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Emily A. Clark

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My Kids’ Bathroom: Creating a Shared Space

March 1, 2011


    

Designing for the sexes is tough.  Especially when they’re of the younger variety and one strongly prefers pink while the other is set on blue.  Since our upstairs bathroom will be shared by two girls and a boy (and the occasional guest), I wanted to create a happy, gender neutral space.

    

This bathroom is one of the busiest places in our house in the mornings and at bedtime, but I hadn’t touched it since we moved in. 
    
 
To say it was in disarray would be an understatement.  We were keeping their toothbrushes in a shoebox, for goodness sake.  (Did I just admit that?)  Truth is, my goal was to get the kids in and out of this tiny space as fast as possible for baths, to fix hair, brush teeth, etc.  Decorating it always took a backseat to other projects I wanted/needed to do.

So, how did this makeover begin?  I thought it would be fun to walk you through the process. . .
First stop–our garage.  I found a gallon of free paint that Dutch Boy had sent to me a while back to test out.  I had randomly chosen this color without a plan for where it was going.  The color is “MacKinac Island”, and I thought it would be a good compromise for a shared space.

I also had a faux bamboo mirror that came with another Craigslist purchase.  It had been leaning up against our bedroom wall for months, waiting for the right spot.  I liked the yellow with the green walls and decided not to spray paint it.  Voila!  I had my color scheme.  (As you can tell, my design choices in our own house aren’t always the result of a detailed, thought-out plan.)

I added the striped shower curtain from West Elm to keep it modern and fresh.  (I have a hard time resisting horizontal stripes. . . )  While I didn’t want a theme-y bathroom, I did want it to feel like it belonged to the kids.  Having them make their own artwork (in colors I chose) was the easiest–and cheapest–solution.

    

To solve the never ending towels-on-the-floor dilemma, I bought these big hooks from IKEA.   For fun, I bought house numbers from Lowe’s and spray painted them to hang above the hooks.


   

(Side note to my parents: There are four numbers on the wall because IKEA sold these hooks in packs of two. I promise this isn’t my cute way of making a big announcement.)

    
I added a seagrass rug (very durable for lots of wet little feet) and a woven basket for texture.  Although we have storage under the cabinet, I find it so much easier to have what you use sitting out within arm’s reach. 
Although we’re still rushing in and out of this space, it’s no longer an eyesore.  And, by using some things I already had and not making any major cosmetic changes (i.e., lighting, flooring, etc.), I was able to complete the project for around  $150. 

ec signature

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Filed Under: bathroom, before and after, children

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Rene says

    March 1, 2011 at 12:01 pm

    What a fun gender neutral bathroom! Love your honesty Emily :)

    Reply
  2. modern jane says

    March 1, 2011 at 12:09 pm

    haha! I thought.. does she have 4? Great room Emily! I love the shower curtain!

    Reply
  3. christine {bijouandboheme} says

    March 1, 2011 at 12:10 pm

    It looks so sweet- I adore the bamboo mirror and that WE curtain is one of my favourites. Great job!!

    Reply
  4. GLENDA CHILDERS says

    March 1, 2011 at 12:31 pm

    Beautiful job, Emily. I love the wall color.

    Fondly,
    Glenda

    Reply
  5. Natalie says

    March 1, 2011 at 12:33 pm

    It looks great Emily! I love the idea of the kids artwork hanging in there. I too have a soft spot for stripes!

    Reply
  6. Trish says

    March 1, 2011 at 12:36 pm

    This is great – and such an inspiration! I desperately need to do something with my kids jack and jill bathroom and that shower curtain might do the trick – mind if I borrow your idea?

    Reply
  7. Mandi Smith T says

    March 1, 2011 at 12:38 pm

    that mirror is the bomb! It fits perfectly. Love it. M.

    Reply
  8. Claire Bingham says

    March 1, 2011 at 12:38 pm

    I really love the towel hooks. The concept of a towel bar eludes my three and the towels usually end up on the floor.
    My mom totally would have jumped to the same conclusion about hook #4 :D!

