Sunday, April 26, 2009

Orange You Glad

Orange you glad...

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... none of your bathrooms look like this.
As I mentioned in my last post we were on a serious budget constraint for these bathrooms {as we were for the rest of our house renovation too} that is why for the last 18 months it hasn't looked too much different than it does in the above photo. The phallic curtains {I'm sorry, I know that's inappropriate but every time we looked at them we would get the giggles} were the first to go and the rest has been sitting there, the square toilet and all.

I knew I had to be creative with this one. This is a full bathoom that our children share. There was no granite/marble allowance. There was no floor allowance. No sink allowance. Being on a really tight budget forced me to be creative with how this one was done. One thing that the Lord continues to work on with me and my heart is being content. I tend to think... "if I just had money to finish this or that" or "if I just could get ____ then I would be content". As those thoughts crept and will continue to creep into my mind the Lord gently reminds me that this world is not my home. A bathroom filled with marble, chrome, and the finest of fixtures will not bring me contentment. Because then I would move right along to the next thing that I would think that I needed to make me content. My mind battles it over and over again. With that said, I can honestly say {for the moment :) } that I am content with being on a REALLY tight budget because it has forced me to think outside of the box, to be creative and to use what I have. {And... I have to give Mom credit for her very talented skills at being creative and thrifty... because she came along side me on this one.}
So the orange stayed.
The floors stayed.
The sink stayed.
The tub & tile stayed.
The cabinets stayed.

The curtains, light fixtures, mirrors, wallpaper, and faucet... WENT.

My sister-in-law will frequently call us if she's getting rid of stuff. Several months ago she called and had a huge pile for Goodwill and asked if I had any desire to come scour it before she sent it off. I found this...
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Not too cute. But I remembered that I had this fabric. Hancock's used to carry a really nice line by Laurie Smith but discontinued it and I found it all on the clearance rack for $3/yd. I bought all that I could find. We had just closed on our house and the orange bathroom, as we call it, came to mind!
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I had the seat recovered in the orange fabric because I knew it would tuck perfectly in the vanity nook in the girls bathroom. The upholostery fee was $65.
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Back to the bathroom...
Last spring, as in 2008, {when Mom was here} we started to peel the wallpaper. We never finished. Justin ended up tackling it and from there we didn't know what to do. So it sat there with bare and damaged walls for 1 year. The foil paper was a real booger to get off and it ended up taking some of the drywall off with it. The walls really needed to be skim coated with drywall compound before we primed and painted and so it just sat and sat and sat. That is, until I found Carl...
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He hangs wallpaper for very reasonable prices. He also is very "grandfatherly" and patient with 2 children who thought it was their job to help him. Anyway, we ended up applying wallpaper to the walls. I bought a paintable vinyl grasscloth at Lowe's and rather than hang it vertically we asked the pro to hang it horizontally. He happily obliged. He charged $125 to paper the whole bathroom. And within a few hours it was done. I already had the paint and Mom went to town painting it. {Adams Gold by Benjamin Moore}
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I bought all the hardware at Walmart with the exception of the double towel bar {because I knew we'd need it}. It came from Lowe's.
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I made a "fixed" Roman shade for over the window. The blinds also came from Walmart. The fabric on the shower curtain was also in the Laurie Smith collection and was also on the clearance rack. I had a seamstress make the shower curtain. It's been 18 months since then so I can't recall what she charged... but I really don't think it was more than $25.
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We painted the cabinets white {White Dove by Benjamin Moore} and if you look close you'll see my knobs don't all match. I was ok with that because I had them stashed in a big box from previous home renovations and knew if I went out to buy new ones that all matched I would be forking out more money. The mirrors, toilet, faucet & light fixtures came from Lowe's.
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The recessed tray ceiling is still there. I put new bulbs in it for now and cleaned the plexiglass covers. Eventually we want to drywall the ceiling to cover it's ugliness but for now we're fine with it. I'm just glad it's looking better... orange you?

It looks like the total renovation for this bathroom came closer to $500 on it's own. In my previous post I said we did both bathrooms for $500... but that was before I did ALL the math. But this one was much more expensive than the next. So stay tuned...

213 comments:

1 – 200 of 213   Newer›   Newest»
Kim @ NewlyWoodwards said...

Wow! What a difference! I've never seen a bathroom like that before.

I love the stool and the roman shade. You made the orange look so chic.

Sarah's Fab Day said...

Oh Darby, it looks great! I adore the Laurie Smith fabric, so fun.

Bobbi said...

Wow, what a makeover! It looks so hip now!!

Kat said...

It looks fabulous! I bet the girls love their new bathroom!

Christina said...

What a wonderful change! Love the fabrics. I have some of the LS fabric that you put on the stool. It looks fantastic as does the curtain.

Love the wallpaper with paint. Great idea for covering the drywall problems w/the added bonus of the texture.

Anonymous said...

