Master Bathroom Makeover Reveal + CD Towers turned Vanity Storage
Well, here she is! In all of her more modern than cottage (but still a good mix of both) glory, our Master Bathroom Makeover is finally done!!! Oh how sweet the sound; the last part of that sentence. haha! It’s always so exciting to be able to check-off another finished room on our huge “spaces to makeover” list, but like I mentioned before, this project threw us for a loop. With a LOT of brainstorming on how to make this bathroom “House of Smiths worthy” (aka: pretty, organized AND functional) we eventually pulled it off, and now we can show you all the fun little details through pictures!
Shelf, Silver canister and Yellow box – HomeGoods, Frame – Down to Earth, Monogram print – Brightsides Design
Light and Ceiling medalion – Lowe’s
Round mirror – Joss & Main, Bath accessories – World Market, Outlet covers and Hardware – Lowe’s
Yellow sign lettering – HofS Design Shop, White rag rug – World Market, Yellow rug – Thomas Paul via Joss & Main
One of the really cool DIY features that we’ve been dying to show you in this space, are our Ikea CD towers turned bathroom vanity storage! It was all Cason’s idea and it worked SO well!
We both knew we needed just a little extra storage in this space, but just weren’t exactly sure how to go about it, until we were strolling through Ikea one day and Cason said… “Babe, hear me out… if we’re going to build shelves or something for the top of our counter anyway, why not just get these CD towers and cut them down? They’ve already got drilled holes, shelves AND a notch in the back to go over the granite backsplash!”
Yeah… he’s all sorts of awesome, I know.
๐
Like we do with most of our big projects we started with a sketch idea. Cason came up with the below image at the beginning (before the CD rack idea)… and I must say, I think we did a pretty good job of replicating it!
Here’s a quick tutorial on how we did it:
First we assembled the 2 Ikea CD towers, measured how far apart they needed to be on our counter top and then ran a board along the top of both towers, to make one cohesive piece.
Then we built a 3 sided box on top of the first board base, holding the two towers together. Mainly this was done to add height and create somewhere for us to adhere the crown molding to, so the whole thing looked a lot more like a built-in unit.
The small board across the bottom in this photo was just used temporarily to hold the whole unit together, so it was stable and to keep it square.
Lighting came next. We used a hole drilling bit on the end of our drill and made three holes for our integrated lighting fixtures we got from Ikea.
As you can see below, they were fitted into each space, and then wired from the top, into our existing outlet. (that’s what Cason’s working on in the photo)
Cason does really well with electrical-type projects, but we had to get a little creative with rigging everything up and then had an electrician friend come make sure everything looked okay. If you’re just changing out one light for another, straight across, then doing it yourself works awesome!… but if things call for a little bit more maneuvering, you might want to call in an electrician to help do the job.
๐
I love the look on Cason’s face as the lights came on and worked for the first time. He looks like a little kid doing a science experiment. ha! Gotta love when things just work like they’re suppose to, eh?
While Cason was busy playing electrician, my Dad attached some decorative molding to the front of the cabinet with a pin nailer and he also attached the doors we made to the fronts of the CD towers.
To make the doors we just used a primed MDF board and routered the edges to give them some interest. Easy as that!
Once the whole unit was mounted to the wall in our bathroom, we puttied the nail holes, painted the unfinished parts and then caulked up any gaps or spaces. After that was done my Dad helped create a template for our new hardware and drilled the holes so that I could screw them on.
In the end… This is how it all turned out. We la-la-la-LOVE it!
Visually it’s a really cool piece to have in the bathroom, because it totally changes the whole look of the space, but it’s also given us the AWESOME additional storage we needed as well! We definitely hit the jackpot here and got the best of both worlds, with minimal work.
I can’t believe that this bathroom is FINALLY done. Eeee!
Now… for a nice, long, hot bubble bath.
