Bath Reno

Sometimes it takes a while for us to fini$h room$, ifyaknowwhatI’msayin.

Take our guest bathroom, for instance. We’ve been working on the right side of it, off and on, over the past couple of years…

We’ve done some tiling, some building, some plumbing, and some accessorizing…

And although the left side of the room is now painted in the same soothing shade of “Sea Salt” (Sherwin Williams) that the right side of the room is, and the florescent light and textured ceiling are gone too, we still have a long way to go over there. Among other things, we want to remove the existing tile, replace the fiberglass tub with a clawfoot one, and take out the half wall separating the tub from the toilet. Here’s an OLD pic that shows the ‘sea of drywall’ (SOD) that’s still alive and kickin’ above the tub and toilet on that side of the room…

Is that sucker totally begging for some (high, or non-see thru) windows or what?!

I’ve been avoiding the whole issue for quite some time because I’ve always envisioned it being sort of big ordeal, ifyaknowwhatI’m$ayin.

On the other side of the SOD is our paintry. It’s like a pantry, but instead of storage for cans of food, it’s for storing cans of paint.

One day, it’ll be all nice and organized, but for now, the room is completely shelf-less, and our paint and tools live on the floor…

The other day the SOD in the bathroom was reeeeeeally driving me nuts though, so I posted a question about it on our Facebook page.

29 people responded…

To which I replied,

Thanks for the motivation Facebook folks!

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85 Responses to Bath Reno

1. Mindi says:

   Dec 2, 2011 at 9:15 am

   Ack!!! You took me through the entire post just knowing some great demolishing was comin’ and then all I saw was your hammer in the wall?!? Just FYI, I’m totally ok with seeing it all half-way thru with just a hole in your wall! I’m just so stinkin’ excited to see the end results I could burst! Keep ‘em comin’, photos of all the ‘in between’ stuff that is! I love your blog, thanks for sharing!

   

   Reply
   • Layla says:

     Dec 2, 2011 at 9:19 am

     Hey Mindi!
     That’s actually all I did that day- LOL!
     But as soon as we’re done shooting here this week (more footage for our HGTV pilot), we plan on attacking that sucker TOGETHER again! (Yes, I got Kevin’s blessing and he’s agreed to help me demo next time- hee hee.)

     

     Reply
2. Marina {YummyMummyKitchen.com} says:

   Dec 2, 2011 at 9:16 am

   H! That’s hilarious. I am dying to knock a hole in wall between the kitchen and family room… but I guess we had better have a plan for that project Your guest bathroom looks gorgeous.

   

   Reply
3. Vicki says:

   Dec 2, 2011 at 9:33 am

   You are very lucky you have a hubby that knows how to DIY! I would NOT be able to do that. That hole would stay there until I hired someone. Actually, my hubby would be all over the demo… but, THEN I’d have to hire someone. (HA!) I love the built-ins around the vanity. Y’all are so good at adding storage to all the rooms you re-do. That is so great!!

   

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4. Ginger says:

   Dec 2, 2011 at 9:36 am

   Yeah! I’ve been wondering when we were gonna get some more eye candy with that bathroom! I know how much a difference removing a wall can make. We just removed one between our kitchen and a windowless bedroom to give us a functional dining room. Best decision we made. Love the fact that there is actually light in there now.

   

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5. Robin says:

   Dec 2, 2011 at 9:43 am

   That’s just how projects get done around my house. Just punch a big hole and “viola” a reno is birthed. Looking forward to seeing your progress.

   

   Reply
6. Missy says:

   Dec 2, 2011 at 9:43 am

   Holy window wall batman! Do you know what kind of window you’re going to put in yet? I hope no one has to use that guest bathroom until you find something….they might just have to hang a towel over that hole! LOL
   Can’t wait to see it Lay!
   Missy

   

   Reply
7. judi says:

   Dec 2, 2011 at 9:47 am

   woo hoo! you go girl. you and kev are the ultimate diy go for it couple! i love ALL your reno’s and ideas. they have inspired me in more rooms than one. lol
   i thought our bathroom renovation was the longest in history, over one year. take a peek, if you’d like, here:
   http://the1829farmhouse.blogspot.com/2011/11/house-tour-bathroom.html
   and notice the overhead light fxture…had to drive 3 hours to buy it! but it was inspired by your reading room post.
   i think you’ll be SO happy with the light filled room…a vintage window would be really cool there too.
   judi

   

   Reply
8. Krys72599 says:

   Dec 2, 2011 at 9:49 am

   Talk about a cliffhanger!?! I KNEW we were going to see some demo as I was scrolling down, I just knew it! But to stop there?!?!?
   Layla! You can’t leave us hanging like that!!!
   Fine, I guess you can… I’ll be here, waiting for an update!!!

