A team of six DIYers completed a bathroom makeover in 48 hours, transforming a plain, builder-grade space into a room full of character and modern farmhouse charm.
Thank you to Lowe’s for sponsoring this post. As always, opinions and content are my own.
I’ve been so excited to share this major room reveal—this bathroom makeover has been a secret we could barely contain. A few months ago I announced a collaboration with Lowe’s to renovate a room in someone’s home anywhere in the United States. Many amazing entries came in—kitchens, bathrooms, outdoor spaces—but this particular bathroom in Texas jumped out as a space with enormous potential.
Homeowners Bethany and Levi’s story really resonated with me. Married seven years, living next to Levi’s family in a suburban builder-grade house, they’re hardworking and creative—Bethany recently graduated and is a mental health counselor intern, and Levi is a wedding videographer and a drummer in a worship band. Their schedule and budget don’t leave much room for big home projects, yet they love hosting friends and family and treat their dog and two cats like children. Their wish was simple: a calming bathroom to start the day refreshed.
In April, after careful planning, Robert and I flew to Texas along with a talented group of blogger friends: Rachel from Maison de Pax, Jenna from Rain on a Tin Roof, Nina from Nina Hendrick Design, and April from House By Hoff. We gave ourselves two days to complete the overhaul.
The room had good bones, so most changes were cosmetic rather than major demolition. One urgent problem was the shower door—cloudy and rusted so badly it wouldn’t close properly—so removing the old door, faucets, and fixtures was our first priority. That kicked off a long weekend of nonstop work, problem-solving, and teamwork.
We faced plenty of unexpected challenges, but the group chemistry was incredible. It was true teamwork—major girl power with Robert providing the heavy lifting. Nina expertly handled cabinet painting, Rachel built a custom barn door and installed two tracks while eight months pregnant, Jenna took charge of electrical and hardware like light fixtures and cabinet pulls, April painted walls and sourced supplies across town, and I jumped in wherever I could—balancing on the tub to adjust a chandelier was one definite highlight.
Seeing it all come together was the greatest reward. Bethany and Levi stayed out of their master suite the whole weekend so the reveal would be a surprise, and their reactions made every late hour worth it. They were genuinely delighted and deeply appreciative, which was the heart of this project.
The Shower Door
We replaced the cloudy, corroded shower door with a fresh oil-rubbed bronze framed door for contrast and durability. A new, larger shower head helps create a more spa-like shower experience.
Lighting
We introduced a chandelier above the tub to blend glam and industrial details and replaced the old Hollywood-style vanity light with seeded glass bronze fixtures for a softer, more sophisticated glow.
Colors and Finishes
To add depth and calm, we painted the vanity cabinets in Sherwin Williams Slate Tile and the walls in Sherwin Williams Gray Screen, a soft gray-blue. The bronze hardware and fixtures create contrast and warmth. For a rustic touch, we framed the existing mirror with pine stained Minwax Dark Walnut, and updated the tile floor grout by painting it with Valspar Duramax in Du Jour for a cleaner, cohesive look.
Adding Function with a Barn Door
We built a custom barn door to provide privacy for the water closet and improve traffic flow. Using an unfinished barn door kit, we stained it Minwax Weathered Oak and sealed it to protect against moisture. The sliding track solved the issue of the old bedroom door colliding with the new barn door and added beautiful texture and function.
Faucets, Art, and Storage
We installed curvier oil-rubbed bronze faucets for a softer, more feminine touch against the existing white cultured countertop. To soften the darker metal and wood tones, botanical prints were added, filling an awkward wall and balancing the frosted window. Practical storage updates included hooks by the shower and open shelving above the toilet with apothecary jars and baskets; we painted the cabinet interior the same color as the vanity to tie everything together.
Natural Textures
Adding faux succulents, silk flowers, woven baskets, and delicate glass pieces brought the room to life. These natural elements, combined with wood and metal accents, helped the space feel welcoming and thoughtfully layered.
This project was one of the most challenging we’ve tackled, but every obstacle and late night was worth it. I’m so grateful to Lowe’s and to my incredible team for making this possible. Most importantly, Bethany and Levi love their new bathroom—a peaceful, functional space where they can recharge and continue sharing their gifts with others.
If you’re curious about the products and finishes used in this bathroom, here’s a breakdown:
- Wall Paint: Sherwin Williams Gray Screen
- Cabinet Paint: Sherwin Williams Slate Tile
- Grout and Barn Door Paint: Valspar Du Jour
- Mirror Frame Stain: Minwax Dark Walnut
- Barn Door Stain: Minwax Weathered Oak
- Sink Faucets (oil-rubbed bronze)
- Shower Head (larger, spa-style)
- Chandelier and Vanity Lights (seeded glass bronze shades)
- Botanical Prints and Blue Botanical Art
- Barn Door Kit, Cabinet Pulls, Wall Hooks, and other hardware
- Decor: boxwoods, succulents, baskets, apothecary jars
A huge thank you again to Lowe’s and to everyone who contributed their time, skills, and creativity. This makeover proves a basic builder-grade bathroom can be transformed into a comfortable, character-rich retreat with careful design choices, thoughtful finishes, and a dedicated team.
