When our friend Roeshel sent photos and notes from her bathroom makeover, we fell in love instantly. She wrote to share the story behind the transformation and the budget-friendly choices that made it possible.
I’d love to submit my bathroom makeover for a reader redesign. Thank you so much for the inspiration! The entire project cost just $512 and I really love the outcome. The ceiling paint, primer and trim and door paint were free because we already had them from previous projects. For the walls I used Benjamin Moore’s Light Pewter and Nimbus, color-matched to Valspar’s Signature paint. The lighting was ordered from a specialty lighting supplier and the oval vanity mirror came from Lowe’s.
I painted the floor myself using Valspar Porch and Floor Paint in “Journey” along with some Benjamin Moore “Smoke Embers” that I already had. I used Elegant Bracket Stencils to create the pattern and then sealed the surface with Minwax water-based polyurethane (note: this product can yellow very light-colored paint over time). For the shower curtain I chose a long white waffle-style curtain from Target. I refreshed the faucets with Rust-Oleum spray primer followed by oil-rubbed-bronze spray paint and a light spray lacquer to protect the finish. I documented each step on my blog so readers can follow the process and see details like the floor painting technique. ~Roeshel
Below is what the bathroom looked like before Roeshel worked her DIY magic:
And here’s the stunning and budget-conscious after shot:
The transformation is dramatic yet refined. The horizontal wall stripes add subtle visual interest without overwhelming the room, and the painted stencil floor acts as a custom element that ties everything together. The color palette—muted greys with crisp white trim and a white pedestal sink—creates a calm, fresh atmosphere while the darker accents in the floor stencil and hardware provide depth.
What makes this makeover particularly inspiring is how achievable it is for homeowners on a budget. With a small investment in paint, a couple of new fixtures or lighting pieces, a DIY-painted floor, and some careful finishing touches, the space is completely renewed. The selective use of materials that were already on hand helped keep costs low, while a few strategic purchases—mirror, lighting, shower curtain—lifted the aesthetic.
Practical tips from Roeshel’s project that are helpful for anyone considering a similar update:
- Plan your color scheme in advance. Choosing two complementary paint tones for the walls creates depth while keeping the palette cohesive.
- When painting floors, test sealers and finishes on a small area first so you can anticipate any color shift or yellowing.
- Stencils are a great way to achieve a custom look without spending on expensive tile or professionally installed flooring.
- Refinishing fixtures with spray paint can be a cost-effective alternative to replacing hardware; just be sure to use a primer and a protective clear coat.
- Reuse and repurpose paint or supplies you already own to stretch your budget further.
We asked ourselves what stood out most about Roeshel’s makeover, and it’s hard to choose. The stenciled floor is an unexpected focal point that reads like an expensive, thoughtful detail. The soft, tone-on-tone walls paired with crisp white trim and a classic pedestal sink keep the room feeling clean and timeless. Together, these elements create a balanced, inviting bathroom that feels much more costly than the actual budget.
Overall, Roeshel did a stellar job of combining creativity, practicality, and careful budgeting to produce a beautiful result. Her project is a wonderful example of how thoughtful DIY work and small investments can dramatically elevate a space. What’s your favorite aspect of this makeover—the stenciled floor, the wall stripes, or the serene color palette?