    Reply
  9. Bernadette {Chic Spaces for Little Faces} says

    March 1, 2011 at 12:42 pm

    Great job. I love the kid’s artwork (in colors you chose – smart idea) and too funny about the 4 hooks. The 4th one could just be for guests (I’m sure they won’t mind using a hooded towel!)LOL

    Reply
  10. SHERRY HART says

    March 1, 2011 at 12:49 pm

    Honestly Emily….$150!!! Right there….you show that it doesn’t take a truck load of $$$ to make a small room MORE than presentable….so cute and my favorite part is the kids artwork!

    Reply
  11. casey at loft and cottage says

    March 1, 2011 at 12:54 pm

    Love how it all came together with what you had and what you could easily buy. The color scheme is great!

    Reply
  12. A Delightful Design says

    March 1, 2011 at 12:58 pm

    Perfect, darling, and accessible…I love it! I was cracking up over the note to your parents. :-)
    abby

    Reply
  13. inspirationfordecor says

    March 1, 2011 at 1:09 pm

    What a great bathroom for kids and visitors, the colours are fun but not too kiddie. Especially love the bamboo mirror. Nice touch.

    -Dayna.

    Reply
  14. Baylor Love says

    March 1, 2011 at 1:09 pm

    Great post!! What is it with stripes, they are powerful and will win every contest with me.

    Your honesty is wonderful for those of us who overshare and then think “umm, maybe that’s not normal”.

    Reply
  15. - - Little Miss Martha - - says

    March 1, 2011 at 1:22 pm

    How cute?! I love that you use the hooks almost like lockers! :)

    Reply
  16. Connie @ SogniESorrisi says

    March 1, 2011 at 1:34 pm

    It tlooks great! I love how you used their art. And I think your birthday party post is great. Not a mom but I think it makes a lot of sense.

    Reply
  17. 17 Perth says

    March 1, 2011 at 1:35 pm

    I love the numbered towels. Such a great, easy, smart idea. Your color scheme is sweet and perfect for a neutral bathroom.

    Reply
  18. [email protected] says

    March 1, 2011 at 1:35 pm

    It looks great, Emily! I love the hooks with the numbers above them. I’ve been sharing a bathroom with my 4 boys while we remodel our master bathroom, and I’m tired of the towels on the floor (among other things :)). The numbers are a great way for them to know which towel is theirs. I may have to copy that idea :)

    Reply
  19. Handbags*N*Pigtails says

    March 1, 2011 at 1:46 pm

    I really like how you used what you had on hand. And it looks great! My kids always love it when I incorporate their artwork somewhere in our home.
    XO,
    Sarah

    Reply
  20. Rachel says

    March 1, 2011 at 1:52 pm

    I can not tell you how much I love this bathroom!

    Reply
  21. lizziefitz says

    March 1, 2011 at 1:57 pm

    If you like horizontal stripes , you should come visit my new blog
    http://mylist becomeshislist.blogspot./

    PS I love the bamboo mirror and shower curtain but most of all the side note to your parents, hilarious!

    Reply
  22. Mary says

    March 1, 2011 at 1:58 pm

    It looks like the old mirror wasn’t glued to the wall. You’re lucky! It turned out very cute.

    Reply
  23. Tonia of Chic Modern Vintage says

    March 1, 2011 at 2:02 pm

    Love the art!!

    Reply
  24. jamie @ kreyv says

    March 1, 2011 at 2:02 pm

    Love it! I’m filing away pictures of those hooks, so I can copy later!

    Reply
  25. Dana {Southern Inspired} says

    March 1, 2011 at 2:39 pm

    Love it! The West Elm shower curtain is so beautiful! I was thinking about getting the gray one and now I just might have to! :)

    Reply
  26. cindy says

    March 1, 2011 at 2:48 pm

    What a cute fun bathroom!

    Reply
  27. Katherine @ Grass Stains says

    March 1, 2011 at 2:49 pm

    Love it! I hate bamboo, actually, but I really like that frame. Why do things always look better in your house? ;)

    Also love the real glimpse inside the “less done spaces” in your home. Nice to know you’re human. Ha!

    Reply
  28. Keri Janton says

    March 1, 2011 at 2:50 pm

    This looks great! I have considered purchasing this shower curtain. What is the true color? Is it more of a green or a yellow?

