Home LifeHome and Garden Budget-Friendly Bathroom Renovation: Transforming an Outdated 80s Space

Budget-Friendly Bathroom Renovation: Transforming an Outdated 80s Space

by Jasmine

Budget-Friendly Bathroom Renovation: Transforming an Outdated 80s Space

Assessing the Situation

My partner and I embarked on a journey to renovate our home, and the bathrooms were in dire need of an update. The 1980s-era layout and decor were outdated and unappealing. The upstairs bathroom, in particular, was plagued by unflattering colors and floral wallpaper.

Setting a Budget and Plan

Determined to transform these outdated spaces on a budget, we set a goal of $800. Our DIY approach focused on inexpensive yet effective updates to create stylish and modern bathrooms.

Step-by-Step Renovations

Step 1: Removing the Wallpaper

We started by tackling the ubiquitous wallpaper. Despite initial fears, the wallpaper peeled off in one piece, making the process surprisingly easy.

Step 2: Wall Preparation

Once the wallpaper was gone, we filled in nail and screw holes with spackle and smoothed out damaged areas with drywall compound. After drying, we sanded the surfaces for a smooth finish.

Step 3: Painting

We primed the walls, ceiling, and cabinet, then painted everything white to complement the existing mustard yellow hue. The cabinet doors and drawers were painted black to create a mod-inspired color block effect.

Step 4: New Installations

To complete the look, we installed new matte black accessories, including a toilet paper dispenser and towel racks. We also replaced the dated mirror and medicine cabinet with a combination unit featuring built-in LED lights.

Step 5: Shower Head and Curtain

We swapped out the old shower head for a quality matte black one. To cover up the mustard yellow wall, we hung a white curtain with a dark gray pattern.

Additional Updates

After a few months, we made further upgrades:

  • Recessed lighting and additional vent fan
  • Modern matte black sink faucet
  • Painted chrome tub faucet and face plate
  • Black toilet seat and bidet

Results

The budget-friendly renovation transformed our bathroom into a completely different space. The outdated decor was replaced with a stylish and modern aesthetic, despite the remaining mustard yellow walls.

Tips for Budget-Friendly Bathroom Renovations

  • Embrace inexpensive materials and DIY projects.
  • Choose neutral colors to complement existing fixtures.
  • Pay attention to lighting and ventilation.
  • Maximize storage space with medicine cabinets and towel racks.
  • Consider adding a bidet for comfort and hygiene.

Long-Term Value

Even though the mustard yellow color remains, we have embraced its funkiness for now. The budget-friendly updates have created a comfortable and modern bathroom that we plan to enjoy for years to come.

You may also like