Transforming My Guest Bath on a Tight Budget
When my partner and I bought our new home in Aberdeen, the guest bathroom was a drab, outdated space that desperately needed some love. With a tight renovation budget of just £500, I knew I had my work cut out for me. But I was determined to transform this dull room into a vibrant, welcoming oasis – and I’m excited to share how I did it!
You see, I’ve always had a passion for interior design, and I relish the challenge of creating beautiful spaces on a shoestring budget. So, I rolled up my sleeves, got creative, and set out to give our guest bathroom a colorful refresh that would make our visitors feel right at home.
Choosing a Coastal Farmhouse Aesthetic
As I started planning my bathroom makeover, I knew I wanted to capture a coastal farmhouse vibe. This style perfectly blends rustic, natural elements with airy, beachy touches – and I felt it would be the ideal fit for our new Aberdeen abode.
To bring this vision to life, I started by selecting a soothing, neutral color palette of whites, grays, and natural wood tones. I then scoured the internet for design inspiration, creating a mood board to help me visualize the end result. Sweet Teal’s blog post on her own bathroom refresh was particularly helpful, as she shared her process and budget-friendly tips.
With my design plan in place, I dove headfirst into the renovation work. And let me tell you, it was no small feat – but the end result was more than worth it.
Painting Away the Drab
One of the first things I tackled was the dated, off-white tile and tub. Rather than going through the hassle and expense of ripping it all out, I decided to give it a fresh new look with some paint.
I used a Rustoleum tub and tile kit that transformed the surfaces into a gorgeous, glossy white. It was a simple, cost-effective solution that made a world of difference.
But the real magic happened when I turned my attention to the vanity. The original oak finish was just not doing it for me, so I grabbed a can of neutral-toned paint and got to work. A few coats later, and suddenly the vanity looked brand new – the perfect backdrop for my coastal farmhouse vision.
Refreshing the Hardware and Fixtures
With the heavy-lifting done, I moved on to the fun part: the decorative touches. I started by swapping out the old, outdated faucet and shower head for sleek, brushed nickel fixtures. At just £55 (including the free showerhead I got from Zoro.com), this simple upgrade made the whole space feel so much more modern and high-end.
Next, I turned my attention to the mirror. The large, builder-grade mirror that came with the house just wasn’t cutting it for my coastal farmhouse aesthetic. So, I framed it with a rustic wood trim that I found on Shelfology. This quick and easy DIY project instantly elevated the look and feel of the vanity area.
Creating a Scalloped Accent Wall
One of the most dramatic changes I made was the addition of a scalloped tile accent wall. I had seen this look on Sweet Teal’s blog and knew it would be the perfect way to infuse some personality into the space.
After scouring the web, I found the perfect peel-and-stick tiles from Wallpops. They were affordable, easy to install, and created the exact scalloped effect I was going for. I have to admit, I was a bit nervous about using peel-and-stick tiles in a bathroom, but they’ve held up fantastically over the past year.
Finishing Touches and Decor
With the major renovations complete, it was time to add the final touches that would really bring my coastal farmhouse vision to life. I started by swapping out the old towel rod for one that better fit the aesthetic, then accessorized with natural-fiber baskets, fresh greenery, and coastal-inspired artwork.
The crowning jewel of my bathroom refresh, though, was the custom-built Lloyd shelving unit from Shelfology. Not only does it provide ample storage, but its rustic wood and brushed nickel hardware complement the space perfectly.
The Big Reveal
After weeks of hard work and a tight budget, I can proudly say that my guest bathroom transformation is complete. What was once a dreary, outdated space is now a vibrant, welcoming oasis that perfectly captures the coastal farmhouse aesthetic I was going for.
And the best part? I accomplished all of this for well under my £500 budget. In fact, the grand total for my bathroom refresh came out to just £476 – proof that you don’t need to break the bank to create a beautiful, high-end-looking space.
So, if you’re looking to breathe new life into your own bathroom on a tight budget, I hope my journey has inspired you to get creative and think outside the box. With a little elbow grease and a whole lot of imagination, you can transform even the most drab, uninviting bathroom into a true showstopper.
And who knows, maybe your colorful bathroom refresh will be the envy of all your friends, just like mine is for our guests at ABC Home & Renovations in Aberdeen. The possibilities are endless when you approach a project with passion and a can-do spirit.
