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You are here: Home / Favorite Posts / Cottage Bathroom Makeover

Cottage Bathroom Makeover

Jul 1, 2013 By Layla

Hooray! It’s cottage bathroom makeover reveal day!

Here’s a quick look back at the inspiration and ‘before’ photos…

lettered_cottage_bathroom_inspiration

lettered_cottage_half_bath_before_1

…and here’s what we had fun coming up with over the past five months!

Lettered_Cottage_Half_Bath_Makeover_Bird_Wallpaper_Wedgewood_Gray

We’ve been calling it the “bird bath”, and my favorite part is definitely the sky-themed wallpaper. I love the movement and sense of whimsy it adds to the room!

Lettered_Cottage_Half_Bath_Ceiling

After it was installed, I started to bring in all the “fun stuff”. The first thing we hung up was the mirror. I found it on Lowes.com for about $175 less than one just like it on PotteryBarn.com. I love it because there’s no frame to compete with the painted paneling behind it. I also love that its little chrome brackets tie in with the chrome faucet and toilet paper holder. (Note: I *may* switch out the toilet handle for a chrome/porcelain one in the future- but I’m still undecided on that because I like the way that ties in with the door knob, and I like all of our oil-rubbed bronze doorknobs. #ToBeContinued)

And speaking of the toilet paper holder…

I knew, the second I saw it, that this was holder for me:

Lettered_Cottage_Half_Bathroom_Toilet_Paper_Holder

See how it mimics the shape of the hooks on the bent wood shelf above the toilet?

Lettered_Cottage_Half_Bath_Hooks

I LOVE that! #LittleThings

And speaking of the bent wood shelf…

I found it on Ebay about a year ago, and I really like how it brings the warmth of the wood dresser, up to eye-level…

Lettered_Cottage_Half_Bath_Ball_Jar_Towel

…and to keep things nice and cohesive, I also brought in some warm wood behind the bathroom door:

Lettered_Cottage_Half_Bath_Ladder

It’s the top portion of an old apple-picking ladder-turned-towel/magazine/book holder, and I got it at the Nashville Flea Market for $10 a few years back.

To counter the darker tones of the dresser, shelf, and ladder, I brought in some lighter earth tones, too.

Lettered_Cottage_Half_Bath_Shelf

Numbered toothbrushes, soaps & sea sponges, and a couple of hanging items- all of which we moved over with us from our last house.

Lettered_Cottage_Half_Bath_Makeover_Mirror

Obviously most of these things probably won’t get used in this room because there isn’t a tub or shower in here, but it was a super cost effective way to decorate the room (#free), and I like really the character and texture (and scent!) they add to the room.

As I was hunting for hand towels to use in this room, I noticed that I was more drawn to dish/tea towels than regular bath towels- so I decided to go with it, and man did I have fun looking for them! There are so many great ones out there! From Etsy, to Ebay, to Ikea and Walmart- I’m smitten, and I love the extra cottage-y energy they bring in to this tiny room.

1Canoe2_Calendar_Tea_Towels

…and since it is so small, I didn’t want to introduce too many contrasting colors when it came to the decor in here, but I did bring in the color navy to keep things from feeling too “soft”. There’s such a crispness that comes along with the color navy, and I really think it did the trick in here.

Lettered_Cottage_Half_Bath_Towels_Navy

I shot little videos of the makeover along the way, but make sure to click the little Settings button and select 720p HD if you decide to watch it…it looks fuzzy if you don’t:

The-Lettered-Cottage-Half-Bath-Makeover_Video

It isn’t a “how-to” video or anything…just something I put together to document the process, with a few little tips along the way. (Email subscribers will have to visit TheLetteredCottage.net to view the video below.):

(Click here to view the video on YouTube)

So there ya have it- from builder basic brown, to bird bath blue- it’s been a fun room to play with, and now it suits our personalities to a T!

