A Modern Bathroom Update with Bianco Drift and Greige
Our bathroom was doomed. From the minute we bought our home, it was on the chopping block (really though, what WASN’T on the chopping block).
However, because bathrooms can be total pork chops on the budget, I had to bide my time until we were ready to do it right. And even then, I was hesitant to get the ball rolling until Moen sent me an email and said ‘Heyyyy girl, you doing any renovating? We’d love to supply you with some products!’ SAY NO MORE! The ball was OFFICIALLY rolling.
Now that doesn’t mean that I wanted to blow the bank – I still wanted it to be budget-friendly, so I decided on the following:
- I would keep the vanity. Because it was built in between 2 walls, I couldn’t just go to a big box store and get a pre-fab unit that I could drop in – it HAD to be a custom size. So, I decided to get it painted and freshened up with new hardware.
- I would keep the footprint as everything was pretty functional where it was, other than the dead-space behind the door, but I figured out something for that too.
- I would keep the tub. Our home is only 10 years old and because that shower rarely gets used, the fibreglass tub was in awesome shape.
- I would use and abuse subway tile. This would keep the majority of my tile sq footage in line with my budget.
You ready Betty?
Let’s start in the hallway…like most hallways, it was visually stimulating and an architectural wonder.
Well, it might still be a basic hallway, but NOW it has some personality via a wicked accent wall and is a great lead-up to the main bathroom!
I chose Benjamin Moore Gray for the accent wall, alongside Sherwin Williams Creamy on the main walls. Notice we also did new flooring (sue-prize, sue-prize). The original carpet was showing it’s age, so it was time for an update! (and no, the madness never ends)
NOW on to the good stuff – WINE. Just joking…the loo!
The Main Bathroom Area
Before, the maple vanity and dark surfaces made this bathroom feel heavy and moody (like me once a month) and didn’t make ANY sense with the shockingly white 4×4 tile in the shower.
And after…go GREIGE or go home! Maybe I’ll do both seeing as I now LOVE our bathroom.
I chose Benjamin Moore Classic Gray for the walls as I wanted a soft, subtle look that didn’t compete with any of the tilework or countertop. And notice it’s the SAME VANITY, just updated with a fresh coat of paint and hardware!
The Light Fixture, Countertop and Vanity
The old light fixture always made me think of those metal fish that you see on the back of cars that say ‘JESUS’ in the middle. Once I saw it, I couldn’t unsee it. And y’all know how religious I am…
I chose Caesarstone Bianco Drift which is a quartz countertop with warm gray, greige, white and brown tones. It was supplied and installed by Super Dave at Colonial Countertops. Seriously, he’s super.
And just LOOK at the shower reflected in the mirror!
Right from the beginning, I knew I wanted to make the wall behind the vanity into a feature of some sort. I tossed in between subway tile, wallpaper, a wine rack or jazzy accent tile. I went with the subway tile because it was affordable and apparently wine racks in bathrooms are taboo (pshawww).
To save some money, I had Delea of Details Painting spray the maple vanity in Benjamin Moore Metropolis. Her work was SEAMless and it saved me a whack load of money!
The flooring is a gorgeous 12×24 porcelain tile from City Tile . It has a subtle texture and a mix of white, greige and beige tones. I also chose to use it as my baseboard.
The Faucet
I knew that I wanted a 2 handle widespread faucet, rather than a lever-style, so I chose the Glyde Collection from Moen. Because the vanity is 6′ long, I felt like this style better suited the length and I liked the graceful lines of it. From there, I coordinated the light fixture to have the same finish and the same smooth, slightly curved lines.
The Tub and Shower Area
The tub and shower…why would I EVER want to change it? The funny thing is, 4×4 white tile is coming back in style, however I ain’t hoppin’ on THAT bandwagon. I either wanted a large 12×24 tile or some type of subway tile.
And the winner is subway tile! After exhausting all of the possibilities (you have NO idea how much I agonize over my own home – there is no wine bottle large enough to settle me) I landed on this awesome 4×10 tile from Lowe’s. MAAAAD love. It’s greige, soft and subtle. I wanted the bathroom to feel fresh and clean, but not ‘stark’ and this did the trick!
And instead of stopping the tile at the shower, I took it behind the toilet as well, making the window look a lot more natural to the space.
And seriously, the hexagon accent tile just about did me in, I started drooling on site and almost biffed it. I had looked HIGH and low for just the right accent tile and THIS was it!