๐
Madeleine @ NZ Ecochick says
Wow well done. Looks amazing!!! You'll enjoy soaking in this dream bathroom. Have fun M xx
Unknown says
AMAZING!! I love Every.Single.Detail in that entire room!! I want it for my own!! ๐
Unknown says
Beautiful!!!! Great job!!!!
Anonymous says
Hello Shelley! I love your Blog! Your bathroom is wonderfull! Greetings from Germany, Raphaela
Anonymous says
Oh my gosh! Talk about clever – that cd tower make over is one of th best I've seen. Thank you so much for sharing how to do it. You guys rock!
Kate. Mkc1970@aol.com
McKenzie @ Girl Loves Glam says
That cd tower storage is incredible! It looks just like a custom built in!
Leslie Stewart says
Ok! you guys rock! How creative and talented!
Beautiful makeoverโฆ.
Leslie
House on the Way
Nancy@owensolivia says
Love it Shelley! Great job!
Suzzi says
Ohhhhhhh I am soooooooo doing this!!! Thank you so much for sharing and solving some storage issue at the same time.
Have a great week! May it be as fruitful for you as this post is for me!!
PS: LOOOOOOVE this blog.
Cheryl says
Wow! I was thinking how much I love the mirror surround. I never would have guessed it was made of CD towers! What an ingenious idea, executed to perfection!
Anonymous says
Love your bathroom…please come do mine? Also love that your dad is working with a dress shirt and tie on!
Mary
Unknown says
Great job! It looks so much more grand.
Kim says
Beautiful! I love it.
Cindy Jenkins says
Wow! Uh-Maze-Ing! Love the makeover….ALL of it….and that Ikea CD tower idea is BRILLIANT!
Michelle says
It looks absolutely fabulous! You, Cason and your dad did a wonderful job!! I love the idea of using the CD towers.. very creative!
Unknown says
What is the name of the paint color on the walls?
Little Oak Creations says
Fantastic! What an awesome idea with the CD racks, it is such a great focal point for the room.
claudiaberry@gmail.com says
this looks awesome, I love the CD case storage idea!!!
annie says
seriously amazing bathroom!! house of smiths strikes again!
Sue says
Love your built-in over the mirror,just beautiful! Also, I just but wainscotting in my hallway, but I think I will take a page out of your book and add half round moulding to soften it a bit like you did. Thanks for the inspiration!
Samantha from Colonial Curve Cottage says
So completely love it!!! I wish in Ontario we were allowed to hang lighting over the tub, it's against code here. We can have a light in the shower but it's a certain kind and it's certainly not pretty! Well done, you've made me rethink some stuff!
Kate Harvey says
I absolutely love this, especially the cozy and chic bathtub area. I love the light hanging down–makes that area feel so special, like you're truly at a spa! You and your husband are tres talented….
Juanita @ The Scrap Cave says
OMG, you guys are brilliant! Cason, I have no words. The CD tower turned storage units are incredible and perfect! The whole bathroom looks amazing but I am just blown away by those! Great teamwork!
Alesha says
I love the way you guys think! The cd tower idea was amazing! =) I love the final product!
Alesha <3
Patty V says
absolutely gorgeous, love the idea with the cd towers. I have a builder's basic mirror in my master bathroom and this would work for me. The whole project is beautiful
Shayna @ Brightly Inspired says
Lovely job! The details are simply perfect. LOVE!
Anonymous says
Love the bathroom, Shelley! And that "life doesn't have to be perfect…" sign is perfect.
Tina
singin(at)compuserve(dot)com
Nicole says
Um, wow! What an AWESOME idea. Major props to Cason for seeing the potential in 2 Ikea CD towers. I am forwarded this to my hubby in hopes I can convince him to help me do this to our master!
SheilaG @ Plum Doodles says
Wow,wow, wow, your bathroom is a perfect blend of glamour, cottage chic, and just plain awesomeness! I love the cd rack idea- I've been wanting to do something like that between our sinks, and this would be a good way to make it happen. Thanks! ๐
Wanderer says
What color is your paint Shel?