The_Lettered_Cottage_Half_Bath_Makeover_Before_And_After

Before I sign off- here are links to all the half bath makeover-related posts I’ve published since we started this series back in February…

1. Half Bath Redo

2. Tile and Wood

3. Paint and Paper

4. Sink

5. Barn Light

6. DIY Magazine Holder

…and here’s a room resource list in case you’re shoppin’ for something similar:

Bird Wallpaper: Hygge & West
Pine Paneling: Lowes
Paint Color: Wedgewood Gray (Benjamin Moore)
Hex Floor Tile: Overstock
Dresser: vintage
Vanity Top: Home Depot
Glacier Bay Teapot Faucet: Home Depot
Gatco Frameless Pivot Mirror: Lowes
Wall Shelf: Ebay
Ladder: Nashville Flea Market
Bird Planter: vintage
Navy & White bowl: vintage
Honeycomb Soap: Etsy
Sea Sponge Soap: Etsy
Sea Sponge: Etsy
Soap on a Rope: Etsy
Hanging Brush/Stone: World Market
Calendar Tea Towels: 1canoe2 for Anthropologie (but I got mine on Ebay!)
“Ball” Perfect Mason Jar Tea Towel: Lemonade Makin’ Mama on Etsy
Plaid Dish Towels: Walmart
Navy & White Dish Towels: Ikea
Barn Light: Barn Light Electric
Arran Apothecary Hand Wash: World Market
Toilet Paper Roll Holder: Pottery Barn
Toothpaste: Marvis Classic Strong Mint
Wooden Toothbrushes: Izola
Seafoam Green Step Stool: Etsy

Happy Decorating!

Filed Under: Favorite Posts, Half Bath

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Previous Post: « Goin’ to the Chapel!
Next Post: The Chapel Market Update! »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kathleen

    Jul 1, 2013 at 1:46 pm

    LOVE the vanity/dresser. And the wainscoting. And the color scheme. And everything! You guys are amazing–I’m SO enjoying reading through your blog and looking at all the pics…thanks for the inspiration!

  2. Erin

    Jul 1, 2013 at 1:46 pm

    SO, Layla, I have to say, before I saw your completed bathroom, I was not a fan of wallpaper. I mean, you should see what I have to live with. Brown butterflies, another is shells, and the other is yellow with old tiny flowers. What can I do, it’s rental. When I first saw what you were going to put up, I thought cute, but that was it. OMGosh!!! The little birds look awesome!! The whole bathroom is so airy, loving the light fixture. You both did an amazing job.!!!!! So jealous!!!

  3. Laurie

    Jul 1, 2013 at 1:50 pm

    Charming and beautiful… Love the blue-gray beadboard paired with the warm browns and all the pretty retro touches. The graceful birds are the perfect note of whimsy with the wood. lots of character for such a little space. …and an adorable name! I think just saying “I’m headed to the bird bath” would make me smile every time : )

  4. Megan

    Jul 1, 2013 at 1:57 pm

    Love it!! It makes the room look so much bigger. Can you come and help me decorate my bathroom now?

  5. Laurie

    Jul 1, 2013 at 2:00 pm

    Love the video too! you are so fun and joyful and inspiring : ) I love the idea of dish towels in a bathroom!

  6. GumTreeGirl

    Jul 1, 2013 at 2:40 pm

    I love the wall paper and that you call the bathroom “the bird bath”. Who new a bathroom could have such a cute name! Oh and I wish I lived near Alabama so I could gome to your chapel market.

  7. Gail

    Jul 1, 2013 at 2:48 pm

    Looks great Layla! What a fun space with so much whimsy! Y’all did a wonderful job. 🙂

    Gail

  8. Dawn

    Jul 1, 2013 at 2:53 pm

    The cutest half bath ever! There are a couple of ideas I may steal to fix up our main bath, namely the pine paneling to cover a few “issues” and a shelf/hanger to replace an ugly oak medicine cabinet. So lovely!

  9. Tara Bird

    Jul 1, 2013 at 3:00 pm

    Gorgeous Layla! Would you probably NOT recommend wall paper in our bathroom since we have a tub? Our bathroom is set up like yours with the high molding, but we have a tub in there…Thanks!

  10. Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse

    Jul 1, 2013 at 3:12 pm

    My favourite thing is that little foot stool in front of the drsser so that tiny little hands can be washed!

    • Layla

      Jul 1, 2013 at 3:43 pm

      Thank you! I can’t wait to see a little one standing up on that stool, too! 😀

  11. Inger-anne

    Jul 1, 2013 at 3:14 pm

    I love the video you put together! You have such a delicate and fresh way of decorating. Looking forward to your next project…!!

    • Layla

      Jul 1, 2013 at 3:43 pm

      Thank you so much! What a fun comment you left for me to find! 😀 #daymaker

  12. Demelza

    Jul 1, 2013 at 4:13 pm

    That is so beautiful, Layla! And you are so lovely on camera that I can’t believe you’re not on HGTV star right now!

