Whenever I get bored with my bathroom decor, the first thing I do, is change the shower curtain.
It's a quick and inexpensive way to shake things up and bring the room back to life.
And without fail, it always works.
Except.
Except this time, when I hung up that brand new, fabulously floral shower curtain, it fell flat.
And I couldn't figure out why.
It wasn't the curtain. It was gorgeous.
Then I thought, maybe it was the stenciled wall that needed changing...but nope. I still really liked it.
So I sat and pondered for a bit, but when I couldn't figure it out, I walked away hoping inspiration would hit.
Luckily, it did, while brushing my teeth in my bedroom bathroom. In that room, everything is so white and crisp, all the other color in the room pops.
Suddenly I knew what had to be done. The vanity, which received a total makeover years ago, needed to be white.
I craved contrast and that one element was muddying the design waters.
Plus, once I really looked at the vanity, I realized how faded and icky the paint looked.
It had taken a real beating, exposed to the girls' hairspray and makeup covered hands over the course of several years.
Even the hardware was looking worse for wear.
It was time.
Once I decided on a plan, I was on a mission.
Unfortunately, that meant I had no time to order or wait for paint to be delivered and I was out of my favorites - Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint and Fusion Mineral Paint.
Instead, I went with a FolkArt Chalk Paint to cover the old acrylic paint.
I like these paints because there's no need to prime, there's no VOCs and they clean up with soap and water.
Chalk Paint Bathroom Vanity Makeover
To start, I very carefully removed the antique hardware I'd put on during the first vanity makeover.
Next, I gently sanded any areas that were not smooth. Chalk paint doesn't require sanding, but I did want to remove the old paint that was caked up around the hardware.
Then I wiped the entire piece down to remove any dust and debris that might get caught in the paint.
Now, since I was painting the vanity in place, I needed to protect the floor tiles and walls with blue painter's tape.
Lots and lot of blue painter's tape...and paper to cover my precious wooden countertop.
I also protected the floor with paper rather than plastic drop cloths.
I painted the body of the vanity first, using a brush.
Then I moved onto the drawers and the doors, careful not to get it on the pretty contact paper inside. If the paint felt too thick, I used my water sprayer to make it workable again.
Since I didn't have enough paper to cover the kitchen floor, I had to use a dollar store tablecloth and be very careful with my footsteps.
When the 2nd coat was dry, after another two hours, I added the sealer.
I used two coats of Dixie Belle Satin Clear Coat to protect the finish.
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| Dixie Belle Clear Coat |
This room doesn't get as much use as it used to, so I feel confident with my finish. The satin sealer is water resistant.
However, if it was a heavy use room, with lots of wet hands, I would use Dixie Belle's Gator Hide which is truly a water repellent top coat.
When I was done, I peeled all that tape and paper away to reveal a beautifully refinished bathroom vanity.
Light, bright and sharp white.
It was truly stunning and when I say that paint made a huge difference in the room, I'm not kidding.
Suddenly that shower curtain looked gorgeous.
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| Floral Shower Curtain |
It was a tiny change, but a dramatic one.
The entire room looked brand new.
As an added bonus that vanity tied in with the hallway so much better.
Super charming.
And I'm definitely not bored with the bathroom anymore.
☺️
Ok, so ordinarily this would be the end of my story, but...I loved that shower curtain so much (and since it was all on sale), I bought the reversible quilt, as well.
The shower curtain isn't hanging in my bedroom bathroom, so they're far enough away that it won't be pattern overload.
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| Floral Quilt// Shams |
And in an unbelievable coincidence, this week, while at HomeGoods, I found this print, which couldn't be a more perfect match.
I haven't had a chance to hang it up yet, but I mean come on...meant to be, or what?
No need to make my own art.
I think it's the universe's way of telling me, I was right.
A new shower curtain will always do the trick.
😉
Happy Decorating, Friends!
That's crazy that one simple change made such a big difference. I didn't think it would that dramatic. By the way, we're going to be twins, I just bought the curtain!! 🤩
ReplyDeleteI was stunned, too, trust me! And oh yay!! I hope you love it as much as I do. It really is beautiful. Have a great weekend!!
DeleteAs, always, it looks fabulous! I am trying to work up the courage to finally (!) paint my powder room and cabinet, and attempt peel and stick wallpaper on one wall. Your house is just lovely. I also noticed you also have some Fenton milk glass. I love it. I've been collecting a few years and probably have enought for my small home. I just love the ruffles, pleats and raised dots!
ReplyDeleteThank so much, Pat! It was so easy, a quick, one afternoon DIY...and now it's so much fresher and goes really well with my Fenton milk glass. Thanks for noticing! I have a soft spot for it! I was thinking about wallpaper on that stencil wall. If you do it, and you totally can, you'll have to let me know how it goes. I bet it will be lovely!!
DeleteWow, that's an incredible change! I love the shower curtain and the quilt too. The print was made to go with it all.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mari! Quick and easy...and I have to say I was a sucker for all those flowers. I'm excited to have them blooming in the house as they begin to fade outside.
DeleteI love that shower curtain so much. If I didn't already love the one I have, I'd rush out and buy it!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it pretty, Barbara? I just love the flowers and I'm a sucker for a sale. 😉
DeleteKim,
ReplyDeleteAmazing!! I always say that it is truly something with what a little can of paint can do for you!!!
It definitely is the great transformer!! I hope you are enjoying your weekend, my friend!!
Hugs,
Deb
Debbie-Dabble Blog
Paint truly is magical, Deb! I'm still always floored by the way even a simple coat of white paint can totally transform an item or space. I hope you are having a lovely Tuesday!
