The Palette Muse

menu icon
go to homepage
  • DIY
    • Home Improvement
    • Home Maintenance
    • DIY with Paint
    • DIY Decor
    • Cabinets
    • Furniture
    • Camper
    • Makeovers
    • Tips
    • Tools
    • $100 Room Challenge
  • Crafts
    • Painting Crafts
    • Paper Crafts
    • Fabric and Yarn
    • Wreaths and Banners
    • Handmade Gifts
    • Christmas
    • Art
  • Design
    • Color
    • House Flipping
    • Home Staging
    • Bathroom
    • Bedroom
    • Home Office
    • Kitchen Design
    • Home Decorating
    • Outdoor Decor
  • Organizing
    • Airbnb
    • Cleaning
    • Planners and Worksheets
    • Printables
    • Saving Money
  • Family
    • Recipes
    • Camping
    • Creativity
    • Faith
    • Holidays
    • Musings
  • Printables
    • Get the Newsletter
  • About Me
    • Work With Me
      • Affiliate Disclosure
      • Disclosures & Disclaimers
      • Privacy Policy

subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • DIY
    • Home Improvement
    • Home Maintenance
    • DIY with Paint
    • DIY Decor
    • Cabinets
    • Furniture
    • Camper
    • Makeovers
    • Tips
    • Tools
    • $100 Room Challenge
  • Crafts
    • Painting Crafts
    • Paper Crafts
    • Fabric and Yarn
    • Wreaths and Banners
    • Handmade Gifts
    • Christmas
    • Art
  • Design
    • Color
    • House Flipping
    • Home Staging
    • Bathroom
    • Bedroom
    • Home Office
    • Kitchen Design
    • Home Decorating
    • Outdoor Decor
  • Organizing
    • Airbnb
    • Cleaning
    • Planners and Worksheets
    • Printables
    • Saving Money
  • Family
    • Recipes
    • Camping
    • Creativity
    • Faith
    • Holidays
    • Musings
  • Printables
    • Get the Newsletter
  • About Me
    • Work With Me
      • Affiliate Disclosure
      • Disclosures & Disclaimers
      • Privacy Policy

×

$100 Room Challenge Bathroom Reveal

Modified: May 8, 2025 · This post may contain affiliate links · 55 Comments

  • Share
  • Email
  • Print

I can't believe it's already been a month since we started this challenge! One month and $100 sure goes fast when you're remodeling a bathroom! Although I didn't get all the projects checked off my unrealistic optimistic list, I feel great about how much this room has changed in the last few weeks.

Be sure to check out the previous weeks if you're just joining the party: Week 1 ~ Week 2 ~ Week 3

~ This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a small commission, at no addition cost to you. Thanks for supporting The Palette Muse! ~

Before we delve into the reveal, I just want to say a big Thank You to Erin of Lemons, Lavender, and Laundry for organizing this challenge and for inviting me. It's been so fun participating, and I'm already thinking of what my next room will be...

But for now, let's deal with one thing at a time. This bathroom was the epitome of "builder beige" when we moved in. It was stuck somewhere in the late seventies/early eighties and desperately needed a makeover. I had assumed it would be one of the last rooms we'd deal with, since bathroom remodels are expensive and this is just our guest bath. (Our master bath is even worse, but that's a story for another day.) But when I realized I could make some real changes with $100, I decided to get down to business and make this a guest bath that I won't have to apologize for every time I point someone down the hall.

Here's a reminder of where we started:

And here's where we ended up:

This is what my to-do list looked like:

  • Paint walls white - Done, for $35. I used Summer Gray by Valspar in a satin finish.
  • Paint cabinets navy blue - Done, for about $6. I used DecoArt's Satin Enamels, my new favorite furniture paint, in Dark Denim. I had a Hobby Lobby coupon that I was able to use on the paint, which usually costs around $9 for a jar. It only took about half the jar for these cabinets.
  • Update countertops with concrete - Done, for free! I used Henry feather finish, which I had left over from a floor patching project in another room. You can read how I did it in
  • New faucet - Done, for $44. I found this faucet at Lowe's and was thrilled with the price!
  • Curtains to hide shower - Done, for $20. I found these lovely white 96" curtains at Tuesday Morning and they are perfect for hiding the yellow cultured marble without taking over the room visually.
  • Add decor and accessories - Done, for free, by raiding the rest of my house for unused decor. I'm always surprised that old pieces can look new again when you put them in a new room!
  • Frame mirror - Sadly, as you can see if you add up the "Done" amounts, I ran out of money before getting to this part. But it's coming! I'll update you in a later post about that project.
  • Come up with a cool way to cover/hide the medicine cabinet - This one is still waiting too, mostly because I ran out of time to solve this little conundrum. Any ideas?
  • Optional: New light over sink, and new hardware on cabinets. These definitely didn't get done, thanks to the budget, but I expected that from the beginning and I plan to do them soon, once I have a little extra spending cash.