I found it at Cornerstone Tile in Nanaimo. I got Super Dave (yes, there are 2 Super Dave’s in my world) to order it for me and 5 days later it was in. The warm greige tones were a nice break from the traditional white/gray/black marble that I usually work with in my consulting.
I decided to make a 10″ high wall-to-wall niche for a simple look with some function. I didn’t want it to POP, but I did want it to be a classy statement.
Notice how the subway tile continues right to the end where it meets the alcove seamlessly.
I also chose the Glyde Collection for the tub/shower, for a coordinated look. I’m not really into the huge rainheads and like the simple, low-key look of the Glyde unit.
The Awkward Nook Behind the Door
Now for the awkward area behind the door/shower area. I got this linen tower on clearance at Lowes and it filled up the space perfectly. Along with my Glyde robe/towel hooks, this area is now functional and pretty darned purdy!
And look at how soft and subtle Classic Gray looks. I darkened it by 25%, just to give it a weeee willy wink more depth and it still offers just the right gentle touch for this space.
And who gets MAD props on this project? Brett Edwards, that’s who! Brett of BE Tile did an awesome job from start to finish. He humoured me (as most people do) when I couldn’t make up my mind and went above and beyond to make sure that everything turned out JUST how I was hoping. The only negative was that he didn’t bring his baby Maxwell over enough so I could get my baby fix!
Want to know if painted maple cabinets will last?
Our Maple Painted Cabinets – 2 Years Later
And you should just SEE how our bathroom remodel jives with the rest of our home. If you haven’t already, check out these blog posts…
- Kitchen: ‘Our Kitchen Makeover – No More Maple’
- Family Room: ‘Our Family Room Makeover’
- Dining Room: ‘Our Modern Farmhouse Dining Room Makeover’
And just WAIT until you see our Entryway remodel – it’s a GAME CHANGER for our home!!!
Want some personalized ideas for your own home? Check out my Online Design Services and Color Consulting!
Amy says
January 21, 2017 at 9:31 pmLooks amazing Kylie!
Robin says
January 22, 2017 at 6:45 pmI LOVE IT!! Every darn tootin’ detail lol. I’m a gray greige neutral loving kinda girl. Fantabulous job. I now have tile envy lol. Has to be a total pleasure walking into that door. I have had classic gray on my list for some time now but worried it would be too light. After seeing yours darkened by 25%, and it still looks light and fresh, I’m sold! Thanks so much. Great job.
Deedra says
January 22, 2017 at 7:02 pmWhat a transformation Kylie! It is just beautiful! I would love walking into that bathroom every morning. I love Jesus but I’m glad you got rid of the light, lol! You are so talented.
Kelly says
January 22, 2017 at 7:37 pmOMG, so purdy! And I’m not even a griege fan but love how soft & light it all is & decision to frame mirror w wall vs keeping full wall mirror–I don’t know that that would ever have occurred to me!
Ok, big question about cabinet painting, which you’ve posted on before: my niece claims that you can paint cabinets with chalkboard (or maybe just chalk?) paint instead of sanding before painting your chosen color. But I run this by the hardware store guy who says just to wipe it down w deglosser. What’s the best lazy-girl way to prep bathroom cabinets?
Sabrina says
March 9, 2017 at 11:38 amWhere did u purchase light fixture?
Kylie Mawdsley says
March 9, 2017 at 4:25 pmThat was from Lowe’s! Thanks for asking 🙂
Tami says
February 10, 2019 at 10:31 pmLove, love, love the light fixture. Can you provide the manufacturer and model information. Thank you!
KylieMawdsley says
February 12, 2019 at 10:35 amHi Tami! It was a few years ago now, but we actually got it from Lowes!
Jennifer Carter says
March 16, 2017 at 12:07 amBEAUTIFUL! You mentioned the tile was from Lowes, but I am unable to find it. Will you please share the brand and color?
Kylie Mawdsley says
March 18, 2017 at 10:03 pmHi Michelle, it is a colour called Pearl by Allen and Roth 🙂
Deanna says
April 4, 2017 at 8:24 pmJust the inspiration I needed! Beautiful job Kylie!
Diana says
June 2, 2017 at 12:39 pmWhat is the color of your floor tile? It is stunning and just what I’m looking for.
Kylie Mawdsley says
June 16, 2017 at 9:18 pmOh shoot Diana, I can’t remember the name! It is from City Tile in Nanaimo and I think it ‘might’ be Belagio light! Next time I’m there I can check 🙂
Kathy Green says
June 17, 2018 at 9:52 pmHi Kylie
Your bathroom is gorgeous and an inspiration for our upcoming remodel. By chance were you able to verify the name and brand of your tile floor? Thanks so much for sharing.
