showing off

I know people who buy apartments.  Combine them with others.  And then do a gut renovation.  That would be deserving of showing off.  I wish I could do that, but alas, I will have to settle for a bit of better in my New York City rental.

My little bathroom update feels major to me.

The tiles are what they are, including the unattractive stains left on the floor from the removal of the vanity that was there.  And the bathtub and toilet are unchanged.

But everything I could change I did. 

It all started with the always-damp vanity and sink.  Because bugs had twice gotten into the vanity, my building agreed to let me pick out a new sink and new hardware. 

I chose a new pedestal sink from Kohler.  It's so much cleaner looking. I also like its simple lines, and the separated hardware as opposed to the one piece I used to have.

The new VIPP shelves I added are one of my favorite things...minimalistic and functional.  These are so much better than the glass shelves from Pottery Barn I had originally considered.

Then there's my new towel rack. I can't believe it took me 21 years to change out the cheap, hollow aluminum one,

for a much nicer chrome one.

I got a VIPP 2-gallon basket, after using the same one at M's house.  This was not a simple decision.  I carried home the smaller one and this one from Gracious Homes in a snowstorm to make sure the larger one fit.  It does.

I added new hooks (from Ginger) for bathrobes and guests: a double hook for the wall near the door, and the same one — but as a single hook — on the door itself.

I added a chrome shower basket (also from Ginger)  so I could move all my shampoos, conditioners, and liquid soap from the corners of the tub they were junking up. I even switched out my old showerhead for a new Speakman.  I love when small things make a big difference.

My old medicine cabinet slid open, making much of the space inside unusable.

The new one is taller, has two doors that open out, and has mirrors inside.

And then finally, there's the complicated shower door. It took my super and handyman two weeks to figure out how to hang it, but they finally finished yesterday.  I love it.  And I now understand the term frameless shower door.  I am glad I went with the clear glass door vs. the frosted one I considered.  And I am also glad I resisted the building's suggestion to get a nice shower curtain instead.

The part I like best is the top.

Overall, my bathroom looks so much better.  I just need a new bathroom rug and I'll be done.

Now if I could only re-do my kitchen, add a view, get new floors, and add molding, then I'd really be done.