The first step in designing my mom’s 1940s-style, no-special-orders, black-and-white bathroom was to find the wall and floor tile. Then, we searched for the liner tiles. Once these decisions were made, my Aunt Mary Anne and I went shopping for the next “foundational” item: The bathroom vanity. In one day in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, we hit: Mouser’s Cabinets, their nearby outlet, Home Depot and Lowes. Somewhere along the way: Lunch at Panera. We did not find “the perfect” vanity. But we got close enough.
I had actually done some scouring the night before, after (1) meeting with the contractor at Mom’s house, (2) going to Louisville Tile to find in-stock floor and wall tile, (3) checking out a bathroom store next door, (4) running back to see Mom to finalize the tile choice, and then (5) going to Lowes and Home Depot to scope the choices for liner tile and in general, check out the bathroom department for Everything. At the place next to Louisville Tile — I think it was called Master Bath – I saw this vanity from American Standard, and I thought it would be great — but it was too small. Mom had room for a 36″ vanity, and I wanted to use the space. The rest of the bathroom is very compact…. just about 6′ more against the wet wall… so I we needed the vanity storage space and also, the countertop space. Right off the top, I thought that a white vanity would be the way to go. Countertop: Black or Carrera-esque.
Here’s another American Standard sink from the same series. Again, I liked the idea a lot — but too small, no storage. Took a photo anyway.
That same day, when I was shopping for liner tiles, I saw this lovely sink at Lowe’s. I thought it would be fabulous to use — aesthetically, it would be stunning. But, no vanity storage area…. And it was special order. So no go.
Same day, Lowes. Hmmm. Maybe. But maybe not.
Hmmm. Oh yeah. I meant to mention that I like the idea of something on legs, where you could see our pretty hex white with black dot floor. This is simpler than the vanity just before… But, it’s the wrong color. I was wanting white.
Well, here we have white. I’m not so crazy about the door style. Too too. And, I wish there was no kickplate and this was just on legs.
By now I’m just taking pictures of everything… and also beginning to think about buying something and repainting it.
I like this idea. But, it seems maybe too modern… and honestly, I think that towels just tucked on that bottom shelf will just get dusty.
In the next aisle, I see all the sink choices. Like all the vanities on display, these are all in stock. I am very impressed by Lowes.
Black granite vanity sink with white undermount sink and black granite backsplash, predrilled for 8″ spread, for $198. Wow. There is only one in stock. I talk to the Lowes guy in the department. I have him put my name on it to hold and write me up a ticket. I am buying a granite bathroom vanity countertop to put on a white vanity (I am just not sure which one yet.) Mark this day: 50s Pam is buying some granite!
I take some more photos of vanities. I get braver about possible styles. This one has cute ball feet. And it reads “vintage”….
This one, too… cute little feet. We’s for sure see the cute little floor underneath….
Cottage style. Mom would like this — she has beadboard in the kitchen. But, I’m thinking, the beadboard would bring too many lines into the bathroom. I would get dizzy what with the hexes underneath and the subways over yonder.
This wraps up my first scan of the local Lowe’s and Home Depot, which I completed on my very first day of my product search (same day as I scoped the wall, floor and decorative tile. All the images above are from Lowes — which was really really impressive in their selection and their customer service. Home Depot, on the other hand, was quite disappointing. I found zero vanities to consider there — although they did provide me with the black rope tiles I wanted.
So this is where the second trip out — this time with Aunt Mary Anne — starts. We spot this cutie petutie at Mousers. But, it’s way more expensive… the legs would bump into the wall at the left (we need to fit the vanity right into the wall to the left), and one of the drawers is sticky anyway, which makes the price ridiculous.
We head over to the discount place. We find this thermofoil number and tink it might work. But then, we don’t like the look of the thermofoil. We are underwhelmed. If we “have to”, we might buy it….
