Host Joan Steffend and designer Barbara Sculati transform a basement bathroom into an Italian-inspired space.- The walls are unified with a plaster finish using joint compound mixed with one-half cup of latex paint and one tablespoon of brown craft paint. It's applied with a grout float and pulled away to create peaks, then knocked down a bit for subtle texture.
- Peel-and-stick faux stone tiles bring a cohesive look to the floor.
- Pillars are used to trim out the unfinished door; the top is bridged with scrap molding.
- The unsightly pipes are hidden behind yards of stenciled fabric hung from cup hooks in the ceiling. More of the same fabric is used for a sink skirt, shower curtain and to cover the louvered doors.
- A garage-sale sideboard is painted black and decoupaged with magazine pictures on the doors. Gold craft paint is applied to the raised panels and a scarf is used as a runner. Second-hand lamps with fabric-covered, feather-embellished shades complete the design.
- Above the sideboard, they attach an old window that's been given a Venice-inspired view with a poster attached to the back. Shutters with fabric inserts frame the "view."
- Two candle sconces are mounted sideways and outfitted with a gold-painted dowel rod to become a unique towel rack.
- Rugs are repurposed into interesting decorative elements. One is cut up to give a regal look to the commode--one-half is used as a tank topper and the other is turned into a toilet cover. Yet another rug is cut in half and used under the buffet and toilet.
- Other interesting elements include a Victorian plant stand repurposed into a toiletry holder and a tissue holder made out of a keepsake box.
Itemized Design Elements
$30 - wall treatment (paint used to tint joint compound: Behr - Dante VP13; Menard's - Delta Ceramcoat, Brown Velvet)
$8 - molding
$106 - linoleum tile (The Home Depot: Traffic Master - Morocco Slate and Verde Stone)
$19 - pillars
$21 - curtain (fabric outlet; craft paint used for stencil: Michaels - Decoart, Venetian Gold; clip rings: Target - #6870225)
$18 - sink skirt (fabric outlet)
$15 - mirror (thrift store)
$4 - jewelry shelf
$35 - vanity (estate sale)
$39 - window (poster: Art.com - "Blue Boat - Venice, Italy" by Dennis Barloga, Code B802 1003-5324A; stained-glass paint: Michaels - Plaid Gallery Glass, Denim Blue #16010, Gold Sparkle #16019, leading strips #16089)
$1 - runner
$21 - lamps (feather trim: Hancock Fabrics)
$5 - towel bar (thrift store)
$26 - towels (red towels: Marshalls - Bianca Concept)
$8 - wall grouping
$6 - toilet cover
$10 - rug (thrift store)
$21 - toiletry stand (estate sale)
$12 - clock
$2 - tray
$2 - tissue holder (craft outlet)
$2 - trash bin (thrift store)
$50 - towels and soap dispenser
$461 - Total Cost
)
)
)
)
