Y’all, this bathroom has been patiently waiting its turn for a little refresh. It’s functional, fairly clean, and not the worst we’ve ever had.
There are a lot of things I like about it. Compared with past bathrooms, this one is a winner. It’s the first time we’ve had double sinks, which has been a real game-changer. Other houses had such tiny bathrooms we could barely fit one person—this one could practically host a gathering. In reality, when the kids are getting ready, we’re all in here at once, even though we have two other bathrooms.
I appreciate the roomy, tall vanity (oddly enough, despite my height, I prefer the taller style). The drawers open easily. Natural light is abundant thanks to a skylight and four windows. We have a deep soaking tub, a separate toilet room with a view of the lake, a master closet that connects directly to the bathroom, and authentic slate tile floors instead of vinyl.
Still, there are aspects I’d like to change. Mostly I want it to feel more like a spa hotel and less like a brand-new house. Maybe that’s a bit dramatic—when I think about it, it already feels spa-like: a bright room where my fiddle leaf figs revive themselves in winter sunlight. Plants thrive here, so in a way it’s a small sanctuary.
What I don’t love are the finishes: the cabinets, tile and flooring aren’t quite my palette. The windows need trim, and our exhaust fan is shockingly noisy. Still, this bathroom has worked well for over six years and my complaints are mostly stylistic. The walls are scuffed and clearly need a fresh coat of paint, so a minor makeover is overdue.
Yes, those walls are the color we jokingly call “swine.” They’re the builder-grade base coat that reads as a safe beige in some lights and suspiciously mauve in others. It’s been the bane of my existence for years and it’s the last room in the house still wearing that color. Saying goodbye to it feels like the end of an era.
Because we likely won’t be in this home long enough to justify an extensive overhaul, this will be a true mini makeover: fresh paint, possibly some treatments at the windows, and new towels and accessories. There are plenty of dreamier upgrades that would take more time and money and make the space extra charming, but those will have to wait. Even a small facelift will make a noticeable difference.
I’m leaning toward adding blinds, faux shades, or curtains at the windows. The lower panes are privacy glass, but a bit of fabric would introduce color and pattern that the room needs. Beyond window treatments and paint, I don’t expect to do much more for now, but I’m excited to see how a new wall color transforms the space.
I wish we’d updated this bathroom sooner so we could have enjoyed it longer, but that’s okay—life happens. One goal for the future is to be able to paint an entire house quickly if needed, so we don’t have to live with colors we don’t love for years.
Now you know where I brush my teeth. After sharing this, I feel like we’re all a little closer—if we weren’t already. I’ll be back soon with more photos and the after shots of this mini makeover.