Last year I decided to make a quick and cheap facelift to the guest bathroom.  Other than wanting this room to be calm and cozy for our guests, we’ve been using this as the main bathroom since we found out our master bathroom shower leaks.  Before, it felt a little cold and stark being all white and black.

Guest bathroom before

My entire budget for this project was to be under $200.  First, paint.  I found the “Perfect Beige” at Home Depot (by Behr).  The best thing about painting bathrooms, is that they are (usually) small and quick.  I didn’t even tape for this project, and cut in everything by hand.  I did take off the door, because it needed a coat of paint too.  I painted the door, and all the trim the same bright white as the rest of the house.  I also caulked in a few strategic places that needed it.

Guest bathroom in progress

I brought up the bath rugs from the master bath, reinstalled a magazine rack, changed out all the hardware and knobs on the vanity.  I liked the chrome look, and thought it would go well with the black vinyl flooring.  I actually really like this vinyl, it looks like black marble.  The first time through the house, I actually had to touch it to see what it was.

Looking towards the door, guest bathroom

I bought a new towel holder, toilet paper holder, and hook (on the wall behind the door).  I wanted a simple, modern look, with a bit of elegance.  I wanted it to feel a little New York, so my husband chose his favorite Kandisnky print, “Dominant Curve”:

Detail of Kandinsky print, "Dominant Curve"

I bought the print from some posters site, and framed it myself in a thin, silver metal frame.   Above the toilet, I framed a drawing I copied in an art class.

Drawing

We bought a new shower curtain, white and modern.

Shower curtain

There are still a few things I would like to do in the bathroom, when budget allows for more.  I would like to replace the counter/sink on the vanity, the faucet, and maybe the light fixture too.  It’s the simple builder basic brass grade right now, and I would love something in chrome to match.  I think the shower is OK, but a real estate agent told us to either clean it really really well, or we might need to replace it when it comes time to put the house on the market.  Oh yeah, I would not mind replacing the toilet too, with something more efficient.

It may not be a huge transformation, but I still feel happy whenever I walk into this bathroom.