DIY rustic industrial pipe toilet paper holder

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #TubeFree #CollectiveBias

As you may know from some of my more recent Instagram posts, I’ve challenged myself to a 30 day mind, body, spirit overhaul during the month of October. I was feeling run down and becoming aware of what I was fueling my body with and the products I was using throughout my home. I was on a mission to transform my way of living and to be more conscience of my actions that not only affected me and my peers but also the environment. Which brings me to Scott® Tube-Free Bath Tissue!

Did you that over 17 billion toilet paper tubes are used each year? That's enough to fill the Empire State Building…twice!! Per YEAR!  Scott Tube Free delivers unscented premium softness, without the wasteful cardboard tube. It’s also made with Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) – certified fibers which promotes the practice of sustainable forestry for future generations.

As a budget DIY and lifestyle blog I am very in-tune with less waste and living a more eco-friendly life. Focusing on buying used to lessen our carbon footprint and recycle already made products decreases unwanted waste and the demand for new manufacturing. To store or display your tube-free toilet paper in your bathroom, think of using items from second-hand markets. Using finds from these markets and transforming them into something beautiful is upcycle friendly! Some starter ideas of what you can use are baskets, buckets, crates, vases, laterns, candle holders, or magazine racks. You can also use leftover wood from projects to create a fun family-friendly DIY industrial pipe toilet paper holder, just like this one!

This toilet paper storage option is fabulous for a kid's bathroom with the fun sayings (you can also make this without the sayings for more of a industrial/chic look in your bathroom). Here are the simple details on how to make one of your own:

Supplies:

1. Wood board (I used a leftover 1"x6" board)
2. Pen or Pencil
3. Tape Measurer
4. Stain (I used leftover miniwax red oak)
5. Staining Rag and Rubber Gloves
6. Sand Paper or Sanding Sponge
7. Galvanized Pipe (3/4"X18"long)
8. Galvanized Floor Flange (3/4")
9. 6 screws (I used 4 hexagoal screws for the flange attachment and 2 regular 1" screws for the backing)
10. Mitter Saw
11. Screwdriver
12. Optional - paint pen

Directions:

1. Cut the wood - base was cut to 6" and the stand was cut to 19"
2. Sand the cut edges of the wood
3. Stain the wood
4. Optional - Measure even spacing to write sayings:
• Top - "Good to Go"
• Second - "Do A Chore Grab 2 More"
• Thrid - "If You Have To Pee Grab 3"
• Fourth - "Oh Crap"
5. Attach flange to wood base with screws
6. Screw on pipe to flange
7. Attach wood backing to wood/pipe base with screws

Using the tube free roll is just the same as it fits and simply rolls on common toilet paper holders and storage options, like the one I created!

Lucky for me I am blessed with a Rite Aid right below my work building which is super convenient for quick necessity shopping. It also gets me in trouble because they always have great sales that I go in for one or two things and end up with a huge shopping bag I have to commute home with!

Toss the tube for good! Go tube free!

Small Bathroom Remodel on a Budget

I love bathroom remodels, but they aren’t always possible when you have to stick to a budget. I’ve learned that you don’t have to gut your entire bathroom to make it fabulous! A little TLC and working with the existing framework with some polishing can transform a bathroom. Both of these bathrooms in my new house were soooooo boring. They were the first rooms I tackled in the new house because I knew they would be a quick remodel with limited funding required. They both turned out fabulous that I can barely remember what I started with. So, here are my best tips to remodel your small bathroom on a budget.

 

#1: Examine the existing tile/vanity/hardware

If your foundation is ok, this will save you a TON. The tile on my daughter’s bathroom was disgusting and the grout was almost black against the stark white tile, but there were no major cracks or deficiencies. It just took a little elbow grease with bleach and baking soda to make them look brand new again! The vanity cabinet, although not my color of choice, the wood was good so I left it (for now...may change with a new vanity top). You can paint vanity cabinets with minimal cost by using a good primer and a semi-gloss latex paint. I did this in my old house, and it turned out beautifully! In the main floor bathroom it had a pedestal sink and hardwoods, so no need to change those big ticket items. I did remove and patch the holes from a towel rack above the toilet. I replaced the large towel rack with more appropriate sized hand towel holder.

#2: Paint or Wallpaper

Obvious I know, but adding some color or wall interest is HUGE! For my daughter's bathroom I used Sherwin Williams Watery and the main floor paint is Sherwin Williams Pewter Tankyard.  The wallpaper accent wall I choose in the main floor bath was a little pricy at $150 (with supplies), but doing the labor myself saved me so much and with the small space to make a statement, it was so worth it. In bathrooms you have so much accent wall ability – think about a wood wall, stripes, chevron, stencils, metallic paint, decals, bead board, wainscoting, or faux brick (I’m giving this one a try somewhere in my house).

#3: New fixtures

Not only thinking about changing the vanity/cabinet hardware, think about changing the faucet, towel/toilet paper holders, shower head, mirror, and lighting fixture. Pick and choose what you think will make the biggest impact. On both these bathrooms I did the lighting (same piece because we loved it) and the mirror. In my opinion, these are GAME CHANGERS in a bathroom. For the main floor bathroom I also removed the brass towel and toilet rack hardware and replaced with new brushed nickel hardware. My goal down the line is to change the countertops, sink and faucet in my daughter’s bathroom – but for now, it’s a start. I mean anywhere I can add marble or granite…I’m going to :)

 

#4: Add décor

In my daughter’s room I was inspired by the beautiful paint color I choose to go with a boho chic theme. I found a rug, shower curtain, towels and amazing quote art from HomeGoods that went perfectly with the color scheme and were on budget.  I added two custom Etsy prints with frames from HomeGoods. To save some money I also created DIY shelving units using wood and brackets I found.

In the main floor bathroom, I knew I wanted to stay with a metallic theme from the wallpaper and I remembered I had bought 3 Ikea frames (similar)at a yard sale for $1…yes ALL 3 for $1…so I rummaged in our packed boxes and found them!! Anytime you see frames or art you love on sale, buy them. If you don’t end up using them think of using them as gifts and inserting personalized photos for an engagement, wedding, graduation, etc.

#5: Go in phases

You don't have to do everyhting at once. Start with the basics and then save up for the dream renovation or adding new pieces.