   

   Reply
9. Anna @ agoodhome says:

   Dec 2, 2011 at 10:02 am

   Bwahaha! Love that last picture. Yer so funny . You guys never cease to amaze me with you transformations. I LOVE your guest bath! It looks so good!

   

   Reply
10. susan says:

    Dec 2, 2011 at 10:04 am

    YEA! It looks great so far…don’t house projects rock?

    Today, our electrician is coming to start rewiring our 63 year old place-I cannot WAIT to have more than one plug in the kitchen AND be able to plug in the iron and my laptop at the same time-
    without blowing a fuse! Woohoo!

    

    Reply
11. Maureen says:

    Dec 2, 2011 at 10:04 am

    A girl after my own heart!! Every time I “decide its a good idea to renovate” I knock a hole in the wall I want moved, or opened up, etc.!! It gets the hubby’s attention and gets him motivated to get it done!

    I can’t wait to see your finished project!! Keep the photos coming.

    

    Reply
12. mandystansberry@yahoo.com says:

    Dec 2, 2011 at 10:06 am

    Ha, nice pic! The bathroom is looking amazing! Love the countertop and shelves. Go girl!

    

    Reply
13. Sabrina says:

    Dec 2, 2011 at 10:07 am

    So jealous… I need to redo a couple of rooms in my house… Will get done hopefully this year. Traded a Macy’s gift card for a Home Depot one with my best friend the other day… Makes my heart sing!

    

    Reply
14. hello haha narf says:

    Dec 2, 2011 at 10:09 am

    i’ve been so restless recently and this made my heart happy! you are motivating me…

    

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15. Nicole says:

    Dec 2, 2011 at 10:09 am

    Made my day to see your face poking through the hole in the wall. Thank you!!

    

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16. hello haha narf says:

    Dec 2, 2011 at 10:10 am

    p.s. i’m so not a home remodeling kind of girl just yet because i actually took several seconds to realize that the title of your post was not mentioning a city in nevada, but instead a renovation. bad, bad becky!

    

    Reply
17. Susana of Montessoricandy says:

    Dec 2, 2011 at 10:14 am

    Layla, you look great in the “hole in the wall” pic!
    I like how the remodel turned out! We just had to get our tiny masterbath done per the bank to do our refinance and they gave us 2, yes 2 weeks to get it done! It takes us forever to get stuff done around here too sometimes, but with the bank on our behinds we had no choice! Now I’ve got a lovely ( still tiny), yet lovely master bath! What helped us get it together so fast with the contractor was my master bath idea book on Houzz.com. I was easily able to see a scheme and have it come together! Love that place and have many of your photos as inspiration. Thanks! Now I’m just waiting for the grey ruffle curtain to come in from Urban Outfitters and she’ll be done!

    

    Reply
18. Kim in MD says:

    Dec 2, 2011 at 10:22 am

    Wow…you are very brave! I’m not sure I could have done that without a definate plan, but I’m so excited to see what kind of window you put in! You inspire me to “just do it”, Layla!

    

    Reply
19. polly dove says:

    Dec 2, 2011 at 10:25 am

    oh.my.goodness. unbelievable redo. seriously amazing! i just posted a before and after picture of my office and all i did was clean it! holy cow you guys are good! and you are too stinking adorable too! hole in the wall picture … priceless!

    

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20. the farmer's wife says:

    Dec 2, 2011 at 10:26 am

    Woo hoo! LIGHT–GLORIOUS LIGHT!

    

    Reply
21. Sara @The Fat Hydrangea says:

    Dec 2, 2011 at 10:28 am

    LOVE IT! I have a wall in my kitchen I’m DYING to do that too!!
    Cannot wait to see how it all works out!

