Updating a vintage bathroom in a 100-year-old building.
Recently, I had the chance to move into a classic Oak Park condo. Built in 1928, the building has obviously had various updates over the years and I wanted to do a few updates of my own before we moved in. I had a limited time frame, a modest budget and BIG DREAMS.
First, what my priorities? In my looooooooong history as a renter I have always been unhappy with my bathroom (except in cases where the landlord let me do my thing). This 2 bedroom unit has a perfectly passable (if small) bathroom with a pedestal sink, recessed medicine cabinet, vintage floor tile, and wonderful window light! Due to the budget and time time constraints, the floor tile and tiled walls stay.
Even though I have a beautiful little linen closet right outside, I needed to add some storage so I went with a vanity cabinet sink.
Honestly, this decision was hard to make, but it directed a lot that came afterwards. I was open about color and limited by the needed dimensions. I wanted decent quality (Ikea+), at least one drawer and freestanding on 4 legs with space underneath to clean the floor.
These parameters narrowed the search quite a bit and I settled on this one from wayfair. It was a great value with the sink and fixture included and ticked all of my boxes.
A new medicine cabinet was also in order. The old one was beyond a good cleaning and being a lifelong pet peeve, I opted for a new one. Again, dimensions led the search. A a prefect fit for the hole in the wall was not available, the size needed to cover the hole narrowed my search. So, I went with a basic side hinge mirror by Glacier Bay from Home Depot.
OK, time to replace the light! Bought a black one to match the fixture and had to have at least a 5 inch projection to clear the new medicine cabinet. These parameters brought me to this light.
Finally, the crown jewel, a new toilet seat and bidet! The toilet seat is wood and sturdy (I have a 9 year old) and the bidet was a slim version to accommodate the narrow space.
I bought a black curtain rod to match the fixtures and my old shower curtain (from Target before the boycott). A rug from my friend and same little trashcan with a lid that I have been using for years.
Of course, the LifeHack team did the labor and were amazing. Order was – demo, paint, medicine cabinet, light, sink and vanity, seat and bidet.
I also added a tension rod to the shower to hold my many curly girl shampoos and potions.
Been living here a week and we love it! Next (and final) addition will be a behind-the-door book rack for my avid reader!
And just like that, the bathroom of my dreams!
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