Bungalow Bathroom Remodel

Here We Go Now...

Bathrooms, Resources, Restoration Diary

1. Toto Promenade Toilet, 2. Schoolhouse Electric Hendrix Ceiling Fixture,
3. Schoolhouse Electric Sage Sconce, 4. St. Thomas Creations Richmond Pedestal Sink, 5. Delacora Double Handle Lavatory Faucet, 6. Randolph Morris Clawfoot Tub Package, 7. Plisse Extra Wide Fabric Shower Curtain,
8. Hotel Shower Curtain Rings, 9. Carrera Marble Floor Tiles, 10. Dal-Tile White Ceramic Subway Tile
Not pictured: Wall Mounted Shower Hoop in nickel

We have been talking about redoing our bathroom for years. When I say years, I mean 7. So when we decided to remodel the bathroom our conversation went something like this…

Me: I really want to redo our bathroom.

Husband: So, lets do it.

Me: Really?

Husband: Yes.

Me: Are you sure?

Husband: Yes.

This conversation took place over the phone during my husband’s lunch break. By the time he came home from work that evening I had ordered everything for the bathroom down to the switch plate covers and the shower curtain rings. The contractor was scheduled to start on Monday. I had set up interviews with electricians and plumbers for the following day. No turning back now!

Bathroom Before, it can only get better from here!

Comments { 20 } June 1, 2010

Our Favorite DIY Resources

Salvage Yards & Architectural Salvage in Los Angeles

Resources

architecturalsalvageSilverlake Architectural Salvage

We put together a DIY City Guide: Los Angeles of our favorite resources for our friends at Charles & Hudson.

Here is a little preview:

Favorite Salvage Yards & Architectural Salvage
Santa Fe Wrecking Company
1600 S. Santa Fe Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90021, on the corner of Santa Fe Ave and Olympic Blvd in downtown Los Angeles, ph: 213.623.3119.
They have a large supply of doors, cast iron tubs, toilets and sinks.

Silverlake Architectural Salvage
1085 Manzanita St, Los Angeles, CA 90029, between Sunset Blvd and Santa Monica Blvd, ph: 323.667.2875.
A real gem. Their inventory is constantly changing. They have furniture, built-ins, light fixtures, a large supply of doors and over sized windows, hardware, and bath fixtures. They will negotiate on price.

Pasadena Architectural Salvage
30 S. San Gabriel Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107, ph: 626.535.9655
Inventory includes mantels, lighting, stained glass, iron work, plumbing fixtures, door & window hardware and furniture representing the Arts & Crafts, Spanish Revival, Art Nouveau and Victorian periods.

Freeway Building Materials
1124 S. Boyle Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90023, at Opal St. between 7th and 8th Streets, ph: 323.261.8904.
This place was featured on season 2 of “Top Design” and is a favorite of Hollywood prop masters and set designers. Large supply of doors, stained glass windows, door knobs, old brick, flagstones, lumber and unusual objects. The prices are negotiable.

Olde Good Things
1800 S. Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90015, ph: 213.746.8600.
Architectural antiques, artifacts and oddities. It is worth a trip. I go here if I am looking for something out of the ordinary to decorate a room. I find their prices on the higher side.

Visit Charles & Hudson to see more recommendations!

Comments { 1 } February 3, 2009

Copper Screen Door

Products, Resources

Two years ago the cast and crew of Restoration Realities spent a weekend helping us insulate our front windows and build a period-appropriate screen door.

Since then I’ve managed to stick a rocking chair through the screen and also ruin the door jam. Everyday the tear in the screen seems to get bigger because now the animals have become accustomed to using that hole as a pet door. The screen door also frequently gets stuck in the door frame when the handle is locked and the door is slammed shut.

So after months of procrastinating, I’ve decided it’s time to finally restore the Restoration Realities screen door. The first thing we have to do is find a new screen. Heather has always wanted a copper screen in the door, and we’ve tried to find it locally but with no luck. So recently I did some searching on the internet and was able to find a copper wire mesh at Metro Screen Works which we will be ordering next week.