Kathy
KylieMawdsley says
June 18, 2018 at 7:57 amHi Kathy! I believe it was called Bellagio (Beige or white) from City Tile here in Nanaimo – I’m not quite sure who their main supplier is though…I hope that helps a bit!
Kim says
July 27, 2018 at 8:24 amHi there. Beautiful bathroom!
I was curious if the tile went all the way to the ceiling prior to the remodel or is that something you added. I was just going through a contractor not a designer but he thought the tile going all the way up would make my small bathroom look even smaller.
KylieMawdsley says
July 27, 2018 at 9:08 amHi Kim! The tile didn’t go all the way up, and it can actually make the bathroom look larger as there will be less breaks in horizontal surfaces – consistency is much better, I’d go all the way up every time!
Nora Martinez says
June 14, 2017 at 9:42 pmHi Kylie, nice project. I love white kitchens, My counter top is in granite with dark and light brown spots. Will it a good choice to paint the cabinets in white?
Thanks for your help.
NM
Kylie Mawdsley says
June 16, 2017 at 8:26 pmHi Nora, you might want to consider a soft, slightly warm white – rather than a more typical stark or slightly cold white – that way it will tap into your countertop a bit better 🙂
~Kylie
Susie says
June 18, 2017 at 2:48 pmWhat is the inside (top and bottom) of your awesome tub niche tiled with? It looks like you used a schluter edge and a shiny tile in there? It looks great!
Kylie Mawdsley says
June 19, 2017 at 10:54 amHi Susie – it’s the actually the same subway tie that is on the walls!
Christina says
July 3, 2017 at 1:36 pmLove your bathroom! Do you remember the make, material and name of the hexagon in the bathtub inset? Exactly what we are looking for! Thanks!!
Kylie Mawdsley says
July 3, 2017 at 3:53 pmHi Christina, thank you! I don’t, it’s from a local store called Cornerstone Tile. Next time I’m in there I can ask them!
Scotti says
July 17, 2017 at 7:20 pmKylie, this is a gorgeous bathroom! Who is your sink by and the name? The dimensions look perfect for our vanity. Thank you, Scotti
Kylie Mawdsley says
July 28, 2017 at 4:52 pmHi Scotti! It was actually a sink provided by the countertop company. I’m not sure of the brand, but it’s a series that they offer when you purchase the countertops – worked for me!
Shar R says
January 5, 2018 at 6:44 pmCan yoou provide the information about the sink?
KylieMawdsley says
January 9, 2018 at 7:16 pmHi Shar, it’s the Pearl brand and was supplied by the countertop company – Colonial Countertops, so it’s not a Home Depot/Lowe’s type of thing, more of a speciality thing (but not priced that way, just special in that they carry that specific brand).
Patti says
August 9, 2017 at 9:51 amLove your greige bathroom exactly what we want to do with our three bathroom renos same maple cabinets!! and 4×4 tile shower…… just wondering we have a city tile in burnaby was wondering if you have a product name for the porcelain floor tile I love it!!!! Thank you Patti
Kylie Mawdsley says
August 9, 2017 at 5:02 pmHi Patti! I’m pretty sure the floor tile was the Bellagio line – there’s a few of them, and it was the lightest one of the 3. I hope that helps!
Aleta says
August 10, 2017 at 4:21 amKylie, I love your remodel and would really like to know the brand of the light fixture. I’ve looked extensively at Lowe’s online and can’t seem to find it.
Thank you so much!
Kylie Mawdsley says
August 11, 2017 at 11:17 amHi Aleta! Here’s the link here – it’s from the Canadian Lowes. I see that it has TERRIBLE reviews, but that being said we haven’t had a single issue with it ourselves, but i would probably be nervous about the reviews! https://www.lowes.ca/bathroom-vanity-lighting/ashley-harbour-4-light-polished-chrome-bathroom-vanity-light_g1371059.html
~Kylie
John says
August 11, 2017 at 6:45 pmNice job. What’s the color of cabinet?
Thanks.
Kylie Mawdsley says
August 13, 2017 at 3:28 pmThank you John! That was Benjamin Moore Metropolis 🙂
~Kylie
Tian says
September 4, 2017 at 10:38 pmHi Kylie, your bathroom looks amazing! and the full width recess niche is a really nice touch – was it a lot of work in terms of framing? I assume parts of the studs behind the wall had to be removed and a header needs to be added?
