A few weeks ago our basement bathroom was bland and uninspiring. I had wanted to update it since we moved in, but it never rose to the top of our to-do list. When our daughter Courtney decided to move into the lower level this year, we finally started thinking about simple ways to make the space better than it was. That shift in perspective was liberating — instead of waiting for perfection, we allowed ourselves to be creative and make modest, effective changes.
Joining a Makeover in a Month challenge with some blogging friends gave us the push to follow through. Although we technically had several weeks, our schedules meant the work happened in short bursts spread across the month. Still, we made meaningful progress with a few focused updates.
We kept the existing vanity, countertops, sink and tile, and concentrated on a handful of changes to inject personality. The result is exactly the coastal cottage vibe we wanted: playful, a little quirky, and much more inviting.
The transformation came down to paint, new faucets, updated mirrors, and charming wall lights. Those simple swaps made a dramatic difference — the room now feels fresh and intentional without a full renovation.
Remember how it looked before?
Because we didn’t want to make permanent changes to the walls, painting and using a stencil became our strategy for adding pattern and personality. The stencil design was inspired by a wallpaper I love, and it offered the visual interest of wallpaper without the commitment.
Read more about the stencil and technique in a follow-up post detailing our process and tips.
Since we were keeping the vanity and counters, choosing the right faucets was essential. The stone countertop carries black and bluish-gray flecks, so matte black faucets paired with a bluish paint on the vanity tied the palette together and even made the marble floor feel more cohesive. The new faucets are both attractive and comfortable to use.
I’d previously used a Kingston Brass faucet in a kitchen remodel and loved it, so choosing a similar style for this bathroom made sense. It gave the vanity an updated look without replacing the whole unit.
Rather than buy a new vanity, we treated the existing cabinet as if it were an old piece repurposed into a vanity. That mindset opened up creative options and helped guide the paint and hardware choices.
We painted the vanity with milk paint in a soft Bergere tone. The finish adds charm and complements the other elements in the room. More details about the paint and finishing techniques are available in our project follow-up.
My favorite detail is the white wall lights above the vanity. We chose a double straight-arm vanity light in a powder-coated white finish. The lights provide great illumination and contribute to the room’s personality — they helped set the right mood for the space.
We swapped a few other small items to complete the refresh: towel rods to match the faucets, a new toilet lever, a striped shower curtain, and fresh towels. A small white storage cabinet with a glass front adds practical storage and a touch of vintage charm — it’s a piece I’ve used in previous bathroom makeovers.
There are still ideas we’d like to try in the future, but we’re proud of what we accomplished in a month. Walking into this bathroom now brings a smile — and that’s the point. Next up on our list is updating another vintage-inspired bathroom in the house.
Do you have a space that could be better than it is today? Try a focused challenge like a makeover in a month and see how much you can change with small, deliberate updates. It’s surprising what a little paint, hardware, and lighting can do.
Other bloggers taking part in the Makeover in a Month challenge:
Miss Mustard Seed
My 100 Year Old Home
Thistlewood
Thanks to the product partners who provided items used in this makeover.
Have questions about the painted vanity or stencil? See the detailed follow-up post for more photos and step-by-step notes.
More before-and-after projects and related posts:
Favorite bathroom vanities
Mint and pink vintage bathroom reveal
Create a spa bathroom atmosphere and detox bath tips
How to add character with light fixtures
Small kitchen remodel reveal
Kitchen remodel: four key design tips
SOURCES:
- Comb Art Print
- Wall Lights
- Paint Stencil
- Round Brass Mirror
- Planter
- Milk Paint for Vanity
- Bath Faucet
- Towel Rod and Hook Set
- Black Toilet Lever
- Bath Towel
- Similar Laundry Hamper
- Bathroom Hardware
- Large Bath Mat
- Striped Tassel Shower Curtain
- Black Shower Curtain Rings
- Similar White Bathroom Storage Cabinet
- Black Vanity Knobs
- Waffle Weave Towel
- Gray and White Striped Bath Towel
Other Makeover in a Month Bloggers:
Miss Mustard Seed
My 100 Year Old Home
Thistlewood