Bathroom Makeover Resources

DecoArt Satin Enamel paint in "Dark Denim"

Henry Feather Finish Concrete

Sink Faucet (similar to the one I used)

Curtains (96" if you want floor to ceiling)

Shower Curtain Rod

Towel Hooks and Hanging Shelf (similar to the ones I used)

Next, I've got a bonus after-challenge post for you, on how to seal concrete countertops!

More DIY

  • Under Cabinet Lighting You Can do Yourself
    How to Choose and Install the Best Under Cabinet Lighting for your Kitchen
  • Time saving trick to painting window frames and mirrors
    My Time Saving Trick for Painting Window Frames and Mirrors
  • Install long drawer pulls
    How to Install Long Drawer Pulls without a Template
  • Removable Window Film
    How to Install Window Film to Upgrade Your View

Comments

  1. Patti @ Garden Matter says

    January 25, 2017 at 7:12 am

    Meredith what a great makeover. I love that blue and just painted our bar a similar color. Of course the concrete countertop is beyond cool. Great job.

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      January 30, 2017 at 1:04 pm

      Thank you Patti! I'm seeing this color everywhere these days, we must be on to something!

      Reply
  2. Deborah says

    January 25, 2017 at 8:54 am

    We were seriously considering do this to our sink too, but ran out of moolah. Maybe next time. Looks fantastic.

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      January 30, 2017 at 1:05 pm

      Thanks Deborah! You should, it's not too hard!

      Reply
  3. monica20039 says

    January 25, 2017 at 1:26 pm

    Your bathroom looks fantastic! That blue is a great choice- so fresh and modern.

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      January 30, 2017 at 1:05 pm

      Thank you Monica!

      Reply
  4. Jeri Walker (@JeriWB) says

    January 25, 2017 at 1:50 pm

    This challenge was a lot of fun and makes a person realize decor change can accomplish a lot on a budget 🙂

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      January 30, 2017 at 1:06 pm

      Thanks Jeri! I was surprised as well, especially when I saw all the other bloggers' transformations too!

      Reply
  5. Erin @ Lemons, Lavender, & Laundry says

    January 25, 2017 at 2:39 pm

    I am now so intrigued by your DecoArt Satin Enamel... I'm reading all about your kitchen cabinets (which look amazing, by the way). Putting this on my list for our Master Bathroom (which I think might be my next $100 Room Challenge). This bathroom looks incredible. Your vanity looks amazing!!! Love it all. Thanks for joining me in the challenge. I have loved watching your room transform over the past few weeks!

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      January 30, 2017 at 1:07 pm

      Thanks Erin! This challenge was so much fun, I already can't wait for the next one! You should try the Satin Enamels, they will make your life so much easier!

      Reply
  6. by Brittany Goldwyn says

    January 25, 2017 at 4:20 pm

    Um wow, I cannot believe you filled in the shell!! I would never know that it used to be a shell!

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      January 30, 2017 at 1:08 pm

      I kind of can't believe it myself! I've already started forgetting what it looked like before, thankfully!

      Reply
  7. by Brittany Goldwyn says

    January 25, 2017 at 4:21 pm

    I hit enter too soon...I absolutely LOVE Americana Decor Satin Enamels...it is my favorite line of theirs!!

    Reply
  8. Tracy S says

    January 25, 2017 at 5:31 pm

    It looks awesome! The blue is gorgeous and you did an amazing job transforming the countertop. I will have to try that in my boy's bathroom.

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      January 30, 2017 at 1:08 pm

      Thanks Tracy! It would be the perfect color for a boy's bathroom!

      Reply
  9. adawnpaxton says

    January 25, 2017 at 7:05 pm

    OMG I can't get over those countertops! They look amazing!!

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      January 30, 2017 at 1:08 pm

      Thanks! I couldn't believe that it could actually be done!

