Before: Overtiled Bathroom
The hundreds of nondescript tiles on the floor and halfway up the walls in this bath were a drawback until their sandy color inspired a fresh, beachy scheme. A few simple updates and well-chosen accessories will transform this bathroom in just two days.
After: Beachy Bathroom Oasis
The first step in the bathroom's transformation was painting the walls a watery blue. Next, serene fabric choices, such as the cream-color cotton window shade and striped shower curtains , tie together the colors of the tiles and walls. A wooden coatrack adds storage by providing a handy spot to hang towels and robes. These elements work together to highlight the original claw-foot bathtub.
Before: Dark and Dated Vanity
The oak vanity provides lots of storage opportunities, but the wood darkens the bathroom . Old Hollywood-style strip light fixtures, a tile countertop, and a flat mirror date the bathroom.
After: Bright White Vanity
Updated to coordinate with the tub and toilet, the old oak vanity now looks more like a sophisticated dresser thanks to a few coats of white paint. A new countertop, sink, faucet, and hardware add to the makeover . Above the vanity are a pair of brushed nickel sconces and a medicine cabinet. On the wall, beach scenes bring together all the colors in the bathroom .
After: Vanity with Flair
The oak vanity was given a new look with white paint, new hardware, bun feet, and decorative cabinet doors . The original center doors were replaced with a set made from mesh cane webbing -- the kind typically used for chair seats -- inserted into premade door frames and backed by plywood. Simply adding two knobs to the previously bare center cabinet panel reinforces the furniture look.
After: Modern Fixtures
There can never be too much storage in a bathroom . A 4-inch-deep medicine cabinet replaced the flat mirror. With a brushed nickel frame and mirrored inside, the medicine cabinet adds a touch of glamour as well as storage to the bathroom. A sleek and simple high-arc faucet with lever handles adds a modern touch.
After: Versatile Accents
A wooden stool with a woven top serves many functions in this bathroom . It adds texture and plays off the room's beach-theme. It also offers a spot to place towels for easy access from the bathtub and a place to sit. In a small space, it's important to choose versatile pieces.
Before: Vintage Style
The homeowners wanted to give this 1929 bathroom a modern update without losing its vintage charm. New vintage-inspired fixtures, lighter walls , and bright accents will give this bathroom the quick update it needs.
After: Pink and Green Style
The pedestal sink, floor and wall tile, and bathtub were all keepers in this 1929 bathroom. The homeowners incorporated modern function with a wall-mount shower and a new faucet reminiscent of the original with cross-handle fixtures. New tile installed behind the faucet nearly matches the old pieces, and pink-and-white wallpaper complements the tones of the existing mosaic floor. Changing the window blinds to shutters and replacing an old light fixture and wall mirror with a new pair in satin nickel add impact with minimal effort. A petite green Windsor chair and a colorful bath mat and towels complete the look.
After: Pattern Control
Floor-to-ceiling toile might have been too much in this compact space, but covering just half the walls provides a pleasing counterpoint to the white tile wainscoting. There are no worries about swelling and peeling wallpaper in a bathroom that doesn't get steamy from showers.
Before: Green
Dated green tile and a mini print wallpaper make this 7x7 1/2-foot bathroom feel closed in. A boxy vanity and wall-mount cabinet above the toilet don't help the cramped space. Updated walls and streamlined fixtures will give this bathroom a modern update.
After: Charming Country Bathroom
This bathroom gets a fresh farmhouse look from, a new pedestal sink, open storage shelves, sunny yellow accents, and solid-surfacing panels that resemble beaded-board wainscoting. The new pedestal sink with a wide rim opens up floor space, while a vintage-style recessed medicine cabinet provides storage.
After: Clever Fabric Uses
Multiple shower curtains hung on a curved rod protect the wall and window behind the bathtub and shower area. White subway tile picks up in the shower stall where the beaded board look-alike ends. Repurposed fabric softens the space. The shower curtains are actually window panels outfitted with grommets. The cafe curtains were fashioned using tea towels, a curtain rod , and clip rings. With no room for a traditional towel bar , a double hook with glass finials stands in next to the shower.
After: Colorful Hues
A home center chandelier , originally in an aged silver finish, received several coats of yellow paint. Sky blue paint covers the ceiling, an unexpected touch, and complements the bath's sunny accents.
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