    • Layla

      Jul 1, 2013 at 4:24 pm

      Thank you! We just started watching last week- fun stuff! 😀

    • Dalia

      Jul 5, 2013 at 5:55 pm

      I second that! I have a feeling you will be Layla.

  13. Heather

    Jul 1, 2013 at 4:26 pm

    Love the way it turned out! Beautiful and whimsical! Also, in case you’re looking for input, I’d leave the toilet lever as is. I like how it ties in the with the doorknob and adds a little contrast. 😉

  14. Sharon Herbitter

    Jul 1, 2013 at 4:52 pm

    What a GORGEOUS bathroom! You all did a spectacular job — and I love your video! I live in Prattville, so the Chapel Market is ON MY CALENDAR. I am going to hunt you down to meet you in person — I can’t wait!!!

  15. Suzanne B.

    Jul 1, 2013 at 5:21 pm

    Hi, Layla. This turned out just DARLING. I absolutely love it. I also love how generous you are with your photos and info … there is apparently nothing stingy about you. 🙂 Thank you for sharing with us. Just love this!

  16. Mary@athomeonthebay

    Jul 1, 2013 at 6:05 pm

    It looks beautiful Layla! I love all the details!

  17. Brenda

    Jul 1, 2013 at 6:09 pm

    Do you have a link for iPad users? Video won’t show. 🙂 Love the makeover!

  18. Jean

    Jul 1, 2013 at 6:17 pm

    oh, my gosh! It’s fantastic! I love the whimsy of the bird wallpaper. Too fun!

  19. Karen

    Jul 1, 2013 at 6:59 pm

    Before looked like a hole. Your version is light and welcoming. Great job.

  20. Rhonda Bradley

    Jul 1, 2013 at 7:01 pm

    What happened to your ceiling vent? I thought they were required in bathrooms without windows.

    • Layla

      Jul 1, 2013 at 7:13 pm

      Hi Rhonda! I’m not sure if they’re required or not, but the one that was in there was broken and it wasn’t our style aesthetically, so we ripped ‘er out! 😀

  21. Laura @ Finding Home

    Jul 1, 2013 at 7:46 pm

    Love everything about it – and proof that even a totally different style bath can have a cottage look. Can’t wait to head to Alabama in October!

    Take care, Laura

  22. Chanelle @ Aruba Villa Rentals

    Jul 1, 2013 at 8:39 pm

    I could sleep in that bathroom!haha..I like it so much. The color and the wall paper are just refreshing.

  23. Christy@Confessions of a Serial Do-it-Yourselfer

    Jul 1, 2013 at 10:06 pm

    What a fun makeover! I live the whimsy that the wallpaper adds!
    XO,
    Christy

  24. Susie

    Jul 1, 2013 at 11:47 pm

    One word….Dynamite!!!!!!

  25. Nita{ModVintageLife}

    Jul 2, 2013 at 12:24 am

    This is just the cutest of the cutest of bathrooms. I’ve been missing your old house but I know you’ll make this house even cuter than the last…and this is just an example. Can’t wait to see what you do to the kitchen.

  26. Barbara Krueger with Big Rock Lanterns

    Jul 2, 2013 at 7:18 am

    WOW . . . you did a fabulous job. It’s so dang pretty!

  27. Marian (Sweetopia)

    Jul 2, 2013 at 8:15 am

    Yay! It’s beeeautiful! I love it!
    Congrats on your new bathroom makeover and thanks for the how-to video – so helpful!

  28. Janet

    Jul 2, 2013 at 8:43 am

    I LOVE that wallpaper! “Birdbath” describes your new bathroom perfectly! We just finished remodeling a full bath and like you, I so enjoyed decorating it with found things!

    Bravo and well done!

    xo

  29. Jenny Rose

    Jul 2, 2013 at 9:55 am

    Question: I’ve never used Overstock. Is it worth it for cost savings or does it just give you good selection?
    Lovely job. Particularly love the bird paper and your name for it!

    • Layla

      Jul 2, 2013 at 9:57 am

      Thanks, Jenny! 😀 I had never purchased anything from Overstock before, but I shopped around for plain white hex tile and that’s as low as I could find it, so I snapped it up! 🙂

  30. Kayla

    Jul 2, 2013 at 10:45 am

    Stunning transformation!!!! I love the soft color palette with the warm wood tones!! The hexagon floor is one of my favorite elements in the room!!! Awesome job as always!!!