      Reply
  10. twelveonmain says

    January 25, 2017 at 8:36 pm

    Oh I love it! The counter top looks amazing!!

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      January 30, 2017 at 1:09 pm

      Thank you! I'm loving the new countertops!

      Reply
  11. Zografia | Bisozozo says

    January 26, 2017 at 4:24 am

    I love it all! The vanity and countertops are fantastic!

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      January 30, 2017 at 1:09 pm

      Thank you Zografia!

      Reply
  12. Carole West, Garden Up Green says

    January 26, 2017 at 4:59 am

    Love it Meredith - fantastic results.

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      January 30, 2017 at 1:10 pm

      Thanks Carole!

      Reply
  13. ashley@biggerthanthethreeofus says

    January 26, 2017 at 4:03 pm

    We had the same idea with the vanity! Looks so good.

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      January 30, 2017 at 1:10 pm

      Great minds think alike! 😉

      Reply
  14. simple nature decor says

    January 26, 2017 at 6:56 pm

    Love the reveal, I am in love with the concrete counter top. I have a thing for concrete. The black cabinet bring out he concrete color. Maria

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      January 30, 2017 at 1:11 pm

      Thanks Maria, I think I have a thing for it too now!

      Reply
  15. maureenreynolds says

    January 27, 2017 at 9:35 am

    That concrete countertop is amazing. I want to do them for our outdoor kitchen this summer! Wish we had a Tuesday Morning here in Canada. Such pretty shower curtains at an amazing cost!

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      January 30, 2017 at 1:12 pm

      Oh my gosh, the concrete would be so perfect for an outdoor kitchen! I can't wait to see that!

      Reply
  16. Colleen Stevens says

    January 27, 2017 at 2:33 pm

    Yes! It looks so good! I keep hearing about that paint, I'm going to have to try it. It's the perfect navy color. I love how the white curtain hides the marble and softens the whole space. SO smart!

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      January 30, 2017 at 1:12 pm

      Thanks Colleen! I think navy and white look so pretty together. You'll love the Satin Enamels!

      Reply
  17. Amy | Stow and TellU says

    January 27, 2017 at 10:29 pm

    It's just remarkable what a difference you have made for $100. Wow!!! You really showed that gold marble who's boss. Thank you for the tip on the cabinet paint and concrete counter tops tutorial, I plan on attempting both some day soon. Absolutely love your update!

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      January 30, 2017 at 1:13 pm

      Thank you Amy, your comment made my day, especially the part about showing the marble who's boss! 😉

      Reply
  18. Karen says

    January 28, 2017 at 7:39 pm

    The whole concrete countertop idea is new to me, and you've really inspired my imagination! I love this so much and think it made a huge difference in the look of your bathroom. Thanks so much for sharing your journey!

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      January 30, 2017 at 1:14 pm

      Thanks Karen, I'm so glad! I've been wanting to try concrete for a while now, but I just didn't know where until this challenge...

      Reply
  19. Kim says

    January 29, 2017 at 10:18 am

    Fantastic job on that vanity - I'm really excited to try that myself and I'll be using your tips to do so! Everything came together just beautifully! So, so pretty.

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      January 30, 2017 at 1:14 pm

      Thank you so much Kim!

      Reply
  20. SuziesView (@SuziesView) says

    January 29, 2017 at 8:11 pm

    great job! I love the new bathroom 🙂

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      January 30, 2017 at 1:15 pm

      Thank you Suzie!

      Reply
  21. Kathryn Baugher says

    January 29, 2017 at 11:47 pm

    Whoa!! The concrete counter is amazing and it looks so great with the freshly painted cabinets! Love all the little details you added and it sounds like you've got some great ideas for the future. I think your medicine cabinet will look really pretty once you frame out the big mirror. I wonder if you could remove it and put in open shelves?

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      January 30, 2017 at 1:16 pm

      Thanks Kathryn! I LOVE the idea of open shelves instead of the medicine cabinet. I'll have to see if I can figure out how to do that...

      Reply
  22. Kristen says

    January 30, 2017 at 3:53 pm

    Love the color of the cabinets, it is so pretty. And I just still can't believe how well that countertop worked out for you! So cool!

    Reply
  23. Natalie says

    January 30, 2017 at 7:50 pm

    I'm a huge fan of navy and love it in this room! My jaw is in the floor with your countertop! I can't believe how great it looks!!