Darby, I've never commented before, but I've been catching up on your journal, and your family is precious. I was surfing tonight, saw your post while I was making dinner, and had to wait to read it (on purpose!) until I was all settled in. You did a fantastic job. Totally inspiring. I love working with tight budgets - thats when real creativity comes in.

and i love your love of box pleats and pinch pleats. classic and elegant. :)
Kelly

emily said...

wow- what a difference! who knew a bathroom with an orange countertop could look so good? thank you for your words about contentment. i struggle with the same issue (most women probably do...)- i am typing this in my kitchen (that is only partly renovated) looking at my ugly windows and also wishing that my house had your hardwood floors!! ironic that i struggle with discontentment when i read your blog and see your beautiful home, and meanwhile, you are fighting the same frustrating sin of discontentment as you live in that home. satan is so crafty! thank you for the reminder that this world is not our home. i have 1 tim. 6:6-8 on a stickie above my kitchen sink, but i guess i need to post it in every room of the house!!

Devon said...

Darby...You would have thought it was my birthday because I was so in anticipation of waiting for this post. What a great renovation/remodel for $500. Creative ideas, great fabrics. Most of all, I love that you kept the orange counters. They are truly fantastic.

Someday soon I am going to beg you to learn how to sew those curtains. ;)

Freckles Chick said...

Darby! Do you know why I love this remodel so much? It was so creative! It's so easy for people to gut a room and start over w/ a blank slate.

But what you did took so much more creativity and I adore how much CHARACTER this bathroom has.

And since budget's my middle name, I love that you did it for so little. Those fabrics are so chic!!

Reighnie said...

W-O-W

I haven't been reading you very long, when you said you made over your bathroom I really had no idea what you were up against.

I have never seen a bathroom like that. I didn't even know foil wallpaper existed.

It looks terrific!

~Sasha

Rachel said...

And you thought we would be disappointed with the makeover? Hardly! I love to see what people can do with what they have...especially since that is the state I usually find myself in when I decide to do something with my house. Did you use a pattern for the roman shade? We are redoing our kitchen and I have a weird back door with a weird little window. I think something like that would be perfect.

~Grace Happens~ said...

This is fabulous! The fabric you chose is so bright and cheery. I love it GREAT JOB!!!!

Lucy said...

wow! You ought to be so proud of yourself. The bathroom looks awesome!! Major kudos to your mom and you.

Becky said...

that is fan-flippin-tastic!! girl, you make orange look good. and that is haaaarrrrd to do. love it!

Anonymous said...

I love it! Way to make a dated bathroom darling on a budget! You have inspired me. The Lord is teaching me about contentment as well.:)

Laura said...

what a fun project and such a great job! thanks for the ideas on how little things can make a big difference. funny, today we had a lesson on contentment - I think a message I am definitely supposed to be hearing!
can't wait to see the next bathroom!

remstar said...

Darby, I have been reading your blog for ages and I love it - It is one of the first ones I look for for updates.
What a great job!! I am so impressed - think I would have not known where to start, but this is terrific. I am not a fan of orange, but honestly I think that redo is changing my mind. Thanks for showing us :)

Lindsey said...

Looks great!! I'm so impressed with the creativity...can you funnel some to me :)? I trimmed Av's hair tonight, but I think she was a little bit disappointed. She said that she wanted it short like Morgan and Paige! Great to see you this weekend. Love you!

Jessica {lovely jubbly london} said...

I love it! Really, I do! (and I'm not even really a fan of orange) It looks so cherry and truly fabulous. Amazing what a small makeover can do!

I think we all can struggle with contentment. On my blog I have a little sidebar which says, "trying to be thankful everyday". I like having that reminder that I need to be thankful for what I have rather than all the have nots.

CC said...

Darby! WOW! Talk about taking oranges and making SWEET OJ!!!!! This looks GREAT!!!!!! It's a very happy bathroom.....I bet your little ones love to play in the tub now! Congrats.....you did a wonderful job!!!!!

Kellie said...

Whoopeeeee!!!! It's AWESOME!!!! You really made lemonade out of lemons....or would that be Orange Juice out of oranges???? Either way - GREAT job!!!! I love the fabric - it made all the difference!!!

Anonymous said...

Brilliant! Love your creativity:)

PS...thanks for answering my question about the "smelly" rug in your Q&A. Glad to know I'm not the only one who goes around smelling stuff!!

Can't wait to see the next bathroom, I have two "challenged" bathrooms myself...you are an inspiration!

Allison

bluehydrangea said...

O.K when you said you left the orange I was sacred. Then I saw it and I was amazed!! It looks fantastic. Anyone can make a brand new bathroom look good, it takes real talent to make that orange look fabulous. Great job!!

annek said...

It looks great...I love the orange prints with the orange countertops,,,,who would've thought. I know our haouse had a lovely mintgreen(sort of) and maroon tile combo thaty John wouldn't tear out because it was solis as a rock....our hurricane shelter! Anyway...the 2004 hurricanes caused the ceiling to collapse...so we HAD to change it. Fortunately I have a husband who does tile...because I could never have made mine look as cute as yours!

annek said...

excuse all the spelling errors...I really should be getting ready for work:)

Amanda Thrasher said...

