Working fast to buy all the basics for my mom’s impromptu gut-bathroom renovation,I first decided tile for the walls and floor…. next, chose the decorative trim tile…. and next, chose the vanity. After that, it was filling in all the “little” pieces that were, for the most part, purely decorative decisions.
The white countertop that will go on the vanity is pre-drilled with three, four-inch spread holes — so we had to find a faucet to fit those holes. At Lowes, we saw the Kohler Fairfax single-hole faucet in shiny chrome. But, they did not have any other varieties. The minute I got home, I jumped online and found the style above — in satin nickel with an escutcheon plate — at FaucetsDirect.com. I slapped down my credit card and payed $20 for two-day shipping and boom, it was here in a flash. We like this faucet for its vintage look — and also because of that white porcelain dot on top. Happy happy.
For the vanity hardware, I found brushed nickel-look Liberty cabinet pulls and knobs with white-porcelain (look) inserts. Just to further indicate the travail in all of this, I actually found these at a Different Home Depot.
I had to drive to Shepherdsville to pick up more rope trim tile; there was not enough at the E’Town Home Depot. They say, “It’s not the years — it’s the miles.” This week, I’m puttin’ on plentttttty of miles.
For the lighting, the clear choice was black porcelier. I chose this Rufus black porcelain bathroom light with a white shade from Rejuvenation. Many thanks to the lovely folks at Rejuvenation for helping me get the order real fast!
For towel bars and TP holder, I bought a sort of flowery (not literally — just “swoopy”) design from Baldwin, at Home Depot. I can’t find this on their website, or even on Baldwin’s. I think the design may have been being discontinued. The reason, in particular, that I liked the Baldwin, was that it was heaviest. I like my brass to be heavy enough to use as a weapon. All the hardware is at Mom’s waiting to be installed — I’ll grab and add a photo later.
Oh, I almost forgot. We decided we wanted the Jacuzzi toilet. It was like this, only taller. We wanted “comfort height, elongated” for Mom. When I worked for Ford, I actually met a member of the Jacuzzi family. He worked in the auto industry in communications, like me. I remember, when we were first introduced, I thought the person introducing us was just kidding about the last name of his friend. Like, this person was so laid back that they called him “[first name] Jacuzzi.” But it turns out: There really is a Jacuzzi dynasty!
Finally (sort of): I used basic Moen for the shower. And, we chose a sliding glass shower door from Lowe’s with obscure glass. This, in fact, is the only thing that we ordered. We knew it would be the very last thing to go in the bathroom, so there was time. Just barely.
Tomorrow, I’ll report on Aunt Mary Anne and my crazed trip through Target for towels, rugs and bathroom bling. Oh, make that two trips becaus we had to go twice… plus, I had to marshall my sister Jenni to get some stuff at the St. Matthews store, too, because we exhausted the stock of a critical item here in E’Town. I am not obsessed with making this perfect. Oh no. Not me.
brad says
did you decide not to go with the shower door? i noticed a curtain in your pix ..,,,,im in the same boat: just redid both baths and planned shower doors, but now i am rethinking … curtains are just so easy, can be replaced in a flash and make cleaning the shower easier, imho ….. but doors do look nice when new …..hhmmm……i am so torn ….
pam kueber says
yes — this was covered in a previous post (scroll down for complete series.) shower curtain gives more flexibility on entry/egress … easier to keep clean … way cheaper … fun to decorate / change out … requires no drilling of holes in the precious new tile. Trade off: Water-tightness. We will “watch” that issue.
gsciencechick says
We have a similar look toilet in the Kohler Memoirs. Love the vintage style!
Lauryn says
From someone who literally took MONTHS to pick a kitchen faucet, I am so impressed with the incredible efficiency of this project. Are you taking a week off when you’re done just to catch your breath? I love the porcelain touches, one of the reasons we were intrigued (but did not go with) the Fairfax line in our kitchen. And the beautiful thing about black and white (pretty classic for that era) is that ANY linens (pink??) will look fabulous in there.
Go Pam & Co.! Can’t wait to see the results.
Andrea says
Love your choices for the “details” and like everyone, adore that porcelain light! Can’t wait for the Great Reveal!
Jkaye says
Wow, the other drivers out on I-65 this week probably think another tornado has swept through the area! It’s no tornado, it’s Pam and her family, on a mission. This has been a very intriguing project to follow. Your favorite color this year is orange — will we see it featured in this bathroom? Or does your mom have a different favorite color? Can’t wait to find out.
Trina says
Love the light. May need to consider for my reno.
The medicine cabinet is the same one I was planning on buying, but today I was looking around in the house that we just bought on Tuesday and I found the original medicine cabinet waiting for me in the attic!! Complete with the side light. The light covers are intact with no cracks, but they are discolored. Any ideas on cleaning these up? Either way, I am going to have this installed in my bath where it belongs. Score!
Just another Pam says
Sweet light! Not something I ever say lightly due to a lighting monkey on my back.
Elaine says
I love satin nickel! How glad I am to see it in a retro design. I am thinking of changing my chrome fixtures to satin nickel in my 1963 aqua and gray bathroom and sort of white kitchen with aqua accents. The time capsule medicine cabinet is very similar to the one you picked.
pam kueber says
You know, shiny chrome would be more “authentic”, but for this bathroom, I wanted to have some current touches. Also, brushed nickel = easier to clean. In fact, what I bought may actually be brushed stainless. I am not that picky and consider them the same.
Maureen says
I would love the Rufus light in my upcoming bathroom reno but am concerned that it will be too small to provide enough light for the vanity area (which is too small for 2 sinks but has generous storage space on each side of the sink). I am really struggling on the lighting issue. Looking forward to the big reveal!
Lynn-O-Matic says
Do you have room for sconces on either side of the mirror with the Rufus above? Rejuvenation’s sconces are almost as yummy as the Rufus.