DeleteThat turned out GREAT! White really made the curtain pop. Great choice, Kim.
ReplyDeleteThat is my next project -to paint the bathroom cabinet in the master bedroom white. They put a grey one in before we moved in (just as Covid was hitting) and I never liked it. However, John did but his walker did a job on it and it is gouged and the paint has worn off it. I just need to be 'well enough' to do it. Then, onto the interior of the kitchen cabinets which were never painted. Well, maybe when the place was built in the 70s. It' not dirty but it is tired looking (kinda like me). xo Diana
Thanks Diana! The first time around, I went with a creamy off white color to warm up the room and it looked lovely for years. It took a beating though, and like your vanity, it needed help. I hope you're well enough to paint it soom. Too bad we didn't live closer I'd come by with my paint brush and do it for you!! ❤️
DeleteIt really is nice. I love the vanity white. I know shocker I would like a piece of white furniture lol! I love all the color and pattern of the shower curtain. Looks beautiful. Hugs. Kris
ReplyDeleteI’ve taken a page directly out of your decorating book, Kris! I knew you like this one…and thank you! ☺️
Deletelove this kim! the fresh paint lightens it up!!! great job!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Laura! When in doubt, I guess paint is the answer. Heehee!!
DeleteI love it Kim, flowers, flowers, flowers and more flowers. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Carla!! At least I know I'll be able to keep this garden blooming!! Haha!! 😉
DeleteKim, you were right, the new paint really set the bathroom on fire. It looks great! I use chalk paint all of the time, but I have never thought to use it on my furniture. Hmm... something to think about it. I adore the shower curtain and now the quilt? Everything looks so lovely and cottagey. The flower print is like the icing on the cake.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! I use chalk paint on furniture all the time. It has low or no VOCs, so I can use it in the house, it washes up with soap and water and is super easy to use. I find that as long as I seal it well, it holds up for a good long time. I just don't love wax, I don't feel like it protects as well.
DeleteIt is so joyful to see how you put things together and your rooms turn out to be fabulous. I love what you did and you had the perfect insight to pull it all together.. Beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Shug! 💕 I'd been enjoying all that summer had to offer way too much to stay inside and DIY. However, even though the calendar isn't there yet, Mother Nature has definitely hinted that fall is on its way...so I'm focusing on inside again!
DeleteLooks amazing! Updating the paint on your vanity was the perfect decision.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Debbie! It was a quick way to perk up that room.
DeleteBeautiful do-over on the vanity! I hope you're proud of your hard work.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Melanie! You are so sweet. I really like the way it turned out...my knees aren't as happy about it! Hahaha!
DeleteI LOVE it! So beautiful! I like to change my shower curtains seasonally! In fact I was getting excited thinking about changing the hall bath shower curtain this coming week, and I wondered if I were the only one! Glad to know we are kindreds in this too!
ReplyDeleteThanks Deanna!! Kindreds indeed! Shower curtain lovers unite! It really is a simple - and fun - way to welcome a new season or perk up a room.
DeleteI knew I recognized those gorgeous floral from Pottery Barn!! And your shower curtain, vanity & new quilt look stunning!! Visiting from https://www.myslicesoflife.com
ReplyDeleteIt is Pottery Barn! Great eye, Charlotte. I love their stuff and the fact that it was on sale was a definite perk!! Thanks for the visit, hope to see you in the comments again!
DeleteIt turned out absolutely lovely!!!!! Great job!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Chrissy!! Chalk paint makes everything look easy!
DeleteThat looks lovely! I tend to paint using a literal cloth drop cloth as I like something that absorbs the paint better than plastic too. I have an old full size quilt I've used for nearly 20 years that is my painting drop cloth and it's fun to see the colors on it and try to remember which room/area that color used to be in!
ReplyDeleteI love that you've had the same drop cloth for years! That's a keepsake of a very unique kind. ☺️
DeleteThe bathroom looks fab, Kim, you always come up with the nicest ideas. And that print is a crazy score - the universe must have approved of your makeover.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Amalia, that is the sweetest comment. I'm smiling and blushing at the same time. It really was a great find...and on sale! Definitely meant to be for this flower loving girl. xo
DeleteIt looks great, Kim! That shower curtain is fabulous, and you did a wonderful job on the vanity. The layout of your bathroom is very similar to that of mine, and I’ve been trying to come up with something different to do. Previously it had sort of a beach/coastal theme, and now I want to go over the top old world/traditional. I don’t even know if that’s a style, but I’m going to make it one. Thanks for the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteThanks Pattie!! I say go for it! Fill that bathroom with things that make you smile and call it whatever you like...although I do think that is definitely a style. Do I see some wallpaper in your future? That sounds old world/ traditional to me!!
DeleteLooks lovely Kim. So amazing a little paint can change the look. Love the floral shower curtain. I am pleased to feature your lovely bathroom at Love Your Creativity.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much, Linda. I'm always honored to be featured on your lovely site! 💕
DeleteWhat a beautiful paint job you did on the vanity, Kim! It truly did make a difference and it all looks so cottage-y! I love it!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kitty! I still can't believe such a simple DIY made such a huge difference in that room.
DeleteYour bathroom vanity turned out so pretty! I love how it makes the space so bright and ties in the shower curtain. This is giving me all sorts of inspiration! Thanks so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks Alex. It was an easy DIY...which is really the only kind I like, or do!
DeleteKim, you did a great job painting the vanity white and it looks so clean and bright. The curtain is gorgeous and same for the bed spread and the print. Great job updating the rooms.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Julie! I just loved that pattern, but against that ivory vanity, it didn't pop. I'm glad paint fixed that!
Delete