Looking for inspiration for a home refresh? This August I’m joining three blogging friends for a fun series called Makeover in a Month. Every Friday this month we’ll share a new update on our projects. My focus is the basement bathroom, and I’ll be transforming it from dated and drab into a spunky cottage-style space using much of what already exists in the room.
My plan is simple: tackle realistic, budget-friendly updates that most homeowners can handle in a short time. Instead of a full demo, I’ll refresh the space with paint, updated lighting, new faucets, and hardware, and possibly a small stencil accent for extra personality. The vanity and countertop could be swapped out later if we want a more dramatic change, but for now we’ll work with the existing pieces. The current floor and shower tile are good quality, so they’ll stay.
I’m sharing my bathroom mood board today so you can see the direction I’m heading. The mood board represents the overall inspiration, though some details may shift as the project progresses. My goal is a noticeable transformation that doesn’t require extensive demolition or professional trades—just practical improvements that yield big impact.
Some of the changes will feel small but add up to a fresh look: updated lighting to brighten the room, switching the faucet for a cleaner feel, painting walls and the vanity, and adding accessories that create a cohesive cottage vibe. I may try a stenciled pattern to bring a touch of charm—no guarantees on perfection, but I’ll share the process and results. Simple projects like these are satisfying because they deliver visible progress quickly and encourage you to keep improving other areas over time.
Although this seems manageable, there’s still a decent list of tasks to complete. I’ll begin the hands-on work in the next few days and post the first project update next Friday. Each of the four participants will post progress updates every Friday through August, with final reveals on the last Friday of the month. I’ve avoided high-pressure challenges like the One Room Challenge in the past, but this friendly series feels motivating and doable.
Follow along to see how this basement bathroom evolves week by week. Whether you’re planning a simple refresh or a future renovation, I hope these updates spark ideas and encourage you to tackle manageable projects in your own home. Let’s get started!
Makeover in a Month Bloggers:
Miss Mustard Seed
My 100 Year Old Home
Thistlewood
SOURCE LINKS FOR THE BATHROOM MAKEOVER MOOD BOARD:
- Comb Art Print
- Wall Lights
- Paint Stencil
- Round Brass Mirror
- Planter
- Milk Paint
- Sink Faucet
- Bath Towel
- Laundry Hamper
- Wood Dip Dyed Stool
- Bathroom Hardware