Throwing out the towel

Something is getting me down. It’s the bathroom. It should really be the nicest room in my house. It’s quite big, for a one bedroom flat, and gets the most sun out of all the rooms. But it’s a dive. Want to see the grot?

messy bathroom

Excuse how blurry the pictures are, but believe me, it’s better that way.

pink bathroom cabinet

My main bathroom beef is that whoever done it left all the pipes visible at ankle height. Now aesthetically I’m all about an exposed pipe – very Ensuite – but in terms of cleaning they’re a nightmare. Add to this the nasty plastic bath panel held on with Sellotape and the chipped bath with granny grab handles, not to mention the peach paintwork…

replacing bath panel

I feel like sealing the whole thing off and getting a shower at the gym. I feel a bathroom makeover brewing. The budget is going to be very limited, but I’m thinking new bath, basin and tiles, plus a fresh floor and some damp resistant paint for Pete’s sake. I’ll be back later in the week with moodboards and ideas. All suggestions welcome.

16 Responses to “Throwing out the towel”

  1. kate
    February 18, 2013 at 11:06 am #

    Unlikely to be top of your list, but I’m obsessed with – and plan to steal – my friend’s double shower curtain idea, which I’d never seen before: essentially two separate shower curtains hung from the same hooks: a plastic-y one for inside the bath to do the job, that you don’t see, then a lovely crisp white cotton waffle one (hung from the same hooks) that dangles on the outside of the bath and just looks decorative (and, apparently, diminishes drafts). It makes the idea of a shower curtain less shower curtain-y. Good luck with the makeover.

    • baby style file
      February 18, 2013 at 11:14 am #

      I have one of these double shower curtains (John Lewis stocks them) and it does indeed help.
      x

      ps. I LOVE your painted drawers and flower painting.

    • myfriendshouse
      February 18, 2013 at 12:07 pm #

      Thanks Kate. Yes the shower curtain vs shower screen discussion has been had at home, and I think a curtain is favoured. The only thing is they need replacing so often, but maybe getting a proper fan to keep the room ventilated will help. Great suggestion x

  2. Helene
    February 18, 2013 at 1:19 pm #

    If you find the shower curtain of your dreams, buy two of them so you have the replacement ready for when it’s needed. Expensive, but probablly cheaper than the screen option and screens can be a nightmare to keep looking nice.

  3. Decorator's Notebook
    February 18, 2013 at 4:26 pm #

    Shower curtains give me the creeps – in my experience the only solution is to buy the cheapest white one you can get from Primark and replace it with a new one every couple of months.
    I’m screen all the way if there’s a choice – doused daily with that toxic shower spray to fend off London limescale.

  4. Madeleine
    February 19, 2013 at 7:08 pm #

    That really is quite shocking, you must attack it as soon as possible!

    • myfriendshouse
      February 20, 2013 at 10:18 am #

      Thanks. Don’t hold back!I shut my eyes when I have a bath at the moment x

  5. Lisa
    February 21, 2013 at 9:51 pm #

    I’ve used a shower curtain (cotton) with a liner (plastic from Ikea) for years. One way to keep them from getting moldy is to pull it across when you are finished showering, so that it isn’t all bunched up. That way it dries faster. It also hides the tub, which I like. The plastic liners can be machine-washed with a little bleach as well.
    Would the cute pink dresser fit next to your sink or is it too big and/or deep? Seems too nice to put under the pipes.

    • myfriendshouse
      February 22, 2013 at 7:18 pm #

      Thanks Lisa
      getting a lot of shower curtain tips. I don’t want a screen so I think this is a great solution. As for the pretty dresser… I kind of like it next to those ugly pipes. And it fits in that alcove with like 0.5mm to spare on each side. It was meant to be.

  6. pippy1958
    February 22, 2013 at 3:55 pm #

    Re the curtains, I’ve seen two shower curtains used, with the break in the middle – makes it a bit theatrical! We’re having a new bathroom fitted and am finding it really difficult to get a sink unit which isn’t hideously expensive. I’d prefer a sink on it’s own but need the storage. Any ideas?

    • myfriendshouse
      February 22, 2013 at 7:21 pm #

      My friend got an old chest of drawers and put a (probably cheap, Bathstore.com) vessel basin on top. Needed a plumber to sort it, but looks pretty chic and not too costly x

  7. Jane
    February 22, 2013 at 4:06 pm #

    Im thinking of going all out on mine and going in this direction: http://www.isuwannee.com/2013/02/whats-so-special-about-this-room.html

    I like the idea of the chevron striped bath.. and wallpaper.

    • myfriendshouse
      February 22, 2013 at 7:17 pm #

      Oh wow that is FAB. Love a bit of jungle print wallpaper, no matter where it is. Goes with everything!

    • myfriendshouse
      March 2, 2013 at 1:04 pm #

      Thanks for that – love the shower head. And your blue kitchen too. What a great colour x

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  1. Bathroom ideas part 1 « My friend's house - February 20, 2013

    […] after sharing my bathroom shame earlier in the week, I’ve been looking around for inspiration for what to do with it. As […]

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