The great thing about sharing my projects here is it keeps me accountable. It would be awful to come back here and tell you I went way over budget, so I walked the line. I spent all but $2 of my $500 budget for the bathroom updates.
In the before photo, the old bathroom had darker walls, dated lighting and a small mirrored medicine cabinet. There was also an acrylic composite sink and leaky faucet to contend with in this small bathroom. I pulled together some inspirations photos that had three things in common – lighter walls, vessel sinks and warm wood elements.
To save money and stay on budget, we reused the existing vanity cabinet. It was painted with a coat of Martha Stewart Sharkey Gray and new drawer pulls were added. I saved money by buying a sample size of the paint which was only $3 and it was more than enough paint for the job. My husband made a counter out of a piece of walnut that he had in his workshop. He installed the vessel sink and faucet that we purchased through Overstock. I did a lot of searching for a good quality sink and faucet and found the best price on Overstock and the shipping was free.
The mirror was a bit of a splurge for me at $119. It is from the Martha Stewart line at Home Depot. It was the only mirror that I liked and it turned out to be the inspiration for the vanity color.
I wanted an industrial style light for the bathroom. I finally found what I was looking for in the outdoor section of Home Depot for only $32. It was made of brushed nickel to match the faucet and it took a regular 60 watt blub. I always look in the outdoor lighting section for indoor lighting possibilities. It is a great way to save money.
I would have loved to get a new shower curtain, but I ran out of money. Eventually I’ll replace it.
I think this shower curtain from Café Press would be the perfect nautical element for the room.
Cost Breakdown:
vessel sink, drain and faucet combo $270
3 drawer pulls $15
sample paint can $3
birch plywood $9
mirror $119
light $32
wall paint $50
I have $2 left to put toward a shower curtain.
We have one more bathroom to do, but it is going to need a much larger budget.
Sharing with the DIY Show Off.
Looks wonderful, Mary. I like the red shower curtain, but I am sure the other one would be cute, too.
I ADORE the light!!
Looks AMAZING! I can’t wait to use it next summer! Great job!
(Though I’ll miss the gorgeous art that used to hang above the toilet – I always loved those little pieces, especially the blue and yellow one).
Love love love!!
That’s the same vessel sink I used in my ME half bath–did you see it when you visited last week?
Amazing! So fresh and pretty (tho I must admit the before was not too horrendous!) Congrats and enjoy!
Mary…this is SO inspiring. I never would have guessed that you kept everything under budget. I am totally in love with the vessel sink and never thought to look at Overstock, which is one of my favorite places. I’m wondering if you find the sink too high for you? We have a vessel sink at the lake and it’s really difficult to wash my face due to the height (it’s a standard size vanity). We need to replace a sink and vanity here and I really like the style but worry about the height and mess that I make. I’m short, too, so that doesn’t help.
The light fixture is fantastic! I have to make a note of this! And I love the colorful artwork. Great job!!
XO,
Jane
Jane, great question, our vanity was only 30″ high and the sink was 6″ high. The recommended height for a vessel sink on top of a vanity is 32′ – 36″, so it worked for us. I find it very comfortable. I am 5’4″. I read reviews about splashing around the bowl, but I find that it hasn’t been a problem, because the bowl is so deep.
It is so pretty Mary! I love the wooden vanity top with the vessel sink! And your vintage art is fabulous! I think your shower curtain still looks great… But I know how it is when you have a vision of something else in your head!
What a wonderful makeover. I love the wood top on your vanity. Is there anything special that needs to be done besides a good poly on it?
My husband used a product called Crystalc (clear wood filler) to prep the wood followed by 6 coats of lacquer, but any waterproof finish such as polyurethane would do.
Looks great. I love the outside light for use in the inside – I will always remember that!!!
I love the red shower curtain!
Hi Mary, visiting from Brenda’s Cozy Little House. Love seeing your updated bathroom.
Joy
Wow! Your guest bathroom has a fresh new look on a budget! I love the whole room and the artwork you hung adds that unique “Mary” touch to the room.
Oh, this turned out great! Love all the details-great job and great budget! 🙂
Susan
I really love your new sink! I also think the red shower curtain looks just perfect in the space but I can understand being ready for a TOTAL change when redecorating.