So here it is – my brand-new, shiny and very clean bathroom that only took 3 months to pull together (so, so many trips to Home Depot), but it was worth it! This was the biggest home improvement project I’ve taken on since moving in last year, and it certainly won’t be the last, but I feel like I’ve hit a milestone - and I love how perfectly everything came together.

Since I’m useless and forgot to take photos of the original bathroom (but you can see the demolition photos here!), here’s a list of the upgrades, and why I chose them:  

Stone shower and wainscoting – I love the sandy color and the textural contrast between the honed marble and tumbled trim, and the floor-to-ceiling design makes the room look so much taller. Adding the wainscoting really elevated the look – a huge difference from the plastic shower and cracked white tile that previously graced the room.

Recessed lights – the new lighting is much more modern and flattering than the old wall-mount fixture, plus the “eyeball trim” over the shower allows me to adjust the light so it floods down the shower walls or lights up the mosaic floor to add a little visual interest. The dimmer switch was a big bonus too.

Wood and marble vanity – this awesome Home Depot find replaced the 70’s-era cabinetry and a very plain white countertop. I like the combination of closed and open storage, perfect for both hiding away cleaning products and storing rolled up towels, spa-style.

Oversized mirror – this replaced a small medicine cabinet/mirror combo. Not only is it far more glamorous, but the uninterrupted expanse of glass makes the room feel bigger (and it was a steal - $50.00 at Home Goods).

Frameless shower door – I could never get the old sliding doors completely clean. The frameless glass is seamless against the stone, plus the clear glass look is more modern than the old frosted glass. Not including the stone, this was the biggest single investment in the bathroom, but it makes the biggest difference - worth every penny.

Brushed nickel fixtures - these pulled all the elements together; the showerhead, towel rack, faucet, and shower door handle. Everything looks like it belongs together without being too match-y.

Wallpaper – this was the final touch that allowed me to express a little personality. I think it’s fun and unexpected, and it adds a little depth to the walls. And come on, the little sailboats were just way too cute to pass up!

By Lesley