When we bought our 1965 fixer-upper, the bathroom was in horrible condition. Not only was it outdated, but it was rotting … a bathroom remodel – French country style – was in order!
We were limited on money, so function over style was the top priority. However, I was able to add an elegant, French country touch throughout.
Decorating the bathroom is still in progress, but the core elements are done and ready to be revealed! By the way, this article explains the French country style the way that I imagine it to be.
French Country Style is... “simple and sincere yet effortlessly elegant, it satisfies the soul as much as the eye” and uses “cherished objects handed down through generations” and “rarely will accessories in a French country room be purely decorative” – and I say: Amen.
1965 Fixer Upper Bathroom Remodel – French Country Style
My husband (and the other men who helped him) had to tear out the old tub/tile, window, flooring, sink, and cabinet to rebuild the sub-floor, frame & sheetrock the wall where the window had been, fix the plumbing, and then start adding in the new materials. The bathroom was pretty much gutted and made new!
Here is an outline of what we did:
- We painted the walls and ceiling pure white to make everything look fresh and clean.
- We installed a new 4-piece tub & surround.
- The (blue) toilet was replaced with a new (white) toilet.
- We used laminate wood flooring for a rustic, old-world feel.
Most of the stuff was bought at Lowe’s or ordered from Amazon, but the flooring was bought from a local specialty store and it was exactly what I had been hoping for! We were short on time, so we had to make what we could find quickly (and within budget) work, so I was excited to find the perfect looking floor from a shop that was literally minutes down the road from our rental house.
I wanted a rough-hewn, worn wood look that could hold up well with high traffic (um, 9 people live here). I also was wanting a natural wood color with dark and light tones – we found THE ONE after about 5-minutes at the store and the best part was that it was being discontinued, was on clearance, and they had just enough left for our entire 1,000sqft. house – woohoo!
- The odd-sized cabinet, countertop, & sink were replaced with a white cabinet, marble (white/gray) countertop, and new sink for a clean atmosphere.
- I chose an elegant, widespread-style faucet in brushed nickel – the separate handles for hot & cold give a vintage touch to a modern amenity.
- We hung a large wood-framed mirror – white scalloped edges for a farmhouse look.
- We chose a new light fixture with 4 lights to brighten it up – brushed nickel and Edison-style bulbs for a vintage, industrial feel.
- All brushed nickel hardware for muted metal tones.
- White vintage-style shower curtain hooks with silver French fleur delis motif paired with a simple white cloth curtain (waterproof, yet washable).
French Country Style Bathroom Accessories
French Country white & silver vintage shower curtain hooks
Two-Handle Widespread Brushed Nickel Faucet
Distressed White Scallop Edge Wood Framed Wall Mirror
Vintage LED Edison Bulbs
Our bathroom remodel is complete! What do you think?
I still want to add some pops of color – maybe in the form of a faux wildflower & greenery arrangement in a wall holder of some kind above the toilet. I plan to add some hanging baskets and/or racks for holding toilet paper and towels, too.
I am kind of loving the simple, yet elegant feel that the bathroom has right now without a lot of clutter. It is so bright and clean feeling while also relaxing and comfortable – exactly what I love!
To keep things practical and functional, we do need to add a towel rack on the wall near the shower, a toilet paper holder, and a larger bathroom rug. I hope that it will keep its farmhouse look and feel after we finish adding the needed items.
I hope you enjoyed the tour of our 1965 fixer upper bathroom remodel – French Country Style.
Janet KIESSLING says
very nice!!
Ginger says
Absolutely beautiful!!!!! I love it!!
Robin Guertin says
Wow! It looks fantastic! You did a great job in your choices. I think you are right about adding a little color and I was thinking some plants as well. I hope you and your family get many years of enjoyment out of your new bathroom.
Andrea says
That looks really pretty and elegant! We are in the process of buying a new house that is in good shape yet outdated, so I know that remodeling will be in the future. This gives me great ideas. I do like that floor! Do you have the specifics on it, I know it is being discontinued but maybe I could find enough just for bathrooms…. Very nice job, kudos to you! We have 9 people too and currently – one bathroom. I feel your pain 🙂 But the positive side to that is we only have to CLEAN one bathroom.
Clarissa says
Thanks!
I just know that it’s called “Golden Honey” and it also had “AC4 12mm” on the label.
Amy says
I love it! You all did a great job!