Challenging myself with a $350 (or less) budget bathroom makeover!
When we moved into this house, our guest bathroom desperately needed attention.
We kept it as-is for a long time while prioritizing larger renovations—new flooring, skylights, and other updates that were more urgent. Recently, with those major projects finished for now, it became obvious we needed to do something in the guest bath, especially since my son uses it every day.
We decided on a small, deliberate refresh with a $350 budget to hold us over until a full remodel is feasible. I’m so glad we did.
Below is the story of how it all came together, with before-and-after photos and a full budget breakdown.
This is what our guest bathroom looked like when we moved in: dark, dated, and with an unusually low vanity. We weren’t worried at the time because we expected to renovate eventually. Now that my son uses this bathroom regularly, addressing several cosmetic and functional issues became a priority.
After installing VELUX Sun Tunnels to bring in much-needed natural light (these were gifted and not included in the budget), it was time to tackle the cosmetic updates.
Bathroom Vanity
Painting the Existing Vanity
The vanity was mounted very low—odd, but convenient for our son since he doesn’t need a stool. For budget and practical reasons, we kept the existing wall-mounted vanity. Keeping it in place will also make future floor work simpler, since it won’t need to be removed to replace the tile.
Priming and painting the cabinet, plus swapping out the knobs, made a dramatic difference. It’s not a full renovation, but it’s an effective, budget-friendly update.
Vanity Paint Color
I mixed my own color using two Farrow & Ball samples—Lichen No. 19 and Treron No. 292—combining both tins to create the exact shade I wanted for the vanity.
New Faucet
I wanted a more updated faucet but was constrained by the small vanity and single-hole requirement. I found an affordable gold single-hole faucet on Amazon that fits the space and looks great—simple, functional, and within budget.
Vanity Knobs
The wooden, concave knobs I used are the same style from our kitchen remodel. I had extra knobs left over, so they cost nothing for this project but add a lot of character.
Tile Backsplash + Shelf
Tile Backsplash
Because the vanity is small and low, adding a tile backsplash and a shelf helped visually anchor the area. I used handmade-style tiles from a boutique collection that felt special and in keeping with the mid-century vibe of our Southern California home.
Although the tile itself is a bit pricey per piece, I only needed a few tiles, so the total cost (including tiling supplies) stayed under $100. I selected multiple colors from the collection to embrace the tiles’ natural variations—tiny divots, specks, and color shifts—which creates a rich, organic look reminiscent of pottery and the colors I noticed on recent trips to Yosemite and Mammoth.
Final Tile Tip
Because the tiles are made to order, they typically have long lead times. I ordered several different sample colors (the brand limits same-color sample quantities), which allowed me to get the full order more quickly while staying within the vendor’s sample rules.
Bathroom Shelf
The shelf above the backsplash is one of my favorite elements. It cost nothing because I used leftover wood from a previous project and L-brackets I already had. I mounted the scrap board close to the backsplash and used the brackets to secure it. I then styled the shelf with a plant and a few accessories—kept high so breakables are out of reach for kids.
Bathroom Mirror
I chose the mirror before finalizing the whole design, so it’s not my forever piece. For now it covers an old light fixture hole; once we have an electrician patch and remove that area, I may swap the mirror for a different size or shape. This mirror ended up costing nothing because I paid with an Amazon gift card.
Flooring
The original rock-pattern floor had a retro vibe but also looked dingy due to paint splatters and wear. I decided to paint the floor as a low-cost experiment—if it didn’t hold up, we could always replace it later.
I prepped the floor carefully, cleaned it with a degreaser, and used a floor-specific paint and sealer so the finish would adhere and last. The painted floors brighten and unify the space, and the project gave me a lot of creative freedom since there wasn’t much to lose.
I plan to write a detailed step-by-step post about the floor-painting technique, but you can get a sense of the process from my Instagram posts showing the stages.
Small Bathroom Remodel Cost (budget breakdown)
- Sink Faucet: $42.99
- Vanity Paint: $16
- Vanity Cabinet Pulls: $0 (leftovers from the kitchen)
- Tile: $80
- Tile Shelf Supplies: $14
- Tiling Supplies: $14.85
- Bathroom Mirror: $0 (covered by a gift card)
- Flooring Paint: $54
- Wall Paint and Supplies: $0 (leftovers)
- Toilet Paper Holder: $55
Total Cost: $276.84*
*If I had paid for the mirror, the total would have been $423.03. Without the gift card, I would have chosen a less expensive mirror to stay within budget, so either scenario likely would have stayed under $350.
Final Thoughts on the Bathroom Makeover
I’m thrilled to have finished this refresh $75 under budget—an unusual but welcome outcome. More importantly, the space now feels updated, brighter, and more functional for our family while still honoring the home’s original aesthetic.
This budget makeover extended the life of the bathroom and postponed a full renovation, which was the main goal. It’s not flawless, but it suits our needs right now and reflects our style.
I hope this project gives you ideas and confidence for your own small-space updates. If you have questions, feel free to leave a comment—I’m happy to help.