6 Small Bathroom Updates

by Myra Hope

I mentioned this little bathroom at the beginning of January when I shared my home goals for the year. As a jack ‘n jill bathroom in a very old house, it is teeny tiny. The “bones’ of the bathroom are great since our landlord installed a new sink cabinet and toilet. The updating that this space needs is relatively simple, so I’m tackling this room as my first “big” project of 2012! :)

Notice the outdated wallpaper as well as the painted {yes, painted} tile on the walls.  The sink cabinet is new, but I’m thinking it’s begging for a coat of paint…maybe even a bright color! Fun!

Don’t turn your nose up at my fancy schmancy ruffled curtains, but they have to go.  They are too froofy!  Ha!

The Master Plan 

1.  Paint Tile and Ceiling

Since the tile has been previously painted {I think it was blue or gray originally}, I’m not worried at all about painting again…probably a bright white.  The ceiling needs a fresh new coat of paint as well.

2. Remove Wallpaper

This is going to be the most time-intensive part of the job since I have to strip the wallpaper and prepare the wall for the next step.  I’m a newbie wallpaper stripper, so this will be an adventure. :)

3.  Paint and Stencil Wall Above Tile

As I’ve mentioned before, stenciling is a fabulous way to add a graphic pattern or design to a space without being expensive. Stencils are also great because when you get tired of them…there’s no stripping wallpaper. Just paint over them.

4. Create New Window Covering

The window has a frosted pattern on it, so privacy isn’t an issue.  I’m planning to take advantage of all the space above the window to accentuate the height of the room.

5.  Paint Sink Cabinet

As you can see, the sink cabinet is fine as it is, but painting it will take away the “builder’s grade look” that it currently has.  I think a bright color would really be fun in this space.  A new knob is definitely needed as well.

6.  Accessorize

Last, but not least, I plan to accessorize this space with fun, colorful items. Unique towels, pictures and other wall art are on my radar as I plan this small bathroom update.

The Inspiration

Image sources: 1. Fabric.com 2. HouseofTurquoise 3. PhotoCardBoutique 4. Archiexpo 5. ProjectNursery 6. HouseAndHome 7. DirectionsNotIncluded

This bathroom connects with Ridley’s room which is going to also get a makeover this year to become a kids’ room. I want it to be a fun creative space full of color, patterns and life!

Do you have a room project that you’re going to work on updating soon?


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{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }

1 ashley @ the handmade home February 9, 2012 at 8:38 am

You KNOW I love these colors, girl. You rock. LOVE love LOVE! there’s a great place in town here called rescued relics with a TON of sinks and bathtubs up for the reclaiming. ;} I think you should come on down and we’ll make a girls day out of it. ;}
ashley @ the handmade home´s last [type] ..stenciled art : rustic modern

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2 Linda February 9, 2012 at 8:46 am

Re-doing is a lot of work….but so much fun to see the final results! I can’t wait to see how it turns out. Have fun!
Linda´s last [type] ..I Love Lucy… and My Lisa!

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3 Brenda @ a farmgirl's dabbles February 9, 2012 at 9:06 am

Can’t wait to see your final bathroom! I love the colors and patterns you’re looking at. I desperately need to update our main bath, and we’re looking at a small remodel to incorporate another shower in the house…probably making a laundry room/bathroom combo, as it’s a small space.
Brenda @ a farmgirl’s dabbles´s last [type] ..Raspberry Shortbread Hearts & Raspberry Cream Cheese Marshmallow Dip

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4 Seriously Sassy Mama February 9, 2012 at 9:10 am

I love the color palette you chose!
Seriously Sassy Mama´s last [type] ..Tiramisu

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5 Paige February 9, 2012 at 9:52 am

I have that same fabric!!!! Actually its just waiting for me to figure out what to do with it. Great inspiration board!

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6 Mackenzie February 9, 2012 at 10:38 am

I like the bright colors you plan to use!

I just moved into a new apartment and I just finished decorating the main bathroom. I based the look around the design and color of a new shower curtain. It was the only new thing I bought for the room (frugal). I designed a minimalist beachy theme around the curtain with items I already had around the house. Score! :)
Mackenzie´s last [type] ..Random Things On My Mind…

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7 Lori February 9, 2012 at 11:26 am

I am so glad I found you! We just moved into a small ranch a couple of months ago and I have a teeny-tiny bathroom that’s very outdated. You’ve given me the inspiration I need to re-do it. Thanks again, for sharing. I’m now a follower.

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8 Katie February 9, 2012 at 3:24 pm

I’ve been planning on painting the vanity in one of our bathrooms, so I’m really eager to see how you paint yours! Last spring I finally tackled an extra bedroom that the previous owners had covered in crocodiles on skateboards wallpaper (I know, yuck!). It took a long time, but I found a scoring tool was my best friend :)
Katie´s last [type] ..Valentine’s Felt Heart Wreath

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9 Ashleigh February 9, 2012 at 6:34 pm

I’m excited to see what you come up with! And I’m guessing you have some good ideas for stripping wallpaper already, but in case you didn’t know, vinegar in a spray bottle works great for removing what remains on the wall after you pull the paper off…as long as you can handle the smell :) Let it soak a minute and then scrape away!

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10 Tonya @ Love of Family & Home February 10, 2012 at 5:01 am

I love your inspiration photo! The colors are so bright & cheerful! Can’t wait to see what you do with this space!!
Tonya @ Love of Family & Home´s last [type] ..25 Things…

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11 Mrs Mike February 12, 2012 at 8:19 am

Wow, I LOVE the color palette! I’ll be looking forward to the reveal!
Mrs Mike´s last [type] ..Another Weekend Project

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12 barbra stephens March 10, 2012 at 1:09 pm

We love this! Thanks so much for posting such useful tips…now, off to read more….lol.
barbra stephens´s last [type] ..A great place to live!

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