    Reply
  29. Kate at Dream To Life says

    March 1, 2011 at 3:05 pm

    Oooooh love the hooks! Such a cute idea for a kid’s bathroom – very cool :>)

    Reply
  30. Hyphen Interiors says

    March 1, 2011 at 3:37 pm

    That is awesome! And, I love the price tag! Well done. Not too kiddie – just right. My favorite part is the hooks/ numbers!!

    Reply
  31. Jillian says

    March 1, 2011 at 3:45 pm

    LOVE it! the numbered hooks are really cute, and i love the childrens art work and stripped curtain. it’s nice that you made it their room without having it kiddy themed. xoxo jcd

    Reply
  32. Courtney {a thoughtful place} says

    March 1, 2011 at 4:01 pm

    We have the same dilemma over here. Love what you did. I am loving the hooks and numbers. I think I will take down our towel bar and put up some hooks. Great mirror. {good call on the baby disclaimer!!!}

    Reply
  33. Jenny says

    March 1, 2011 at 4:05 pm

    It looks great, Emily!!! I love the shower curtain and what a great idea to have your kids add their own artwork! love it!

    Reply
  34. wonderfullydomestic says

    March 1, 2011 at 4:09 pm

    I love it! The towel hooks are a fantastic idea – I’ve got a similar wall in my daughter’s bathroom and have gone back and forth about what to use for art in there – I might have to copy this!

    Thanks again for the inspiration :)

    Reply
  35. [email protected] says

    March 1, 2011 at 4:20 pm

    I am in the process of doing my girls TINY bathroom & you have given me a ton of inspiration with the kids artwork, the towel hooks & even with the basket on the back of the toilet! Thanks

    Reply
  36. Tote says

    March 1, 2011 at 4:24 pm

    Great choice’s for the bathroom. I love the numbers.

    Reply
  37. Barbie says

    March 1, 2011 at 4:24 pm

    Super cute and great budget-friendly ideas. Thanks for test-driving the curtain with green walls for me! I might just be doing the same before too long.

    Reply
  38. katherine says

    March 1, 2011 at 4:35 pm

    I love it! I’ve been eyeing that shower curtain for my kids’ shared bathroom, too. Now I have extra inspiration.

    Reply
  39. sheri says

    March 1, 2011 at 5:14 pm

    Love it! What a great transformation for so little!

    Reply
  40. Mrs. Taylor says

    March 1, 2011 at 6:24 pm

    A.MAZ.ING. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Our bathroom looks just like yours (placement of cabinet, toilet, tub/shower) and I’ve been at a loss for what to do with it. You’ve given me some much needed inspiration!! P.S. Kids creating their own art using preselected colors – genius! May I steal this idea?

    Reply
  41. Kellie Collis says

    March 1, 2011 at 6:40 pm

    What a lovely transformation! Loving those numbers with the towel hooks. Enjoy your day, Kellie xx

    Reply
  42. A Room For Frances says

    March 1, 2011 at 6:58 pm

    Absolutely brilliant! Love the shower curtain as well! :-)

    Reply
  43. Mom of 2 Cuties @ Sprinkles of Joy and Laughter says

    March 1, 2011 at 7:16 pm

    Another great design! You have such a classic style with a twist of freshness. I love the sidenote to your parents too!!
    Enjoy your day!
    Maureen

    Reply
  44. Amber says

    March 1, 2011 at 7:22 pm

    I love this makeover! I love it all – the bamboo mirror, the shower curtain and especially the kids’ art! I had to laugh about the toothbrushes in the shoe box. And I have had a mirror that needs a home leaning against my own bedroom wall for months as well!

    Reply
  45. Caitlin at the Desert Domicile says

    March 1, 2011 at 8:54 pm

    Looks great! I love that you shared the before pictures before cleaning up, makes things much more relatable :)

    Reply
  46. Kathysue says

    March 1, 2011 at 9:22 pm

    Emily, I love the wall color, great green! I know what you mean designing for the sexes. I am doing a playroom for two boys and a girl. I came up with a color scheme of green walls with navy and white for the boys and I add a pop of pink to the mix when my little gal is visiting. I have had so much fun choosing all the fabs. Still a work in progress but loving it all.
    I am sure your little one’s love their new digs. KS

    Reply
  47. Heidiopia says

    March 1, 2011 at 9:29 pm

    Great compromises that equal the perfect kids’ bath. I love that you used things you already had. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  48. Laura Burciaga says

    March 2, 2011 at 12:25 am

    Oh so cute and practical!! So clean and fresh!

