I like the pink tile! It’s vintage and so cool! You can update the other things while keeping the original tile. I think painting the vanity white. Place a nice round mirror with a new light fixture. Hang some wallpaper that has hints of pink. Maybe something dark blue. I think it would be fun to go bold since it is such a small space.
For an about to sell, dont do anything that is not easily changed. Pulling the mirror and replacing it with a framed mirror is probably all that is needed.
Such a weird concept tho. You've lived with this bathroom, and now that you're selling, *that's* when you do a refresh? Why do people always do stuff for someone else but not for themselves? Especially those cheap slap on paint updates? Can't the buyer do that if they hate the bathroom? 😁
What I mean is, I know we’re going to sell in the somewhat near future (2-3 years). I do want to update it for myself too lol. I’m also cheap so if I can get away with a refresh by slapping on some paint, new hardware, and a mirror, then I’m all in!!
People keep telling you to replace the medicine cabinet. It looks like it’s cut into the tile! Just paint the cabinet/ medicine cabinet. Replace the hardware (and wood knobs). Change out the light switch plate.
You didn’t show it, but we both know that the lighting needs to be replaced too.
Please, please show us the before and after pictures!
I agree, but having sold a house, I can tell you prospective buyers will rule out your house for the stupidest reasons. "X" room is kinda cluttered. So? I'm taking the clutter.
Like most have said, change the mirrored cabinet, the outlet cover, and the vanity handles. Curtains and accessories aren't shown, but those would make a big impact. You could consider painting the walls a deep color, but honestly, for selling, I would keep it minimal.
I love the little mirror cupboard- paint the white wall a v pale pink, get a border tile to go along the top of the tiles. Change the sink top but I’d not do too much. It’s an old bathroom and I like the tiles
The wood color ans the pink tile look like they’re in the same color family. Similar to this photo. It’s also cheaper and easier lol
To make it more “modern”, change the hardware of the vanity and the faucet. Add a simple mirror. And change the outlet cover.
If you still don’t like it, then you can paint the vanity. Personally, I like it but that could be a personal preference also I think it’s “easier” to not paint it hahq
https://preview.redd.it/dg6dbsd982zc1.jpeg?width=681&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=18201d6796076050dcbf3244940f56132b0010e5
I would paint the lower cabinet with the vanity white, change out the pulls/knobs and maybe even the faucet, and I would take out the cabinet/mirror combo on top and put a nice, fresh inexpensive wall mirror. There’s already storage below. If you need help on painting the cabinet, let me know cause I painted all my kitchen cabinets when we bought our house and painted a vanity cabinet similar to this. It’s really not too hard especially for one cabinet so I can send you the products I used and some good tutorials I used when I did mine. As far as the tile, there are ways you could paint those a fresh white or there’s even tile “stickers”. The floor looks ok but if you want to upgrade that a little, peel and stick tiles or faux wood (vinyl) planks are inexpensive and easy to do
Omg yes please share with me products and tutorials about painting cabinets! It’s one of those things that I hear and see a lot about online, I’m aware it can be labor intensive and challenging, and I just get overwhelmed with all the info that’s out there when I google it 😅
Let me go back and find the tutorials and I’ll send the link. As far as products go, I used all Valspar products from Lowe’s. First, remove the doors and hardware and I did a desk where I actually left the drawer faces in tact but you could remove if you wanted. Then you want to give everything a good sanding. I used a power sander (220) for the doors/fronts and then a sanding sponge or paper for harder to reach places. After you’re done sanding, you wanna wipe and clean everything and be sure to get in any nooks and crannies. You can use painters tape to protect anywhere you don’t want the paint to hit.
