This morning on Good Morning Arkansas I presented my latest Room Rescue Plan. Viewers in the KATV viewing area are able to send in photos of their problem rooms and I select one for a “rescue.”

Congratulations to Elizabeth in Stuttgart who was selected as the Room Rescue Plan winner. Here’s what she had to say about her bathroom:

A little about us… We moved to Stuttgart two years ago for my husband’s job. We lived in a motel for two months during the home buying search with four children, then ages 5, 3, 2, and 8 months. In finally finding a home, I was disappointed that it was not more “move in ready”. Our home is a work in process that never seems to end. The projects have been fun, but one room that gives us the most trouble is our bathroom.

Thanks for the photos Elizabeth! I understand your complaints about your bathroom and I’m glad to help! Here’s what I came up with for you:

I selected products readily available either locally or online. Everything was selected with a family-friendly budget in mind.

Walls: Sherwin-Williams SW6113 Interactive Cream

Trim & Cabinetry: Sherwin-Williams SW6119 Antique White

Cabinet Hardware: Martha Stewart Polished Nickel Knob

Mirrors: Gatco Max Rectangular Mirror in Chrome

Lighting: Hampton Bay 2-Light Chrome Bath Light

Faucet: Glacier Bay Chrome Faucet

Bench: Oxford Vanity Bench

Bench Fabric: F. Schumacher Empire Poplin Stripe in Sky

Countertops: Zodiaq Cygnus Pearl

Flooring: Honed Travertine

Here’s a quick sketch of my after plan. Here are my top tips:

• By moving the seated make-up area to the center of your cabinetry, you’d be able to have 2 sinks. A new vanity should be installed with the sink countertops at 36″ high. This keeps adults from having to bend over so much. The center area should remain at 30″ high. A painted finish provides a fresh clean look.
• After removing the wallpaper border (yay!), install a good-sized crown moulding. You won’t believe the difference this will make.
• I’m quite concerned about the location of your toilet. In the photos, it appears to be a road block in front of your laundry room door. You also complained about the smallness of your shower. I would recommend moving the toilet to the current location of your shower. In it’s place, you could install a floor-to-ceiling cabinet to store toiletries and linens. Replace your current freestanding tub with a built-in tub and shower unit. Although, I generally would prefer a seperate tub and shower in the master bathroom, it appears not to be the most logical option for your bathroom.
• The mirror over the make-up area should be built-in and framed with trim painted to match the other mouldings in the room. Above the sinks, install pivot mirrors.
• The bench at the make-up area is an affordable online find. You can paint the wood frame and reupholster the seat for a custom look on a budget.
• Replacing the door to the laundry room with a 2-panel door adds more character to the space. Adding frosted glass in the upper panel adds an additional reflective surface and makes your room unique. Upgrading mouldings around the doors and windows makes a huge impact!

I hope these tips help you to create the bathroom retreat you desire. I’ll be sending all the details of your Room Rescue Plan in mail shortly.

Good luck!
Tobi