How to Turn a Cabinet Into a Bathroom Vanity

Finished cabinet! Looks fantastic.

Do you have an old cabinet that you wish you could find a home for? Possible furniture passed down from your grandparents you think is "out of date"? You probably have seen the solution, maybe in a magazine photo or browsing through houzz.com (that awesome site I introduced to you!) but didn't know how it was created or that it was even repurposed.

 I have to admit, I am IN LOVE with this idea! It is a great way to keep these beautiful pieces of antique furniture in your home...just more fashionably updated! So I began the search online and found this great tutorial and step-by-step instructions on how to transform any cabinet into a bathroom vanity. When I have a home of my own, I will do this (and looking forward to it)!! For one, it's giving a gorgeous piece of furniture new life and secondly it is completely unique to YOU!
 
OK, let's get to it.

Materials Needed:

1. screwdriver/electric screwdriver
2. saw
3. nails
4. C- clamps
5. 2x4 boards
6. plywood
7. hammer
8. staple gun
9. drill bit
10. measuring tape
11. scale saw
12. jig saw
13. pencil
14. caulk
15. caulk gun
16. painter's tape
17. painter's spatula
18. liquid nails (stone adhesive)
19. rag
20. acetone
 
Step One: Remove Top
Unscrew the top of the cabinet and remove it from the frame.



Step Two: Reinforce Frame (if needed)
Using an electric screwdriver, reinforce the cabinet by putting a long screw in the center of the frame.



Step Three: Cut Subtop
Measure the top of cabinet and cut a subtop out of plywood to replace the original top.
 
Step Four: Remove Back of Cabinet
Using a hammer and a screwdriver, remove the back from the cabinet.



Step Five: Reinforce the New Frame
Cute a piece of 2"x4" board to the height of the inside of the cabinet and place the board parallel to the original support beam. Glue and screw the new support beam in the center front of the cabinet to allow room for the drawers and sink.
 
Step Six: Remove Original Support Beams
Using the saw, remove the original vertical support beams in the center back of the cabinet. Remove the support beam that runs parallel to the bottom of the cabinet by sawing off about 6".



Step Seven: Attach Subtop
Screw the new subtop to the top of the cabinet using a C-clamp to hold it in place. Glue and staple 4" x 2" x 2" pieces of wood underneath the subtop at each corner.



 

*TIP: You can also attach a granite slab or material of choice. Make sure that the granite slab will be supported properly and have the sink hole already cut out.
 

 

Step Eight: Cut & Modify Drawers
Mark on the drawers where you will cut to leave space for the sink and pipes. Using a saw, cut out the shape. Build a frame that surrounds the cutout on the drawer, so it's the same height as the existing drawer. This will allow for functional drawers. Glue and staple the frame to the drawers. Repeat this step for all drawers.



 

*TIP: If you prefer, some of these drawer boxes can be removed completely and the face of the drawer glued/screwed into the frame so it is fixed in place.

 
Step Nine: Reattach Back of Cabinet & Cut Out Holes
Using an electric screwdriver, replace the back of the cabinet. Measure the location for the pipers and mark on the back of the cabinet. Using a drill bit large enough to accmmodate the size of your pipes, drill a hole into the back of the cabinet.



Step Ten: Paint
This is the best time to paint the vanity a new color or apply a sealer to the existing finish. After painting the cabinet, place the vanity where it will be installed and anchor it to the wall with screws for support.
 
Step Eleven: Cut a Hole for the Sink
Mark the vanity's subtop for the sink cutout, using the sinks installation guide for the exact size. When cutting the hole, use a scale saw for the long cuts and a jigsaw for the corner cuts.



Step Twelve: Place the Sink/Countertop
Place the sink into the opening. In this tutorial, they used an all-in-one sink and countertop that was custom made a local stone yard. Use stone adhesive the permanently attach the counter to the vanity subtop.

Step Thirteen: Place Backsplash
Using a caulk gun, put several large dollops of caulk on the back of the splash material. In this case, they decided to match the exact material to the countertop for a seamless finish/look. Push the splash against the wall, so that the caulk spreads out and the material is flat against the wall.



 

*NOTE: If you decided on a different material such as a mosaic tile or tile, install it according to what it is.
 
Step Fourteen: Install Faucet & Handles
Lay masking tape along the back of the sink where the faucet and handles will be placed. Measure to the center line where the faucet will be located. Mark the tape for the holes that are needed to hook up the plumbing fixtures. An 8" spread between he handles is standard, but it can be as little as 4", depending on the fixtures used. **See the installation guide for information that is specific to the chosen product. Use a 3/8" drill bit to cut the holes in your countertop.



*NOTE: It is a good idea to tape off the area between the counter and the backsplash to prevent dust and debris from getting into that area when drilling. Once you're finished cutting the holes, remove the tape from the counter and backsplash.
 