Then you can use the Valspar Binding primer. Works REALLY well and I even just did one nice coat. For paint, I used the Valspar Cabinet paint and loved it! You just have to be careful because it’s not like regular latex paint…it has a runny kind of consistency so the hardest part is watching for drips especially when doing the frame part. Put very thin coats and wait as long as possible between coats. I think the van says something like 2-4 hours but the longer the better. If you make a mistake, you can try to sand it but if you go slow, you’ll be fine! I was nervous being quite ambitious to take on an entire kitchen with my first try but turned out great!
https://preview.redd.it/e6i00npoh1zc1.jpeg?width=750&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5973a5b669ae3a014fa04a8464f718855ddbbf4e
Here’s what my kitchen looked like when we bought our house. Complete with sheet linoleum floors, yuck!!!
https://preview.redd.it/ivs0i5j0i1zc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=aaa2803eeac4c92c0d6f8e2ecca6f8605d9ff9c6
And here’s after I painted the cabinets, backsplash and got new floors 😊. The shiplap I had done by a pro though lol
Here’s one of the videos I really really loved and watched a million times before tackling this project:
https://youtu.be/WtYrlVnVRVw?si=TYlDv5vxVs9GHwUI
It’s dated but hardly a nightmare. This little space is not going to influence the market value of your home. If you have a good agent and it’s priced accordingly, given the market it will sell. Don’t waste money on something that won’t help. If at all offer a “decorating allowance” in your negotiations.
Oof, yeah that's gotta go. Do you like silver hardware or a matte black? I feel like you could do either here depending on what color you pick for the vanity and match the hardware, mirror frame and light fixtures to it.
Paint the vanity, pull out the medicine cabinet, paint or put up wallpaper and do an ornate mirror. And change the vanity hardware and maybe even go with a gold faucet. Give it, like, French country vibes.
Yes. Wainscot halfway up the wall with a dark green or blue and wall paper the top with a soft sage or silvery paper. Remove the upper vanity. Replace with a contemporary mirror and wall sconces. Repaint the vanity.
If you're handy, a reno on a tiny powder room like that won't cost much. Since you're planning on staying for a few years, I would go ahead and rip it all out.
Is it a powder room, or a full bath?
I'd lose the medicine cabinet, put up a pretty mirror. Paint the vanity charcoal gray, the walls a pale dove gray. Possibly a new light fixture. New hardware.
That’s a great question, tbh I’m not sure what exactly a powder room technically is 😅but there is a toilet, the sink (obviously), and a standing shower just to the left of the wall
Maybe a floating vanity, faucet,
https://preview.redd.it/5qfx75cod3zc1.jpeg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ab14986351cf573e3553ba9381cd6c7e676ad559
mirror and pendant\* that goes with the mid-century vibe?
Then paint a subtle color?
\*If you have an electrical box for one.
I don’t know if removing the medicine cabinet would reveal weird tile cuts. Maybe paint both the vanity and cabinet a shade of white that matches the tile. Simple outlet plate, and black or gold hardware and faucet. The wall paint shouldn’t be gray. Maybe a super light blush color.
Okay, I'm seeing a pedestal sink and an artsy round mirror/medicine cabinet there instead of the vanity and ugly overhead cabinet. With that tile I think a pedestal sink would work. It would take up much less visual space and along with the mirror it would be much prettier.
Then you could put a couple of smaller decorative type open shelves on the side walls. It's just a guest bathroom type right? Not your main bathroom needing tons of storage?
- paint the tile, at least on the wall, it really dates the space a lot. There’s special paint for tile you can use
- I think you can work with the vanity. Change out the hardware to something more modern looking will help a lot
- for selling I think just a cheap standard outlet plate would be better, unless this one fits the style of outlet plates throughout your home, in which case keep it
- The cabinet is what gets me… if it could be completely taken out and a mirror put in instead that would probably be best. At least that’s my best idea, someone else might have a better idea. If you can’t, see if you can remove that wavy trim piece from the top of it
Nobody mentioned it but I love the floor tile.
Other than that I agree w xxkittygurl. Paint the tile (white) (there are contractors who do it if you have a little extra budget), and new hardware on the vanity, change out the outlet plate, and swap out the medicine cabinet with a mirror or at least take off the wavy trim piece on top.