Amber says
That CD tower storage is AWESOME! Your bathroom is absolutely gorgeous!
Kristin says
Beautiful! Love you enthusiasm, ideas and your blog
Unknown says
I adore that lampshade and the molding! Stunning!
Anonymous says
I love this! I might have to try the cd tower idea in my bathroom! I noticed that in some of the pictures there appears to be a piece of artwork that is turquoise and yellow and has birds on it, but it is not there in the end. Can you please post a photo of that art?
Anna Whiston-Donaldson says
Gorgeous! What an inviting bathroom!
controlling craziness says
Love the CD storage turned vanity storage. You are right, it gives the mirror a whole new look. What a clever husband you have. Thanks for sharing.
Unknown says
Amazing with the cd cases! I would have never thought of that! I am really not a fan of medicine cabinets (especially bc in our Master bath it throws off the symetry of the double sinks.), this is a great solution. The total makeover is awesome, but of course isn't every HOS project?
Mere and Jonny says
WOW! You guys are amazing! I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT! The shelves on teh side of the mirror are such a great idea! I love that rug (yellow/white one). You did a great job!!
Amber says
How are the lights at night and for doing makeup?
Unknown says
Is there no shower over your tub? I love the look but dont' think I could do it with my shower? I LOVE the CD tower solution over your sink- it's beautiful! Wish I would have thought of that LOL
Unknown says
This is beautiful! And I love that your dad is working in a tie! lol!
Trish Rooney says
Beautiful! Thanks for sharing all your great ideas..I especially love the CD towers converted into storage and frame around the mirror.
Kristin@bliss-athome.com says
Fantastic storage! xo Kristin
Unknown says
Your bathroom make over is gorgeous! I wish I had half of your talent….and ambition. You are inspiring me though. Much to my husband's dismay. ๐
I love that your father is working in a dress shirt & tie!
Nana says
I LOVE the sink cabinet! You both are so creative. It's got my wheels spinning on what I can do in our bathrooms. Love your blog!
Our Pinteresting Family says
What a beautiful transformation. Cason is genius for coming up with that cd tower idea. What a neat idea. ๐ I also really like what you've done with the walls surrounding your tub. It is certainly a fantastic retreat. Megan
B's Mommy says
Now that's a reveal worth waiting for!! Brilliant idea for the IKEA CD towers! I love how your dad dressed up for work ๐
Liz says
Sweet! I saw some clear acrylic cd storage cubes awhile back on clearance and thought about doing something creative with them. Its amazing what you can do with a little ingenuity! I la la love it too. Great job and keep up the good work!
Liz natelizandthekids@blogspot.com
michelle@somedaycrafts says
This is brilliant and beautiful! I wish I had that bathroom! I am featuring this at somedaycrafts.blogspot.com
Unknown says
Oh, JINGS! I love this! So gorgeous and the mirror surround is TO DIE FOR! Pinned!
Kristy @ Shona Skye Creations
shonaskye.blogspot.com
Andrea says
This comment has been removed by the author.
Andrea says
Awesome bathroom! Question about the light over the tub… Did you purchase it that way or did you add the picture inside yourselves?
Nicki says
Love the final product! It looks amazing! I am just wondering if you have a separate shower or did you decide to nix the shower in lieu of the supersweet bath experience?
Nicki says
Love your bathroom! I love the ingenuity of the CD Tower/storage to frame the mirror– BRILLIANT! Thank you for your wonderful ideas and tutorials! Just wondering… do you have a shower somewhere or did you decide to nix the shower to allow for the supersweet bath experience?
kelly says
That adds some much visual interest it's amazing! Good job! Yeah your dad really dresses up to work in his white shirt and tie!
Desiree @ The 36th AVENUE says
Oh my this is brilliant! I love the new fresh look!
Unknown says
that's awesome! love the over all feel of your bathroom, so very spa like!
20 North Ora says
Beautiful job!! Really looks nice.