You go girlfriend. I've got a bathroom for you. Been looking at it for 8 years. I think I'll send pix and a retainer, offer my babysitting services and bring you to Hotlanta to makeover mine.
I LOVE orange--Actually one of my favorite parts about summer. Looks great on toes with flip flops and a tan too.

tarheel said...

Darby, what a transformation! I LOVE the orange fabric. And when you started out saying that you'd left all the orange, I thought hm, how will this look- well, it looks fabulous! OF COURSE it would be perfect if money were no object, but I love to see how people work within the confines of a budget, as most people have to do! and you're so right, if we always had everything we thought we wanted, we'd look for the next thing to make us happy. It takes wisdom {and work} to be content with what you have!!

Tara said...

Love it, love it, love it! Towns would be in heaven and she would thank you immensely for leaving a little bit of that orange!

Ashley said...

It looks so good, D! I know you are SO GLAD it's done. What did Morgan & Paige say? I know they love it! WAY TO GO! Love you!

Tonja said...

Darby...great job! And I love the orange. It's a lot nicer in small doses isn't it? My pntry in our new house is painted orange and I am using orange accents in my kitchen. It is a happy color to me, and I bet the kids like it too!

Phallic curtains....that's a hoot!

cmcilwain6493@charter.net said...

I love it. It is beautiful. You are so creative and thrify.

Tara Verdigets said...

What Auburn gal doesn't love a little bit of orange?? It looks AUsome.

Love Being A Nonny said...

Oh. My. Word. THIS is why you are my very favorite blogger. EVER. I would have never thought you could leave the orange countertop. Oh. My. Word.

(Please don't think you have to apologize or explain the $ you spend because of some *craze* out there..............)

The Sims Family said...

Oh my goodness!!!! That turned out amazing! I love the colors and how you tied everything in together. YOU ARE SO GOOD!!!!!! (your mom too) :) Oh, what I would do have an ounce of creativenss!!!!!

Joyce said...

Darby, this is beautiful! Who would think orange could look so inviting and sassy. I love it! xoxo

erika said...

YEAH!!!!!!!!!! I love it!! I can't wait to see it in person next weekend! Love the stool, the roman shade, the grasscloth- all of it!!!! Great job!!!
XO XO
mommasis

kris said...

Oh my -- what a TRANSFORMATION? I love the Laurie Smith fabrics and the walls are gorgeous. You should submit these pics to a magazine.

duchess said...

OMGoodness. Brilliant.
I adore the fabric choices & orange is great for kids.
Wonderful job.

Unknown said...

Wow, D! It looks great! Great job:) I can't wait to see it this weekend!! I love you...call you later!
XOXO
Cous

Tiffany said...

{Audible gasp from a blog-stalker!} I absolutely love it -- LOVE IT! Orange is one of my favorite colors, but it is also one of the most difficult to do well. You made this work so beautifully and I am just thrilled for you with how it turned out. What an unbelievable change! Cognratulations!

Ellis said...

So Cute! I'm not even a big fan of "orange" and I love it!

I don't think I have ever commented before, but I enjoy reading your blog. :) I like to sew and enjoy reading about all your projects. I'm hoping to do some projects of my own this summer (I teach K4 and don't have much time right now). Have a great day!!!

Grace said...

Congrats on the beautiful bathroom! I love it - y'all did a wonderful job! You should be very proud!!

alison giese Interiors said...

OMGosh! I'm an orange junkie, so I'm thrilled you kept the orange vanity, and what can I say - the stool/roman shade fabric is really WON-DER-FUL!
Paintable grass cloth - who knew? I'm truly inspired...and I'm NOT just talkin' 'bout your delightful re-do.
As one who loves remodeling, home design, etc. I too struggle with contentedness. Thank you for "keepin' it real."

The LaBouffs said...

H-O-L-Y MOLY! It looks amazing! I typically am not a fan of wallpaper but I LOVE the wallpaper you chose..especially because it's paintable! We have a similar drywall problem in our master bath...I just might have to make a trip to Lowe's soon!

Melissa said...

That is truly amazing! That's even better than what you see on HGTV! Love that fabric! You did a fantastic job! And contentment....that was so encouraging to read your thoughts. I'm struggling with that too!

Shireen said...

Looks AWESOME, and I can't wait to see it in person!!! :) Yay!!! Love you!!!

Anonymous said...

I'm beyond impressed! I love that you do your own sewing...most of us just go buy a shower curtain or curtains. Nope you sew them. Fabulous!

Anonymous said...

Wow! You really made the orange countertops look fantastic! Great job! I LOVE all of it!

ClassroomEdit said...

You should be so proud of yourself. The bathroom looks fantastic, despite keeping the orange and your budget constraints. Kudos for doing so well with so little. This is a great reminder that a small amount of elbow grease can really go a long way!

And I hope this doesn't get lost in all of the comments, but can you recommend a pattern or tutorial for a fixed roman shade? I'd love to sew the same thing for my bathroom.

Elizabeth said...

