Turning a Tiny Tub into a Tranquil Retreat

I’ll be the first to admit – I’ve always been a sucker for a good bathroom makeover. There’s just something so satisfying about transforming a drab, outdated space into a serene oasis. And let me tell you, I’ve seen my fair share of dreary bathrooms in need of a serious facelift. But when my daughter Lizzy called me up the other day, bubbling with excitement about her plans to revamp her small guest bathroom, I couldn’t wait to lend a hand.

Lizzy and her husband bought their 90s fixer-upper about three years ago, and she’s been slowly but surely putting her stamp on the place. The first order of business? Repainting the kitchen and primary bathroom cabinets with some of our Bungalow 47 Furniture Paint. And let me tell you, that fresh coat of paint made all the difference – it was like the house had been given a whole new lease on life. [1]

But now, Lizzy had her sights set on updating the second bathroom, as well as the main powder room. And as a professional photographer and self-proclaimed DIY maven, I knew she’d be more than up for the challenge. She was determined to breathe new life into these spaces without breaking the bank.

Small Bathroom, Big Personality

Lizzy decided to tackle the powder room first, and let me tell you, the transformation is nothing short of stunning. This tiny space used to have a basic pedestal sink, which just wasn’t cutting it in the storage department. So Lizzy found a cute little vanity on Facebook Marketplace for a mere $20, along with a faucet for $12 – talk about a steal!

Using our Bungalow 47 Furniture Paint in the color “Topiary,” she gave the vanity a fresh, deep green hue. Now, instead of feeling cramped and utilitarian, this powder room exudes warmth and personality. And the best part? Lizzy didn’t have to shell out an arm and a leg to make it happen. [1]

But Lizzy didn’t stop there. Knowing that the bland tile floors were really bringing the space down, she decided to jazz them up with a little DIY magic. Using an epoxy paint, she created a complementary pattern that ties in seamlessly with the fun, patterned tile in the adjacent hallway. Talk about a budget-friendly solution! [1]

And just when I thought the powder room couldn’t get any cuter, Lizzy busted out her artistic skills and hand-painted a simple design on the back wall behind the toilet. Using our Bungalow 47 Furniture Paint in “Paddleboat,” she added a playful, graphic element that really brings the whole room together. [1]

To maximize the small footprint, Lizzy also installed some floating shelves above the toilet, providing much-needed storage without taking up valuable floor space. And by opting for a vintage mirror from my stash, she was able to add even more character to the space. [1]

Revamping the Kids’ Bath

With the powder room looking absolutely fabulous, Lizzy set her sights on updating the bathroom her girls use. And let me tell you, this space was in desperate need of some TLC. The outdated oak cabinets and greenish vanity top had her saying “wa, wa, waaaa” every time she walked in.

But once again, Lizzy proved that a little paint can work wonders. She custom-mixed a gorgeous pale pink shade from our Bungalow 47 line and got to work transforming those cabinets. The gold hardware she added provided the perfect finishing touch, giving the space a luxe, spa-like feel. [1]

Lizzy didn’t stop there, though. She also swapped out the plumbing fixtures, opting for a gleaming gold tone that complements the pink cabinets beautifully. And by scooping up some cute floral and polka dot hand towels, she was able to infuse even more personality into the room. [1]

The best part? Lizzy achieved this whole look without having to completely gut the space. By focusing on the small but impactful details – like paint, hardware, and accessories – she was able to breathe new life into this tired bathroom, all while staying on a tight budget.

Budgeting for a Bathroom Remodel

Now, I know what you’re thinking – a bathroom remodel, no matter how small, can’t be cheap. But Lizzy’s approach proves that with a little creativity and elbow grease, you can transform your space without breaking the bank.

The key, she says, is to start by assessing exactly what needs to be done. Does the flooring need to be replaced, or can it be updated with something like paint or vinyl overlays? Are the walls in good shape, or do they need a fresh coat of paint or new wallpaper? And what about the tub or shower – can it be refinished or does it need to be swapped out entirely? [1]

Lizzy also suggests getting creative with storage solutions, like her floating shelves in the powder room. By maximizing every inch of available space, you can cut down on the need for bulky vanities or cabinets.

And when it comes to fixtures and finishes, Lizzy recommends looking for budget-friendly options that still pack a punch. Things like spray-painted hardware or salvaged mirrors can give your space an elevated look without the high-end price tag.

Of course, no bathroom remodel is complete without a healthy dose of personal style. Lizzy’s decision to hand-paint a pattern on the powder room wall is a prime example of how you can infuse your own unique flair into the project. And by selecting colors, textures, and accessories that reflect your personal taste, you can create a space that feels truly custom, no matter your budget.

Wrapping Up

As I look at the “before” and “after” photos of Lizzy’s bathroom transformations, I can’t help but feel incredibly inspired. She’s proven that with a little elbow grease, a lot of creativity, and some strategic shopping, you can turn even the tiniest of bathrooms into a show-stopping retreat.

So if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of a bathroom remodel, take a deep breath and channel your inner Lizzy. Start by assessing your space and your budget, then get ready to unleash your inner designer. With a little bit of planning and a lot of passion, you can transform your drab bathroom into a sanctuary that makes a big impact – no matter its size.

References:
[1] Bungalow 47. “How to Do a Budget Small Bathroom Remodel with Flair and Creativity.” https://bungalow47.com/how-to-do-a-budget-small-bathroom-remodel-with-flair-and-creativity/