Step Fifteen: Caulk Seams
Caulk the seams where the backsplash meets the wall and countertop. If you're using a drop-in sink, you should also caulk the seam between the sink and countertop. Tape off the wall behind the backsplash to ensure a straight, even line for the caulk. Painter's tape is recommended for this. Apply caulk with a spatula, pressing down into the seams, then pulling/dragging the spatula along the length of the backsplash to smooth out the seam.

Step Sixteen: Clean Up
 Use a straight blade to remove any large pieces of excess caulk. A rag with acetone will help smooth the seams and clean up any residue from the caulk. Remove the tape from the wall.



Step Seventeen: Install Plumbing
Yeah! Finally to the last step. You're now ready to attach the pipes to your new fixtures. To do that, I would recommend calling a licensed plumber. If you or your husband is handy (and feel comfortable) then attach it yourself.
 
 
Thank you to HGTV for this wonderful tutorial: Go to their website to see more tutorials!

Example One:
This photo demonstrates a side cupboard as a double vanity, with a granite slab used as the countertop.

· Enlarge Photo+Shrink Photo-



Great example of a cabinet transformed into a bathroom vanity.

Example Two:
I love this one! For starters, it's a beautiful piece of furniture. There is much more character , depth and texture in this bathroom with the vintage furniture piece now converted into a vanity.



 

 

 

Interior Barn Doors

At the turn of the century, many newly constructed homes included pocket doors. The ceiling heights of a formal dining area ranged from 10’-12’ and were partitioned off with bi-parting doors that slid from recessed pockets. Although many still exist today, mostly in the Midwest and Easter states, there is another option homeowners have: the interior barn door.

So, what happens to a pocket door when the hardware goes bad, needs repair or adjustment? Well, sometimes the only solution is to remove the entire wall from one side or knock a few holes in the wall—in other words, major construction.

Your door & hardware can be an extension to the style of the room.
Great way to add character to any space.

Enter Barn Door Hardware

Surface-mounting the sliding door hardware has become increasingly popular over the last couple of decades. Commonly referred to as “barn door hardware,” this approach puts the door and the hardware on the face of the wall instead of buried in a pocket.

The major reason designers and architects are surface-mounting hardware today is that several manufacturers from the U.S. and Europe have created incredibly unique and iconic styles. Customers sometimes refer to it as “jewelry” for their doors.

Add color to any space like this red painted door!

Hardware Styles

There are several options when it comes to the actual hardware for the door. A few examples are flat track, box track, tubular track and round track—all of which are bound to suit anyone’s style and taste. The material they are constructed from can vary from high carbon steel and aluminum to stainless steel and mild steel. There are even some trolleys with wood or plastic wheels.

 

The decision of which style to choose is usually driven by two considerations: budget and aesthetics. There are a range of choices for both of these issues, from a “box” or enclosed track for the more budget-conscious to a stainless steel system for those more focused on aesthetics.

 

Dressing up a mud room with style

Why Use Sliding Doors Vs. Swing Doors?

One major reason is that a typical 3’0″-wide swing door occupies 15 square feet of floor space. If you replaced those swing doors with just three sliding doors on a job, your customer could save about 50 square feet of space. Now imagine a hotel, a condo complex or an apartment. At a savings of 15 square feet per opening, the cost savings become huge.
Other new markets that are emerging are sliding doors to cover flat-screen televisions and sliding mirrors over medicine cabinets.

Some of the most popular applications for “barn doors” are in media rooms, great rooms, bedrooms and bathrooms. Many bathrooms are using frameless frosted glass or resin panels, which allow light in but still offer privacy.



This color really pops against the wood accents

Product of the Week

Pratt & Larson

For this week’s product choice, I would like to introduce to you a company called Pratt & Larson, located in Portland, OR. Both artisans, Michael Pratt and Reta Larson founded the company in 1982 and have watched as their company has succeeded over the years into a national leader in tile design.

The company employs over 80 people in all phases of design and production, creating and producing tile that is distributed across the United States and Canada. Their tile is handcrafted, reflecting the art, interest and spirit of all those involved in its production.


New product: "Arabesque"

Cherry City Interiors & Design displays their product, making it easier for you to create a one of a kind tile using Pratt & Larson products.

Pratt & Larson is coming out with new lines that will show more field shapes and mosaics, with less emphasis on the decorative relief tile that is typical of their line.

 

Visit them at:

http://www.prattandlarson.com/about_us.php

Expand your Style

Bold graphic wallpaper



Wallpaper is making a huge comeback as we start to see a lot bigger, bold and more graphic style. It isn’t just for stuffy formal dining rooms, outdated kitchens, or powder/bathrooms. Papered walls have gotten a modern update in recent years and boy, what a transformation! For those who are wary of committing to a wallpaper patter, try using a decorative stencil instead. Bold graphic stencils are a great alternative to a semi-permanent wallpaper and give the same effect. Stencils are a great way for decorators who are renting, since the graphics easily be painted over.

 

Unexpected place for wallpaper and it looks great!

