Dramatic Bathroom Make-Over on a Budget
by
Knobs.co
7 Materials
$128
2 Days
Medium
Bathrooms tend to be smaller spaces, and because popular belief states that darker colors are not suitable for small spaces, we tend to steer clear. But a dark color in a small area can have quite the opposite effect, creating depth and space. And while black is not the most obvious color choice for a bathroom, this project shows that black can have an amazing effect. Here’s a look at my small family bathroom make-over.
This the kids’ bathroom in our old farmhouse. It had a few things going for it: a black-and-white vinyl floor, exposed ceiling beams, a freestanding Victorian-style bath and a sash window. The basic workbench-turned-vanity unit had a few scuff marks, but other than that everything was in pretty good shape. But the room lacked personality and all the white started to feel washed out and boring. This is a bathroom that is used every day and I decided it was definitely time for an update!
There were the 4 things on my to-do list:
1) I wanted to add some traditional details to the walls
2) The white needed to go
3) A feature wall had to be created
4) The bath had to be used as a shower as well
Step 1: Add some interesting details
My first step was to add the dado rail and frame the window with a wide timber trim. This makes such a big difference already that everything after that was just a bonus! As with anything involving timber, it’s important to measure twice and cut once. Use a mitre box to get the corners right and acrylic sealant to fix the trims to the walls.
Step 2: Add Dramatic Glossy Black Paint
Next came the painting. Black and white is the ultimate classic color combination, and because the floor and bath were already in those colors, it was an easy – although brave! – choice. I used a water-based enamel on the walls so that they are rich and with a bit of light-reflecting gloss. That helps to bounce light around the room. For the woodwork and untiled areas below the dado, I used a flat white acrylic paint. A black skirting prevents scuff marks against the white when the floors are being washed.
Step 3: Create a Striking Feature Wall
By adding 2 simple wooden shelves to the wall, I was able to create a striking focal wall on what would otherwise just be a large expanse of black. The shelves break the monotony, and the hanging kokedama adds some lush greenery. Click here to see the full project!
Comments
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3 of 38 comments
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Do you know if you can paint tile flooring in a bathroom?
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Hi Lou, thanks for your question! I have not tried it before but I am sure with the right primer and sealer it could work. Please enquire with your local paint specialist.
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Inspired? Will you try thisRh projechi love the flower feature on your lovely bath room what is holding it to your wall ,will you come an do mine lol Ro x
Frequently asked questions
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It looks, in the "After" picture that the window still opens from the top, so the trim you added is not wide enough to fix it in place? I, too, wondered about the plexiglass straps across it? Are they for security? The whole thing is stunning. Take your guests here first!
I'm curious - not critical, but just curious - why you didn't paint the window trim white as well? I just did a window in my bathroom and when I thought I'd finished it I decided that the wood trim would look better if it was white. It did and I was glad I painted it so I'm just curious about your choice.
Where did you buy the shower curtain track?