious resource while saving yourself a few dollars.
Because it’s touchless, that means fewer fingerprints. Plus, this Kohler touchless bathroom faucet has Spot Repel finish, so it resists fingerprints, smudges and water spots.
Kohler’s response technology uses a state-of-the-art motion sensor for reliable touchless activation. Just wave your hand to turn the water on and off.
The only time you need to touch the faucet is to adjust the temperature. Twist the temperature regulator at the top to customize how hot or cold you want your water.
You don’t need to buy any special batteries for this faucet — it’s powered by AA batteries. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Installing this touchless water faucet is quick and easy. The kit comes with supply lines, a plate, and a drain. The motion sensor is powered by six AA batteries, which are also included in the kit.
Watch the video to learn all about this Best New Product!
This week, we’re transforming a dull dining room into a diva den.
Homeowner Robin Stafford hasn’t used this room for dining since she moved into her home, so we’re going to turn it into a unique space for her to relax and unwind with her daughter.
Vertical stripes draw the eye up and highlight the room’s tall ceilings. (3 Echoes ContentStudio)
Paint Accent Wall
To create a focal point for the room, we paint a vertical striped accent wall. The vertical stripes draw your eyes up the wall and call attention to the tall ceiling.
Next, we measure out the width of our stripes and mark the lines with a pencil. Then, we use a level to create straight vertical lines for the tape to go over. we tape our vertical stripes on the wall.
For the stripe colors, we’re going with tan and white. To make painting easier, we mark the slats for the tan stripes with an “x.”
Pulling the tape while the second coat of paint is still wet makes for clean lines. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
We use painter’s tape to mark off the stripes on the wall. After the tape is in place, we use the wall color to seal off the tape so none of our stripe color gets underneath.
We then apply two coats of our stripe color and remove the painter’s tape.
Robin has a dresser she inherited from her mother that we’re able to reuse and reconfigure for a bar.
We remove the bottom two drawers to create a large bottom shelf for bottles. Then, we take out the large top middle drawer and convert that space into a wine rack.
Robin’s formal dining room had great natural light, tall ceilings and plenty of space, but it had no real purpose. So, it became a catch-all for furniture that had no other home. Because it was right next to the front door, it was the very first thing her guests saw.
But now, the room has a purpose and personality.
The bold stripes on the accent walls draw you in and accentuate the height of the ceiling, which makes a statement of its own with the soft LED lights filtering through the sheer drapes. This ceiling makes it clear this room is designed for relaxation.
Of course, the custom day bed fits in perfectly with that scheme. It’s simple, comfortable, and complements the striped wall behind it. The dresser-turned-bar adds a pop of color to the room and pays homage to Robin’s mother while it serves a very practical purpose.
Other Tips From This Episode
Products Featured in This Episode
Materials for Day Bed
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