On the way out we spot this number. Hey, it’s kind of cut. The roundness might actuall make the bathroom feel bigger. Moreover, we kind of LIKE the way the black vanity looks against the tile. Aunt Mary Anne tells me she’s been thinking about black … We are both ALL OVER THE BLACK. This is a big turning point. We are getting a black vanity! We might get this one. But we head over to Home Depot and Lowe’s — a return trip to me, my first trip with Aunt Mary Anne, and today, we MUST buy something.
At Lowe’s, we look at all the choices I’ve already showed… and end up thinking: We want this one, it is curvy and cute and has legs. I will paint in black and we’ll put the white Lowe’s countertop on it. We are very excited. Note: We decide against the rounded one at the discount store because the left-hand door won’t really open because it’s butted up to a wall… plus, we think we want the greater storage we’ll get from a rectangular vanity.
But not so fast. Agony. Because this vanity comes with the curvy top and sink on it. The helpful Lowe’s employee calls the department manager for us to discuss whether the $98 white countertop can be fit on it. Nope. It will not work. A case of no square peg in round hole.
Darnit. I have to admit, I am stymied about of the other designs to settle for. I am tired, as I already was shopping for like 16 hours for the tile the day before. But Aunt Mary Anne stands and stares and walks and stares and thinks and stares and within about 10 minutes, says, we want this one. I think: Okay, let’s buy it.
Note: I had paid for the black granite countertop the night before. So we move the “hold” ticket to the white countertop instead – and when we check out, I get a refund for one and pay for the other. So: Unmark this day. 50s Pam did not buy granite. That said: Could there be some Greige in my near future????
Basically, our vaniety will look like this 36″ model shown here… Except, I will paint it black and change out the hardware.
In fact, I get the idea to ask the nice folks at Rustoleum — who invited me to test their Rustoleum Cabinet Transformations DIY painting system earlier this year — whether they would like to “sponsor” the repainting of my Mom’s bathroom vanity and send me a kit. A quick email and they say: Heck yes — and they send me a voucher for the kit right away. I’ve now repainted the vanity using the Rustoleum cabinet painting kit and will show off the final result in the big reveal. I’ll also do a separate post on my painting project. Thank you, Rustoleum, for your helping renovate Mom’s bathroom!
So that is the “buy it from stock, no special orders” bathroom vanity saga. Seeking decorating perfection is exhausting, isn’t it? There’s more detail-obsession on a Tazmanian-devil timeline yet to come.
Black trim for a white subway tile bathroom — The Gut Bathroom Renovation Chronicles continue 
Faucet, light and hardware for the black-and-white 1940s bathroom: The 7-day Gut Bathroom Renovation 
Mom’s black-and-white vintage bathroom sparkling with vintage jewelry: Done! 
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Haha. The most typos ever. That’s because I’m EXHAUSTED. I’m going to leave them as a tribute to the trials of trying to get a 7-day gut bathroom renovation done and keep up a blog and family socializing all at the same time. Hey: Contest: Prizes to my treasure chest to each reader who can spot ONE typo. Don’t leave a comment with them ALL. Just ONE AT A TIME, one per reader.
Sorry, U.S. and Canada only due to postage.
Love It!!
As for your typo –> Same day, Lowes. Hmmm. Maybe. But maybe not.
Lowes is actually Lowe’s
“we hit: Mouser’s Cabinets, their nearby outlet, Home Depot and Lowes.”
Lowe’s not Lowes
We find this thermofoil number and tink it might work.
“tink”
Wow, I’m exhausted just thinking about all the shopping you’ve done. Plus had time to paint a vanity? wow again.
i tink you’re our first winner. as i go i’ll try to Bold the typos. if i have time. Shopping for linens at Target today!
Basically, our vaniety will look like this 36? model shown here… Except, I will paint it black and change out the hardware.
Sorry Pam.. but I giggled at this post and it was so “CUTE”! heheh great story!
Your typo: On the way out we spot this number. Hey, it’s kind of cut.
“We find this thermofoil number and tink it might work.”
