There's no better way to start out a new year than with a new room makeover, right? Unless you can do that new room for less than $100! We've been spending money left and right, working on our new (old!) house, so I hadn't planned on taking on any new projects this year. But when my blogger friend Erin of Lemons, Lavender, and Laundry asked if anyone would like to join her in this challenge, I just couldn't resist.
I have this guest bath that's in desperate need of a full update, but justifying the cost of a bathroom remodel is a little tough right now. Then I started thinking of it in terms of "What could I do for just $100?" Well, that's a whole different ball game, and one of my favorite challenges. Making something from almost nothing? Now we're talking!
Here's what I plan to do:
Paint
As always, paint is first on my list when it comes to cheap ways to get a whole new look in a room. I plan on painting the cabinets a dark navy blue, and the walls almost white for a high contrast change that will add a little drama to an otherwise drab space.
Countertop
Truth be told, this countertop would probably be the most expensive part of a full remodel, since I'd love to have beautiful granite in here someday. But for this cost-effective challenge, I'm going to try covering the existing counters with concrete. I'll fill in the dated scalloped sink (hopefully!) and give it a new industrial vibe that should look pretty cool with the navy blue cabinets.
Fixtures
With a really cool countertop on the way, I'm definitely going to need a new faucet. I personally hate these little dinky chrome and plastic 80's builder grade faucets, so I'm happy to spend most of my budget on a new one. I'll let you know what I find along the way as I search for a wallet-friendly, stylish replacement. If there's any money leftover in the budget, I'd love a new light, but we'll have to wait and see on that one.
The other fixtures that need to go are the assortment of cheap towel racks. I see some drywall patching in my future. I'll replace at least one of the racks with something that will fit a more industrial vibe, and will probably do away with the other one, since this is a guest bathroom and I don't really need to hang 4+ towels in here at a time.
Mirrors
This huge mirror needs a little taming, so I'll finish it out with a wooden frame. And I'm not quite sure why there are two mirrors in this little tiny room, but I'm pretty sure we don't need the one on the medicine cabinet. I'll try to find a fun way to cover that cabinet and bring a little more color to the room at the same time.
Decor
The good thing about being a decor hoarder is I have plenty of "extra" pieces of decor stored around my house. (You never know when you'll need that stray piece of art!) So I'll scrounge up a few accessories to add some style and color to the room, without having to dip into my $100 budget for those.
Shower Curtain
Finally, my yellow cultured marble shower is non-removable at this point, on this budget. So I'll cover it up for now with a floor to ceiling shower curtain, which will also help to soften that sterile space.
Well, that looks like an ambitious list for a $100 budget, but I'm confident that my years of thrift store diving and clearance rack hunting will save the day. Wish me luck, and be sure to follow along for all the fun.
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Kristen says
Oooh, love the plans for this space. Navy blue vanity will be fun!
Meredith says
Thanks Kristen! I hope it looks as great as it does in my mind! 😉
Amy @ StowandTellU says
This room has nice bones, but wow, I was totally getting the picture from the way you described the makeover. I don't think we'll recognize this room. Loved hearing about you plans and can't wait to see the finished product.
Meredith says
Thanks Amy! It's a great space, but just needs a little more style and color!
Carole West, Garden Up Green says
This sounds like fun - can hardly wait to see how you transform this space. the splash of navy blue will be awesome..
Meredith says
Thank you Carole, I hope so!
Patti @ Garden Matter says
Hi Meredith,
I was thinking about my guest room too but my bedroom as you can see has be forgotten for a long time. I love your ideas and think it will look wonderful when you're through. Looking forward to it!
Meredith says
There are always more rooms than time, right Patti?!?
Colleen Stevens says
I am so excited to see the navy blue cabinet with white walls. That is my favorite color combination. And i'm thinking of trying the concrete countertops myself so I will be following along with that projects too. Great ideas!
Meredith says
Thanks Colleen, I'm curious about the concrete too. I'll be sure to give you all the details along the way...
Erin @ Lemons, Lavender, & Laundry says
I cannot wait to see how that vanity changes! I love your idea of the navy with the concrete! You have awesome ideas for this bathroom!!!
Meredith says
Thank you Erin! It's always hard to know if an idea is crazy or good. Or both! Guess we'll see...
Jillian says
I totally agree that paint is the best place to start when you are on a tight budget. It makes SUCH a difference. Excited to see what you do 🙂
Meredith says
Thanks Jillian! I love paint for making a big impact!
Brittany Goldwyn says
I cannot wait to see how the sink turns out! Two shell sinks are in the running in this challenge! I am itching to work on my master bathroom and remove the shower door, too. They are so hard to keep clean, and a nice shower curtain is such an easy way to mask the shower space.
Meredith says
Thanks Brittany! I think we're all looking for ways to get rid of those shell sinks. Someday they're going to come back in style and we'll all be sorry!
Zografia | Bisozozo says
I have a feeling your cabinets and sink are going to be fabulous! I love the concrete look!
Meredith says
Thank you Zografia! I think the concrete will be a cool industrial touch!
Stacy Thomson says
Love navy for cabinets, very cool! Concrete very smart - I will be so interested to see how it turns out and the process. Can you paint laminate counter tops successfully? I'm getting inspired and it might be good to create a mini-project.
Meredith says
I think you can. I know there are kits (by Rustoleum and others) for painting it, but I've never tried them. Maybe that should be my next project!
simple nature decor says
Look forward to the update on your bath! OH WOW! I can't wait to see those concrete! counter tops I am very excited. My home has concrete thought the lower level. So i have a passion for it.
Meredith says
Oh I'm so glad to hear that from someone who has it and loves it. Thanks for the encouragement!
adawnpaxton says
I can't wait to see how your bathroom comes out! I painted the cabinet in our bathroom a dark navy blue a few years ago and I love it! One of the best paint choices I have made!
Meredith says
That's so great to hear! I always wonder if I'm crazy before I start a project like this, but that gives me hope!
Monica Benavidez says
I think the vanity and walls will make a huge impact once you get them painted. I can't wait to see how this turns out.
Meredith says
Thanks Monica, it's a lot of painting, but I think it'll be worth it!
Karen says
It sounds like you are well on your way to a gorgeous new bathroom! I love your ideas and can't wait to watch it unfold.
Meredith says
Thanks Karen! It'll be an adventure!
Kathryn Baugher says
What a undertaking for $100! I can't wait to see how the concrete counter and sink turns out. What transformation this will be!
Jeri Walker (@JeriWB) says
Sounds like great fun! I love the idea of covering the countertop with concrete. I'll be interested to see how that goes.
Angie @ Postcards from the Ridge says
Wow, so many great ideas for this room. Can't wait to see them all, especially the concrete counters! And isn't it nice to be able to use items from your stash?
Meredith says
I do love using up things I already have! It makes me feel like less of a hoarder. 😉
Deborah says
Oh my goodness, I have a yellow bath and counter too!! I was going to try and paint but it won't be in the budget for this one. I can't wait to see how yours turns out.
Meredith says
I'm glad to know I'm not alone! I may have bitten off a little more than I can chew. I guess we'll see!
Kim Young says
I think I'm going navy with my vanity as well - I think it'll be a great neutral! I can't wait to see how this comes out!
Meredith says
I think you can't go wrong with navy. It's such a classic color!
Natalie says
That sounds beautiful! I can't wait to see it!
Tracy S says
Concrete countertops sound awesome! I can't wait to see them!
twelveonmain says
Cant wait to see your concrete countertops!