Judy
Jenelle Little says
This is beautiful, great job! I know this is a bit random, but Ikea makes an orange plastic template thingy for installing cabinet hardware. It's maybe $1 or so? It works amazingly well. Just thought I'd let you know for your next project. ๐
Susan says
This is brilliant! I can't wait to try it in my bathroom (one day)!
Susan
makeeatwear1.blogspot.com/
Lucrecia says
I LOVE it!! What a great way to add storage, without an ugly medicine cabinet!! I also always love to see pictures of your dad, straight from work – without even taking off his tie! Dad of the year for sure!!
Katy McCormic says
Is the photo-lined lamp shade over the tub from Lowes too? Wondering if it was a DIY or a lucky find?
Amy @MoMomma says
This is Great! I love your innovative organizational ideas!
I have a question -did you build right over the exsisting lights? Do you still use those lights (and they reflect on the ceiling?) or did you take them out? Is the new recessed lighting tied into the wall switch or do you have to plug them in? Thanks for answering! mrsmomomma at aol dot com
Aimee says
Love how your Dad comes over on Sundays to finish up! I love the look of your new bathroom; I do have a question. What happens when white isn't popular anymore? Will you get new cabinets or strip the paint off? I am too scared to pain new looking cabinets white. Old ones- no problem.
Aimee says
there is a separate shower- you can see it in the mirror's reflection
Aimee says
there is a separate shower- you can see it in the mirror's reflection
Emma says
Your bathroom looks amazing. I love the storage towers. You are so awesome for sharing your hardwork. I really like the calm soothing colors.
Clarina1985 says
Love it! Looks amazing… you must be so pleased with it!! Well done for all your hard work. It looks very House of Smith now!
Claire x
Allison {A Glimpse Inside} says
It looks amazing! LOVE IT! Our bathroom needs a makeover… eventually! lol Awesome idea with the CD towers and I love how your dad is working in nice clothes and a tie! ๐
Lori says
That bathroom storage is seriously the icing on the cake!! Awesome! Love how you guys thought out of the box to come up with this creative storage solution. It's perfect! You totally deserve that relaxing bath ๐
Megan@Just For Me...And You says
Turned out so gorgeous! So clever to use CD storage for bathroom storage. Love it!
Jill says
Oh I love the Ikea hack for the piece around the mirror. You guys are so creative!! Thanks for sharing!
Nicole Shah says
Another amazing transformation! Great job!
Deborah says
How nice! Love the creative use of the CD towers. No shower in here?
Laura says
Absolutely stunning!!
Laura says
Absolutely stunning!
Lisa @ Cozy Condo Living says
Beautiful! I am loving your built-ins and am going to give it a try in my bathroom. We have the same storage issues and even have our electric toothbrushes out on the counter. We only have one bathroom so it doesn't look so great when guests come over. I love that your bathroom looks so calm and relaxing.
Janet says
You two are so creative and talented! Your bathroom is beautiful!
Laree says
awesome idea – and I your dad drilling in a tie makes me happy!
Anonymous says
Your bathroom is so cute!!! Janice
Sew Can Do says
Fabulous and so creative to come up with that idea. It looks so high end!! Awesome as usual:)
Jill says
So beautiful! And I think I've seen your dad working in a shirt and tie before on your blog! That's dedication! Another job well done, ๐
Jennifer@ClassicStyleHome says
I love it!
Anonymous says
Gorgeous! I love the CD tower idea! How clever! Don't you just love an inspiration that strikes out of the blue? Congrats on such a beautiful reno.
Bernice says
Great job! It looks so much bigger now!
Andrea @ Decorating Cents says
I really love all the molding throughout the room. The space looks so much larger.
Kyra @ RACKS and Mooby says
Love that CD tower idea!! I may steal that for my girls' bathroom…
Michelle says
love the shot of your dad drilling holes in his tie!!
