Chic on a Shoestring Decorating: Beachy Bathroom Reveal


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Beachy Bathroom Reveal

Hey there, friends.  I am so super-duper excited to finally be revealing my master bathroom makeover to you.

I absolutely love it!  There are not many rooms in my home that I can say that I love because the decorator in me is always thinking I need to change this or that and being picky over some dumb little detail that no one else would even notice.  (I'm working on not being so hard on my decorating self.) But anyway... I really, truly love how our bathroom turned out and I'm so excited to share it with you!

I've gone beachy!

beach coastal bathroom by Chic on a Shoestring Decorating

Cool and calm...

beach coastal bathroom by Chic on a Shoestring Decorating

It's my new "happy place". :)

I've got so much to tell you about this bathroom makeover I don't even know where to start?!

How about the beginning so you can see just how far we've come...

beach coastal bathroom by Chic on a Shoestring Decorating

We kept a tight budget by keeping the same cabinet/vanity and mirror and doing all of the work ourselves.  The vanity was painted Storm Cloud by Sherwin Williams and we made beachy looking pulls with spray paint and jute string. (tutorial to come). 

We also framed out our mirror using crown molding we picked up at the local box store.  We painted it to match the vanity.  A much cheaper option that buying a new mirror or buying a frame.

beach coastal bathroom by Chic on a Shoestring Decorating

The cheap, little, white square tiles that surrounded the tub are now covered by beautiful beadboard and wide trim.


beach coastal bathroom by Chic on a Shoestring Decorating

My amazingly talented hubby designed and made this beautiful one-of-a-kind light fixture.  The lamp fixtures remind us of a the kind you'd find on a beach boardwalk. Tutorial for how to make a beachy light fixture can be found here.


I almost didn't buy this amazing wreath made of real clam(?) shells.  SO glad I did!  I love the texture and color it adds to the mirror.

beach coastal bathroom by Chic on a Shoestring Decorating

We made the towel hooks out of salvaged trim from an old building.  I picked the trim up for a few bucks each at a flea market.  And who can pass up these pretty blue glass fishing floats that are showing up all over in design.   Both from TJ Maxx for less than $9 each!


beach coastal bathroom by Chic on a Shoestring Decorating


I made some natural, beachy-looking art from a clearance aisle driftwood bowl.  No, I didn't really "make it" as in assemble the driftwood into a oblong piece.  One of my biggest Chic on a Shoestring budget rules is to never make something if I can buy it for less than I can make it.  Smart, huh?  I kind of  "made it" into art by wrapping some jute rope around one of the sticks and hanging it on the wall.  It was a drift wood bowl type tray thing (I think?).  Now it's "driftwood art".  

I found this beachy tray thing at HomeGoods on Michigan Ave. in downtown Chicago.  Funny place to find such a coastal-inspired piece, I think not!  There is a beach just a few blocks away. ;)  I think it had been ignored for a while in the store because people didn't know what the heck it was.  It was one of those sad pieces stuffed down in the bottom shelf with random clearance junk on it.  I decided it would make the perfect wall hanging in my coastal inspired bath room.  I think it did.

beach coastal bathroom by Chic on a Shoestring Decorating

 I love all of the gray and white-washed tones of the driftwood and the texture it adds to the wall.



Mr. Chic is not a fan of my "Charlie Brown towels" as he likes to call them.  I told him he doesn't know good chevron when he sees it.  These towels were my inspiration for the whole room!  I'm not sure how it looks on your computer screen but the towel blue/green color is just a few shades darker than the wall.  My computer is making the walls look a sage green tone and they are NOT sage... they are Sea Salt by Sherwin Williams, in case you wanted to know.



beach coastal bathroom by Chic on a Shoestring Decorating



The sand and shells in the largest apothecary jar are from our favorite beach, Sanibel Island.  (except the starfish, bought that one)  If you've ever been to Sanibel Island you know that I could've easily filled all 3 of these jars overflowing with shells.  There are a freakishly large amount of shells on Sanibel.  They wash up in huge piles lining the shore.  Anyway, I probably broke several federal and state laws about taking sand with me but this is all the sand collected from inside our swimsuits, beach bags, cooler, beach towels, flip-flops and rental car.  Sand gets stuck everywhere! ;)

beach coastal bathroom by Chic on a Shoestring Decorating

I had to buy these bad boys too, who knew that TJ Maxx would start selling bags of starfish right when I needed them.  Seriously, I bought these at TJ Maxx in the Midwest.  Crazy.

beach coastal bathroom by Chic on a Shoestring Decorating

This cute little beachy burlap and rope basket was another TJ Maxx find.  It's great to stash my extra towels and bubble bath.  The cheezy fish picture frame is from our first beach trip together back in college to Sanibel Island.  Because I'm a pack rat sentimental, I saved it.

