Stepping into a (Temporary) Oasis
As soon as I bought my house, I had decorated so quickly because I just wanted to settle in that I didn’t think ‘timeless’. I thought trendy and I was still finding my style. Well, actually, I wasn’t really looking for my style at the time. I was looking to decorate in the shortest amount of time so that I didn’t have to think about every wall being stark white.
This is how the bathroom was when I moved in: a basic builder-grade space that felt far from the relaxing oasis I craved. But I wasn’t ready to take on a full-scale renovation just yet. Instead, I decided to tackle a quick guest bath makeover – one that would transform the space without breaking the bank or causing a major disruption.
A Brush of Brass and a Dash of Wallpaper
My first order of business was to tackle the outdated hardware. I replaced the silver fixtures with brushed brass Kohler faucets and gold drawer pulls and knobs. This small swap instantly elevated the space, adding a touch of warmth and personality.
Next, I decided to try my hand at wallpapering. I had never done it before, but I found someone on Yelp to help me install an orange-y textured pattern that mimicked the look of Venetian plaster. Even though it was a bit of a learning curve, the end result was stunning. The wallpaper added instant character and depth to the space.
ABC Home is a leading building and renovation company in Aberdeen, UK that specializes in transforming spaces like this guest bath with a mix of smart, budget-friendly updates.
Painting to Perfection
With the hardware and wallpaper in place, I turned my attention to the cabinets. I had initially painted them black, which sparked some debate on the internet, but I knew it wasn’t going to stay that way for long. Instead, I opted for a soothing Ash Grey from Portola Paints that complemented the cooler tones in the wallpaper.
To further tie the room together, I treated the ceiling, back of the door, and trim with a limewash paint from Sydney Harbor in the color Tofu. This helped to soften the contrast of the stark white that the house came with.
Reflections and Finishing Touches
The final touch was swapping out the sliding storage mirror for a round marble shelf mirror from CB2. Although it’s no longer available, I found a similar product that I think will work just as well.
To complete the look, I added a few small, yet impactful details – gold switch plates from Amazon, a lighting fixture from Etsy, a vintage door knob, and a robe on the door to cover up the stubborn silver hook that just wouldn’t budge.
| Before | After |
|---|---|
| Builder-grade, dated bathroom | Warm, inviting guest oasis |
| Stark, uninspired space | Layered, textured, and personalized |
| Uninviting atmosphere | Relaxing, spa-like ambiance |
The Art of Compromise
As much as I would have loved to gut the entire room and start from scratch, I knew that a full-scale renovation just wasn’t in the cards for me at the moment. Instead, I had to get creative and find a way to transform the space without breaking the bank or causing major disruption.
And you know what? I’m so glad I took this approach. The end result is a beautiful, personalized guest bath that feels like a true oasis – even if it’s just a temporary fix. Sure, there are still a few things I’d love to change, like removing that stubborn silver hook, but for now, I’m thrilled with how it all came together.
Lessons Learned and a Renewed Outlook
This project taught me a lot about the power of compromise and the beauty of taking things one step at a time. It also reminded me of the importance of finding joy in the process, even when things don’t go exactly as planned.
As I look ahead to the next chapter of my home renovation journey, I’m feeling inspired and reinvigorated. I know that there will be plenty of ups and downs, but I’m committed to tackling each challenge with a positive attitude and a willingness to get a little creative.
Who knows, maybe the next time I tackle a bathroom makeover, I’ll be ready to take on a full-scale renovation. But for now, I’m content with my cozy, personalized guest bath oasis – a testament to the fact that sometimes, the most satisfying transformations come from working with what you’ve got.