Darby, this is incredible! Embracing the orange countertop was amazing. It reminds me of a great article I saw in Real Simple where they went with the pink tile and made a beautiful bathroom. What great inspiration!

Becky said...

My house isn't all that bad, so based on this makeover you could probably do my WHOLE HOUSE for $500! I actually kinda like the orange now! :)

Carrie said...

It looks great! I have the same fabric you used for the shower curtain in my house, it's really cute!

alston said...

i am amazed -- you totally rocked that orange countertop! it looks awesome, and all the more so because you were on a budget and got creative. i am so impressed.

we just put a contract in on a house that has an entirely pink bathroom -- i'm trying to think creatively, but since it's the boys' bathroom, the pink tile will probably get ripped out. at least the fixtures are white:)

anyway, i'll be looking out for some more bathroom inspiration!

Jill said...

i love it and i LOVE the orange. i can't believe what you did with what you had to work with! What an amazing transformation!

McGee said...

Wow, that bathroom was like a time machine into the horrible 70's. The funniest part of it for me was the tasseled curtains. Nice job with the new one!

Mike

Cyn said...

What a great job you did! The pleated skirt is something that I will want to do in my baby's room when she comes in the fall! I have loved that fabric when you first gave a glimpse of it a while ago. The stool/curtain and shower curtain fabric look just like Quadrille fabrics! Nice job!

KMR said...

That is fantastic! You may make orange countertops come back in style!

Unknown said...

What a huge difference! It looks great!

Jennifer said...

it looks great!! love that you embraced the orange!

Teale said...

It looks great! You definitely inspire me to think outside the box. The fabrics look like they were meant to go in that room. I can't wait to see the other bathroom!

Mrs. Gray's Class said...

You really made everything work! Great job!

Mandi said...

That bathroom is GORGEOUS!

I think the fabric for the stool and the shade are my favorite!

deyoungsters said...

so inspiring! I am tempted to go buy a can of paint right this very minute and go to town on my own bathroom! you did an amazing job.

thanks for keeping it real with us too... my husband and I have lived in our house for 18 months and there are so many areas that tempt me to think, "If only...." I feel like the Lord is teaching me a lot about contentment through it, too!

love your blog!!

Unknown said...

I love it...can't wait to see the other one. The fabrics are wonderful.

Katie said...

Shut up.

seriously awesome.

Anonymous said...

That's so cool! I use this color of orange around the house for accents, along with a citruscy (sp?) green! Our walls are a similar color, looks good in our southeast Texas light. All the houses down here have the standard flourescent fixture like yours in our kitchens. I don't like that color of light, so we had it taken out, and a chrome halogen fixture with five lights hung instead. This is over the island, so I can aim this lights where I need them, even shining into the pantry. Awesome project, but more important, awesome work the Holy Spirit does in your soul!

Mrs. Davis said...

Can you make roman shades for me?!! I have sticker shock at the price of making curtains, shades, etc...glad you have found someone reasonable. I think the bathroom looks great...very chic!!! Good creative vision you have!

lisa said...

A M A Z I N G!!!!!!!

AnNicole@Our Suburban Cottage said...

I am so impressed! I love that you worked with what you had. It ended up being so much more unique and full of personality. Thanks for the inspiration...and for the reminder to be content with what we've been blessed with.

~xo AnNicole

beki said...

Wow, Darby, it looks fantastic!! I laughed out loud at your phalic curtain comment :)

heather said...

You did a great job! I love orange! Very nice improvement.

heather said...

You did a great job! I love orange! Very nice improvement.

Lucky Girl said...

Just. Incredible.

I love it!!!

Rachel said...

Fabulous!!! See, I knew you could do this! We're renovating a bath currently & this is so inspiring! Can't wait to see the next one!

The Pettijohn's said...

The bathroom looks unbelievable!! and I really really do like the orange :) It's young, fun, and the prints looks great in there!

Fabulous job!!

Smitten Design said...

Amen on the contentment tangent you wrote about. I wholeheartedly agree! You made $500 go far and the bathroom looks fabulous. Great job.

christy said...

That stool is fantastic & for $65, totally worth it! I paid close to that for a 2nd hand slipcovered ottoman. Love that Laurie Smith fabric, great score! To quote your sis, you turned lemons into lemon-aide! Way to go! The orange counters look like they are intentional & not an accident.

it is everlasting said...

It looks wonderful! I love the concept of striving for contentment and embracing what you have rather than trying for something "better." I think it is a darling bathroom and perfectly bright space for your girls! Well done!

Kathy said...

It looks great! The fabric (stool, shower curtain & shade) totally pull it together. Congrats. I bet it makes you smile to see it finished.

Anonymous said...

Love it! I have a question, how do I email you? Thx

TMB said...

it looks awesome!!

chelsea said...

Your bathroom makes me WANT an orange sink and counter! Very cool. And I love that you worked within your means. I identify with your contentment head game and consider you a great encouragement.

Megan Shropshire said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Megan Shropshire said...