    

    Reply
22. Sarah says:

    Dec 2, 2011 at 10:31 am

    Ohhh fun! Love it, demo, smashing walls, good times!

    

    Reply
23. Olivia Juenke says:

    Dec 2, 2011 at 10:37 am

    I love the monogrammed t-shirts or onesies. In fact I’m ordering one for my sister for Christmas with the discount! Thanks. And I LOVE what you’ve done with the bathroom so far, the “window” will be great too!

    

    Reply
24. Donna says:

    Dec 2, 2011 at 10:40 am

    This, Ms. Layla, is why your house looks the way it does and why my house still looks like it should be the backdrop for The Brady Bunch. The 70′s is a style. Not very stylish but it’s a style. Anyway, send some of that bravery up here to Ohio. I have a lot of work to do!!!

    

    Reply
25. Allyson says:

    Dec 2, 2011 at 10:51 am

    I’m so envious! I am dying to do this to my master bathroom. It doesn’t have a single window in it and it has been driving me crazy for 11 years. The real problem is the whole house back here is brick and hubby is terrified to touch it. I keep telling him all you have to do is chisel them out! Can you say “glass brick transoms”? I knew you could!

    

    Reply
26. wendy says:

    Dec 2, 2011 at 10:53 am

    OMG, Layla you are such a brave girl. So wish you have Kev’s surprised face on camera:) My project that I think will take a month seem to drag out for years (our bathroom). Your pantry looks great, it could be worse you could have a toilet and vanity in your foyer:)

    

    Reply
27. Beth says:

    Dec 2, 2011 at 11:09 am

    I love, love, LOVE your posts, ideas, creations, sense of humor – um…EVERYTHING I see on here! Went back and read the guest bathroom posts but somehow missed the tile info? I love it!

    

    Reply
28. jodi says:

    Dec 2, 2011 at 11:11 am

    Yep, the feeling of the hammer going through the drywall, and the light peeking in. Awesome. One idea? A friend of mine has antique windows built into some of her interior walls (up high) to allow light to travel through in style. The weathered frames add alot of character. I can’t wait to see what you do, it always is amazing:)
    Jodi

    

    Reply
29. Kate says:

    Dec 2, 2011 at 11:15 am

    The shot of the hammer in the wall, followed by seeing your cute little face popping through cracked me up! I can’t wait to see how it all turns out. I have $imilar issues with planned future renovation$ in our house too!

    

    Reply
30. rachel @ Just a Touch of Gray says:

    Dec 2, 2011 at 11:43 am

    Haha! I love it!! Way to go!

    

    Reply
31. Stephanie says:

    Dec 2, 2011 at 12:08 pm

    Love the reno! Such a wonderful job ya’ll are doing on your home.

    

    Reply
    • Layla says:

      Dec 2, 2011 at 12:48 pm

      Thanks, Stephanie! Slowly, but surely, it’ll all come together, right?

      

      Reply
      • Stephanie says:

        Dec 7, 2011 at 10:25 am

        I know exactly what you mean about slowly but surely! That seems to be the way things are going at my own home. One of these days, tho….

        

        Reply
32. Diane says:

    Dec 2, 2011 at 12:43 pm

    I love those small tiles with the wood frame of the mirror. Enjoy your new window!

    

    Reply
    • Layla says:

      Dec 2, 2011 at 12:47 pm

      Thanks, Diane! I’m looking forward to having some more natural light in there!

      

      Reply
33. Anna says:

    Dec 2, 2011 at 12:45 pm

    The suspense of this post was awesome! I look forward to seeing the project as it progresses!

    

    Reply
    • Layla says:

      Dec 2, 2011 at 12:47 pm

      Me too, Anna- LOL!

      

      Reply
34. Debbie says:

    Dec 2, 2011 at 12:57 pm

    hurry up! Just kidding, it’s going to be great, I can wait! Have fun!
    Debbie

    

    Reply
35. michelle starling says:

    Dec 2, 2011 at 1:21 pm

    Oh, that’s funny. I thought the paintry meant that it was a pain to deal with. Glad you explained. Great name for it though. I love what you’ve done with the bath so far.

