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hey there! I'm monica 

I pride myself on making amazing style and design accessible for everyone, regardless of location, budget, or ability! My design philosophy is rooted in authenticity + attainability - If I can do it, you can too! My work has been featured in countless publications, but I take the most pride in homeowners that have been personally inspired by my DIY ideas and have tried something in their own homes!

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Last week I mentioned needing to overhaul the 1/2 bath in the hallway on our first floor. We haven’t started that project yet (I’m dying to get started, but we’re waiting for a little more moneycashflow first), but I know exactly what we’re going to do. Like every other room in our house, I’m trying to move in the casual/coastal cottage feel. So you can expect to see lots of neutral colors, warm woods and rustic Pottery Barn-esque elements. The only thing I’m keeping in this room is the bathmat and the toilet. Everything else has seen it’s last day. Here’s our current “loo” situation:
On a side note: I didn’t realize how badly this bathroom needed a makeover until after I took these pictures. Can we say boring with a capital “B”?
This builders-grade vanity has GOT TO GO!
Same with that terrible light fixture. How have I lived in this house for almost 4 years and not changed that thing out? Blech.
I’m thinking this mirror needs an upgrade (like a frame) or a replacement. I’m leaning towards replacing it with an unexpected mirror. Something different and unique.
 Bathroom Makeover To-Do List:
1. Paint wide horizontal stripes on the walls.
 I’m thinking a tone on tone color, or even one color, painted in stripes with different sheens (semi-gloss and flat). I love these two colors that fall next to each other in the Benjamin Moore Historical color wheel: Elmira White and Grant Beige. You almost can’t see much of a difference which is exactly what I want. I’m not hoping to bowl anybody over with loud colors in this room.
Also, I’m thinking really thick stripes, maybe five total, ceiling to floor.

2. Build a vanity out of an old table or desk.

OK, this is my favorite feature for the bathroom and is non-negotiable. This means that the whole makeover has to wait until I find the right piece of furniture. I’m hoping my luck will kick in soon and my next trip to the ReStore or thrift store will be the winner. Anyway, this is obviously a job for my hubs, but I’ve researched it, and it really is a pretty simple project. (I can say this since I will not be the one doing it. Ha!) I also saw a few sink bowls for really cheap at the ReStore my last time in there.
3. Add decorative items that also work as storage.
Since this is the hall bath, I don’t need much in the way of storage, but I do want to be able to hang a few towels and keep extra soap and toilet paper handy, especially since there won’t be any storage under the new vanity. I’m totally in love with these vintage ladders and would be thrilled to score one. If I can’t find a real vintage ladder, I saw a great tutorial on how to make one here.
4. Install new lighting.
The look I’m going for with the lighting is industrial. Not so industrial that it’s modern, but just industrial enough to look rustic.

5. Add a few fun elements like artwork, possibly some decorative trim (crown moulding).
ReStore, here I come!
So, what are your thoughts about my Bathroom Game Plan? Am I missing anything? Is there anything you hate? Discuss!

The comments +

  1. Bethany says:

    Ohhh I love!! <3

  2. Janelle Speca says:

    your pallet shelves might go well in here too!!!

  3. Vanessa says:

    Love everything you picked out. I can’t wait to see when you get it all done. It’s going to look beautiful.

  4. MJ says:

    Love your style! Have you seen these lights from Lowe’s?

    http://www.lowes.com/pd_190827-76219-AAW1691STEEL_4294857032+4294867539_4294937087_?productId=1054411&Ns=p_product_prd_lis_ord_nbr|0||p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&pl=1&currentURL=%2Fpl_Wall%2BFixtures_4294857032%2B4294867539_4294937087_%3FNs%3Dp_product_prd_lis_ord_nbr%7C0%7C%7Cp_product_qty_sales_dollar%7C1&facetInfo=Wall%20Fixtures

    They are very similar to the ones that you had pictured and they are CHEAP (as far as lighting goes). They’re actually meant to be used outside, but I’m wondering if they’d work just as well inside?

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