A sterile, 1959 bathroom gets bling on a shoestring

The narrow 1959 bath is used by family members as well as by guests, and needed finishes that are easy to keep clean.

By RHONDA PRAST, Star Tribune

Last update: October 22, 2008 - 8:09 AM

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THE CHALLENGE: TO UPDATE A STERILE 1959 BATHROOM WITHOUT SPENDING A LOT OF MONEY.

The room: The narrow, 6- by 7-foot bathroom is used by family members as well as by guests, and needed finishes that are easy to keep clean.

We kept: The original white ceramic tile on the walls, tub and shower surround and around the sink and cabinets. The tile was in good shape, requiring just a few repairs and new grout. We also kept the large mirror. Since tile was set around the mirror, removal would have left an awkward shape.

We tossed: A mirrored medicine cabinet set into the side of the wall and the dirty white porcelain floor tile. Also gone: the original cabinets, sink, toilet, faucet hardware and metal towel racks.

We added: More light with two recessed cans. A new faux wood shade provides more contrast against the wall color and white trim.

Just like furniture: Cherry wood cabinets, crafted by Steve, and a frame for the large existing mirror, provided a warmer, homier look than the pieces they replaced.

In the details: We raised the countertop two inches, accommodating ever-rising average heights, a point for resale. A vessel sink of glass provides a focal point for the countertop and takes the focus off the huge mirror. The matte-finish faucet was a special order, made to work with vessel sinks. We got a better deal for the sink online.

Protecting the investment: Marine varnish covers the baseboards, mirror frame and towel racks to protect against water damage. Steve made a backsplash out of the cherry wood to finish off the sink area and create a transition between the granite and tile wall; it's also finished with marine varnish.

The floor: We chose 4 x 4 limestone tile to add texture and color to the room. We leveled the subfloor with additional plywood and layers of adhesive.

DIY tales: We bought three sinks before finding one online with the right green tint to complement the granite. Luckily, we found bullnose tile to match the on-sale granite we purchased a month earlier. Pounding out the old floor tile was the most difficult task.

Visual trick: Tile laid diagonally makes the room look larger.

Total cost: About $1,000; we figure we saved at least twice that in labor and materials by doing it ourselves.

The homeowners: Rhonda Prast and Steve Rice have been renovating their Edina rambler for 10 years. To see their kitchen renovation, go to www.startribune.com/a/?4589.

To submit before and after photos of a redecorated or remodeled room for consideration, please send uncompressed jpeg images to homegarden@startribune.com. Please include your name and telephone number.

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