    

    Reply
36. Kath says:

    Dec 2, 2011 at 1:52 pm

    LOVE the tile you used in the bathroom…and pretty much everything else too!

    

    Reply
37. Carol Adams says:

    Dec 2, 2011 at 1:59 pm

    Boy, that is nearly impossible to decide upon one fave but I have to say I really like: TDW Custom Stamper CS-3606…. I would be very happy with nearly anything on their site! Thanks for the giveaway!!

    

    Reply
38. Amber says:

    Dec 2, 2011 at 2:13 pm

    Oh, we really want to install some foggy box windows in our bathroom. So I vote yes so that we can learn how to do it! (We’re pretty intimidated by the project too!)

    

    Reply
39. Kim says:

    Dec 2, 2011 at 2:24 pm

    LOVE IT! The best was seeing your face peeking through the hole at the end. Hilarious. Can’t wait to see the results. Love the right side so far. I’ve also got a hallway begging for a transit window over the door to our laundry room. So much light in the laundry room, so dark down the hall. You’ve inpspired me! If I get the hammer out, I’ll send you a photo:). Happy Friday!

    

    Reply
40. Sarah M. says:

    Dec 2, 2011 at 2:29 pm

    I can feel your pain about everything taking $ome time to do! My husband and I bought an old home over a year ago, and we started a lot of demo but haven’t been able to finish any of it (ifyougetwhatI’m$ayin’). I’ve learned to live with the rooms not being decorated the way I want them, the bathrooms being so ugly I don’t like to turn the lights on when I’m in them (which can be a problem when you’re in a bathroom), and even the hole in the wall that we found when we took out a non-working fireplace. I know that there will be a day, many years down the road, when all of this will be fixed and beautiful, but I wish that time would just come a little bit faster than what the speed it’s going at right now! Oh well, such is life!

    

    Reply
41. JM says:

    Dec 2, 2011 at 4:05 pm

    The bathroom looks terrific! Wish both of ours were completed, not yet but getting closer.

    Where did you get your soap dish? I love it!

    

    Reply
42. Brooke @ Inside-Out Design says:

    Dec 2, 2011 at 4:18 pm

    I can’t wait to see how it looks with the little window into the “paintry”!! What a great idea!

    

    Reply
43. Sarah @ The Cyclist's Wife says:

    Dec 2, 2011 at 4:20 pm

    Wow. You two are amazingly talented. Want to come to my house? We have kitchen re-model phase 2 in the works.

    

    Reply
44. Silvia says:

    Dec 2, 2011 at 4:29 pm

    You’re awesome! I’m glad I’m not the only one that’s starts projects at the climax of frustration. The only catch is I don’t always tell my husband what I’m doing until it’s a little too late for him to talk me out of it. Lol. For example last spring he came home to a newly laid patio that my ten year-old and I laid while he was at work. I’m lucky he’s super laid back and always loves what I do but if I were him I’d be afraid to go to work

    

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45. Marie @ Sally Lee by the Sea says:

    Dec 2, 2011 at 4:59 pm

    Fabulous! I love how you just go with it when the mood strikes…cheers!

    

    Reply
46. Hilary says:

    Dec 2, 2011 at 5:04 pm

    You folks amaze me! My husband and I are (slowly) looking for a first home, and I often think of how many changes you two have made to your home with a lot of DIY effort! I’m not hoping to be as amazing as you, but you give me hope that we’ll be able to make a house our own!

    

    Reply
47. Louise says:

    Dec 2, 2011 at 6:13 pm

    Hee hee! Love it! Can’t wait to see the finished project! I know it’s going to be gorgeous!

    

    Reply
48. cherylK says:

    Dec 2, 2011 at 8:14 pm

    Isn’t there just something so cathartic about bashing a hole in a wall? I could actually picture myself doing the same thing.

    My mom did the same thing years ago…tore out a half wall. When my dad saw what she had done he very calmly said (pointing to another wall), “well, just don’t tear down THAT wall…it’s what’s holding the house up.” And he didn’t talk to her for about three days. I was SO proud of her!!!!!

    

    Reply
49. Tonya says:

    Dec 2, 2011 at 8:45 pm

    As you know for just a few bucks you can pick up a used window from your local Habitat for Humanity Re-store and can of frost paint and fix that right up. What ever you decide to do–I am positive it will be fabulous!