Keeping with everyone else, all I can think of is...WOW! Oh...and also WAR EAGLE! :) Darby, you are amazing! What a gift you have...and I'm not just talking about the decor...your outlook is inspiring! Can't wait to see the next one.

erin said...

you rock. can't think of any other way to say it... and i SERIOUSLY think someone somewhere somehow should be paying you for sharing all of your info, tips and thoughts with us! You continue to be a true rock star. Talented, honest and inspirational.

Averill said...

Great job! I actually really LIKE the orange counters now. It looks like you designed them that way. :)

Ruth Amada said...

I love it! I believe one of the keys to your bathroom success (& why you were surprised it came to 500 bucks) is that when you purchase items thru a period of time the money spent does not seem much - so hurrahhhh for your foresight in purchasing the fabrics. Our home was built in 1930, plumbing, electrical, 60% of wood floors& 1 bathroom were redone before we moved in 2 years ago- it is a work in progress. I tease my husband that by the time we get to the back we are going to have to start the front once again!

teresa-bug said...

What a way to take what you have and make it work. I just love this!

Megan said...

Man, kind of makes me wish I had orange instead of pink/yellow. Very cool.

Molly said...

Darby- Your bathroom on a budget looks incredible. I don't think I could have had that kind of vision to turn it into what it needed to be. Great job!

Bahama Shores Mama said...

you totally rocked the orange! Good for you.......

DeLine Family said...

Holy Moly!!! That is awesome...it is amazing what you are able to think up sometimes! It's a joy to see what you come up with! And, congrats, you've made it so likeable, I now want an orange bathroom...although my husband would try to throw something Auburn in!:)

JMW said...

Amazing - to say that's an improvement is quite an understatement. We're in the same boat in regard to home improvement. Lots of updates to be made, but not much of a budget. This is quite the inspiration, though. Thanks!

MD said...

The bathroom looks great! You & your mom are so creative!

Amanda said...

You are magical - a shaman, really! Who can DO things like that? You've got such an eye, such vision, and excellent taste. I'd hire you to revamp my whole house if we weren't thousands of miles apart.

Abby Maddox said...

Somehow it seems pointless to comment when there are already NINETY-THREE, but in case you haven't heard it in the past 93...only you could have created something so chic out of something so startlingly 70s :)

julie said...

Just absolutely fabulous. Amazing ... so creative. Kudos!!

andi said...

WHAAAAOOOO! It looked GREAT! Way to go!

andi said...

WHAAAAOOOO! It looked GREAT! Way to go!

Molly said...

Incredible before and after! I love the fabric you used for the stool and roman shade.

Philippians 4:11 is a verse I pray over on a constant basis. :)

God bless!

Anonymous said...

LOVE IT!!!

Candice said...

Orange you glad, that is so funny, my kids tell that joke to me. I love the orange, and you did such a great job with the whole bathroom!

Jennifer said...

So glad you kept the orange counter...it looks fabulous!

Thanks for once again sharing your great ideas!

Christi said...

i can't see the photos...flikr says they won't load...dying to see!!

Anonymous said...

You are so talented!

Kendall Boggs said...

I want the name of your upholsterer. I'll drive down to Dothan for that one if they recover that bench for 65 bucks! (and made it look adorable) Great job Darbs!

kristen said...

I love it!!!

julie said...

WOW Darby!! Amazing!! You should start a new "Design on Dime" tv show!! super talented! i love the all the details, especially the stool!! xo julie

Laura said...

Wow, wow, wow! This looks great! I love it.

Anonymous said...

Can you give a tutorial on making the roman shades? I love them.

Jared, Amanda, and Cooper said...

You AMAZE me! I picture you wearing a Wonderwoman cape all the time, because I just can't see myself accomplishing all that you do...and as well as you do, without one!! And I don't even know you!

Nancy said...

Amazing!!!! I love your cabinets now, too. They remind me of the quatrefoil motif that is so sought after right now.

Allison Hasel said...

This is absolutely divine! A total inspiration for those of us on a budget! I love the orange countertop now! I read your post yesterday and I have been thinking about your vanity stool all weekend. I have to have something like it for myself. Any idea where to get a stool like that to be upholstered?

Hillary @ The Other Mama said...

Love it! Love it!! Great job with orange! That was a tough-y, but you made it look great!! Love all the fabric! Doesn't it do wonders??

Hillary @ The Other Mama said...

How could I possibly forget to mention that we once had a purple foil wallpaper with fans on it? It was REALLY hard to get down and thankfully my mother in law was not going to let it win. It was higlighted with silver fans on it. Oh yes. Good stuff.

cherry said...

Wowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww. I have never been here before...came over from one blog to the next...got lost...so glad I did though...very cool redo. cherry

Anonymous said...

You're an inspiration - that's AMAZING!! Can you come to my house? :)
Love ya
Maura

Botany's Desire said...

Wow, and I thought I hated the color orange. You sure have changed my mind. Your bathroom is beautiful and elegant.

Cherish Stockdale said...

The bathroom looks great! I can't wait to see the other one. I look forward to reading the blog everyday... I don't know you but from what I see you seem like quite the P31 woman :) keep it up.
www.cherishstockdale.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

my wallpaperer wouldn't even do a door for 125. great bargain, and great job.