I picked the frame up back then at an equally cheezy beach store.  You know, one of those places that sells swimsuit cover-ups with cartoon bikini bodies on the front and inappropriate post cards with totally 80's beef cake guys with feathered hair and speedos.  This trip was the first of many that we went and stayed with my grandparents over Christmas break while we were dating.  Some of the most fun vacations ever... no real job, no mortgage, no kids, no responsibilities.  Just fun times.  PS:  Jean shirts are coming back in style, does that make me old or classically stylish? :)  

beach art canvas by Catherine McDonald at beach coastal bathroom

This beautiful canvas is the first thing you see when you walk in the bathroom.  It looks like it was taken at my favorite beach and I just love it.  It was photographed by my talented sponsor, Catherine McDonald.  . 
 

beach coastal bathroom by Chic on a Shoestring Decorating

I love vintage Ball jars, especially in this blue color.  I added some bath salt and some fake candles (I live with little boys, safety first!)  and made some votive holders.  I like that I can put the lid on and enjoy the pretty patina of it.

beach coastal bathroom by Chic on a Shoestring Decorating

I bought this valance at least 8 years ago.  8 years!!  Oh jeez, don't tell Mr. Chic.  I know I've had it that long because I bought it for my first born's nursery.  It ended up not working in there but I kept it because I thought it was really cute.  And it is.  And, it's totally beachy-looking and perfect for my bathroom.  I paid $3 for it.  Yeah, $3 whopping dollars.  And, it's Nautica, not some cheap off-brand junk.  (clearance at TJ's)  That's why I kept it for 8 years.  Now it's perfect.  Good thing I'm a pack rat saver!

beach coastal bathroom by Chic on a Shoestring Decorating
 
We saw jute wrapped drawer pulls somewhere in blogland by some creative person who needed to cover her dated porcelain bead pulls. (tell me if you know and I'll link her up!)  We'll have a tutorial on these beachy cabinet handles.  I love the texture and color they add to our builder grade vanity.  

beach coastal bathroom by Chic on a Shoestring Decorating

Cute beachy votive holders line the tub and give off a cozy glow.  

beach coastal bathroom by Chic on a Shoestring Decorating

Another "why make it if you can buy it for less" Chic on a Shoestring moment with these lovely real shell shadow boxes, lined with linen looking fabric, from of all places... Kohls!  50% off and I had a 30% off coupon making them about $6 bucks each.... couldn't make 'em for that!

beach coastal bathroom by Chic on a Shoestring Decorating

Love the pop of color these add.

So, do you want the skinny on my budget friendly beachy bathroom makeover?  I thought you might.  Some of these are repeats from above but this puts it all in one tidy list.


  • Paint Color:  Sherwin Williams Sea Salt
  • Cabinet Paint Color, DIY Mirror Frame and Towel Hooks:  Sherwin Williams Storm Clouds (tutorial to follow)
  • Beadboard Paint Color: generic Lowe's glossy white for trim and doors.
  • Chevron Towels:  Sonoma Brand from Kohls (but I think they are discontinued, I couldn't find them online anymore.) :(
  • Clam(?) Shell Wreath:  TJ Maxx
  • Driftwood Wall Art:  HomeGoods
  • Reclaimed Wood Trim Pieces:  Antique flea market  Hooks:  Lowes  (tutorial to follow)
  • Large & Small Star Fish: Large were purchased at a Florida beach side store but now both sizes available TJ Maxx.
  • Vintage Style Glass Fishing Net Floats:  TJ Maxx   
  • Glass Apothecary Jars:  TJ Maxx
  • Mirror over tub:  TJ Maxx
  • Mid Summer's Eve canvas by Catherine McDonald
  • Curtain Valance:  Nautica brand from TJ Maxx
  • Burlap-ish Waste Basket and Towel Basket:  TJ Maxx
  • Sisal Rugs: TJ Maxx
  • Light Fixture Lamps: Lowes,  they were clearanced out in our store for $12 a piece!  The price is much higher online. (tutorial to follow)
  • Shell Shadow Boxes:  Kohls (not available online at this time)
  • Glass Tea Light Holders:  Gordmans
  • Cabinet Pulls:  Ebay (tutorial to follow)
  • Beadboard and Trim: Lowes (tutorial to follow)


I hope you enjoyed my beachy bathroom reveal and it's many pictures.  I'll be sharing some tutorials in the near future so stay tuned.