Nancy Wyatt says
I absolutely LOVE this and that is the kind of storage I need!!! Way to go Cason!!!
Anonymous says
I know you probably said it a few times…. but, what is the paint color? I fell in love with your mud room color "Wood Smoke" and painted our living room that color and love it everyday! Is this Wood Smoke also?
Thanks, Janelle
Julie says
A-mazing!! Love that smart hubby of yours!
Reenie says
WOW!! Love it. What a great idea Cason ~ woot!! Love how your Dad is always there to help…. even in his tie and dress-shirt ๐
Great job!!
M.D. says
This looks great! I love every inch!
M.D. says
I love ever inch! Great job, it really has inspired me to rethink my DIY projects.
Vintage Romance Style says
Gorgeous girl! Is the unit actually attached to the wall? Did I not see that part in the tutorial?
Boutique hotels upper west side manhattan says
Wow!!! Loved the interior. Looks awesome! Thanks for sahring
Alicia {Giving the Good Life} says
Dear Smiths- Please move to my house and perform mind-blowing makeovers. Please also bring your dad. I'll babysit! ๐
JENNY @ jennybandco.blogspot.com says
absolutely gorgeous!!!!! thanks for sharing with us!
JENNY @ jennybandco.blogspot.com says
absolutely gorgeous! thank you for sharing!
Laura Z says
You are so awesome! I love how creative you guys are with things-I never would have thought to use the ikea CD shelves!
Adina says
This looks ah-mazing!!! You guys did so well!!
christinekellogg says
That is gorgeous!!! So ingenious to make those CD towers into storage…LOVE it!!!!
New condos in manhattan says
Wow! Looks amazing. Mind blowing idea. Thanks for sharing
Anonymous says
Hello!
Love the batbroom! In the picture of your dad drilling in his dress shirt and tie, there is an awesome picture with birds on it above the toilet. Would you mind sharing where you got that?
Thanks!
Unknown says
I can not describe in words … the whole house – my dream house. All the details, colors, textures … all mine! I really want to implement many of your ideas. And, hopefully, some of the details of your home will find life in my house))) Greetings to you all from the Ukraine.
Unknown says
I can not describe in words … the whole house – my dream house. All the details, colors, textures … all mine! I really want to implement many of your ideas. And, hopefully, some of the details of your home will find life in my house))) Greetings to you all from the Ukraine.
Erica says
Is the sink hard to clean, for instance where the sink meets the vanity top?
Lena says
I love that your dad dresses so professionally when helping.
Anonymous says
Most clever and pretty make-over, congrats. One caveat, though: The lamp over the tub fails electrical code not only in Canada but also in the USA. However, I read recently that a new type of steam-proof but pendant-style fixtures can be bought, though I have yet to find them in real life at a store. The danger is not only splashing but also condensation water from steam in the bath, be that generated by the shower or by a hot bath! Please stay safe and well…
Mrs. Crane says
Love the lamp over the tub! And the quote on your sign!! You did a wonderful job!
Check out my DIY shelves for extra storage!
Stacey
misadventuresofthecranes.blogspot.com/2013/07/new-bathroom-shelves.html?m=1
Kari Olar says
Love this bathroom! I am going to do this in my master. I could use some more storage. Thanks for sharing.
Classy Clutter says
Are you friggin kidding me!? This is amazing! CD Towers!!!! Hello, awesome! I love it! Now all I want is a house of my own to build stuff! Someday soon I hope!
Looks amazing Shelley! Keep up the mind blowing projects!
Hugs, Mallory @ Classy Clutter
Unknown says
This is so brilliant!! It looks absolutely gorgeous, Shelley!!
Unknown says
Awesome!!! that is wonderful,I like DIY too,may I know how much was the extendable wall mount mirror?
Lindia says
$9 at Ikea
Unknown says
Love this bathroom โ especially the shelves.
Anne Meade says
Love this, and would love to try something similar, but can you describe how you attached the CD towers to the wall? It sits on top of a mirror, right?