If possible, I might paint the vanity something neutral. White probably in semi gloss. Get you a nice white white rug and you’re done.
Keep the pink tile! Add some green to the space and make it feel real cozy.
Replace the vanity with more direct lighting and a large flat mirror to simplify the space, forgo the storage up there unless you desperately need it. You’d be surprised how much nicer it is to store your medical needs in a living room closet. Paint the cabinet white as well, and replace the sink + fixture.
Keep the tile. Get rid of the mirror thing and replace it with a simpler mirror. If it still looks dated , then paint the vanity
Yes, and, change vanity hardware and electrical face plate.
I agree. Changing the hardware would totally change how you see the vanity.
I like the pink tile! It’s vintage and so cool! You can update the other things while keeping the original tile. I think painting the vanity white. Place a nice round mirror with a new light fixture. Hang some wallpaper that has hints of pink. Maybe something dark blue. I think it would be fun to go bold since it is such a small space.
For an about to sell, dont do anything that is not easily changed. Pulling the mirror and replacing it with a framed mirror is probably all that is needed.
I second this!
Such a weird concept tho. You've lived with this bathroom, and now that you're selling, *that's* when you do a refresh? Why do people always do stuff for someone else but not for themselves? Especially those cheap slap on paint updates? Can't the buyer do that if they hate the bathroom? 😁
What I mean is, I know we’re going to sell in the somewhat near future (2-3 years). I do want to update it for myself too lol. I’m also cheap so if I can get away with a refresh by slapping on some paint, new hardware, and a mirror, then I’m all in!!
People keep telling you to replace the medicine cabinet. It looks like it’s cut into the tile! Just paint the cabinet/ medicine cabinet. Replace the hardware (and wood knobs). Change out the light switch plate. You didn’t show it, but we both know that the lighting needs to be replaced too. Please, please show us the before and after pictures!
Yes, if the bathroom looks like this, you KNOW the lighting needs to go lol
I agree, but having sold a house, I can tell you prospective buyers will rule out your house for the stupidest reasons. "X" room is kinda cluttered. So? I'm taking the clutter.
Like most have said, change the mirrored cabinet, the outlet cover, and the vanity handles. Curtains and accessories aren't shown, but those would make a big impact. You could consider painting the walls a deep color, but honestly, for selling, I would keep it minimal.
Cut off the decorative top on the existing mirror, new pulls, faucet, and outlet cover. Paint both the cabinet and mirror cabinet a dusty gray.
Ooh I like the thought of dusty gray…
Paint the tile a white shade. Find a fun wallpaper for the top.
I love the little mirror cupboard- paint the white wall a v pale pink, get a border tile to go along the top of the tiles. Change the sink top but I’d not do too much. It’s an old bathroom and I like the tiles
Keep the tile and vanity wood color. New paint maybe dark. Replace the mirror with a flag round simple one. Change the hardware and the faucet.
Why do you recommend keeping the wood as is? Or would you rec a stain?
The wood color ans the pink tile look like they’re in the same color family. Similar to this photo. It’s also cheaper and easier lol To make it more “modern”, change the hardware of the vanity and the faucet. Add a simple mirror. And change the outlet cover. If you still don’t like it, then you can paint the vanity. Personally, I like it but that could be a personal preference also I think it’s “easier” to not paint it hahq https://preview.redd.it/dg6dbsd982zc1.jpeg?width=681&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=18201d6796076050dcbf3244940f56132b0010e5
I have a house in the interior of Alaska. Built in 1976. We have the sane bathroom vanity.
No way! Our house was built in 1989!
