Author: The Vintage Arrow

All of the secrets you need to do your own bathroom on a budget

This outdated bathroom was in desperate need of an update and it also needed to be done on a budget. We wanted to share all of the details of how we made this project happen. Not many things in this space were new, it just took some time and hard work to bring it to life. This post will show you how we dealt with wallpaper, existing tile floor, a cream tub shower insert and design details.

Wonderful Wallpaper

See all of the beautiful wallpaper?! The entire bathroom from floor to ceiling was covered including a matching border. I’m sure in its prime it was gorgeous! The wallpaper in this bathroom project was still very much intact and had not started peeling a bit. It was put on well! We didn’t want to take on the project of taking it all down, so we went with an easier option. We bought sheetrock joint compound and a sheetrock knife and covered each of the wallpaper and border seams. After one coat, we let it dry and then used sanding blocks to smooth the seams. After assessing the seams we went back with a second coat of the sheetrock joint compound on some areas that it was needed. After it was dry and sanded, we used an oil-based paint to put on the walls. You would never know wallpaper was under the paint! We did put two coats and used Agreeable Gray by Sherwin Williams.

Brand new tub and shower…kinda

The manor in which this tub and shower insert was located in this bathroom, we knew that it had the potential to be a project that could get pricey. It was built into the bathroom and there was no easy way of getting it out without spending more money to do so. We decided that refinishing the existing cream tub to a bright clean white was the best option. We used the company Miracle Method and they did a wonderful job! They removed the existing shower door, touched up any minor cracks and resurfaced it beautifully. This alternative was a great and easy option to update what was already there.

Old floor, new life

The floor of a space can really make or break the way that a room feels. Mauve pink tile adorned this bathroom and we knew that it had to be changed to create the updated look that we were going after. With keeping with the most budget friendly option, we did something that we had never done before…we painted the existing tile! We did not just paint with regular paint, but we used a two step system that went on beautifully. The paint that we used was Rust-Oleum Home Floor Coating. The first coat being the color paint and the second was a clear sealer coat. The reviews were great and we had a wonderful experience with it as well. We used the color Gray Owl for the floor and Bright White for the baseboard tiles.

Vanity and Mirror Revamp

All this vanity needed was sanding, new paint and new hardware. We took off the doors to be sure that everything got sanded well by using sanding blocks. We used a semi-gloss paint in Snowbound by Sherwin Williams. New knobs and hinges were ordered in oil rubbed bronze to add to our updated vision for the bathroom. Above the vanity we wanted to keep with the budget friendly option for a mirror and so we decided to frame out the existing mirror. With all of the white and grey, we wanted to warm up the space with a wood trim out. We used one by four pine pieces of wood and cut them to size. The mirror frame was stained with the color Chestnut by Varathane.

Decorating Details

What ties a remodel or any new construction project together are the final details that you put into the project. To complete the vision we had for this bathroom, we were sure to pay close attention to the aspects that would wrap the project up. We had new countertops installed that we found at a discounted price, we added a new light and faucet, a new toilet and functional storage above the toilet. The items added to the counter were also functional pieces that could hold soap, jewelry and any toiletry bottles that would need to be out.

Remodels and updates do not have to break the bank! if you are willing to put in the time  and work, you can make and old space in your home come to life! We hope these tips help guide you in your next home project.

Another home adventure in the books!

 

Whew! We did it (again). We packed up our house in less than 30 days and slipped into a new place right before Thanksgiving. It seems that each time we move it happens right around this time of year. We tend to get in and settled before the holidays each time that we move.

So why again?

Well, it’s actually very simple. We got an unexpected offer we could not refuse. That’s it! We had only lived in our home for a little over a year and it was not on the market. We have always built and flipped homes, so capitalizing on the current market was a discussion that was had, but that was the extent of it. One afternoon we got an unexpected call that someone had seen our home and wanted to go through it to check it out and if it was what they thought it would be they would make us an offer. They did and they loved it. So one thing led to another and here we are!

The question we have gotten is “your house is so pretty…why would you move?”

Well, we have lived in new construction, the basement of the family lake house, my sister’s bonus room, a trailer turned house, and a home built in the 1950’s. We have moved many times and lived in many different homes. Of course I loved our home that we just left and the property was gorgeous, but it had served its purpose for our family. Just as each and every home that we have lived in has served its purpose.

Each place that our family has settled in has been unique in size, space and completely different from the next. We have had to find new ways to organize and set up our home in each location. However, no matter the size, space or lack of storage, each home has brought memories that are specific to that home.

