I had a lot of wonderful experiences this summer, but in terms of blog opportunities, this project takes the cake. It was hard to keep it a secret, and I’m so happy to finally share it. Lowe’s challenged me, East Coast Creative, and Amber Interiors to update a builder grade blah bathroom with out of the box ideas and only $1,000.
The space was certainly not an eyesore or anything to begin with, but it was lacking personality. It looked like every guest bath you see in every new-build, middle-class home in America. And who wants their bath to look like everyone else’s?
So I injected a lot of personality and some fun and simple DIY projects into the space to take it from bland to beautiful.
Like many second baths, this space needed to be functional for children and guests. I didn’t want to sacrifice style for kids, but I didn’t want to sacrifice some fun for adults’ sake either. The mix of blues and graphic black and white was the answer. The colors are bold and exciting but still grown up.
Instead of a regular shower curtain, I picked up two window curtains from Lowe’s to hide bath toys and the like. Using a third curtain we created a valance that hangs at the ceiling and trimmed all of them out in ribbon to up the look for guests to enjoy.
You can see more of the projects and transformation in the video below. Video isn’t something I’ve done a ton of in a former life I did some live TV and I can’t believe how much fun I had! The crew was incredible and kind, and I can’t thank them enough for all of their hard work making me look good.
Gloria Feeley says
The blue on the wall is so lovely and I love that you did the door and trim all the same!
Sarah Wissinger says
Gwen, this looks amazing!!! You seriously did such an awesome job. I kept thinking, "If I were told to update this bathroom, I NEVER would have thought of that!" Your ideas are always so creative – bravo!
Best,
Sarah
http://www.thesurznickcommonroom.com
tnic says
These are exactly the comments I was going to write!! I agree completely. The only thing I was going to add…it was so neat to hear your voice and see you in action, Gwen. So creative!
pam {simple details} says
Wow, Gwen!! What an awesome job ~ would you share the color you used on the vanity, I think the Lowes site has it wrong. Thanks so much!
Amanda says
Oh my gosh, I love it! You did a really nice job, and it's really nice to see these kinds of projects where you're updating and working with builder grade products. It was really fun to see you on video, too!
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says
and now i am rethinking my entire builder grade bathroom i already redid… love!
Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles says
Beautiful, Gwen. I especially love the floor and the layered mirrors!
Brittany Cramer says
FUN!!!!!!! And I'm totally a fan of the blue 🙂 And alongside Monica & Amber, like WHOA. My second bath is builder grade… I'd love to do a project like this!
Catherine Peart says
All of you did such a fabulous job!! Love, love, love the blue colour you used on the vanity. I am thinking of doing a kitchen island that colour (you know, when I get a house and all… ha ha).
Caitlin @ Desert Domicile says
You did such a great job, Gwen! I love the all the blue and that art. Please tell me you'll be posting a tutorial for it soon! 🙂
Unknown says
So beautiful!! Very inspiring
Claudia says
What a fun and different bathroom! Will you please share the paint colors used. I really like the color you used on the walls and door.
Refashionably Late says
Gwen this looks amazing!! I LOVE how it turned out!! I love the blue cabinets and the tile up the wall! That's amazing!
tera says
I love this update and have never seen anything similar done with a mirror! Awesome!
A Sweet Beginning
Heather says
I LOVE this makeover Gwen!
I was disappointed though because Lowes didn't post exact details. I wanted to replicate the red stool you made but they didn't give a list of items to make it. Also, I adore the blue on the vanity but can not find the color. On the list of items used, they only list the red paint used on the stool. Please share! 🙂
Kimberly Duran says
Oh you've done an AMAZING job! I would never have thought to combine that pale blue with the dark blue – it really looks so beautiful and I adore the art as well and the mirror-on-mirror action. Fantastic, so impressive! xx
Smuddpie says
Great ideas! Can you give more details about the mirror? I can't seem to find it.
Diana Trotter says
Love what you did!!! That mirror idea is really neat and the hanging art work, love that!
Donna Gray says
I really love the idea of continuing the floor tile up the wall. I wish Lowe's would have given a more complete list of details – I'd really like to know the color you used on the vanity.
Sandra Pace says
First – you are gorgeous! Second – Love this video! Third – you've got to tell Lowe's that we need more details. Please tell me your doing a post with ALL the sources!!! Need to know that paint color on the cabinets, the how to on the amazing art, etc. etc. etc.
Kim @ Yellow Brick Home says
Beautiful, Gwen! Absolutely pinning as we're about to embark on our own bathroom re-do!
Mariella Cruzado says
This is AMAZING! Such a fab and inspiring work. I loved it!
Unknown says
This is fantastic! All three updates were really impressive, and went in such different directions. SUPER interesting to see all of them!
Maurice Warren says
The new look is way better ,love the colors so much !
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thank you!
Eli Martins | Blog Encantada says
Gwen,
Loved the transformation of your bathroom, it was wonderful!
I made a post on my blog about it, I hope not be sorry about it.
Kiss
Eli Martins
http://www.encantadahome.com.br
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks for sharing!
Lauren says
Looks like a completely different room I love it!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Lauren!
Tiffany says
Can you tell me the color blue on your vanity please??
themakerista@gmail.com says
It’s HGTV Home’s Dress Blues available at Lowes!
Maria says
will there be a tutorial on the plexi art?
themakerista@gmail.com says
Here you go, Maria! http://www.themakerista.com/diy-ink-blot-art-and-acrylic-frame/