  31. Jessica @ Dear Emmeline

    Jul 2, 2013 at 11:21 am

    gorgeous! I LOVE your color choices. Consider it pinned!

  32. candi

    Jul 2, 2013 at 11:24 am

    Your space is so beautiful. I wish I had a small bathroom to redo just like it! I am loving your colors and textures! Can’t wait to see your living room space someday!

    • Layla

      Jul 2, 2013 at 11:47 am

      Thank you, Candi! I appreciate your kind comment so much! 😀

  33. Lisa @ Lisas Creative Designs

    Jul 2, 2013 at 12:22 pm

    Oh your bathroom is beautiful. I am a huge fan of bead board and the birds are so whimsical! Love the blue on the walls too!

  34. Stacey

    Jul 2, 2013 at 4:19 pm

    So pretty! I love the dresser you used instead of a typical bath cabinet 🙂

  35. Prestige One Landscaping

    Jul 2, 2013 at 5:09 pm

    The after product is gorgeous! Everything matches so well together and it actually looks bigger. Although I have to say the bottom part of the sink from the before picture is very cool.

  36. Evan G. Cooper

    Jul 2, 2013 at 5:25 pm

    LOVING all these wardrobe changes! haha!

  37. Jamie

    Jul 2, 2013 at 6:46 pm

    OMG I’m in love! I love everything about this! You truly have a vision 😉
    Hugs,
    Jamie

  38. Izabela

    Jul 2, 2013 at 7:03 pm

    Awsome! It looks amazing

  39. Erin

    Jul 2, 2013 at 7:48 pm

    I love it! The wallpaper is so fun and whimsical!

  40. Marianne in Mo.

    Jul 2, 2013 at 10:02 pm

    Stunning! Love the dresser with the bird paper! What talent you have, as well as a spouse with the same taste as you !! =0)

  41. gourmet goddess

    Jul 3, 2013 at 7:22 am

    gorgeous , love all the details you applied that tie everything together ….

    gg

  42. Shannon [Our Home Notebook]

    Jul 3, 2013 at 1:18 pm

    I love that wallpaper and dresser turned vanity. What a beautiful little room! So enjoyed your video of it all.

  43. Margaret Shaw

    Jul 3, 2013 at 2:07 pm

    Such an amazing job, it’s fresh with clean lines and bright colors with wonderful contrast. Love it!

  44. Michelle

    Jul 3, 2013 at 3:00 pm

    Love your bathroom makeover! So beautiful! Great job 🙂

  45. Karah @ thespacebetweenblog

    Jul 4, 2013 at 8:38 am

    WOW!! Stunningly gorgeous!!

  46. Ter'e Crow Lindsay

    Jul 4, 2013 at 9:14 am

    This bathroom has just left me speechless. It is so FINE, that I don’t even know how to comment on it, without writing an absolute BOOK!
    You have so many things crammed into one space, so much to think about, that it is probably the most beautiful tiny room I have ever seen. I just want to sit and stare at the photos.
    And, by crammed, I mean that in a delicious way!!!!!
    I went down and looked at my tiny bath and said “are you kidding”??????? I picture RE-DO real soon. Here I am thinking I am all cute and all that……..(lol)……..and after seeing your beautiful bathroon……….I am closing my door until I can concoct a plan!
    Everything you did is just spot on. SPOT ON!!!!!! This is beauty in it’s best form, Layla and Kev. It was well worth the wait!!!!!!
    Thank you for the eye candy.
    Wait —- eye candy in a bathroom????? Well, you know what I mean!!!!!
    xoxoxoxoxo

  47. Kathy McDonagh

    Jul 4, 2013 at 2:03 pm

    I’ve been waiting so long to see the final results. Well worth the wait! I’m so inspired! Thank you 🙂

  48. Traci (@beneathmyheart)

    Jul 4, 2013 at 8:49 pm

    I absolutely love it, Lay!

    I just wish I had your decorating touch. I need you up here so badly.
    #pleasecomebackandseeme

    xoxo

  49. Jenny@EvolutionofSle

    Jul 5, 2013 at 12:58 pm

    Layla, it is perfection! I love every element that you’ve chosen, and how it all works together. So fresh and so pretty! That wallpaper is fantastic!!

  50. Dalia

    Jul 5, 2013 at 5:53 pm

    Layla I love how it turned out!! Love it! Thank you so much for sharing it and giving credit on where to find the great items. I love LMM items, I love her etsy shop!

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