This bathroom is on our list for a full renovation one day. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned after living in this house for six years, it’s that you don’t have to wait for a big remodel to enjoy your home. Sometimes a space doesn’t need demolition. It just needs intention.

This little bathroom had good bones, but it felt flat, uninspired, and honestly…forgotten. So instead of waiting for a full gut renovation, I gave it what I like to call a band-aid makeover: small changes that made a big visual impact.

Here are the five simple updates that completely transformed the way this bathroom feels:

1. I Color-Drenched the Room

If you’ve followed me for a while, you know I love color.

Instead of just painting the walls, I committed to color-drenching the entire space: walls, trim, and even the ceiling, in one rich shade.

Color-drenching instantly makes a small bathroom feel intentional and moody rather than cramped. It blurs visual lines, softens corners, and creates depth. What once felt like a basic builder-grade bathroom now feels layered and designed.

Paint is still one of the most affordable ways to dramatically change a space.

Bathroom colors: Dainty Lace by Behr and Nether Red by Little Greene

2. I Swapped the Textiles

Never underestimate the power of textiles.

I replaced the old bath mat, towels, and shower curtain with pieces that added pattern, softness, and warmth. Bathrooms can easily feel cold because of all the hard surfaces (tile, porcelain, mirrors), so bringing in fabric is essential.

Choosing textiles that complement the wall color instantly made the room feel styled rather than accidental. This alone made the space feel refreshed.

And here’s my little design rule: if you can’t change it, hide it. I still don’t love our old (very loud) glass shower door. It’s not in the budget to replace it right now, so I hung a pretty shower curtain in front of it. I can still see the glass when the curtain is open, but I also have the option to soften and conceal it.

It’s the little things, and sometimes the little things make the biggest difference.

Hiding our glass shower door with this beautiful shower curtain

3. I Updated the Hardware

Small hardware swaps: think towel hooks, cabinet pulls, even the toilet paper holder made a noticeable difference.

I removed the outdated recessed toilet paper holder, and that one change alone made a huge impact. (I still need to install a new one, and I’m thinking of using the same style we chose in our kids’ bathroom.)

Mixing in warmer finishes like my all time favorite Unlacquered Brass added contrast against the paint color and elevated the overall look. These are simple updates that don’t require contractors or major expense, but they make everything feel more custom.

Sometimes it’s the details that quietly do the most work.

4. I Painted Floors

I painted the old linoleum floors during our first year in this house, and they’re still holding up beautifully.

This was such an easy update that instantly improved the look of the space with minimal effort. It’s proof that even “temporary” solutions can last longer than you think. Especially when you’re not ready for a full renovation.

5. I Added Personality Through New Lighting, Art, and Styling

Bathrooms are often treated as purely functional spaces, but I love making every room in our home feel collected and personal. Yes, even bathrooms.

One of the most impactful updates in this space was swapping out the old light fixture. The previous one felt generic and flat, and replacing it with something more intentional instantly elevated the room. Lighting isn’t just functional, it sets the mood and adds character, especially in a small space.

The other thing I changed in here was the toilet seat! Often forgotten, often overlooked but wow, I changed it for this one and it made the biggest difference and added so much personality, plus it's so comfortable lol.

Adding framed art, a small decorative object, or even a vintage-inspired mirror can soften a bathroom instantly. Styling the vanity with intention -rather than leaving products scattered- also helps the space feel finished.

It doesn’t have to be complicated. Just thoughtful.

I’m installing this cordless sconce next.

Why I Love a “Band-Aid” Makeover

Not every space needs to be a massive renovation. Sometimes we just need to improve how it feels right now.

This bathroom will eventually get its full transformation. But in the meantime, this mini refresh makes me happy every time I walk in, and that matters.

Design doesn’t have to be rushed. The best spaces evolve over time. And honestly? I think these in-between updates are where a lot of the magic happens.

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