Our Small Bathroom Makeover: From Builder-Grade Basic to Boujee

Room Makeovers

April 16, 2025

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you purchase through my links, at no cost to you.

I recently moved into a new home with my husband, three kids, and two doggos—I’m very excited to make this place our own! About six days after moving in, I decided I was sick of unpacking boxes and needed to paint a space (as one does). Instead of continuing to unpack, I headed to Home Depot and got myself a gallon of paint.

Then…I let that paint can sit for about a week (hello procrastination, my old friend). Finally, I reached the point where I was desperate for something in the new house to feel like “me,” so it was time to dive headfirst into painting and renovating our half-bath.

If you’re looking for bathroom makeover ideas, you’re in the right place. I’ll walk you through everything I used and the steps I took to make our small bathroom makeover happen (I also took a boatload of bathroom renovation pics to inspire your own bathroom mood board, so enjoy!). 

DIY Bathroom Renovation Checklist (23 Must-Haves)

As you plan your small bathroom makeover (or half-bath, fun-size, guest bathroom renovation, whatever you want to call it!), start by researching as many DIY bathroom renovation ideas as possible to find what speaks to you. Even simple upgrades will make your bathroom look fresh and new—it doesn’t have to be this huge elaborate gut job to make it look upscale and totally customized to your taste. 

Below, I’ve put together a handy bathroom renovation checklist with literally everything I used for my small bathroom makeover. I always get lots of comments and messages on Instagram (check out my IG reveal of the project HERE!) asking me about specific items I used. So, here you go!

Bathroom Vanity:

Bathroom Accessories:

Bathroom Décor:

And, of course, don’t forget to grab your bathroom renovation tools such as drills, hammers, nails, measuring tape, screwdrivers, paintbrushes, and painter’s tape. Make sure to check out my free guide for more of my favorite DIY tools HERE. Now, let’s get down to business and give this bathroom a glorious glow-up!

Bathroom Renovation Steps for a Fresh Start

When I started this project, I knew I wanted an eclectic yet sophisticated vibe to perk up our half-bath situation. It was looking real basic, and she deserved way more than that! I’m currently on a new journey of figuring out what my style is, as it has changed so much in the last few years. 

I want to do what I love instead of following trends that come and go so quickly. Personally, I love dark and moody themes, but I also want my home to feel like me (fun and always down for a good time!). The goal was to channel that into this bathroom, and I think we did just that.

Builder-grade to beautiful, coming right up! Follow along with our bathroom renovation steps as we transform this space into our own:

Step 1: A Colorful Bathroom Makeover Starts with Paint

I see my white walls and I want them painted black. Specifically, one of my all-time favorite colors: Black Locust by Benjamin Moore in a satin sheen. While painting the bathroom walls, we decided we wanted to rip out and replace the 1” trim with 6” trim and 4” casing around the door frame. Pro tip: 6” casing elevates any space and makes it look more modern (it’s also def more “my style”). I also added new outlet wallplates after removing them for painting.

Step 2: Operation Bathroom Vanity Makeover

    After adding the trim and paint, it was time for the bathroom vanity makeover! I removed the backsplash, the old vanity, mirror, and lighting. I ordered this vanity from Home Depot initially and loved it so much, but then I realized that since our home has a crawl space and not a basement, the plumbing was significantly different than I am used to (coming out of the ground—crawl space—and up through the floor instead of out from the wall like usual). 

    So, I pivoted and got this second vanity from Lowe’s instead! I loved it, but didn’t love the hardware, so I swapped that out and installed this fancy gold faucet I found online, and these brushed gold cabinet knobs. Bathroom cabinet makeover—check! Then I put up these gold vanity lights and a Calloway mirror to tie it all together. 

    Step 3: Quirky Wall Art and Décor for Personality

    Next, I ordered some funny prints for the walls, cute décor (all specific pieces are linked in the bathroom renovation checklist above), and a wavy shelf that I installed above the toilet. The faucet, along with other elements in the space, gives a traditional edge, while the art and décor add the fun, eclectic style that I’m drawn to. Final touches included a new shower rod and blackout curtains for a longer shower curtain look, plus a towel set. Voila, the refreshed bathroom is complete!

    DIY Bathroom Makeover Ideas That Don’t Break the Bank

    What do you think of my bathroom renovation before and after? I’m completely obsessed with how our small bathroom makeover turned out! All it takes is a new coat of paint, a modern vanity, and creative décor to completely reimagine your space. None of the items I used were super expensive either (I’m always a DIY-on-a-budget type of girl!). That said, if a vanity upgrade isn’t in your budget, you can always makeover your bathroom countertops—here’s how I created faux marble counters in my previous house’s bathroom.

    So now the question is, what room should I do next? Stay tuned to the blog for my latest projects!

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    «