Before and After: Budget-Friendly Bathroom Makeover with Navy, Blush, and Brass Accents

If you love a good bathroom makeover and seeing dramatic before & after images, I think you’ll love today’s blog post! We remodeled our daughters’ dated bathroom into something more suitable for tweens & teens… all while staying on a budget. I can’t wait to show you the power of some creative DIY, fun wallpaper, and some paint!

As every parent knows, kids grow up fast, and their needs change just as quickly. This became extra clear to us when we took a long, hard look at the bathroom that my husband, Sean, and I had designed over 12 years ago for our then-toddler daughters. Back then, the bright colors, juvenile decor, and minimal storage worked perfectly. Fast forward to today, and that same bathroom was struggling to keep up with the demands of three growing preteen and teenage girls! They now have an impressive collection of skincare and haircare products. It was definitely time for an update!

The Inspiration: From Pinterest to Reality

The first step in our bathroom makeover was gathering inspiration. Like many of you, I turned to Pinterest, scrolling through countless images to find a color scheme that would satisfy all three of my daughters.

After many late-night discussions and mood board creation, we finally settled on a color palette that everyone loved: a sophisticated combination of navy blue, blush pink, and white, accented with brass hardware. This palette felt grown-up enough for my older girls but still retained a touch of youthful fun with the blush pink. We wanted to keep the existing tile to make this makeover budget-friendly, but the grey tile is neutral enough to coordinate with the new colour scheme.

We also knew that we needed to significantly increase the storage in this space. Gone were the days when a single shelf could hold everything they needed. Now, with the new skincare routines, hair accessories, and various toiletries, we needed a bathroom that could keep everything organized while still looking stylish.

Planning the Layout: A Pocket Door for Privacy

One of the most significant changes we decided to make in this renovation was the installation of a pocket door between the sink area and the toilet & tub area. This would allow two of our girls to use the bathroom simultaneously without sacrificing privacy—a lifesaver during the busy mornings when everyone is trying to get ready at the same time.

Installing a pocket door might seem daunting, but it’s one of those upgrades that’s worth every minute of effort. Sean took the lead on this part of the project. He started by framing out the wall to make space for the door. It was a bit of a challenge, especially working in a small space, but with careful measurements and a little patience, he managed to get the door track installed smoothly. Adding drywall and mudding the seams came next, which is always a bit of a messy job but so crucial for achieving a professional-looking finish.

Once the door was installed, it was clear that this was going to be a game-changer. The pocket door glides effortlessly and immediately made the bathroom feel more spacious and functional. If you’re considering a similar project, I highly recommend looking into pocket doors, especially for small bathrooms where every inch of space counts.

Bathroom Vanity Makeover: Before and After with Paint

With the major structural work out of the way, it was time to tackle the vanity area. The IKEA vanity doors were still in decent shape but had definitely seen better days. Rather than getting a new vanity, we decided to give the old one facelift with some paint and new hardware—a budget-friendly solution that makes a huge impact.

We started by removing the vanity doors, giving them a good clean before applying a bonding primer. This step is essential when you’re painting over slick surfaces like laminate, as it helps the paint adhere better and ensures a long-lasting finish.

I purchased the HEMNES Vanity Mirror from IKEA for some extra storage for the girls, and wanted to paint that in the same colour as the vanity doors.

For the paint, we chose a rich navy blue (Dark Denim by Behr) that perfectly complemented our chosen color scheme. I applied two coats to both the mirror cabinet and the vanity doors, and the transformation was immediate. What was once a tired and boring vanity now looked sleek and modern, with just the right amount of boldness. The matching mirror cabinet with tons of storage is the perfect accompaniment.

To tie everything together, we added a beautiful brass vanity light fixture above the mirror. The warmth of the brass against the deep navy was stunning, adding a touch of glamour to the space. We also swapped out the old handles for new brass ones, which gave the vanity an entirely new look without the cost of replacing it. We kept the chrome faucet the same, but I always love mixing metals in a space and chrome faucets are a classic touch. The black counter is also the same as before, but I think it looks great with the navy.

Adding Personality with Wallpaper and Accessories

Next up in our bathroom makeover was adding some personality to the walls and creating a fun focal point. I chose a gorgeous blue and white floral peel-and-stick wallpaper for the upper half of the walls. Peel-and-stick wallpaper is fantastic for DIY projects because it’s so easy to apply (and remove, if you ever change your mind!). I started at the top of the wall, carefully smoothing it down as I went to avoid any air bubbles. The pattern added just the right amount of interest without overwhelming the space.

For the lower half of the walls, we opted for beadboard wallpaper, which added some texture and tied in nicely with the original hook wall we decided to keep. After applying the beadboard wallpaper, I painted it a crisp white to maintain a fresh and clean look. The contrast between the floral pattern and the beadboard created a beautiful, cohesive design that felt both classic and modern. I added some trim (baseboard) between the two wallpapers to echo the original hook wall in the space. New casing around the doorway made the pocket door look complete.

Storage was still a priority, so I got creative with some IKEA BEKVAM spice racks. Painted to match the beadboard, these racks were installed in the toilet area to use as open shelving to hold all the extra toiletries that needed a home. It’s amazing how something as simple as a spice rack can be repurposed to solve a storage problem!

Inside the vanity, we installed some pullout organizers from Amazon. These pullouts made a huge difference in keeping the space tidy and functional. No more digging around in the back of the cabinet to find what you need—everything now has its place and is easy to access.

Finishing Touches: Bringing It All Together

To finish off the room, we added a few more brass accents—a shower curtain rod, towel rings, and a toilet paper holder—all of which tied in beautifully with the other brass elements in the room. I kept the shower fixtures the same (chrome), but they echo the original chrome faucet in the sink area. I also found an extra-long chic white shower curtain with a subtle texture that added a touch of elegance to the space.

A final touch was the addition of a stylish garbage can with a lid, sourced from Amazon. It’s amazing how even the smallest details can contribute to the overall look and feel of a room.

Once everything was in place, we took a step back to admire our work. The transformation was incredible—the bathroom no longer looked like it belonged to toddlers, but instead, it was a sophisticated, functional space that our daughters could enjoy for years to come.

The Big Reveal: A Space for Growing Girls

As we revealed the finished bathroom to our daughters, their reactions were priceless. They loved the new color scheme, the increased storage, and especially the privacy the pocket door provided. It was rewarding to see them so excited about a space that was truly theirs—a place where they could start and end their days feeling organized and inspired.

Here’s a look at the original bathroom vs the modern makeover:

This bathroom makeover before and after is a perfect example of how you can create a stylish, functional space on a budget. With a little creativity, some strategic DIY, and a willingness to repurpose what you already have, you can achieve a look that feels both luxurious and personal.

Shop This Bathroom Makeover

Shop the items I used in this space by clicking on the buttons below.

If you’re considering a bathroom remodel of your own, I hope this project has inspired you to think outside the box and tackle it with confidence. Remember, it’s all about creating a new space that works for you and your family’s needs—without breaking the bank.

More Bathroom Makeovers

Want more bathroom renovation ideas? You might love these bathroom makeovers with more before & after inspiration:

• We created a small bathroom wet room from scratch with inexpensive white subway tiles in our Tiny Lake House
• I remodeled my brother’s powder room into a cottage chic escape with statement wallpaper
• Here’s how to make your primary bathroom feel like a hotel spa
• We turned a dated bathroom in our Little Lake House into a coastal retreat with marble look tile shower walls, white marble mosaic tile flooring, and shiplap