Tired bathroom cedar gets shabby-chic look

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 30/11/2003 (8145 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

DEAR Debbie – Seventeen years ago we renovated our bathroom. It WAS great – tongue and groove cedar along the

bottom half of the walls and framing the bathtub. We used a high quality water-based finish on the cedar. I am now very tired of the look, but my husband still loves the cedar. Can I maybe strip the cedar and put a pickled oak stain or something to brighten up the room? I will be removing the wallpaper from the upper walls, and could paint them. I read your column regularly and would love some help. Thanks.

— Agnes

DEAR Agnes — Removing the cedar is a big job, and you can change the look of your bathroom dramatically by refinishing the wood. Today, a very popular look is painted wood in a solid white with a mid sheen. Your idea of stripping the wood will work well also, but it’s not possible to remove the original stain unless you sand it off as it has been absorbed. Once the wood’s pores are open again, mix one part white latex paint to two parts water-based glazing liquid, and brush this white glaze over the boards, always moving in the direction of the grain. This could be the base for a shabby-chic look for your bathroom. Paint the walls a pastel shade of pink or blue, and choose towels and accessories that have a classic, yet slightly worn appearance. Trousseau linens, frosted glass, silver frames, and candles and scented soaps will suit.

DEAR Debbie — I have a 4-foot landing, then a very narrow stair entrance leading upstairs. It’s painted in light tan. When you look upstairs, all you see is a handrail. Straight ahead is my daughter’s room and to the left is an empty hallway also painted tan, then a bathroom and my other daughter’s room. This is so boring and I want to add a touch of class, which is when you came to mind. Any ideas how to liven up these hallways? Thank you.

–Linda A.

DEAR Linda — There are many ways to make a hallway visually stimulating. You never have to settle for boring! If space is limited, then you can dress up the walls. Make a picture gallery with a series of family photographs framed in simple black and white. Or try colour blocking. Paint large sections of the staircase and hall walls in different colours or shades of the existing tan. If there is a door at the end of the hall that is usually closed, make it a focal point. It could be a repeat of a design seen elsewhere in the house. If you have the room, add an unusual piece of furniture such as an antique bench or chair, or a small dresser — great for extra storage. Lighting is important in hallways, so think about a great new ceiling fixture or some wall sconces.

DEAR Debbie — I read your articles on paint and using aluminium powder to make a nice finish, but I’m having a difficult time finding the powder. (My paint store offered to order it for me.) Are there any alternatives? Thanks.

–Blazer

DEAR Blazer — Sometimes it is difficult to find some of the more specialized paint products but there is no reason not to order it through your local paint store or the Internet. For anyone wondering, aluminium powder is added to clear glazing liquid. When this glaze is rubbed or brushed over a solid base coat it produces a shimmering silvery sheen. An ideal alternative is to buy silver paint and thin it down with glazing liquid. An important note when using metal powders: always wear a mask when mixing.

The Painted House column is produced by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. Please email your questions to askdebbie@painted-house.com. Check out Debbie’s website www.painted-house.com. and watch Debbie Travis’ Painted House on W, and Debbie Travis’ Facelift on HGTV. For more ideas look for Debbie’s newest books, Kids’ Rooms and Bedrooms.