    Reply
  24. Jillian says

    February 01, 2017 at 6:53 am

    I am a sucker for painted cabinets! I love the transformation. Those concrete counters are such a crazy good DIY. Great job 🙂

    Reply
  25. Erin says

    February 02, 2017 at 1:44 pm

    This makeover turned out great! I love that you did the concrete counters. Looks awesome! I need to do that to mine now!

    Reply
  26. Mona says

    January 06, 2021 at 12:02 am

    I changed my mirrored recessed cabinet to one from concealedcabinet.com.
    They aren’t cheap but very good quality and the outside is a picture frame with glass. You can insert a photo or other picture.
    I love it.

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      January 07, 2021 at 11:42 am

      Oh that's a cool idea, to use a photo or picture instead. Thanks!

      Reply
  27. Cameron McBride says

    September 01, 2022 at 5:23 am

    Meredith, blast to the future 5 years and concrete counters are super in! I am moving into a house with three of these clamshell sinks and want to try this out on them. I was wondering, how has the concrete held up after a few years of use? Thanks in advanced - hopefully you still check comments on these old posts!

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      September 02, 2022 at 3:30 pm

      Hi Cameron, yep I'm still checking comments! I loved my concrete countertops, but I did eventually redo them with quartz last year, once I could afford it. They worked great for several years before that and I'd say go for it! The only thing is, you might want to reseal the concrete about once or twice a year if they get heavy use. You can see more about how they held up in this post: https://thepalettemuse.com/diy-concrete-countertops-frequently-asked-questions/

      Reply
  28. Sophie says

    February 10, 2023 at 11:29 pm

    Hello. It's been a while since you posted this but thank you for it. My husband and I just purchased our first home. The bathroom sink is/was the same style. I'm on a budget and desperately wanted to get rid of that eyesore. Until finding this website I was at loss for a solution. I just finished the first layer of Feather Finish and it's remarkable how much it's changed already - I can't wait to see the final product! How did yours hold up over time, just curious? Thanks again, Sophie

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      February 24, 2023 at 4:14 pm

      I'm so glad, it sure made a big difference in my bathroom! It held up well over time, but I do recommend resealing it about once a year. The concrete around the drain did get a little wear and tear after a while, but it was still better than the old sink!

      Reply
  29. Kaley says

    January 01, 2024 at 5:36 pm

    So the seashell shape of the bathroom sink just magically changed with the new paint?

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      January 05, 2024 at 10:05 am

      Yeah, If by magically you mean lots of hard work! You can see that process in this post: https://thepalettemuse.com/100-room-challenge-concrete-countertops/

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. $100 Room Makeover: Updating an Outdated Bathroom - Lemons, Lavender, & Laundry says:
    February 22, 2017 at 1:51 pm

    […] a bunch of bloggers participated in the $100 Room Challenge, and Meredith, from The Palette Muse, updated her vanity. It started out worse than this one. (I’m talkin’ a shell sink). She used […]

    Reply
  2. $100 Room Makeover: Let's Change Plans... and a Vanity Makeover - Lemons, Lavender, & Laundry says:
    March 8, 2017 at 6:56 am

    […] . So if I can do this, so can you. When we did the $100 Room Challenge in January, Meredith, from The Palette Muse, shared how she redid her vanity with satin enamel paint. It is cheap, and I’m thinkin’ […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Welcome!

I'm Meredith, the designer, crafter, and DIY-er behind The Palette Muse. I love all things colorful and creative, and I love sharing them with you. Thanks for visiting today!

More about me

Popular

  • The Best Way to Paint Kitchen Cabinets (No Sanding!)
  • What I Wish I'd Known about Double Barn Doors
  • How to Paint Laminate Cabinets
    How to Paint Laminate Cabinets without Sanding
  • How to Make Your Own Simple Chair Covers

Seasonal

  • New Mexican Hot Chocolate Recipe
    New Mexican Hot Chocolate Recipe
  • Our Latest Flip House Before and After
    Our Latest Flip House Project - Before and After
  • warm amethyst color palette with shades of purple and very faint orange.
    Warm Amethyst Color Palette
  • Refresh your home for spring with these unique etsy finds
    Give Your Home a Spring Refresh with These Unique Home Decor Finds

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • Privacy Policy

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates

Contact

  • Work With Me

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2025 The Palette Muse

  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Email