The “No Space to Move Around in There” Bathroom Makeover

updated Dec 19, 2019
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(Image credit: Submitted by Louise)

Project by: Louise
Location: Utica, New York

We live in a 1930’s Dutch Colonial house in Central NY. The second-floor bathroom (the only one with a bathtub) was a disaster when we bought the house and stayed that way for several years. The room is extremely narrow. And to make things worse, the previous owner installed a vanity so large that there was no space to move around in there.

The renovation had to be affordable, so the toilet, tub and sink had to remain in the same spots. The bathroom, surround, vanity top and toilet were all beige. The only redeeming feature was the very well-built skylight.

(Image credit: Submitted by Louise)

Because the space is so narrow, we focused on making the floor completely free by floating the sink and cabinet. We chose an Ikea sink for which our contractor built a base for support. The storage cabinets are standard above-the-stove kitchen cabinets from Ikea, to which we added a wooden top to serve as vanity. Two large mirrors and recessed shelving create a feel of “spaciousness”. All elements were affordable, including the tiles.

(Image credit: Submitted by Louise)


Faucet: Moen, Method
Sink: Ikea, Lillången
Cabinets: Ikea, Applåd
Wall tiles: Lowe’s, American Olean
Floor tiles: Home Depot (now discontinued)

Thanks, Louise!

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