Picture this: Your bathroom goes from dated beige to spa-like serenity, all in 2 days, for $275. No plumbing, no demo – just smart DIY magic. You can totally pull this off! This complete guide targets small powder rooms or full baths (5×8 ft). We’ll paint, update vanity, swap hardware, add mirror/lighting, and accessorize. Difficulty: Easy-intermediate. Time: 12 hours. Let’s make your bathroom Insta-worthy!
Before: The Ugly Truth
Builder-grade: Oak vanity, brass fixtures, flat paint, tiny mirror, harsh lighting. Feels cheap and tired.
Total Cost Breakdown: $275
Painting & Walls ($85)
- Behr Premium Plus Ultra (1 gal Sea Salt eggshell, 1 gal Decorator’s White semi-gloss): $48
- Primer (Zinsser Bulls Eye 1 qt): $12
- Painter’s tape (Frog 2-inch): $6
- Drop cloths ($5), brushes/rollers ($14)
Vanity & Hardware ($95)
- Spray paint (Rust-Oleum Universal Matte Black 12 oz x4): $32
- New pulls (Delta Matte Black 3-inch, 6-pack Amazon): $28
- Knobs (oil-rubbed bronze 1-inch, 4-pack): $12
- Quartz countertop paint kit (Countertop Epoxy Black): $23
Mirror & Lighting ($60)
- Framed mirror (36×30 inch Wayfair industrial): $45
- LED vanity light (Globe Electric 24-inch brushed nickel): $25 (use old base)
Accessories ($35)
- Towel bar (Moent matte black 24-inch): $20
- Rug (10×13 nuLOOM jute Walmart): $15
Step-by-Step Weekend Plan
Day 1: Demo & Prep (3 Hours)
- Empty room. Remove old hardware (label screws).
- Clean everything: TSP on walls/vanity, degrease fixtures.
- Sand vanity lightly (150-grit), wipe dust.
- Tape floors/cabinets. Prime walls.
Painting Magic (4 Hours)
- Walls: 2 coats Sea Salt eggshell. Cut in edges, roll 10-inch nap roller for texture.
- Trim/Ceiling: Decorator’s White semi-gloss. Use angled sash brush.
- Dry time: 2 hours between coats.
Vanity Transformation (3 Hours)
- Mask countertop. Spray 4 thin coats Matte Black on cabinets/doors (sand 220-grit between coat 2/3).
- Apply Countertop Epoxy: Mix, pour, spread with included tool. Bubble with torch. Dries 24 hours.
- Install new pulls/knobs once dry.
Mirror & Lighting Upgrade (2 Hours)
- Mirror: Find studs, mount with French cleat or heavy-duty anchors (holds 50 lbs).
- Light: Turn off breaker. Remove old fixture (2 wires usually). Wire new LED (black to black, white to white, ground green). Test.
Accessories & Finishing (1 Hour)
- Hang towel bar on studs.
- Add rug, new TP holder, plants, woven baskets ($10 each thrifted).
Pro Tips for Boutique Vibes
- Lighting: 100-150 lumens/sq ft. Dimmable LED.
- Mirror Size: 20-30% of wall width.
- Hardware: Matte black or brass – mix metals ok now.
- Grout Refresh: Regrout tiles with Polyblend sanded ($8).
Before/After Impact
Before: Cramped, yellowed. After: Airy, luxurious. Space feels 30% larger!
Common Pitfalls Avoided
- Prime everything.
- Sand between paint coats.
- Use semi-gloss in moisture areas.
Your boutique bathroom awaits. You nailed it!
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