We don’t have a dramatic bathroom reveal this time, just a collection of thoughtful, mid-project updates. The big structural tasks—like adding a shelf and painting—are finished, and right now we’re focusing on smaller improvements while juggling travel. After ten flights in eleven days, we’re finally home and ready to tackle the next, larger phase: either framing the mirror or sewing a window shade from a bold fabric I can’t stop thinking about. In the meantime, here’s what we’ve been working on.
That fabric I mentioned is one I spotted before and loved. I picked it up at a great price and it’s called Ubud by Iman Home/Waverly. The vivid pattern will be the perfect burst of color against our mostly white and slightly plummy-gray bathroom. I’m picturing it as a dramatic window shade that balances the calm tone of the space with a real personality punch. For now it’s patiently waiting on the counter to be made into a shade—fabric doesn’t sew itself, unfortunately—so I’ve been focusing on quick wins that make the room feel more complete.
The first small update was swapping out the old, painted wooden knobs for something with more character. I found a set at a craft store on sale. They feel irregular and organic, like green jade or dyed bone, and their faceted gem shape adds a subtle touch of shine without sticking out too far from the cabinet. The new knobs are about the same projection as the old ones, so there’s no worry about bumping knees or catching clothes on them.
They pull the darker tones from the floor tile up to the vanity and create a pleasing visual link between the sink area and the rest of the room. I’d like to add one more on the false drawer above the sink; the store was out the day I bought these, so I’ll check back next time.
People have asked whether we’ll paint the vanity a darker color, such as charcoal or black. It’s something we’re entertaining, and it could look fantastic with the dark floor tile, but we’re not in a rush. The bathroom is a bit smaller than photos suggest, and keeping the vanity white helps maintain an airy balance between the wall tile, tub, and vanity. One darker element might make the space feel unbalanced, so we’re waiting until more of the room comes together—after the shade and mirror frame are in place—before making that decision. We’ll share the result once we commit.
Another upgrade we squeezed in between trips was frosting the bathroom window. We removed the old accordion paper shade, which always had to stay closed for privacy, and replaced it with a modern frosted film. The new finish lets in light while keeping privacy—even at night with the bathroom lights on, only soft, indistinct shadows are visible from outside.
We’ve applied this type of window film before, and there are clear step-by-step guides that walk through the process. If you’re tackling a similar project, look for instructions on how to measure, cut, and install frosted film so it stays smooth and bubble-free. We also made a short video showing the application in real time, which can help visualize the steps and reassure you that it’s doable with a little patience and the right tools.
So that’s the current status: new knobs, a frosted window, and a bold fabric waiting to become a shade. I added the brassy old doorknob to the to-do list, too—small details keep showing up as opportunities for improvement.
Here’s the running list of pending tasks for the hall bathroom:
- rehang a shower curtain at ceiling height (done)
- trim out the unbalanced window (done)
- replace the light fixture (done)
- add meaningful art (done)
- build a shelf over the toilet for leaning art (done)
- paint the walls a fresher color to help the original tile pop (done)
- upgrade the vanity hardware (done)
- frost the window (done)
- frame out the mirror over the vanity for a less builder-basic look
- replace or recoat the brassy gold doorknob
- make a bold fabric shade for the window
- possibly paint the vanity (still deciding)
- add finishing touches, accessories, and publish a budget breakdown
Progress feels steady: some items are small but impactful, like hardware, while others—like the mirror frame or a new shade—will push the room into a polished, finished stage. I love how the new knobs pair with the fish canvas we hung; it’s a reminder that even tiny swaps can make a space feel more personal and special.
What about you? Did you get any mid-project wins or finish something that changed the feel of a room this weekend? Sometimes a big change like painting or hanging curtains makes the most difference, and sometimes it’s the little details that finally make a space feel like yours.
Psst—Clara has been showing off a cute hidden talent lately, and we shared a short feature about it on our family blog. Kids have the best surprises.