Tomorrow Mike the Handyman will begin tearing out my bathroom, in phase one of the Great Renovation. He was supposed to start today but called in sick, so I have had a bonus 24 hours of controlled panic. I have dreaded this project, but it’s inescapable.
Here’s why:
The turquoise and mauve color combo is classic 1957, all original to when the house was built. I like 50s style, but this is going a bit far even for me.
In addition to being ugly, it’s falling apart. The tiles — which are plastic, a cost savings for the original owners and a tragedy for everyone else — are almost free of their grouting in the bath and also falling off the wall over the radiator. I’ve been ignoring it ever since I moved in, but if I ever hope to sell the place I’ll have to deal with it, and I might as well do it sooner so I can enjoy it.
Click through to see more details of the horror of the plastic tile.
Here’s the tile over the radiator. Note the loop of duct tape, a hasty repair I tried when friends came to visit.
Here’s the shower/tub, with tiles completely gone and a hole through to the open air inside the wall. I’ve been taking only baths for four years — not a problem for me, because I prefer a nice bath, but it means I feel awkward inviting out-of-town friends to stay with me.
But see, this is what I like about the bathroom: the funky fixtures. Very space-age. I can’t find fixtures like this at Home Depot, or anywhere else I’ve looked.
The new bathroom will have subway-style tiles — 3 x 6 inches, staggered like bricks — in vanilla, with a gray border like the black detail in the current setup, and black marblish flooring. I’m keeping the current tub, sink, toilet. Unfortunately I need to replace the faucets and such because the chrome is corroding. Still looking for a 50s-themed set, but running out of time.
I’m pleased with the plan, but I bet 40 or so years from now, someone will be cursing me and my odd design sense, just as I’m wondering about the folks who designed the current look.