We’re nearly finished with this hallway bathroom makeover and the difference is already striking. This post is more of a progress update than a step-by-step tutorial — I’ve shared detailed cabinet-painting tutorials before, so here I’m focusing on what we changed and why it worked for this space.
Before we started, the vanity and cabinets looked dated and tired. They were original to the house and had clearly endured decades of wear. Instead of a full demo right now, we chose a Phase 1 plan: simple, cost-effective updates that refresh the room and hold us over until a full renovation is possible.
Painting the vanity in Benjamin Moore Coventry Gray immediately modernized the space. The color brought depth without overwhelming the small room and paired nicely with the existing tile and fixtures. While the cabinet doors had dents, bubbled edges, and tool marks that wouldn’t sand or fill out perfectly, a fresh coat of paint combined with new hardware made a huge visual difference.
We swapped the old, dated knobs for clear glass knobs and matching pulls. The new hardware feels mature and slightly feminine — perfect for Olivia’s bathroom, which will also serve as a guest bath. Simple changes like this go a long way when a full remodel isn’t on the immediate schedule.
We also updated the sink and countertop using a refinishing technique. Painting the sink and countertop has made a dramatic difference, and so far the finish is holding up well. Paired with the painted vanity, the overall effect is cohesive and far less dated than what we started with.
There are still a few tasks left: the flooring, final decor, and possibly a window treatment. I’ve debated whether to add a stencil or pattern to the walls, but I’m on the fence. For now the neutral wall color keeps the space calm and lets the painted vanity stand out.
The biggest decision left is the floor. The tile is original and shows its age. One option is to clean and refresh the grout, which would brighten the room with minimal work. The other option is to paint the tile for a more dramatic transformation, but I’m cautious about long-term durability on ceramic tile. If you’ve painted tile successfully, I’d love to hear what products and prep you used.
Small styling choices have helped complete the look: lighter trim paint, refreshed light fixtures, and curated wall decor. These finishing touches are what make a quick update feel intentional and finished, even before a full renovation is possible.
Below is our current progress list and sources for items we’ve already used:
So far, here are all of our sources and where we are on the to-do list:
Paint walls — Magnolia Home WeekendPaint trim — Benjamin Moore Simply WhitePaint doors — Benjamin Moore Wrought IronPaint sink and tub/shower — refinishing kitRefresh light fixturePaint vanity cabinet- Paint tile / grout
- Hang wall decor (halfway finished)
- Decorate
What do you think would be the best next step? Refresh grout alone, or try painting the tile for a bolder change? Stenciled walls or keep them simple? Add a window treatment or leave the window bare? I’m weighing durability and impact as I decide the final touches.
