Trash to Treasure {After}

Here they are, one week later.

Black & White Toile with Green Piping

Trash to Treasure {Miller Beach}

Last weekend I was able to enjoy a last-minute getaway to Miller Beach with my BF, KMRB.

We lounged, read, walked on the beach, had dinner at Flamingo and I found a curb-side treasure.

Original condition. Not bad, but I prefer paint over natural wood. The mint green & pink striped fabric seat radiocarbon dates this find back to 1984.

When I arrived in Miller I saw this set of occasional chairs next to our neighbor’s trash.  Much later that evening during our walk home from Flamingo I noticed they were still there! I took that as a sign and asked Kathy to help me haul away the loot. Thanks, Kathy!  You were so helpful and I’m glad it brought back memories of dumpster-diving behind RadioShack with L.
The cane back and frame were in perfect condition and I love the style. A mixture of Empire & Louis XVI. The back flaring saber legs resemble a klismos chair.

Chair after sanding and two coats of black paint

After painting black I have decided on toile.
Now, I must find the perfect the perfect one.  Off to Discount Fabric Warehouse (2121 W. 21st Street, Chicago) and the Mart.

I have plans this weekend after all.

Black & White Toile

Best,

Tracy

Bath Rehab {After}

Recycled a few original items. Budgets are no fun!

At last, the bathroom is complete!  We re-used the Hollywood light fixture and black ceramic wall inserts.  I found an old oak {not my favorite species of wood} medicine cabinet at The ReBuilding Exchange (3335 W 47th, Chicago). Wanted to paint it white, but was over ruled.

Here’s the break down of costs:

• $214  – 120 sq. ft. of subway tile
• $60  –  Cement board
• $144  –  24 sq. ft. mosaic marble floor tile
• $25  –   Medicine cabinet (from ReBuilding Exchange)
• $37  –  Window & door trim
• $14  –  1 qt. Paint
• $22  –  2 bags of grout
• $88  –  Vanity (Home Depot)
• $46  –  Shower Head &  Faucet
• $???  – Dozens of hours of work!

Subway Pattern

My favorite part of the whole rehab is the floor.  Here’s a close up of a tile.  It makes me giddy.  Can’t believe it was only $6 a sq. ft.!

Hopefully someday I will post pictures of a bath rehab with a larger budget.  A girl’s gotta dream!

Best,

Tracy

Mosaic Floor tile

{Bath Rehab} During

Lovely Lavender, wish it was gray

What I’ve learned so far:

• Never send a color blind man to buy gray paint.  Good chance he’ll come back with a shade of lavender.
• Cut cement board outside. The dust is so fine it’s like smoke.
• White grout does not stay white for long.
• Think twice before tossing old Kohler sinks.
  

  Still looking for a sink and medicine cabinet that fits

Window trim, TP holder & grout needed

Subway pattern over cement board - tub surround

Pushing Tin: with a mallet and chisel {Bath Rehab}

An apartment in our building recently, and abruptly, became available for rent.  I am thrilled!  Finally we had a chance to address much needed improvements. We wasted no time gutting the bath.  The painted-over tin tiles were practically dangling from the wall!

This is how the bathroom looked right after the tile and some plaster were removed.  My hands are a mess!

We decide to keep the WC and tub because they simply don’t make them like they used to.   I am all for consuming less, including water.  But I don’t like flushing to be an anxious game of chance…  The “antique” cast iron Kohler sink was put in the alley and gone the next day.  I may regret that one.

Check back for future During and After posts.  It’s going to be quite a transformation.

Best,

Tracy

Tub Surround-Exposed lath

Tile and most adhesive removed