 

Faux Bois

Faux bois (from the French for false wood) refers to the artistic imitation of wood or wood grains in various media. I have been reading so many articles about this idea. A few years ago, faux bois patterns that imitated real wood were popular for home accents. This year, real natural elements are expected to be incorporated in home decor. Homeowners can bring in nature by using various woods, seashells and natural grasses in their decor.

Faux wood used as wainsocting for a little girls room

  

Let there be light

Lighting is increasingly becoming an important design element, with more people paying attention to task lighting, accent lights and the overall ambient light in a room. Lighting makes a huge impact on the feel of a room.

 Rather than the sterile ceiling fans, chose a chandelier or an interesting lighting source for your bedrooms, living rooms, and other spaces. So go ahead, throw a giant chandelier above your bed and bring in some interest and much needed light.

 

 

Great use of natural, task & accent lighting

Eclectic chic

The days of buying a complete matching furniture set are long gone. A collected, eclectic look is the No. 1 rage in design right now.  The age of “matchy-match” furniture pieces is finally over and is being taken over by a more personalized space with only pieces that you love. It’s about expressing your individuality and it’s friendly on the wallet, too. We are all very conscious about our interiors, and with everyone’s budget being on high alert, it’s actually cheaper to add to what you already have instead of buying a whole new living room set. This also gives you the opportunity to take those pieces that have been handed down to you by your grandparents or parents and reinvigorate them with new upholstery and a coat of paint for that grandma-chic look that everyone is craving.





Great example of mis-matched furniture at its best!

Nov. 5 - Product of the Week

 

Mirage: African Mahogany- Bronze

The product I chose for the week of November 5th is from Mirage Floors.  The species of wood is called African Mahogany: Bronze, which is part of their Exotic Collection. This is a beautiful wood flooring manufactured by a fantastic company.

 

It comes in these various sizes and finishes.

 

Engineered Real hardwood over a plywood base.
Width	Semi-gloss	Cashmere
3 5/16" [84 mm]	X	X
5" [127 mm]	X	X
Lock Real hardwood, HDF core, glueless installation.
Width	Semi-gloss	Cashmere
4 5/16" [109 mm]	X	X

 

By choosing a hardwood floor, you benefit from various advantages:

• A natural floor covering, it is an eco-friendly choice.
• It creates a warm and inviting ambiance in any room.
• It requires little maintenance.
• A very hard surface, it lasts for decades.
• It creates a healthy environment by minimizing the effects of dust allergies.
• It is about the same price as other types of flooring of similar quality.
• It increases the resale value of your home.
• It enhances the appearance, style, and versatility of your décor.

There are numerous types of hardwood flooring available with a wide variety of features and characteristics to complement any décor, from the most old-fashioned to the most modern, and from the charmingly rustic to the resolutely urban.
Let yourself be tempted by the warmth and natural beauty of hardwood!

Come in to Cherry City Interiors & Design and see for yourself how beautiful Mirage Floors are! I can guarantee you will find something here to update your living space.

 

**From http://www.miragefloors.com/ENG/advantages-hardwood.php

It's all in the details....decorating with books

When decorating a room it's very important to remember the details. What better way to make a room more personal and comfy than with books. These literary treasures are for more than just reading! Books can be beautiful and say something about you, your interests and your style.

You only need a couple of books in a small pile and with some kind of vase or other item on top to make a room a lot more personal.

When arranging your books vertically on shelves, start with the tallest book on the left side of the shelf and proceed so the shortest is on the right. The reason for this is that as in reading, your eyes start observing from left to right.

To add interest, don’t arrange all of the books vertically. Place some horizontally on the shelves which will enable you to place decorative items on a few of the books.

Create variety by mixing books with accessories on your bookshelves. Leave a shelf or two empty to give the eye a place to rest. You can also paint the back wall of your bookcase a bright color to tie in with your color scheme. The paint color will also serve to highlight your books and collectibles on the shelves.

 

Place books on your coffee table. They can serve as conversation pieces, complement your other accessories, add color, or add height to decorating items.

 

The greatest part is they are relatively inexpensive and you probably have them already scattered around your house. Go to second hand stores, garage saling, bargain centers,etc. to pick up fantastic literature that will not only look good in your home, but be of some use on rainy days. We live in Oregon, right? Books + rainy days = LOVE

Dare to be bold! {Inspired by Leslie}

Amazing BLACK walls with beautiful WHITE molding!

 

Who doesn't like the color black? Whether it's in your wardrobe, decor and my personal favorite, interior decorating, black can mean so many things. From creating a slim look, masking imperfections, to enriching a space, black can be used in many applications.

First, let's talk a little about the color itself and what it means in your space. The color black is dramatic and sophisticated. It's also a bold color, but that is no reason to avoid it. In fact, when used correctly black can unify the look you are going for, whether it is old-fashioned country or modern contemporary. Black doesn't need to be overwhelming to make a statement, and when you know how to use black to complement your decor, you'll discover how versatile it is.



In this case we are using the color black for the drama, so don't hide from it...embrace it! If there is adequate lighting for your space, this idea speaks volumes. But remember this combo isn't for everyone. It's bold and dramatic and well very black!