Courtney said...

you McPherson girls are a force to be reckoned with. Looks amazing!

Heather said...

you are amazing.

:o) mg said...

What can I say that the others didn't? It is simply wonderful. The upholstered seat is my FAVE!

Sarah said...

Wow! Amazing! I predict a run on orange sinks based on this makeover! :)

MFAMB said...

FUCKING AMAZED!!! sorry..expletives required.
orange never looked so good.
you rock!
xoj

Haven and Home said...

Wow, this looks great and I know how you feel on a budget. I appreciated what you said about being content, I am working on that too.

Jen @ RamblingRenovators said...

Wow - amazing transformation! I love the fabrics you've chosen.

Katherine @ Grass Stains said...

I'm a HUGE fan of Laurie Smith's and love her fabrics, too. My bathrooms aren't in *quite* as bad a shape as your "before" pictures, but they desperately need updating. THANK YOU for the wonderful ideas! You did a great job.

Katherine @ Grass Stains said...

P.S. I live in Alabama, too! Birmingham, to be more specific. It's always fun to find another Alabamian online. :)

Jessica Define said...

WOW! This looks amazing! Do the girls love it in there now? I sure would. This is a very inspiring post, and actually I feel like the orange counter is a blessing in disguise!

Mandy said...

That is precious...what a great job you did! AWESOME!!!!

Kelli said...

I LOVE the orange! It all blends together to make such a cute and colorful bathroom. You did a great job! I bet you are more proud of that than if you had the money to replace everything- there is no creativity in that! Then it would look like every other renovated bathroom in America!

Rachel said...

Thank you so much for the reminder to be content with what we have. I live in an apartment with my husband and it is REALLY hard to be content, probably because we can't do anything with what we have.
I love your bathroom re-do. It's wonderful!!

Foil wallpaper?? Who'd a thunk?

Anonymous said...

Do you have an email for a question I have for you?

Darby said...

darby613@gmail.com

It's listed over on the right in the about me section... but people often miss it.

megan @ a life's design said...

I think we are all learning contentment more and more each day. You are not alone on that one. The bathroom looks fabulous!!!I love the fabrics; it’s a shame they were discontinued! I can’t wait to see the next one!

LindsB said...

Holy Cow, what an amazing before and after, it is beautiful!!! and only $500, thats insaine! It looks like you spend thousands on it, and paid to have a custom orange top made. Orange is my favorite color so I LOVE this!

Karen Snyder said...

Oh my! When a friend sent me a link to an orange bathroom I just HAD to see, and your page opened up, I thought the first photo was the NEW bathroom! Whew! I'm a huge orange fan, so love, love, love it. The fabrics are terrific.

Rachel said...

You did an amazing job! Your kids are lucky to grow up with such an industrious mom!
You should send this link to http://howaboutorange.blogspot.com/
She would love this!

Annmarie said...

INCREDIBLE!! Darby, you are so talented! That stool is delicious!! I am now inspired to do something with my little bathroom. It's so yucky that I just ignore it. But perhaps there is hope after all?? Well done, Sister!!

Elizabeth said...

Your bathroom is terrific.

beachy in the burbs said...

This is absolutely amazing and such inspiration! I especially adore the touches of orange.

Elizabeth said...

I am a blog-stalker of both yours and your sister's blog! You are both amazingly talented!! WOW!! This bath makeover is fantastic! I would have never imagined you could make that orange sink and counter look good, but you did! amazing! I actually painted a formica bathroom counter top once. I think ours was harvest gold or avocado. LOL, I don't remember. I made that painted counter last for 7 years. We just gutted that bathroom this week and are starting the upgrade project on Saturday. All total, I think we will end up spending around $2500 including labor. I got gorgeous travertine at about 80% off retail at a liquidator in Montgomery, a sink console with granite top and two sinks from Costco.com and new toilet from Lowe's. The original large mirror will be cut in half and each piece framed for 2 new mirrors. The old cast iron tub is staying. After seeing an HGTV special where people spent upwards of $35,000 on a bathroom renovation, I feel pretty good that we did it for less than 10% of that!

I can't wait to see the pictures of your other bathroom! Your house is gorgeous!!

Liz Harrell said...

FANTASTIC! I adore this!

No.35style said...

this is just incredible...love that shade and stool!!! why oh why did they have to discontinue LS fabrics?!

Susan said...

That orange fabric is fantastic! What a find! Excellent job -

Anonymous said...

Absolutely incredible. I actually love that orange countertop. Who would have thought, LOL!

Kathleen Ellis said...

WOW! what a FABulous job you did! I am a firm believer that there is always a way to improve such a space on a budget and you proved it in high style! Excellent!
I've enjoyed reading your blog...will be back to visit again!
Have a FABulous day!
;-D

Alkemie said...

What a fabulous bathroom redo on a budget!

Cheers,
Karen Olivia

Dianne said...

Darby your talent constantly amazes me. Job very well done! Congrats on being picked up by Wash. Post!

