I recently moved into a new apartment and have been slowly working on decorating it. With travel and a few behind-the-scenes delays, progress has been steady but slow. To build momentum, I started with a small space I could finish quickly: the bathroom. It’s compact, required only a few new items, and I knew a fast refresh would feel rewarding. My previous bathroom makeover at the old place became one of my favorite projects, so I was excited to do another small transformation.
I partnered with Boll & Branch, a brand known for Fair Trade–certified, 100% organic cotton bedding and towels, to share this mini bathroom makeover. Since spring is the ideal time for a refresh, I focused on light updates—plants, fresh flowers, and plush towels—to make the space feel renewed. Below are the before-and-after photos and the steps I followed.
Before and after—side by side:
My master bathroom refresh for spring:
1. Remove what you can. In a rental, some things are fixed—like the dark cabinets here—but other elements were removable. Several towel holders were awkwardly placed, so Jeff and I took down the ones that bothered us, stored them in a bag under the sink, and patched the holes. We left the more convenient holders in place. A few pieces of artwork cover other spots, which tidied the walls and made the space feel more intentional. Small changes like this can improve flow without permanent alterations.
2. Refresh the basics. Towels and washcloths can date a bathroom quickly. I replaced mismatched, worn towels with a coordinated set from Boll & Branch—bath towels, bath sheets, hand towels, and washcloths in matching white. Their towels are GOTS-certified organic, dyed with non-toxic processes, and use low-twist threads for absorbency and durability. The oversized bath sheets are especially cozy—like wrapping up in a blanket after a shower. Replacing staples with well-made pieces instantly lifts the room’s look and feel.
3. Give everything a home. Counters can become cluttered even when items are organized. I sorted daily essentials into accessible spots—things used multiple times a day stayed on a new shelf or in a DIY makeup organizer, and Jeff kept a couple of his items out. Less-used products went into drawers or cabinets under each sink. I even found a drawstring bag to store styling tools like my curling iron and straightener. Establishing a clear place for every item keeps surfaces clean and reduces visual noise.
4. Add depth with artwork. Artwork introduces personality and depth to a small bathroom. For this refresh, I created a staggered gallery wall to make the space feel curated. Over time I’d like to cover more of the walls with art, but starting with a few thoughtfully placed pieces immediately changed the room’s character and made it feel more finished.
5. Bring in foliage. Plants and flowers make any room feel more lived-in and inviting. I used a couple of DIY hanging planters and added a larger potted plant near the closet door to soften the back wall. Fresh flowers are another simple spring touch that add color and scent. Even low-maintenance plants can improve light and mood in a compact bathroom.
This small project energized me to tackle the rest of the apartment. Next up: the entryway, living room, or master bedroom—any suggestions?
On a related note, Boll & Branch also offers a thoughtfully designed bedding collection made from 100% organic cotton with Fair Trade practices. I use their hemmed sheet set in white and appreciate the quality and comfort. They provide a 30-day trial and complimentary shipping to ensure satisfaction.
Here are a few more photos from the refresh:
Have your own bathroom or spring-refresh tips? I’d love to hear them—share any ideas or tricks in the comments.
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This post is in partnership with Boll & Branch. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep Paper & Stitch running.