Think, although my house keeper always says she “tinks” one thing or another. I never say anything though because it sounds so cute when she says she “tinks” something.
Vaniety for vanity….
Hey, it’s kind of cut.
I found cute.
And btw, I really liked the round black one with the floor tiles. Looking forward to seeing the finished product!
Typo: and Lowe’s — a return trip “to” me
Pam, you can come help with my house anytime!
On the way out we spot this number. Hey, it’s kind of cut.
I think it’s kind of cut, too.
Nicely done! I look forward to seeing the painted one. Have fun at Target.
Typo: The roundness might actuall make the bathroom feel bigger.
I like the one you picked the best. It isn’t as cut but it is handsome and very functional. Can’t wait to see its transformation!
This is becoming a very exciting “cliff hanger” part of my morning, I just wanted you to know that.
There’s no way I’m picking on a woman for typos when you’ve had a project like that underway! I think it would be more appropriate for your loyal readers to send YOU something…bubble bath, foot creams, spa slippers…! I had to take a nap just thinking about traipsing through that many home improvement stores
“…so I we needed the vanity storage space and also, the countertop space.”
Typo: I think you might have meant to just use either “I” or “we”
BTW LOVE RetroRenovation–first thing I look at online every morning!
Teehee! I had to giggle at “We’s for sure see the cute little floor underneath….”
I am the daughter of an English teacher. I saw the spelling errors, and a couple of grammatical and punctuations ones, so I could tell you were frazzled and exhausted. It was not a normal Pam post.
You are doing a great job of making us feel like we are part of this whole process, though, so who cares? If I were helping someone remodel a bath in seven days I would never be able to post to a website each day.
Wow! I can imagine how exhausted you are. It’s interesting what you can do when forced to avoid special orders, and still put together a really nice look.
As for the typos, there weren’t any, Pam. My brain auto corrected as I read, so I didn’t even notice them! I’m not as tired as you, so my auto correct function is still working, haha.
Great stuff, and this has been a really fun series!
Tami
I have that oval American Standard sink with the built-in chrome towel holders. AND the subway tile with the black pinstrip. It’s adorable!
Love the black round vanity. I saw one like that not too long ago and fell in love with the unique shape.
Not easy choices for you. If I could re-do our 1926 bathroom I might go for the oval American Standard. Right now we have a 90s pedestal sink from a home center (I think Menards) that is just “okay.” Our bathroom was done so much on the cheap when it was built in the 20s that we do not even have actual subway tile on the walls; instead, the builders drew lines in the plaster to simulate tile grout. The original owner never upgraded, and neither have we! Likewise we do not have tile on the floor, just strip oak. Would love to put in hex tile someday, but we’re not sure how to get around and under the claw foot tub. We are going to put a new bath in the basement within the next year or two, so enjoying all of these ideas.
oh! what is the first vanity – the american standard on wood legs? it’s lovely! i suspect it is too large for our bathroom, but if not, it is perfect.
p.s. this series in general is so cool.
TYPO –> The roundness might actuall make the bathroom feel bigger
It Should say The roundness might actually make the bathroom feel bigger.
Love your work!
Stimulating post! At some point I am going to have to make similar decisions so it helps to see some of the options. For my 1930s house I think I would choose “This one, too… cute little feet. We’s for sure see the cute little floor underneath”, paint it Valspar Retro Green, and put real vintage hardware from eBay on it.
“On the way out we spot this number. Hey, it’s kind of cut.
Should read: cute not cut.
Ikea has some cute vanities…that’s where we eventually bought ours after looking at Lowe’s, HDepot, Ebay, Overstock, and a dozen other places. I just didn’t like any from the hardware stores…none had any personality. Plus, we wanted a double. Turned out great. Got a Godmorgon vanity with a two inch counter.
Of all of those, only the cottage style with beadboard and the american standard with no storage but you took a photo anyway are the nicest ones…either you get personality (am. stand) or you get something that is quiet and stays in the corner (cotttage).
my two cents…good luck…try ikea (if you are in a hurry to take something home today).
