Bathroom Renovation
· Makeovers · #thingsorganizedneatly, barbara reich, bathroommakeover, Bathroomrenovation, clean, Closet Makeover, OrganizedMy own bathroom renovation was one of my most satisfying projects. Working directly with a fantastic contractor, eliminating the decorator, and trusting my experience were all key to getting the project done efficiently.
The project was delayed multiple times: the Covid pandemic caused us to postpone the renovation from our initial March of 2020 start date to September of 2021. Then our architect/designer delayed the project until January of 2022, then to July of 2022, and then August of 2022 when we parted ways. Although this caused a considerable amount of stress and frustration, the end result was well worth the aggravation.
In October of 2022, we finally started the project. In addition to updating the decor, we also changed the bathroom layout. By swamping the location of the toilet and shower, we created a “wet area” for the shower and tub separated from the rest of the bathroom with a glass partition. We then created a toilet closet where the shower had been.
The bathroom features the following:
Oversized white wall tiles (39” wide by 13” high) and floor tiles (24” square) both from Porcelanosa cover the entire bathroom, floor to ceiling, including the toilet closet.
Gold schluters (typically used as a trim) are used as a design element, creating a stripe around the bathroom.
Gold pentagon mosaic tile from Cancos is used in bath and shower insets to create visual interest.
A deep blue custom vanity in lacquer with six large drawers (three on each side) and a hamper provides ample storage and a contrast to the white walls and floors. Gold hardware and trim complement the gold accents elsewhere in the bathroom.
Six inch deep Robern medicine cabinets with internal outlets were selected, so my husband’s electric razors and our electric toothbrushes are no longer stored on the counter.
From an organizational perspective, I included the following:
- Acrylic drawer inserts trimmed with gold inside the vanity drawers.
- Built in outlets inside the vanity drawers for hair styling tools
- A built in cabinet in the toilet closet for toilet paper and other personal supplies.
More moves take place in the summer than any other time during the year. In addition to my tips in this month’s issue of 
with health issues, and the burden of caring for her father can be overwhelming. Thanks to an organization called Luke’s Wings, I was made aware of the situation, and teamed up with ClosetMaid and Hooplah to help.
Registered Dietitian Lara Metz and Professional Organizer Barbara Reich are joining forces in their newest venture, Curated Kitchen. Their combined expertise gets to the core of how a curated kitchen will enable you to live a happier, more balanced life. Together, they will edit your kitchen, eliminate unhealthy food, unnecessary kitchen clutter and leave you with a newly stocked, better organized space to gather with family and friends. Not only will you receive recipes, nutrition, and organizing tips, but your whole family will enjoy a kitchen makeover that pleases every palate.
A few years ago, my mother decided it was time for me to take possession of my childhood memorabilia. For several weeks, she sent boxes of childhood art, trophies, and yearbooks. While I did save a few college papers I had written, yearbooks, and awards, all of my preschool and grade school artwork went right into the trash. After being saved for 30-40 years, and being moved into 4 different homes, the vast majority of it meant nothing to me. This is what I try to impart to my clients who want to save everything their children create… most of it is not worth saving.