Jenn said...

This is my first time on your blog, but WOW that bathroom looks amazing! I love how much you worked with what you already had. Very inspiring for all my own little house projects :)

Fran said...

Hi Darby:

Amazing! Love the fabric and your work! You definitely do inspire. Would love to know how you made the roman shade!!! Any advice would be much appreciated! Fabulous!!!

Melissa Lewis - Off The Wall said...

Oh my, this is my first visit to your blog. LOVE what you've done with this bathroom. It's absolutely beautiful!

I'll be sure to check back often:)

pve design said...

Orange ya happy now?
Love it!

pve design said...

Orange ya happy now?
Love it!

everytimeyoucloseyoureyes said...

i love love love this, makes me want to tackle my pink bathroom...fabulous!

Becky said...

Had to go back and look at the "phallic" curtains! Wow! What WERE they thinking! But that probably helped you get into the Wash. Post! You go, girl!

Nadine @ BDG said...

it is great-- makes me want an orange counter-- so mod-- and resourceful. Putting the cost aside, what could be more eco-friendly than reusing as much as possible. I'm inspired!

girlrunningaround said...

All I can say is WOW!

We just bought our first home (in Feb.) and the kitchen as countertops nearly identical to yours. We had to completely overhaul the bathroom, so there is no budget left for the kitchen. I've been scouring the internet looking for an idea to make the orange countertops work, and this is the first one I've found. I LOVE what you did. Thanks for the insipration!!!

lucyatfourwallsandaroof said...

This is brilliant. So funny - it made my day. You're right, I am glad my bathroom doesn't look like the one in the 'before' pic. But I am sad it doesn't look like the one in the 'after' shot. You've done a fabulous job - it looks great.

TaDa! Creations said...

Darby,
Wow, I can't believe what people are saying over at Apartment Therapy. LOL

I think you did an amazing job in that bathroom (your whole house too) and for under $500 is just outstanding too.

My Grandparents had a bathroom similar to yours with black and gold velvet flocked wallpaper and a really groovy shiny gold flecked sink. I thought it was awesome as a kid, but as an adult, it would have to go.

~Angel/TaDa!

p.s. Love your blog, so glad i found it!

Anonymous said...

WOW!!!D.A.R.B.Y...GO DARBY!

Cassidy said...

I LOVE it!

Julia @ Hooked on Houses said...

What a great makeover! I love how you worked with the orange. That fabric is fabulous! Great job. :-)

Laura Zarrin said...

Wow! It's wonderful!! I can't believe it. Great job! I want some of that fabric, too. The stool is adorable.

You really hit a nerve with me on being content. I struggle constantly with that. Thanks for the nudge in the right direction.

debi said...

WoW!! I think that's one of the most amazing transformations I've seen. Very impressive and creative how you changed what you could, bringing in new to match. Your fabrics are beautiful.

Nancy said...

Gorgeous!! I would never have been able to envision it from the "before" picture. Love the orange!! Fantastic job!

Anonymous said...

It looks soooo much better than it did before! I don't think I've ever seen an orange room that I like as much as this one. Nicely done!

Decor To Adore said...

You have truly been blessed with tons of creatvity and talent.

I came over via the Inspired Room and will be back. But it is not your makeover that has me wanting to return it is your statement of reminding the public that your blog is just a blog and not real life.

Amen!

Tracy said...

Wow, what a remarkable job you have
done there! I would never think to put orange in a bathroom but this is truly inspiring. I love your use of fabric to tie in with the countertop. Gorgeous!

Paula said...

This is great! I think it is so much more commendable to make-do than to rip out and go crazy. I just love homes with layers . . . even orange ones! Just beautiful!

Live a Colorful Life said...

I absolutely LOVE this bathroom. My favorites: the orange countertop and the stool fabric. Wow. I mean WOW!!!!

Misti of Studio M Designs said...

You wowed me with some serious talent girl! I am a BIG fan of orange...your version of it is so much better than the 60's version, for sure. I love your choice of fabrics! You rocked this room!!!

~Misti

Jeanie said...

Just another person LOVING what you did! I actually adore orange, but WOW what a challenge you started with. I really applaud what you did and how you did it. It is something you can fully BE content with! Beautiful job. Great photography. Really good blog (my first time here)!

Suzann said...

Popping in from Kimba's blog. I have to tell you that the before picture truly made me think you didn't stand a chance in keeping anything. The after picture showed me how wrong I was. I LOVE the new look. The orange totally works.
Apparently YOU Rock!

Amanda @ Serenity Now said...

WOW! That bathroom needs to be on Oprah or something. Amazing!!! You really made those orange countertops work. :) I have hope for my bathroom now. I wish you had a "Followers" button on the side so I can sign up to read more. :) Great job!

Heathahlee said...

Stopping by from Kimba's...man, I thought my huge blue/pink paisley bathroom was bad...you have me beat and how! But what a transformation! You did such a marvelous job! It gives me hope that my half-ripped wallpapered bathroom can look good eventually! : )

Lindy said...