    

    Reply
50. Kim says:

    Dec 2, 2011 at 9:22 pm

    Wonderful! I love that you just knocked a hole right through it! “All in all it’s just another brick in the wall…we don’t need no education”…Sorry! I could not help myself.

    

    Reply
51. ~Tammy~ says:

    Dec 3, 2011 at 5:19 am

    This is awesome! Lots of great light! Where did you find the basket for your magazines to sit in? I’ve been looking for a market basket for my recipe books for some time! Thanks for the inspiration!

    

    Reply
52. Beth Norwood says:

    Dec 3, 2011 at 6:19 am

    Love that sink! Need a tutorial for that one!!! Beautiful job on everything!

    

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53. Amy Perkey says:

    Dec 3, 2011 at 9:15 am

    Love how you guys just GO FOR IT! Oh to be brave like that…(little intimidating for a beginner DIYer) and ONCE again I LOVE LOVE LOVE what you did. My daily visit to your BLOG never disappoints always inspires me. THANK YOU…

    P.S.: I volunteer my home to get a “LAYLA/KEVIN” inspired room. If you ever are looking for a room REDO in Ohio…my home would WELCOME you.

    Thanks again for all your inspiration…LOVE IT!

    Amy
    Dayton, OH

    

    Reply
54. Kim says:

    Dec 3, 2011 at 11:47 am

    My husband and I love your blog.
    I can’t wait to see how the bathroom turns out! I think every room needs some natural light.
    I love how half the room is remodeled and the other half is waiting for your touch.

    

    Reply
55. Traci says:

    Dec 3, 2011 at 12:46 pm

    Oh Layla! you are a nut just like me! I would totally do the same thing.
    I HAVE to have light! I cannot stand a dark room.
    Are you glad u did it?

    

    Reply
56. Kristi Staples says:

    Dec 3, 2011 at 8:36 pm

    I just realized I had an awful typo on my comment back in November! Somehow I missed the V in “lives”, which made the word LIES! Ugh! I’m such a goof.
    I am looking forward to seeing your bathroom when you get more done. I love basically every thing you do to your house! You’re an awesome inspiration for me! Thank you Layla!

    

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57. erin says:

    Dec 3, 2011 at 9:08 pm

    you are awesome. i would be scared i would take out something load supporting! i’ve got the fear, i tell you!

    

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58. Ter'e Crow Lindsay says:

    Dec 3, 2011 at 9:13 pm

    I can just see Kev walkin in the door……..do do do do do………….
    And Kayla yellin………”honey, I’m home”……………………
    You’ve been watching “The Shining” too many times.

    YOU GO GIRL!!!!! KNOCK ‘ER ALL THE WAY DOWN!!!!!!

    

    Reply
59. Melanie says:

    Dec 3, 2011 at 9:23 pm

    Yayyy! CHEERS, bathroom reno and more shows! enjoy!

    

    Reply
60. Janette@The2Seasons says:

    Dec 4, 2011 at 10:18 am

    This reminds me of a scene from a Martha Stewart movie where Cybil Shepherd, who was playing Martha, started tearing out a wall between the kitchen and something with great gusto in the middle of the night. You did to that in the daytime, didn’t you???? Also, have you every tried a solar tube? We have three for two baths and a hall that don’t have windows. (We had three in our last house, too.) It is a tiny sky light that connects through a long aluminum tube to the roof. It is truly magic how much light comes in with one. They aren’t as pricey and can be installed in about an hour or two.

    

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61. Barb says:

    Dec 4, 2011 at 12:43 pm

    Love your guest bath sink–who makes it and where did you get it–I’m looking online but don’t see one.
    thanks

    

    Reply
    • Layla says:

      Dec 4, 2011 at 1:13 pm

      Thanks! Ikea!

      

      Reply
62. Rhonda I says:

    Dec 4, 2011 at 1:22 pm

    Wow, you did it.. YES!! This whole episode made me smile..

    1) Because your vision is awesome and I’d love to see it realized for you.
    2) It’s neat you have a paintry.. ha.. I have a scary garage where my paint lives (It wished it had it so good, but it does my heart good to know others store paint somewhere)
    3) There is a hole in the wall dear Layla dear Layla.. YAY!!

