Canadian House and Home’s online photo gallery on Budget Decorating Ideas is a nod to the notion that most people like to create stylish interiors without spending a fortune.
While all of the images are inspiring, I have been in love with the bathroom below since it appeared in H & H’s Makeover issue last year. It belongs to House & Home senior editor Meg Crossley and is an example of how a little paint goes a long way. She took an inexpensive washstand vanity from Canadian Tire and painted it the same beautiful light blue (Sico’s Georgetown Sandstone 6157-31 which looks more green on the chip) as the panel moulding. Rather than installing a new tub, she gave it a facelift by painting the tub skirt in the same colour. Genius! I posted about Meg’s basement reno here.
I just picked up H&H’s annual Kitchen and Baths issue which is not included with the annual subscription. Although some rooms have been featured before in the magazine, there are a few new and notable kitchens and baths which you will want to see.
The vanity’s open shelf and the legs add an airy quality to a small bathroom. Below are some leggy vanities I found online, all for less than $500. The first three are from Home Depot. Even though the second and third have closed storage, they appear less weighty thanks to the glass and the combination of closed storage and open shelving. I would probably paint over the stain in either a white or a beautiful colour that relates to something else in the room, as in Meg’s charming bathroom.
These two are from Lowe’s. Again, you can paint them or keep them as is.
If money was no object, then this one from Restoration Hardware would do the trick. No painting required and it includes the marble counter. Love the combination of the shelf and drawers.
If you need help with updating a bathroom or any other home design or decorating project, please contact me at vanessa@vanessafrancis.com
Nancy@marcusdesign
March 31, 2010Great finds Vanessa! I do love the Restoration Hardware vanity. And thank you for reminding me to go pick up the H & H Kitchen and Bath issue!! I’ll make a special stop at the store today 🙂
AB HOME Interiors
March 31, 2010Oh those are great vanities. I love how they painted the first one the same color as the wall!
DesignTies
March 31, 2010I love Meg Crossley’s basement bathroom too, Vanessa… in fact it gave me a few ideas for our basement bathroom (once we get it plumbed in, of course!). We used a Home Depot vanity & sink set for one of our bathroom makeovers (previous home) that I was very lucky to get for just $250… and it was a great piece! HD… one of my favourite stores!
Victoria
The Zhush
April 1, 2010I agree, that bathroom is classic and chic in its simplicity. That Canadian H and H is such an inspirational site!
Pinecone Camp
April 1, 2010I just love Meg! She’s a fun person to work with, and so talented. You’ve got me think bathroom reno today…where to begin?
Nancy@marcusdesign
April 2, 2010Hi Vanessa! I have a little something for you over on my blog 🙂
Developing Designs
April 5, 2010Love Meg’s bathroom, perfect example of how paint can go a LONG way. 🙂
Great finds/suggestions on the inexpensive vanities. Though, on some you have to be careful, for some models/manufacturers charge you for the shelf and definitely the top which can add quite a bit to the price.