Olivia’s Birthday Bathroom Makeover
You might remember the quick $200 bedroom makeover we completed for our niece Olivia last October. To jog your memory, here are the “before” photos:
That small budget covered a lot of pieces for her bedroom—desk, chair, headboard, dresser, curtains and more. The results were lovely, but when it came to the attached bathroom, we felt it needed its own cheerful update to match the bedroom.
Before the update, the bathroom was bland and uninspired—standard builder white and functional but lacking personality. For Olivia’s ninth birthday, she asked for a bathroom makeover as her gift, which we thought was adorable and a perfect project to complete alongside the bedroom refresh.
To bring energy and charm to the small space, we chose a lively avocado-green paint for the walls and added colorful, inexpensive accessories. The green shade—Glidden’s Celery Sticks—gives the room a fresh, modern feel that reads playful without being juvenile. When paired with hot pink accents that tie into her adjoining bedroom, the result feels cohesive and fun.
One standout element that instantly made the room feel special was a small green chandelier hung over the sink. It added personality and a touch of glamour for a very modest price. We found it at Marshall’s on clearance for about $30, which felt like a steal for the instant impact it delivered.
We sprinkled color into the space through soft furnishings and decor: a round rug with bright hues, a patterned shower curtain, and hot pink towels. These inexpensive finds created a layered, cheerful look and gave the room a custom feel without overspending.
To make the reveal extra memorable, John’s sister wrapped the bathroom door so Olivia would experience the makeover as a present on her birthday. The delighted reaction—squeals and hugs—made the whole effort worth it. Seeing a child light up over a colorful, welcoming space is one of the best rewards of DIY decorating.
Here’s a simple budget breakdown so you can see how affordable the project was. Small purchases, combined with a little time and effort, can dramatically change a room:
- Chandelier (clearance from Marshall’s): $30.00
- Round rug (clearance from Ross): $4.99
- Shower curtain (from Target): $29.99
- Paint (Glidden’s Celery Sticks): $17.60
- Hot pink towels (from Target): gift
- Door decorating supplies: already owned
- GRAND TOTAL: $82.58
For under $100 we transformed a plain bathroom into a cheerful space that perfectly suits a nine-year-old’s tastes. The bejeweled chandelier might have been the most whimsical touch, but the paint really brings everything together—Celery Sticks is a lovely modern green that works well in many rooms, not just kids’ spaces.
If you’re thinking about a similar mini-makeover, consider choosing one bold paint color and then layering in accessories in complementary hues. Little updates like a new curtain, a colorful rug, and a fun light fixture can create a fresh, cohesive look without a big budget. And if a child in your life asks for a home-related birthday surprise—take it as a great opportunity to make something memorable.