Comments { 3 } March 25, 2007

Bathroom Hardware

Tracking down vintage bathroom accessories

Bathrooms, Resources

We have purchased several items from Vintage Tub & Bath and been very happy with their products. They often have close outs, sales and clearance items so if you are patient you can usually purchase what you are looking for at a discount.

I have also purchased a Victorian decor tank lever from Fashion Plumbing.

Please feel free to post your sources for bathroom accessories and hardware in the comments section.

Comments { 1 } January 5, 2006

Garage Doors

Find appropriate garage doors for your bungalow or older home

Garages, Resources

Our garage needs an intervention!

Our garage needs an intervention!

I have read that a simple door upgrade can give your garage a whole new personality and that is what our garage really needs – a new personality (among other things)!

The following companies offer vintage inspired garage doors, although costly (think investment). But, how can you place a price on a whole new personality? Just kidding…

(more…)

Comments { 7 } April 15, 2004

Replating or Metal Plating

Antique light fixture was replated and looks like new

Resources, ,

We purchased an antique die cut brass Art Nouveau chandelier on eBay for a very good price because the orginal plating was heavily scratched and worn away.

We sent the chandelier to Bungalow Metal and had it replated in antique satin brass finish.

(more…)

Comments { 2 } March 13, 2004

Wood Blinds

Found - Affordable window coverings

Products, Resources

We ordered 2″ wood blinds for our den from an online company called Just Blinds. For the money (i.e. affordable), we are very satisfied with the product. The blinds were custom made for our window sizes.

Just Blinds sent us free color samples so that we were able to match the blind color to our woodwork. The stain we chose is called Russet.

Comments { 2 } February 27, 2004

Living Room Resources

Paint, stain, and products

Resources,

:: Paint ::
Ceiling Color: SW 6387, Compatible Cream
SHERWIN WILLIAMS
website: www.Sherwin-Williams.com

Wall Color: HC-34 Wilmington Tan
BENJAMIN MOORE Historical Collection
website: www.benjaminmoore.com

:: Stain ::
Read all about the paint stripping and staining process, the stain color and stain recipes here.

:: Reproduction Casement Window Latches and Entry Door Strike Plate ::
HOUSE OF ANTIQUE HARDWARE
3439 NE Sandy Blvd P.M.B. 106
Portland, OR 97232
phone: 888.223.2545
fax: 503.233.1312
website: www.houseofantiquehardware.com

(more…)

Comments { 0 } February 16, 2004

Dining Room Resources

Resources,

:: Paint ::
Ceiling Color: Devine Maple from the Natural Blondes palette
DEVINE COLOR
website: www.devinecolor.com

Wall Color: HC-28 Shelburne Buff (sort-of)
BENJAMIN MOORE Historical Collection
website: www.benjaminmoore.com

After recommending this lovely color to several people we consistently heard back that the color didn’t look as yellow on their walls. We thought maybe it was because the walls were first painted a red color (a huge mistake) and the red tone was bleeding through. After further investigation, we realized that our paint color is actually a variation of Shelburne Buff – a mistake when our color was originally mixed! A happy accident because we love the color.

:: Stain ::
Read all about the paint stripping and staining process, the stain color and stain recipes here.

(more…)

Comments { 2 } October 26, 2003

Recommended Reading

These books have been invaluable during our home restoration

Resources

These are the books that I refer to time and time again:
Bungalow Kitchens
Bungalow Bathrooms
Bungalow Colors Exteriors

Other great books:
Outside the Bungalow
Inside the Bungalow
Dare to Repair

Magazines:
American Bungalow
This Old House
Old House Journal

Websites:
American Bungalow Magazine’s Online Forum

Other home restoration websites:
HouseBlogs.net

Comments { 1 } October 5, 2003