Thank you!
KylieMawdsley says
September 7, 2017 at 9:49 amHi Tian, thank you! Yes, they had to cut into the studs and reframe a bit with a header, but it was WELLLL worth it – it turned out pretty darned cool and in the ‘carpentry’ world it was pretty straightforward stuff!
~Kylie
Tammy says
October 6, 2017 at 11:04 amHi Kylie,
I am new to this remodel thing. I get anxiety picking a color! Your videos really helped me with understanding undertones. In your hallway is the baseboard painted the same color (creamy) as the walls? I was trying to go with a gray/griege color in my hallway but I have three storybook windows down a very long hallway that are north facing and it is pretty dark. Any of the cooler grays I pick (Big chill, crushed ice) when painted on the wall look Blue! I tried repose gray and it looks green! I’m stuck! I want it light and bright. Any other colors you could suggest?
Thanks,
Tammy
KylieMawdsley says
October 7, 2017 at 5:02 pmHi Tammy! In that hallway, the baseboard is BM Cloud White and the walls are Creamy – it’s amazing how natural light can shift things! Now I try to give as much complimentary advice on my blog posts and if that doesn’t work, sometimes it’s time for a closer look with my e-design, this way I can take a look at your room/questionnaire and come up with some ideas that can work, rather than just guessing! It is affordable (particularly for a hallway) and it’s fun! If you’re interested, the link is here… https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/product-category/interior-paint-colors/
Chat soon!
~Kylie
Judi says
October 19, 2017 at 10:09 amWow!! Amazing transformation. I love the colours you’ve chosen. It’s so bright and fresh and clean looking! Very up to date too! Hard to believe the vanity is just painted with new hardware! Oh my goodness! I just love love love the final outcome! Awesome!
KylieMawdsley says
October 20, 2017 at 2:29 pmThank you Judi! 6 months later I STILL love it, which is rare for me as I get tired of things really fast (it’s an expensive hobby….). And it IS amazing what a lick of paint can do! I’ll be doing a blog post on our Office Bathroom shortly, it’s pretty awesome, I can’t wait to show you!
~Kylie
Sarah says
November 8, 2017 at 3:22 pmI LOVE they grey subway! We are using the same line for our remodel. Did you use a white grout? It looks like it might be a smidge darker than white but I can’t be sure. Trying to use a grout that won’t be as high maintenance as white. 🙂 thank you!
KylieMawdsley says
November 9, 2017 at 8:13 amHi Sarah, it was definitely a lighter gray colour – Silver I think???? I’m REALLY glad I didn’t do white grout!
nicole freeman says
November 20, 2017 at 2:58 pmHave you mentioned where you purchased your pulls for the cabinets?
thanks so much for your post- beautiful post and I am very much inspired!
🙂
Nicole
KylieMawdsley says
November 24, 2017 at 9:12 amHi Nicole, those were actually good old Home Depot!
~Kylie
Laurie says
December 30, 2017 at 1:22 pmWhat’s your countertop made of? Color? Thanks!
KylieMawdsley says
December 30, 2017 at 8:17 pmHi Laurie, it’s quartz! Caesarstone Bianco Drift:)
Jenna says
January 26, 2018 at 1:42 pmDid you use tile on the top and bottom parts of the shelf in the shower?
KylieMawdsley says
January 26, 2018 at 3:28 pmWe did the hexagon on the back only and the top/bottom are subway tile 🙂
Jess says
February 15, 2018 at 7:34 amYour tile and cabinet look great. Why the boring mirror?
KylieMawdsley says
February 18, 2018 at 9:50 amHaha! Yes, it is a boring mirror and that’s for a few reasons!
#1 – the lights didn’t allow for a mirror with a deeper frame
#2 – with a feature tile back wall and more detailed light, a decorative mirror would have been TOO much competition – over the top!
Trust me, thought goes into every choice I make!
~Kylie
Debby Brown says
February 17, 2018 at 5:27 pmHave you ever used BM Classic Gray darkened by 50%? I used it in a bedroom darkened by 25%. It looks great on 3 of the walls but one wall looks washed out by the natural light in the room.
KylieMawdsley says
February 18, 2018 at 9:42 amHi Debby, good question! I get a bit nervous at 50% because I’ve found that 25% tweaks a colour, but doesn’t really alter its undertones. Whereas 50% can sometimes be a bit more unpredictable. The only other thing is that in the evening when the sun is down and ‘all is equal’ there will be a more noticeable shift, that being said, there is a shift on every wall due to shadows anyway!