    

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63. Jessica @ fourgenerationsoneroof says:

    Dec 4, 2011 at 7:50 pm

    YOu make me laugh! The picture with you in the hole is hilarious! Love the pics of the bathroom

    

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64. Beverly Palmer says:

    Dec 5, 2011 at 8:21 am

    I absolutley L-O-V-E what ya’ll (yes, I’m from the South) done so far in that bathroom! I want to come over and cut it out of your house and plop it in mine. Love the custom shelves and the farm table made into a sink is to die for!

    

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65. Amanda says:

    Dec 5, 2011 at 8:27 am

    Layla,

    I LOVE that tile behind the mirror – any chance you can share where it came from, and what the name is?

    

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66. Jeanette says:

    Dec 5, 2011 at 8:38 am

    Awesome what a gal with a hammer can do!!

    

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67. Mrs.B says:

    Dec 5, 2011 at 9:30 am

    Haha…LOVE it.

    

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68. Brie says:

    Dec 5, 2011 at 9:38 am

    Layla ~
    I love the light fixture. I love how it’s a pendant and not super low. I am looking for something similar in a a half bath of ours. It currently has a down light but I want to convert to a cute pendant. Where did you get yours?
    -Brie

    

    Reply
69. Kate says:

    Dec 5, 2011 at 12:18 pm

    Quick question… where is the incredible light coming from in your first after photo?! Is there another window or did you bring in professional lighting? (If this is a trade secret, you don’t have to share… but I would love to know!) I can’t believe that the right side is in the same room as the left side. Can’t wait to see the results!

    

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70. Amy says:

    Dec 5, 2011 at 6:37 pm

    OMG……I loooovvvveee your new guest bathroom….beautiful start….

    

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71. Nicki says:

    Dec 6, 2011 at 8:19 am

    Layla – LOVE the redo on your bathroom. The rest of it will get there! Now at least you have some natural light coming in. ) I love the basket you have the Country Living magazines in, where did you get those? Also, the baskets are super cute on the bottom portion of your shelves, can you share where those came from too? I could definitely use those in my bathroom!

    

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72. Anne says:

    Dec 6, 2011 at 9:48 am

    Love this post. Way to go Layla & Kevin! I love your ideas and thanks for sharing on your fabulous blog. It’s my daily go-to, must see blog

    

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73. Jenna at Homeslice says:

    Dec 7, 2011 at 5:53 pm

    Haha, yay! Can’t wait to see it! Those last pictures are hilarious by the way-

    

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74. Alana says:

    Dec 8, 2011 at 8:42 am

    Hi Layla, Love it! I am all about taking out walls, or parts of walls!
    Meanwhile, I am curious about the bathroom sink. It doesn’t quite look like an above mount. Is it a pedestal sink (top)? I love it.

    Thanks. I love your blog, though I mostly am a lurker.

    

    Reply
    • Layla says:

      Dec 8, 2011 at 9:22 am

      Hi Alana!
      Here’s a link to the sink: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40094582/
      Hope that helps!

      

      Reply
75. Sharon Stinson says:

    Dec 10, 2011 at 1:37 pm

    I love the bath reno – and all the projects you and Kevin tackle – I’m always inspired and encouraged to tackle my OWN projects; but mostly I’m relieved to know that I’m not the only one who takes a LONG time to finish them – ha! Keep up the good work.

    

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76. Carole says:

    Jul 26, 2012 at 6:18 pm

    One of my favorite pastimes is wielding a sledgehammer. lol

    

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77. Tiffany says:

    Aug 12, 2012 at 7:37 am

    Layla- What are the dimensions of this guest bath? It seems fairly small. I have a TINY bathroom and have had no inspiration to re-do. It needs a complete demo, and your guest bath has finally given me the inspiration I need. I’m just curious about those dimensions.

    

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78. Roxy says:

    Aug 22, 2012 at 7:58 am

    Hi! I love your website, btw! Any change you have more photos of your amazing bathroom reno? I am trying to do something similiar in my bathroom as I am small on space and minus a linen closet, so that cabinetry would be a great solution! Thanks again and good luck with your book!

    

    Reply