As a seasoned military spouse and constant creator, I’ve made it my personal mission to transform each and every rental space we’ve lived in over the years into a place I truly love. And you better believe that includes our rental bathrooms!

Embrace Bold Colors

Let’s be real – rental bathrooms are often pretty drab and dreary, aren’t they? When we first moved into our current condo, the bathroom was nothing to write home about. Dingy white walls, a dated brown vanity, and boring beige tile. It was a total snooze-fest.

But I knew I could work my magic and turn this blah bathroom into a beautiful, spa-like oasis. The first thing I did was take a bold leap and paint the walls in a rich, vibrant shade of blue. [4] After polling my friends on the current state of the space (they used words like “dull,” “bland,” and even “depressing” to describe it!), I knew I needed to make a major change.

I decided to go with “Something Blue” from the HGTV HOME™ by Sherwin-Williams Future Thinker Color Collection, and let me tell you – it made all the difference. The room instantly felt so much more alive and energetic. My friends’ reactions were priceless – their eyes lit up, they were smiling, and they described the space as “calm,” “happy,” and “inviting.”

Hardware Update on a Budget

Rather than shelling out for all-new hardware, I gave the existing light fixture and accessories a quick refresh with another color from the same palette. I chose a soft, modern black called “Domino” which complemented the blue walls beautifully. [4] It was an easy and affordable way to give the space a cohesive, high-end look.

Stylish Storage Solutions

One of the biggest challenges with rental bathrooms is the lack of storage and organization. When we first moved in, we added some basic wall shelves and hooks, but they just ended up looking cluttered and messy no matter how hard I tried to keep them tidy.

That’s when I got the idea to swap out all those unsightly product bottles for a set of gorgeous glass jars and dispensers. [3] Not only does this create a super chic, curated look, but it also makes it easy to see when I’m running low on something. I paired the jars with some other acrylic organizers like a toothbrush holder and cotton swab tray for a truly elevated aesthetic.

Practical Meets Pretty

Of course, a bathroom refresh isn’t just about looks – it’s also about function. I wanted to make sure this space worked hard for us, while still looking fabulous.

One of the best decisions I made was resurfacing the dated countertop with a lighter, brighter marble-look material. [3] It was a bit of a pain, but the end result was so worth it – the entire room felt instantly more modern and fresh.

I also got creative with the under-sink storage, using a mix of baskets and canisters to keep everything organized and easy to access. [3] No more rummaging through a jumbled mess every time I need something!

Cozy Accents

To really drive home that tranquil, spa-like vibe I was going for, I added some plush, textured towels and a cozy bath mat. [4] The contrast of the soft, neutral tones with the bold blue walls is simply divine.

A few final touches, like a decorative clock, some artwork, and a flickering LED candle, and this rental bathroom transformation was complete. [4] The end result is a space that feels elevated, intentional, and – most importantly – like a true reflection of my personal style.

Sure, I may not own this condo, but that doesn’t mean I can’t make it feel like a luxurious retreat. With a little creativity and some budget-friendly DIY know-how, I was able to turn a drab rental bathroom into a serene oasis that brings me joy every single time I step inside.

Embracing the Rental Life

I know not everyone has the luxury of a blank canvas when it comes to their rental bathrooms. Heck, my last place had the most god-awful brown tiles from floor to ceiling! [5] But that doesn’t mean you have to settle for a subpar space.

Whether it’s peel-and-stick wallpaper, a funky shower curtain, or some strategically placed baskets and bins, there are so many ways to add personality and function to a rental bathroom without making any permanent changes. [8] It just takes a little bit of elbow grease and a whole lot of creativity.

And you better believe I’m not done yet. There are still a few more things I have up my sleeve to really take this space to the next level. A bold, patterned wallpaper might be in the cards, or maybe some sleek new lighting fixtures. [7] The possibilities are endless when you’re willing to think outside the box!

So if you’re feeling frustrated with the state of your rental bathroom, take heart. With a little imagination and the right tools, you can transform even the most uninspiring space into a beautiful, functional oasis. Who knows – you might even end up loving it more than your own home one day!

[1] The Homes I Have Made
[2] Albie Knows Design
[3] Advice from a Twentysomething
[4] Pinterest
[5] I Spy DIY
[6] Polished Habitat
[7] Style by Emily Henderson
[8] Essential’s Fix