Quick update on Olivia’s bathroom makeover — I’m genuinely thrilled with how it’s coming together and wanted to share the progress.
When I first outlined a plan for this space, it was saddled with an all-beige palette that felt dated and flat. My main objective has been to give the room an entirely new look on a small budget, and paint has been my biggest ally. A fresh coat can completely transform light, mood, and perceived size without a full renovation.
Since we moved in, we’ve been steadily replacing beige with crisp, clean whites and a few well-chosen colors. The result is rooms that feel brighter and more refreshed. For this bathroom, I introduced Benjamin Moore Simply White on the ceiling and trim, which helps the teal walls look clear and modern.
I offered Olivia eight paint samples to choose from, and she picked Magnolia Home Paint in the shade Weekend. I loved that she chose a bold color — it’s vibrant, rich, and full of personality.
The tone reads like a deep teal — playful and mermaid-inspired — which is exactly the vibe we wanted for this space. To keep visual continuity throughout the house, the doors were finished in Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron, a dark neutral that anchors the color scheme.
Last week I spent three days on the project: rolling the ceiling and brushing the trim with Benjamin Moore Simply White, rolling the walls with Weekend, and painting the doors with Wrought Iron. Good prep work and the right finishes make a huge difference in the final look.
The transformation felt immediate — the room went from tired and beige to bold and lively. Painting is the fastest way to change the feel of a room without breaking the bank, and this is a prime example.
Next on the list is addressing the beige marble-like countertop and the tub/shower surround. I plan to refinish those surfaces with a Rust-Oleum Tub & Tile kit for an affordable, fast refresh that will better match the new color scheme.
The vanity cabinets are still showing wear, so until a full Phase 2 renovation is possible, we’ll make them work with sanding, priming, and a fresh coat of paint. Proper surface prep — thorough sanding, cleaning, and using a quality primer — will help new paint last longer on these older cabinets.
Painting has become something of an obsession around here — in a good way. With the powder room wrapped and the laundry room recently finished, we’ve got a new to-do list for this bathroom and I’m excited to chip away at it.
Current bathroom to-do list:
Paint walls Magnolia Home Paint in WeekendPaint ceiling and trim Benjamin Moore Simply WhitePaint doors Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron- Refinish marble-like countertop and tub/shower with Rust-Oleum Tub & Tile kit
- Sand, prime, and paint vanity cabinets
- Refresh tile grout using grout paint for a cleaner look
- Replace shower curtain to coordinate with the new color scheme
- Swap vanity light shades for updated fixtures or finishes
- Mount a shelf for storage and styling
- Hang artwork to personalize the space
- Add finishing decor and accessories
If you’re tackling a similar mini-makeover, a few tips: sample paint colors on the actual wall (lighting changes everything), use bright white trim to make saturated wall colors pop, and prioritize prep — clean, sand, and prime as needed. Small, strategic updates can deliver big impact.
I’ll be back with the countertop and tub refinishing details next — for now, you’ll find me painting, planning the next steps, and enjoying this fresh new teal vibe.