What are you making over in your home?  It will be worth it, I promise! :)

30 comments :

  1. Wow! I am impressed by how much work went in to this bathroom and the attention to detail and texture. Love it! The DIY light is FANTASTIC! I want one. ;) Loving those lights.

    Amazing work! I bet you are enjoying some long and relaxing baths in there. :)

    Julie

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  2. So fresh, like a warm summer breeze. Agreed, that light is fantastic! Why is it that the smallest rooms in our homes take the longest to update? All of your effort was so worth all of the hard work. Beautifully done.

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  3. Wow ! I love your blog ! It's amazzzing !

    :)
    Iris The French Girl !
    from THE MARRIED LIFE
    http://matthewandiris.blogspot.fr

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  4. Charlie Brown towels, so funny!

    Your bathroom is gorgeous, so bright and airy, you've done a wonderful job with the transformation.

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  5. I'm planning a beachy bathroom makeover this year and I just created a board for it on Pinterest. You have so many great ideas for me I've pinned your post! Thank you! (And I love that wreath!) Gorgeous job!

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  6. I love it! And lol about your husbands Charlie brown comment...for some reason mine says the same thing about chevron designs. I made a chevron style painting and all he can think about when he sees it is Charlie brown! But I love the chevron!

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  7. Oh it is so beautiful. I love all of your fabulous accessories and it really is so calm and inviting. Gorgeous. Hugs, Marty

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  8. Love the lights! When is the tutorial!!!!!!!????? Love Love Love

    laura

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  9. Unbelievable makeover!!! Can't wait to see the tutorials. Heather

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  10. New follower on GFC and Linky. I LOVE your bathroom, it's beautiful. What a fantastic makeover that is. Have a great weekend!

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  11. It looks great! And I love the canvas! Great job on so many details in this room!

    Take care,
    Pam

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  12. Beautiful!!! I also have a beachy cape- cod bathroom. So soothing..
    great details here...

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  13. Katie, I love this room! If I had a pair of ruby red slippers, I would click the heals and to Siesta Key I would be (my fav spot)....

    My favorite part of your bathroom is the canvas. Love, love, love it! Makes you feel like you are walking right "into" the beach.

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  14. Beautiful space! You did an amazing job! I love the jute you added to your hardware....such a cute touch!

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  15. that looks absolutely gorgeous. Would it be weird if I came over for a bath? lol.

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  16. Oh, KATE!
    I love it all! It feels like a bed and breakfast getaway!
    Did you know that I am re-doing my own bath in beachiness to stage it?
    SO, I got a few ideas from you (the chevron towels, the "safe" votives, and the apothecary jars). P.S. My new blog header is chevron and blue and grey!! It's coming the end of the month.
    I already have beadboard around the tub, the walls painted similar to yours, and shadowbox shell art, so you know I love your room, too!
    What I am most amazed by are the walls and the molding--that is fantastic!
    Good job! I also loved seeing you and your hubby when you were young. I am a packrat, er, saver of sentimental things, too.
    Thank you for the link in the email over here. What a treat, I feel like I just read an article in Cottage Living magazine!
    Love, me

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  17. WOW! It's beautiful. So beachy-fab!!

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  18. You did an amazing job on your bathroom! Love the soothing blue/green color on the walls. It's the perfect retreat after a long day.

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  19. Your bathroom looks amazing!! Love the new lighting! Everything looks so light and bright now. Love all the details you added also. Beautiful!

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  20. I love your the wreath. I wouldn't have thought to do that. And the way you wrapped the handles was really neat! Beautiful!

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  21. I love the bead board around the tub...the towel hooks are great! And that light fixture? LOVE!
    Kelly

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  22. I've been looking at this paint color...on the computer. What color would you say it is in person? Does it have a green under tone? Nice remod!

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  23. I love how everything worked for your theme. Your bathroom definitely looks like a beach cottage or a cabin in a ship! From the beadboard to the small trinkets, you and Mr. Chic definitely worked it! And please send my regards for the fabulous light fixtures. I think what it only needs is a playlist to create a beach-like mood.

    Regards,
    Herb Koguchi

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  24. I love the change in color! The blue-white scheme is totally a refreshing combination. If I were to choose, I’d say that the after and renewed bathroom space is where I’d want to spend much longer time. :) And the décors you’ve added made it very summer-y. Can’t blame you for being excited to show this off! :* -->Lida

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  25. Your beachy bathroom turned out beautiful - nice job! I've got this linked to my bathrooms post too today, well done!

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    ReplyDelete

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