To be honest, our bathroom probably needs a full remodel — or at least new tile and a replacement sink — but during our long and pricey kitchen renovation we decided a simple refresh would do for now. I chose (and gently persuaded John) to change the bold blue walls to a calming tan, and to upgrade from a college-style plastic shower curtain to a grown-up white waffle fabric curtain to give the space a cleaner, more restful feel.
Another priority was removing the hulking medicine cabinet that had two lights jutting out from its sides like little arms. We wanted a sleeker, updated look, so we took that down and planned to replace it with a streamlined medicine cabinet and a light fixture mounted above the mirror. The project wasn’t the easiest — it took three trips to Lowe’s plus a few extra outings hunting for the perfect cabinet — but the swap to a simpler mirror and an above-mirror light made a huge difference. We’ll eventually add a storage cabinet on the wall next to the mirror for stashing toiletries and keeping countertops clutter-free.
Before I show the “after” photos, a quick trip down memory lane is in order. Our early attempts at decorating the bathroom were, in hindsight, a little overambitious. I tried to echo the original black-and-white checkered floor with black molding around the window, which ended up looking heavy and out of scale. Bright blue accessories made the room feel juvenile, and the tiny shutters paired with a traditional, fussy window treatment clashed with the rest of the house. It was a classic case of good intentions gone awry.
We dialed things back: the window molding was repainted white, the walls were softened with a pale blue similar to the hue we love in our bedroom, and the window was frosted for privacy. Those changes immediately made the room feel lighter and more cohesive with the rest of the house. The updated trim and subtle wall color let architectural details breathe rather than compete for attention.
Still, that oversized medicine cabinet with its protruding lights kept nagging at me. After repainting several other rooms in neutral tones, it became clear the bathroom would benefit from the same calming palette. We selected a warm tan paint that reads as neutral but adds warmth, and swapped the plastic shower curtain for a textured white waffle curtain that feels more refined and hotel-like.
One of the most rewarding parts of the refresh was the new light fixture. We found a fixture at Lowe’s that looks like a much more expensive option — I would have sworn it was a $300 Restoration Hardware fixture if I’d seen it in someone else’s home, but since I bought it I can confirm it was the $90 Lowe’s version. Big win. The new lighting dramatically improved the space: we went from two 60-watt bulbs to the equivalent of three hundred watts of light, which makes grooming tasks, applying makeup, and general cleaning so much easier. The brighter, warmer light also helps the tan walls and white textiles read their best, creating a tranquil, welcoming bathroom atmosphere.
Next on the list is a tasteful wall-mounted storage cabinet to keep essentials organized and out of sight. Once that’s in place, we’ll have a bathroom that not only looks updated but functions better for our daily routine. For now, a fresh coat of paint, a refined shower curtain, and smarter lighting have turned a tired space into a calm, polished room where we actually enjoy brushing our teeth.