Before and After: See This Bathroom Go from “Silence-of-the-Lambs-y” to a Blue Beauty
The 1180-square-foot 1955 ranch Lindsey Hadley’s family of three shared felt like the perfect size—until toddler Milo started outgrowing the makeshift tub she’d set up in the shower for him. That’s when Lindsey decided it was time to expand into the unfinished basement, including the craft room that she says, with its green concrete floors and cinderblock walls, “looked a bit Silence-of-the-Lambs-y.”
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A talented neighbor helped Lindsey make architectural plans for the new bathroom, which she then took to a contractor. “We gave our contractor a budget, and he politely said it felt low… unless we could wait until winter, when a basement project is great to keep his crew busy,” says Lindsey. Putting off the project helped them get the entire 600 square foot basement redone, including the bathroom, for $40,000 (the bathroom itself cost about $15,000).
The new bathroom features stunning bright blue glass tile installed vertically for a mod look; the floor tile is a fun oversized hex tile in durable porcelain. A sleek freestanding tub is the perfect size for Milo. (The colorful rug in front of it is from IKEA.)
The glossy white vanity and mirror came as a set from Home Depot. Lindsey uses a shelf with a peg rail to hold towels and store books for bath time. The curtain is made with IKEA fabric.
A hand shower on the chrome faucet makes the tub even more practical—and the heated towel rack makes bathing even more cozy.
“I love how cheerful and fresh and modern it feels,” says Lindsey. “It’s become such a nice family space to give Milo baths and read to him there. Our dog likes to snuggle by the free-standing tub.”
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