This post focuses on 5 easy updates in addition to paint that can transform your Master Bath on a Budget.
Full source list available at the end of the post…
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When we moved in our home two years ago, our builder grade master bathroom was one of the lowest priorities. I kept telling myself that no one saw this room, but I see it everyday!
This home was built about 15 years ago and the bathrooms were never painted! Can you believe that?
Paint can dramatically impact a space. Come along with me to see how I incorporated paint and other easy master bath updates to help to refresh this bathroom.
Original Builder Grade Master Bath
Keeping the Bathroom Floor
A facelift from the builder grade material for my master bath was long overdue, and I was determined not to do a complete overhaul (even thou secretly, I wanted to).
Finally, we decided to leave the floor, shower insert, and tub as is, and work on updating the rest of the bathroom, the vanity, mirror, lights, and of course PAINT.
Keeping the Countertops and Sinks
I knew that the countertops and sinks would stay as those were not items in the budget of this project.
Easy master bath updates can be accomplished without major renovation. With the sinks being white and the countertop neutral, I knew I could work with these items and still end up with a transformation I was satisfied with in the end.
One of my favorite aspects of not doing big overhaul renovations is the accomplishment at the end of a project after mixing old and new decor items for a cohesive and easy update to an already existing space.
You can check out my dining room tour here that includes how I used old and new items for easy dining room decor.
Painting the Double Vanity
Acacia Haze By Sherwin Williams SW 9132
I first had to convince my husband that painting our bathroom vanity cabinet was the right move to make.
Once I was able to move past that hurdle and was given the green light, deciding on the color for the cabinet was a feat I was not ready for with this project.
The lighting in this bathroom is tough and different throughout the day as in many houses.
I needed to consider the color scheme I currently have in our master bedroom, as the bathroom vanity cabinet can be seen from our room when the bathroom door is open.
Wall Paint for Master Bath
Agreeable Gray by Sherwin-Williams SW 7029
My bedroom has neutral colors, along with a soft teal, and grey. I ultimately decided that I needed to carry this same color theme to the bathroom.
Agreeable gray is a great color for a clean, cool look rather than a beige neutral.
I knew I wanted a sophisticated, yet casual style that could be changed with accents in the future. I was hoping to create a look that brought less attention to the old floor and more attention on the painted vanity and new mirrors.
The original floor in the bathroom is mostly beige with some darker and lighter shades of gold mixed throughout.
I knew that I did not want to emphasize the beige in the floor with the use of a warm wall color which also helped me make the decision on Agreeable Gray.
Five Easy Master Bath Upgrades Other Than Paint
1). Mirrors: I knew that I wanted to change the mirrors to two separate ones instead of the one generic no frame mirror that was there. The mirrors I found were affordable and with the rounded arch. This is a simple, casual, yet classic look that I knew I could keep for some time.
I also knew I wanted to take on the task of mixing metals in this bathroom, providing some interest and options for future design choices (if I did ever get the complete overhaul I was looking for). I find that taking the time to pick out interesting pieces is a way to make the easy master bath updates without going over budget and still creating a whole new look.
2). Faucets: I struggled on this one, I was nervous to mix the metals but ultimately decided to bring out my wild side. The light fixture is brushed bronze, a muted brass color. I have seen this color also called aged brass and champagne bronze.
I liked the warmth of the gold, but without the bright brass. Providing some contrast to the gray of the walls and black of the mirror.
Personally, I like the look and interest of a 3 piece faucet set versus the 1 piece that was initially there.
3). Light fixtures: The builder grade chrome light fixtures had to go with my updates. I wanted a refresh with something that provided some character, elegance, and warmth to the area without being overwhelming for the space.
When I started searching for bathroom vanity light fixtures, I realized many of them in my budget all looked similar to what I had, maybe a different color.
I decided to try something outside my comfort zone, which took some getting used to, but now I LOVE. Again, I went with the muted bronze color to compliment the new faucets and I could not be happier.
4). Outlets with nightlight: We updated all the outlets in our home in phases. The facelift for this bathroom was a good excuse to replace the outlets. These outlets that we have selected, are items that you didn’t know you needed until you have it.
We have two different types of the same outlet, one with an updated, cleaner design in white and the other in the same color, however also includes a built-in nightlight. Can I tell you how convenient this is in the middle of the night?
I wish I had thought of this invention!
Nightlight included
5). Towel Hooks: There was not any preexisting towel hooks near the sinks in the original bathroom design. I chose matte black to accent the mirrors.
Shower and Toilet Area
I am not a huge fan of the overall layout of this bathroom, however as I already mentioned, I knew I would not be doing major construction for this project. This is a post about EASY master bath updates, right? I want to share how I updated this small area to make it more appealing and functional.
Adding Tile to the Shower Insert
Taking out the shower insert was not part of the equation and I knew this from the start. Tile around the top of the shower insert to the ceiling was a cheap way to upgrade the look and provide an easier cleaning surface along with helping the wall integrity. The ventilation in this bathroom is not ideal and because of that I wanted to decrease dampness that would remain on the walls after showering.
I love white subway tile, it is classic and simple.
Removing the Door to Shower and Toilet Area
The door that separated this area was constantly in the way of walking freely in and out as well as blocked the towel rack. Taking the door out made a huge impact in the shower area and I am so GLAD we did it! There is still a door from the bedroom to the bathroom if needed for privacy.
This sounds intimidating, but did not require much effort. After removing the door, my husband filled in the holes on the trim with wood putty, then sanded and painted.
The area now has an open feel and less claustrophobic, as well as not constantly blocking the towel rack. I don’t know why I did not think of this change earlier!
Removing Towel Bar and Replacing with Towel Hooks
I love the towel hooks, I went with the champagne bronze look for the shower area, as well as the shower curtain rod. The towel hooks provide an upgraded and spa look on a budget. As long as you are already painting the wall, patching the areas where the long towel rack used to be was just part of the prep process.
Full Source List:
- Mirrors: Home Depot, also on Amazon
- Faucet: Lowes
- Light Fixtures: Home Depot
- Outlets: Amazon
- Towel Hooks, Vanity Area: Lowes
- Towel Hooks, Shower Area: Lowes
- Shower Curtain: Target
- Rug, Vanity Area: Amazon
Leave a comment or tell me what you like or what you would have done differently? Any ideas for wall décor? Would love to hear your thoughts!