Donna Poirier says
February 18, 2018 at 5:38 amHi Kylie,
I love the colour of your bathroom cabinetry. Is it the same colour that you used for the cabinetry in your bar area?
Many thanks 😊
KylieMawdsley says
February 18, 2018 at 9:40 amOooo look at you – paying attention! You know what they are SUPER DUPER similar. The bar area is actually a ‘manufacturers colour’ that is SUPER close to the vanity 🙂
Noni says
March 23, 2018 at 7:19 amSo beautiful! Well done. 😊 I had a bathroom where you could see the toilet too and so I installed a spring hinge on the middle hinge and the door swings slowly shut to spare the view! I also put a “WC” on the door so guest no where to find it!
richard roberts says
June 15, 2018 at 7:33 amHi there,
I really like your choice of subway tile in the washroom. I have read the article several times and I know that the tiles were purchased at Lowe’s but I didn’t find the colour of the tile. Do you remember the name?
Richard
KylieMawdsley says
June 15, 2018 at 5:56 pmHi Richard, I think it was something like ‘Pearl Gray’ perhaps, from the Allen and Roth line – unfortunately we’ve since moved so I can’t look at the spare box!
Brian says
June 19, 2018 at 7:51 amHello Kylie, your remodel is beautiful!! If you don’t mind my asking, how much did this all cost? I am wanting to make over my bathroom and just want to be realistic with a budget.
KylieMawdsley says
June 19, 2018 at 6:42 pmOoo, good question, let’s see…
Painted vanity: $600
Countertop: $1200
All tile: Approx $500
Labour for tiling (demo,prep,install) – $2500
Plumbing: I was given the plumbing fixtures by Moen and just bought a $350 toilet.
So I would say in the end, hardware, paint, all that jazz, between $5-$6000.
Hope that helps!
Tam says
July 18, 2018 at 9:39 amWe’re redoing our shower and I was hoping to make a niche just like this! Wondering how you made it go end to end with the studs being there?
KylieMawdsley says
July 18, 2018 at 1:45 pmHi Tam, it was a non-load bearing wall, backing onto a closet, so we cut into the studs and had the fellow rebuild around them a frame of sorts for the niche to sit in!
Sonya says
October 26, 2018 at 10:58 amDid you use same grout color for floor and wall tile?
KylieMawdsley says
October 26, 2018 at 3:38 pmHi Sonya, no we didn’t! I don’t remember what they were, but the first round of grout on the shower tile was not done the right way (they did the wrong colour), so they had to use a grout tint/paint to change the colour! The floor is lighter 😉
Sandra says
November 7, 2018 at 10:44 amYour bathroom turned out great! What is the length of the vanity? I ask because I want to get a 60″ with one sink but the opinions from my daughter and the plumber is that 1 sink will look weird on a cabinet that long.
KylieMawdsley says
November 7, 2018 at 2:57 pmThank you Sandra! Actually it was a slightly longer one, I think it was 65″… 🙂
Celia says
November 15, 2018 at 5:43 pmForgive me if this has already been asked. How much did you budget for this remodel?
KylieMawdsley says
November 16, 2018 at 5:20 pmHi Celia, it was a few years ago now, but i BELIEVE it came in around $5-6000. Not having to replace the vanity was a HUGE savings, but the tile labour was the big cost… 🙂
Carol Jenniges says
January 8, 2019 at 8:51 amLove love your remodel!!!! What type of tub did you go with and color?
KylieMawdsley says
January 19, 2019 at 5:54 pmHi Carol, we actually kept the original (white) tub as it had a great shape to it and was in good condition 🙂
Mary says
March 29, 2019 at 9:55 amI may have missed it but what is your trim paint in bathroom?
KylieMawdsley says
March 30, 2019 at 5:03 pmHi Mary! We’ve moved since, but i THINK I did BM White Dove 🙂
Lori Troy says
April 30, 2019 at 8:36 amHi Kylie,
I was wondering what color tile you have in your bathroom. I ask because I am looking for the perfect greige to tone down the pink tone I am seeing in my taupe tile. Do you think classic gray would work? Unfortunately, the piece of tile alone looked to be the perfect taupey/gray color but when up on the wall I see pinkish tones. I really appreciate your help!
Thank you!
Lori
KylieMawdsley says
April 30, 2019 at 5:33 pmHi Lori! It’s hard to say without seeing photos, but I personally used Classic Gray and had great success with it! I darkened it by 25% though, just to get a bit more body from it.