This Bathroom Makeover Is Part Rustic, Part Luxe, Part DIY
All it takes to transform your bathroom into an earthy luxe sanctuary that's easy on the eyes and the wallet is a do-it-yourself mindset and a trip to Walmart. Absolutely no demo was necessary to revamp this space. We simply swapped out a few key fixtures, slapped on some fresh paint, and sprinkled some chic accessories throughout. And we're sharing all the details with you, from the paint color to the sink vanity to the lighting, so you, too, can get the high-end look for less in your own bathroom.
First, let's have a look at a few before/afters of the space to show you how small, simple changes can add up to maximum impact. In the before photos, you'll find powder blue walls, a broken pedestal sink, a dated lighting fixture and an uninspired medicine cabinet. Just a whole lot of ... no.
As you can see in the after photos, we transformed the formerly dingy pastel bathroom into a bright, earthy oasis that's a little bit rustic, a little bit luxe. Before you start, just a reminder to make sure you have proper tools such as a reliable hammer, a variety of screwdrivers, a wrench, a handy drill, and of course, a tape measure and level. Now, here's everything we did to get this look:
Freshen up the space with paint.
Baby blue paint be gone! We freshened up the space with a warm off-white paint called Swiss Coffee in an eggshell finish. The space instantly took on light and airy vibes. Isn't it amazing what a difference paint can make? (Click here for techniques on how to paint a wall.)
Add storage with a sink vanity.
Pedestal sinks are lovely, but this bathroom is on the small side, so we opted for a 24-inch vanity with double drawers instead, which added much needed storage. The modern lines and open base keeps the sink's footprint feeling light, but offers even more storage for towels, toilet paper, or other items. (Click here for tips on how to install a bathroom vanity.)
Choose fixtures with vintage charm.
We replaced the clunky four-lamp light with a gorgeous two-arm lighting fixture that gives off some serious vintage vibes, especially when paired with a brass pharmacy-style mirror with built-in shelf. Not only do both pieces really open up the wall space above the sink, they offer a stylish focal point for the bathroom with their statement-making shapes and finishes. (Click here for info on how to replace a bathroom vanity light.)
Be bold with brass accents.
Metallic brass fixtures add a luxe hotel quality to a bathroom, so we were bold with our inclusion of brass accents, like the Victorian-inspired faucet, rainfall shower head, shower arm, shower curtain rod, and toilet paper holder. We even gilded the handles on our sink vanity with Rub 'N Buff to match the other brass pieces. When sprinkled throughout the space, these accessories talk to each other from each corner, and work in tandem to make a bigger design statement. (Click here for tips on how to install a bathroom faucet.)
Warm things up with wood accessories.
Since we had a lot of white in this space between the walls and the sink vanity, we relied on wooden pieces to bring some warmth into the room. A wooden floor cabinet provides even more storage while wooden wall hooks display your Turkish towels in a tidy fashion.
A rustic wooden stool seems to be a bathroom staple these days, no? We love that this one adds both style and function as a surface for holding vases like this ceramic pitcher vessel, soaps, books, or perhaps a wine glass next to the tub.
We wanted a unique wood and leather towel ring, but we couldn't quite find what we were looking for, so we made our own instead! It's so easy. First, take an 8-inch wooden ring (found at any craft store) and paint it with your wood stain of choice.
Then, once the wood stain is dry, apply a couple coats of waterproofing sealant.
Next, use a utility knife to cut a leather strip into an 8-inch length.
Then fold the leather strip in half around the wooden ring, pre-drill holes through the leather and into the wall, then attach the leather to the wall with a 1 1/2-inch wood screw and drywall anchor.
Now tuck a pretty Turkish hand towel into your handcrafted towel ring, and smile every time you dry your hands.
Accessorize with artisanal pieces.
The last step in our bathroom DIY makeover was to layer in some artisanal accessories to infuse some personality and texture into the space. A Moroccan tassel rug with a bold pattern offers contrast while a woven waste can provides nice texture.
A small glazed ceramic bud vase filled with greenery or flowers is perfect for perking up the space above the toilet or a window sill.
While an oversized earthenware jug might not be an obvious accessory for a small bathroom, it offers a sculptural point of interest for an otherwise empty corner, especially when filled with large branches.
Though our artwork might look like a vintage oil painting, it's actually a printable download that we had printed on canvas through Walmart and hung inside a wood frame. The quality on the canvas is so good you can even see the brush strokes. We love how it looks paired with a strand of artisanal beads.
So there you have it — everything we used to give our bathroom an earthy luxe makeover with our favorite Walmart finds!