“Basically, our vaniety” should be VANITY. Love that you asked for typos… it’s obvious that you are tired! I am about to try the Rustoleum kit on my own bathroom cabinets. Inspired by your experience!
Typos? I didn’t even notice any.
Anyone who is as busy and stressed as you are right now doesn’t need to have her flaws pointed out to her…that is if she had any….which she doesn’t.
Can’t wait until Friday to see the big reveal!
So I skip to the bottom of the comments and start reading up: Immediately I think, “Those absolute COWS,” for pointing out all your manic-redecorator, sleep-deprived typos. Then I see in the very top comment that you’ve challenged your readers to find the typos.
Whew – all’s well on Retro Renovation, and our Retro Pam’s just having some exhausting fun!
So here’s mine: “The roundness might actuall make the bathroom feel bigger.”
Pick me and get some sleep!
“The roundness might actuall make the bathroom feel bigger,” is mine, but I also found one in your comment about the Contest. “Prizes to my treasure chest…” but I feel bad picking on a woman who is on a mission like you are! Jen
“Well, here we have white. I’m not so crazy about the door style. Too too. And, I wish there was no kickplate and this was just on legs.”
When I first read through the post I thought “too too” was a reference I didn’t understand. Now I wonder, maybe a typo? I’ve read your blog for months but never commented before. Find the typo seemed like a good ice breaker. Thanks for taking us through your whirlwind reno, and for being the one blog I make sure to read every day!
S. Louise, nice to hear from you!! “Too too” is my shorthand way of saying… too much… too much design… too something!
I make up things all the time! Now that your comment is approved: Comment like a maniac!! 
Wow! Must have been overwhelming! I’m very interested in how the Rustoleum paint job turns out. I need to check the link again to see what the color choices are as we will need to paint our vanity, too. Get some rest!
Hey Pam, I tink you are doing one heck of a job on the reno. I tink the end result will be fabulous. I also tink this is one of the coolest sites on the web. I wish I had your energy. Can’t wait to check in on Friday to see the end result.
Personally I like the minor errors, it’s nice to see the Goddess of all things retro be a little like us mere mortals ;o)
And way funny too when sleep deprived. Thanks for the laughs!
Oh, yes, the vanity with the open shelf, you’re right. It looks like a good idea but in a frequently used bathroom it’s not so great….not so great as in nasty. My ex is currently trying to put in a tall storage cupboard to ease the pain as he went that route with their reno. Nasty as in….. you may put the lid down when you flush you really can’t count on others showing the same consideration….ick, even in their huge bathroom, just ick.
…so I we needed the vanity storage space…
Hey, are you going to have wallpaper in this bathroom? I’m sure you’d like to have some, but finding and hanging the right paper would really be a tough job in your short time frame.
This is making me hyperventilate! A bathroom in 7 days?! Ours took over a year!
Hi Pam, Tasmania, one of the states of Australia is spelt with an S not a Z
Wow, I can’t believe you are adding painting the vanity to the list! Yikes!
We have a smaller version of the white beadboard vanity in our hall bath. We ordered a cultured marble top from Lowe’s to replace the standard one that came with it because it would not work in a corner as well. Of course ,you have no time for a special order. Little did I know cultured marble was more period correct.
http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n321/gsciencechick/Bathroom%20remodels/Thisisnotthetopwhichcamewiththevani.jpg
Hey Pam,
Which “discount” store did you find that cute round vanity?
I’m looking at doing a similar bathroom in my streamline moderne house and think that one might be just right for us! Thanks for the ideas.
lydecker house, it was at a discount cabinet place in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, sorry, i forget the name…
Pam – We just bought the white cottagey one. We are going to paint the door outlines dark green and run a light green stripe along the bead part of the bead board. These are the colors of the floor and wall tiles. We think it will come out retro-wickery. We could not do any of that heavy dark brown stuff available these days.
Sounds great! I think the Lowes vanities are pretty nice! Take lots of pics!