    Reply
  49. traci zeller designs says

    March 2, 2011 at 12:38 am

    Super cute, Emily! Love the numbered hooks!

    Reply
  50. Laurie Jones says

    March 2, 2011 at 1:35 am

    You’ve got me thinking I really need to do something about my daughter’s bathroom stat!!! Your babies (: bathroom turned out great!

    Reply
  51. Holly Austin says

    March 2, 2011 at 1:42 am

    Looks awesome! I love the numbered towel hooks, so cute!

    Reply
  52. Ansley says

    March 2, 2011 at 1:46 am

    The OCD part of me LOVES the numbered hangers. Cute idea!

    Reply
  53. Cassie {Hi Sugarplum!} says

    March 2, 2011 at 1:58 am

    I looks so great — LOVE me some stripes too. It’s to the point where I have to make myself think of other patterns or I’ll become crazy-stripe-lady!

    I love your kids’s art and the mirror too. and LOL about the number of kids comment…totally something my mom would think!

    Reply
  54. Kimm at Reinvented says

    March 2, 2011 at 2:15 am

    Love the colors, what a great kids bathroom! The canvases are adorable.

    Reply
  55. Susie @ Maddie's Nest says

    March 2, 2011 at 2:34 am

    Looks great. I, too, am a sucker for horizontal stripes. Also love the hooks and numbers…too cute.

    My challenge is that my boy and girl share a jack and jill bathroom. Each of their vanties are separate and open to their rooms. So, I am having trouble figuring out how to meld a black/white/pink design plan with one that uses yellow and grey. I have a feeling the tub area will be a problem spot and neglected for a while!

    Reply
  56. Jenny says

    March 2, 2011 at 2:59 am

    I am LOVING the mirror! It adds such great interest to the bathroom. Good eye on that one!

    Reply
  57. leanne says

    March 2, 2011 at 3:15 am

    The bathroom look fantastic! Love the numbers over the hooks :)

    Reply
  58. Katie @ Noodle and Boof says

    March 2, 2011 at 3:19 am

    My fave is the striped shower curtain!

    Reply
  59. [email protected] says

    March 2, 2011 at 10:15 pm

    Great story, great bathroom. I love that mirror and the hooks — super cute (the 4th is for the guest?). You are way too talented! Seriously.

    Reply
  60. Emma (Glitter and Gold) says

    March 3, 2011 at 5:21 am

    I LOVE this bathroom!!! you did such a simple fix but it looks so planned and thought out! I love everything about it; especially that it is for kids but NOT A theme!! ….love the towel hooks
    xoxo
    E

    http://www.glitterandgoldblogblogspot.com

    Reply
  61. Megan {Honey We're Home} says

    March 3, 2011 at 5:31 am

    Mission accomplished! And adding their own art was a great, special touch! I cannot even imagine what our household chaos would be like with more little ones running around!

    Reply
  62. Lara says

    March 3, 2011 at 11:32 am

    Beautiful!! Love the transformation!!

    Reply
  63. {darlene} says

    March 4, 2011 at 2:09 am

    love this post! great choices, but most of all, the shoebox made me smile.
    life is real, is it not???
    -{darlene}
    fieldstonehilldesign.com

    Reply
  64. Michelle @ Ten June says

    March 6, 2011 at 3:56 am

    Really, really cute! Love the kids artwork and that WE shower curtain is perfect!!

    Reply
  65. Joseph says

    October 13, 2011 at 8:36 am

    These are stunning designs. Good thing I manage to find these because I and my partner were having a hard time on thinking the new design for our bathroom. I hope the brown one will perfectly suite on our newly bought granite countertop.

    Kitchen Benchtops

    Reply
  66. Vaibhav says

    November 22, 2011 at 8:59 am

    You have really imparted useful knowledge and I am little curious to know more. bathroom grab bars

    Reply
  67. Lilydream says

    June 14, 2013 at 6:49 am

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    Reply

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