We lived with my sister in a season that Michael was gone late into the evenings with ministry doing ball practice and Bible studies. My brother-in-law is a firefighter, so that left us with many nights with just my sister and I at home.  We watched as many Hallmark movies in sweatpants as our hearts desired! I would not trade that time for anything in the world. Home number 6 (which was a rental) will forever hold a special place in our family. It was located next door to my Meme and Granddaddy. That home brought Meme’s homemade biscuits every Saturday morning, time in the garden with our oldest son and his Great Granddaddy and candy every time our kids walked through their door. Not knowing that heartbreak was right around the corner, my Meme passed away from an aggressive and fast diagnosis of breast cancer four months after we moved there. Those four months in that rental are precious to me. That home served a tremendous purpose. That home held the couch that my sister and I hugged and shared great joy on when she told me she was pregnant and cried together moments later when we got the call to run next door because Meme was gone. Our family will be forever grateful for our time spent in that home.

I will leave you with this last special story. Home number five not only served its purpose for our family, but for dear friends as well. In that home I started a monthly girl’s night in that home because it was located in a new area to us that was away from familiar friends. I knew I had to step out and have people in our home to build relationships that I was longing for since the move. Every month a group of us girls would get together and eat as much chocolate as we wanted and drink Dr. Pepper and coffee until our stomachs were full of goodness. We would stay up well into the night (the record still holds at 4:45am) and just love, laugh and make memories that none of us would soon forget. When we moved from that home three years later, I will always remember a friend telling me that that sweet little place (the smallest home we have lived in to date…but not lacking a bit of charm) held a special place in her heart. As she and her family had just moved from Texas to be on staff at our church, she and her husband had prayed diligently for her to find friends. Not just ladies who would have small talk and brunch every now and again, but deep meaningful friendships. She had had those in Texas and her heart ached to leave them. She deeply desired to have more of those bonds here in the sweet southern state of Georgia. Home number five was where those started for her. That home served a deep purpose for someone outside of our family that didn’t even live there day in and day out. That home started friendships that are day-by-day stronger even six years later. That home was a place of comfort for so many. Not only did it host monthly girl’s nights, but countless bible studies and pizza sessions with high school ball players that Michael was in ministry with. That home definitely served its purpose, as did each and every one we have been in.

Houses are more than just pretty. They are more than just four walls. Houses are created into homes when life takes place within them and memories are made. Our houses become homes when they serve a deeper purpose for not just your family, but for others who encounter it. So as we settle into this new rental home and look towards our next home adventure, I have confidence that this home will serve a great purpose as we look forward to making it less house and more home.

Our creative curtains and the secret to them!

 

We live on  four acres and I did not desire to have blinds put in because I wanted to truly enjoy the property that we were living on.  I did however want to add curtains to add color, texture and privacy when we wanted it.  I searched for curtains on many sites and was bummed by prices and almost resorted to making them myself until I realized fabric would be very expensive as well.  I knew what I wanted, but I decided I had to be creative in getting them at a reasonable price.

We try and creatively find ways to save money in our home renovations, new builds and home decorating and this venture was no different. I knew I was going to have to step out of the box to get the style and length I wanted and not spend a fortune! I wanted a set of nice panels in a classic tan buffalo check pattern. Since we were not investing in blinds I was willing to go a little higher than I normal would for what I wanted. So I continued my search and then the idea came to me of how I could make it happen!

Our secret to these creative curtains…tablecloths! I had sewn curtains for my sister using sheets before, so I knew I could make a tablecloth work. I then had to hunt down one in the pattern I desired and the length I wanted. The beauty of the ones I came across is that there was no sewing required. I was able to order them in the length I needed and the edges were durably sewn and the fabric was sturdy. I used curtain clip rings to hang them and they puddled just perfectly on the floor.

When friends and family come into our home, one of the comments that we often get is, “I love your curtains! Where did you find them…curtains are so expensive.”  They are almost always surprised to hear that they are simple tablecloths. Maybe your desired pattern for curtains is not tan buffalo check, but if you use a tablecloth, your possibilities are endless! Whether it’s floral, stripes or a unique color solid, search for a tablecloth in the right length that makes your house your home.

Click on the photo below to the see the link to the tablecloths that are in our home!

We are so glad that you have joined us here! Vintage Arrow Homes is a place where we share our latest home and design projects, tips and tricks to implement in your home and a place to shop our vintage and handmade decor items. Welcome!