W.O.W.! That bathroom is amazing! You get serious kudos for that redo! I love it.

morethanthestarsinthesky said...

So glad I found your blog.....via a Soft place to land. Love what you did in the bathroom!!! It looks amazing. I see you live in Alabama, me too. We live in Alabaster. Do you know Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality?


Amanda

morethanthestarsinthesky said...

So glad I found your blog.....via a Soft place to land. Love what you did in the bathroom!!! It looks amazing. I see you live in Alabama, me too. We live in Alabaster. Do you know Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality?


Amanda

Vintage Dutch Girl said...

WHOA. What a huge change! Very good choices of fabric intermixing. I have a hard time pairing patterns, but you made a good choice :)

Meghan said...

This is my first visit to your blog and I am so happy to have found it! This bathroom looks FABULOUS! You really used your creativity to turn some really bad decor into something great! Can't wait to see your other projects!

miranda said...

What an AMAZING transformation! My 4 year old walked up while I, was cracking up over your phallic comment, and said, "OH, that's a pretty room!!!" Then she said, "I like the ping pong table!" meaning the counter top.
I can't believe what you did with it. WOW!!!

Sarah Mae said...

AMAZING redo - sooo...impressed!!!

I truly didn't think there was any hope...

:)

Cheryl said...

I linked over from A Soft Place to Land and all I can say is you did a FABULOUS job!!! That is the most remarkable reno I have seen without gutting a room.
I also applaud you for sticking to being content. I struggled with that every now and then, but then I have to remind myself that once I get what I think will make me happy...I will move on to something else. You have just proved that you can indeed have a beautiful room and not go hog wild spending a lot of money.

Kasey said...

Found you from A Soft Place to Land. OMGoodness!! That turned out awesome. We too re finished our bathroom. You did a wonderful job.

angela | the painted house said...

Looks like you took a lemon and made orangeade! Wait, that doesn't make sense... You know what I mean, right? :) You should be very proud of your creative cunning--the bathroom looks so hip and fresh!

(I loved all that Laurie Smith fabric, too, from Hancocks--good for you for snatching it up!)

Precision Quality Laser said...

I came over from ASPTL...

LOL..I am so giggling over your phallic curtains!

Girl you took orange hideousness and made it into orange fabulousness! Great makeover!

Melanie said...

That is fantastic! I lovelovelove the fabrics - I use orange as an accent color in my kitchen and living room - I'm sad that it's discontinued!

"Blossom" said...

One word, "stunning".
blossom

Unknown said...

Beautiful! And my son LOVES orange, so he would probably have preferred the original!

I once hung wallpaper horizontally--unfortunately it was black and white striped. Every so often, I'd have to leave the room to regain my equilibrium!

Empty Nest Full Life said...

Great bathroom transformation! You'd never know the orange countertops weren't planned. Beautiful! Jackie

Kimberlee said...

This is ABFAB!!! You don't even notice the orange counter/sink now. I love the wallpaper treatment, too. You deserve major kudos for living with it as long as you did. :D It wuuld've driven my husband crazy.

rebecca @ older and wisor said...

Linked over from A Soft Place To Land. So glad I did.

I am constantly struggling between the difference of being content vs. putting forth a little effort to beautify the things around me knowing that sometimes your environment does effect your mood...where you draw the line, I don't know ;)

For the record, I would've totally referred to that curtain as the "ding-a-ling" curtain too! haha

This makeover reminds me of what Christopher Lowell used to say (like 13 years ago when I was newly married and got into home reno): stop fighting the bad color and go with it. Make it look intentional.

And girl, you rocked it.

Leigh Ann said...

So beautiful. Love the fabrics. This was a timely post with the reminders about contentment. I fall into the same trap.

Mandi @ Sweetly Home said...

I have the same counter as you! That orange color. Haha, and the rest of my bathroom is pink and brown. It's my own nightmare that I have no real budget to redo. I was incredibly encouraged by your post. Thank you so much for it. You warmed and encouraged this girls heart.

Carmen @ Life with Sprinkles on Top said...

Wow!!! The orange counter actually looks cool now! :) The fabric is awesome! Well done! And the bathroom was HORRIBLE when you started. I can't believe anyone ever thought that looked good.

Scooper said...

One of the best makeovers I've ever seen. Ever. And I love your whole bit about contentment and living within a teeny budget. I'm right there with you.

Nellie's Cozy Place said...

Love what you did with your bathroom, that was very creative
and very beautiful. It looks so updated and NOW!!
I agree with the contentment adage,
after all, the Lord says "but Godliness with contentment is great gain". 1Titus 6:6. I find the Lord really rewards us when we are content in your circumstances. There have been so many times I have decided to be content and not buy something cause I really didn't need it or because of possible circumstances that might be coming like a layoff or something, and then a year or so later when I did I found it was like half the price, or maybe someone would give it to me or something. Neat how the Lord works. Have a great Sunday,
Blessings

Anonymous said...

Wow, that is probably the scariest bathroom I've ever seen. I love how you used the orange and made it look so beautfiul. Awesome job!

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