Upgrading the studio toilets


Toilets perceived as narrow and light needed updating to make them more welcoming, with a little sprucing up. There were two toilets side by side, in a unisex design. The style had to be rough, clean, functional and fit the look of the studios. The means to achieve this were painting and decorating, no fixed furniture or other structural elements were changed here.

White walls were yellowed and dirty, so I started by repainting these ragged walls white. 

These walls were heavily scalloped, which is a bit more challenging to paint than a smooth surface and more paint is used. A long-handled roller for such a bumpy wall is an absolute must.

In order to get contrast, I suggested a very dark grey shade, Teknos Heavy Metal, T1782, for some of the walls. The shade matched beautifully with the dark tone of the studio structures. In both toilets, there were visible non-aesthetic pipes that could not be covered. As a solution, I suggested using the "if you can't hide it, show it" effect colour, Teknos Archipelago, T1437. The inspiration for the effect colour came from the paint colour of another mill breaker. A toilet paper holder, a shelf made from old board and artificial plants were also used to add a touch of cosiness.

The photos show the stages of the project, before and after photos and details highlighted.

Note sketches of the paint jobs for the two toilets and the future colour scheme below.
They wanted to get rid of the red door colour. The taping said "No fishing".
The toilet door handle is protected and the door is primed. Prior to this stage, there was a relentless sanding session of thick red paint.
The door is topcoated with Teknos Saaristo T 1437 full gloss.
Door painted up to the hinges.
When the small toilet space is 3.5 metres high, it's quite a challenge to fit yourself and your painting equipment and ladder together properly and in such a way that you can still get the paint to hit the wall. 
And also behind the toilet seat up to the floor.
So the first door is subtle white and the inner door is a glossy Archipelago colour. Handles protected with tape.
After painting the doors, the wall painting started, first in the tricky places with a brush. And then it's lovely and easy to paint the clear areas.
After painting the wall and drying, the pipes were given an effect colour.
BEFORE - AFTER. The toilet doors were red and some of the paint was peeling off. They wanted to get rid of the red, so the doors were sanded and painted.
BEFORE - AFTER. The shade of the light switch was the inspiration for the paint choice. Teknos Saaristo T 1437 was very close to the original shade, so the doors and pipes were repainted with it, as well as the light switch. The old board was used to put a shelf on the wall.
BEFORE - AFTER. Opening the door gives a cleaner view when the wall is painted dark and the trash can has a lid.
BEFORE - AFTER. I highlighted the ugly, old pipes by painting them with the "If you can't hide it, show it" mentality. The paint was glossy Teknos Saaristo T 1437. Also a shelf with leather brackets, an artificial plant, a toilet paper holder and a small rocker.
BEFORE - AFTER. Door and pipe renewal and artificial greenery included.
BEFORE - AFTER. Painting the radiator gives it a finished look.
BEFORE - AFTER. The before photo reveals how badly the door had deteriorated over time.
BEFORE - AFTER. The latch was replaced, as the old one no longer had a centre bar to keep the door locked.
DETAILS. If necessary, a jacket or handbag on a nail.
DETAILS. A shelf made of old board is hung with leather brackets.
DETAILS. Stones collected from the beach and a spare roll on a shelf.
DETAILS. Happy tubes and green plants.
DETAILS. A battery to cheer you up.
DETAILS. A metal door sign tells you where to go.

Thanks to the studio gang for your trust and help with the ladder and shelf drilling! =) A wonderful project that made the bathroom more comfortable to use, which nicely included not only the design but also the painting, I like!

How are your where are the workplace facilities, including toilets? I can help with updating your look, including small changes and designing surface renovations! <3 Ask for a quote!


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