Guest Bathroom Renovation

It all started with removing the outdated green floral wallpaper and ended up as a more lengthy project! 

How do you remove wallpaper as a diy project?  Mix fabric softener with warm water in a bucket and sponge onto the walls.  It is a bit messy, but at least it smells nice. 

I had removed wallpaper in this manner before, and all was well.  This time, however, I ran into a slight problem.  Removing the wallpaper also removed part of the drywall.  After some debate, we decided to remove part of the drywall and replace with new materials.  It was a smart move, as there previously had been a water leak (fixed recently), and some of the drywall was starting to grow mold (not black) on the paper side.  I took a hammer and a crowbar and ripped out the walls.  It was a great stress reliever! 

Posted are photos of the bathroom in its current condition, after I removed the drywall.  I did find some evidence of "Haint Blue" in the walls, but am not sure when it was painted that color.  Painting porches, doors, trim, kitchens, and sometimes other rooms a bright blue is often associated with Southern American folklore.  The belief behind this practice?  One of the most common explanations is rooted in the supernatural belief that the color keeps evil away.  Did the previous owners use this color for that reason or did they simply like this shade of blue?  The latter seems more probable.

Period sconces will be installed on either side of the antique mirror above the vanity, and a French Marie Antoinette chandelier will finish the room.  I bought this antique wooden mirror (pictured) from someone on Craigslist.  It is an ebonized Victorian piece with original beveled mirrors that has a Gothic flair.  It was probably originally part of a dresser or mantel, but now has a new purpose to dress up this room.  I think it will go well with our New Orleans design!