The antithesis of a Pinterest worthy bathroom is the infamous
“Builder Basic” bathroom.
There is nothing non-functional about the Builder Basic Bathroom. It is just a bit…boring. Plain cabinets, a laminate top, a basic faucet, an unframed mirror, and a ho-hum light fixture.
I recently had a client with the same problem. There was nothing about this bathroom that reflected their style or personality. And it certainly wasn’t a showstopper. Oh, but just you wait!
Here was her Powder Room Before:
The typical Builder Basic Bathroom has a straight forward layout (as did hers), so we kept everything in the same location. This saves loads of money for a bathroom remodel. We also kept her toilet, which was just fine. So I concentrated on a new vanity, mirror, plumbing, floor, and adding a “Wow Factor” to her space. She requested something traditional but also with a Farmhouse flair to it.
For all of my Postbox Designs clients I create TWO different versions for you! They are designed to also be mixed and matched to give my clients even more options. So here is Version #1 I created for her:
Via her Pinterest page and her Design Questionnaire she told me she really liked the marble hexagon tile flooring. I happened to be remodeling my OWN bath at the same time and had just spent hours researching these, and suggested using the same tile I had just installed myself! This clocks in at only $10/SF! All of her plumbing fixtures and accessories are super traditional and classic. White Shaker cabinets with a white Carrara marble top are perfect for this Traditional-meets Cottage-meets Farmhouse style.
After creating both of her versions (see below for a peek at Version #2 of the bathroom I also created for her), I also created a Floor Plan, Step-by-Step Instructions, and a Shopping List for her. I also included materials inside of her Postbox like her paint and flooring and shipped it right to her. (To get a peek into more Postbox Projects click HERE to see what other clients have done in their spaces!)
My motto is “Interior Design Straight to Your Mailbox!”
And now the transformation from Builder Basic Bath to Dreamy Powder Room!
A new pre-done vanity with a Cararra marble top fits right into her cottage style (I’m a fan of the pre-done vanity is bathrooms that get less action, like this Powder Room or a Guest Bathroom). Her vanity came with the hardware, top, and sink, so less decisions for her to make! This one that I found even has an arched toe kick to make it look like a piece of furniture.
I love this arched mirror-it is sophisticated yet subtle. It has a bit of a gold/silver finish to it…I always tell my clients not to be too matchy-matchy and have all of their bathroom finishes match. Instead, mix up two to three metal tones in one space (we used this gold-ish mirror, chrome fixtures, and polished nickel hardware)!
All of the finishes in this bathroom are purposefully neutral to give a classic look. When you are designing a bathroom, stick to a color palette of less than five colors for a cohesive look. In this bathroom, we did white, gray, silver, and gold, with pops of color in her artwork.
This vintage style faucet adds charm and elegance to her space. Plus, did you know that a chrome finish for plumbing fixtures is not only the most cost effective but ALSO the easiest to keep clean? With two little boys that is a plus!
A bathroom is the perfect (but completely under-used) space to add artwork! Most bathrooms have at least one bare wall. In this case, a mini collage all from Minted.com added some pops of color to her space, plus gives it a finished look.
We kept her existing toilet to save money, as it was in perfect condition. If you have a limited budget, choose a few key pieces to focus on. Your vanity, a mirror, and your light fixtures are three great ones to start with.
For her “Wow” factor, we added shiplap to just the back wall (this will save her money, and in such a small space, having just one wall will create a big impact). (P.S. For shiplap I LIKE not having the nail holes filled for a more rustic look, like shown here…plus it saves oodles of time! But if you wanted a more finished look, you can certainly fill in all of those little nail holes)
I also suggested spending a bit of extra money to have an electrician add in two sconces instead of the traditional single light fixture. So many “Builder Basic” Bathrooms have a single light fixture above the mirror. This simple change looks much more custom and high end.
I have to admit my FAVORITE part of this makeover was the flooring! Gone is the “Builder Basic Bathroom” 12×12 tan tiles! Instead we added this dreamy Cararra marble hex tile flooring. As I mentioned before, at only $10/SF it was a great price point, especially when you are doing a small area. Side note: If you are going to install this tile, please remember to seal it before using it, marble is a porous material so the sealer protects it from staining!
And one more time…the finished bathroom. While her old bathroom was perfectly functional, nothing about it showed off her style. A “Builder Basic Bathroom” is an easy room to update by adding charm, details, and personality. Keep the layout, but update your fixtures from a new look. And chose one place for your “Wow” factor, like we did with her ship lap wall.
She was the sweetest, kindest client to work with, and I enjoyed every minute of helping her design her dream bathroom!
Free Guide: 75 Ways to Update your Bathroom
Maybe a full bathroom remodel isn’t in your future…no worries! I created this FREE Guide “75 Ways to Update your Bathroom (Without a Full Remodel). You can access this and all of the rest of my freebies in my FREE RESOURCE LIBRARY. Just click below to sign up and get full access:
Need Help with Your Project? Try my “Finishes Only” Package
If you need help with your Bathroom or Kitchen makeover, I have just the Room Package for you. I offer a FINISHES ONLY Package where I help you choose all of the materials and fixtures for your space. Everything from paint to tile to lighting to counter tops, I will choose your finishes top to bottom! I have to admit, this Package is probably my best steal considering what you would pay a traditional designer or architect to come in and design your space.
Find out how it works HERE or peek into more Real Postbox Projects right HERE to get your inspiration rolling!
In the meantime, sit back & relax and let the design ideas, tutorials, and more come right to you! I also created a couple of great FREEBIES to get you started, that are available exclusively to my readers only. “5 Ways a Designer Can Save You Money” (if you hire the right one!) and “10 Must Have Starter Pieces for Your Home”. Sign up HERE and I’ll email them right to you!
Donna Siliski says
Love this bathroom make over, would u mind telling me the brand and model of the faucet u suggested in version 1?
PostboxDesigns says
Hi Donna, thanks for the kind words! The faucet is the Delta “Cassidy” widespread with the “cross” handles. I actually own this faucet as well and LOVE it! Cheers, Kristin
Donna says
Preciate it so much! Love this transformation so much that I am contemplating contacting you to help with our abysmal powder room, The room has beaten me up with all its angled walls and dimunitive size…
PostboxDesigns says
Yes! I would love to work with you…the more challenging the “before” space, the more FUN the “after” reveal is! 🙂
Harry Springer says
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