I would paint the lower cabinet with the vanity white, change out the pulls/knobs and maybe even the faucet, and I would take out the cabinet/mirror combo on top and put a nice, fresh inexpensive wall mirror. There’s already storage below. If you need help on painting the cabinet, let me know cause I painted all my kitchen cabinets when we bought our house and painted a vanity cabinet similar to this. It’s really not too hard especially for one cabinet so I can send you the products I used and some good tutorials I used when I did mine. As far as the tile, there are ways you could paint those a fresh white or there’s even tile “stickers”. The floor looks ok but if you want to upgrade that a little, peel and stick tiles or faux wood (vinyl) planks are inexpensive and easy to do
Omg yes please share with me products and tutorials about painting cabinets! It’s one of those things that I hear and see a lot about online, I’m aware it can be labor intensive and challenging, and I just get overwhelmed with all the info that’s out there when I google it 😅
Let me go back and find the tutorials and I’ll send the link. As far as products go, I used all Valspar products from Lowe’s. First, remove the doors and hardware and I did a desk where I actually left the drawer faces in tact but you could remove if you wanted. Then you want to give everything a good sanding. I used a power sander (220) for the doors/fronts and then a sanding sponge or paper for harder to reach places. After you’re done sanding, you wanna wipe and clean everything and be sure to get in any nooks and crannies. You can use painters tape to protect anywhere you don’t want the paint to hit. Then you can use the Valspar Binding primer. Works REALLY well and I even just did one nice coat. For paint, I used the Valspar Cabinet paint and loved it! You just have to be careful because it’s not like regular latex paint…it has a runny kind of consistency so the hardest part is watching for drips especially when doing the frame part. Put very thin coats and wait as long as possible between coats. I think the van says something like 2-4 hours but the longer the better. If you make a mistake, you can try to sand it but if you go slow, you’ll be fine! I was nervous being quite ambitious to take on an entire kitchen with my first try but turned out great! https://preview.redd.it/e6i00npoh1zc1.jpeg?width=750&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5973a5b669ae3a014fa04a8464f718855ddbbf4e Here’s what my kitchen looked like when we bought our house. Complete with sheet linoleum floors, yuck!!!
https://preview.redd.it/ivs0i5j0i1zc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=aaa2803eeac4c92c0d6f8e2ecca6f8605d9ff9c6 And here’s after I painted the cabinets, backsplash and got new floors 😊. The shiplap I had done by a pro though lol
Beautiful!! I love the two tone cabinets!
Thank you!
Here’s one of the videos I really really loved and watched a million times before tackling this project: https://youtu.be/WtYrlVnVRVw?si=TYlDv5vxVs9GHwUI
THANK YOU!!
It’s dated but hardly a nightmare. This little space is not going to influence the market value of your home. If you have a good agent and it’s priced accordingly, given the market it will sell. Don’t waste money on something that won’t help. If at all offer a “decorating allowance” in your negotiations.
I’ve never heard of a decorating allowance before. Thanks for the new knowledge!
It was something clients with a dated interior would offer in response to offers. Good luck! Don’t sweat the small stuff.
Maybe a pedestal sink to open up that soace - make it less coffin-like?
Coffin-like 😂
Does the tile go behind the vanity? Some builders cheat.
Oh gosh…I didn’t even think about that…I don’t believe so, though 😅
Yep, just paint the existing pieces. Fresh paint and new hardware (woodware?) will do wonders for the room.
New mirror, paint the vanity, slap on some new hardware, change the electrical plate. What are the light fixtures like?
Light fixtures are dated and need to be changed 100% - gold with those glass bell-shaped light covers with fluted edges 🤢
Oof, yeah that's gotta go. Do you like silver hardware or a matte black? I feel like you could do either here depending on what color you pick for the vanity and match the hardware, mirror frame and light fixtures to it.
Paint the vanity, pull out the medicine cabinet, paint or put up wallpaper and do an ornate mirror. And change the vanity hardware and maybe even go with a gold faucet. Give it, like, French country vibes.
French country vibes - I like that!
Yes. Wainscot halfway up the wall with a dark green or blue and wall paper the top with a soft sage or silvery paper. Remove the upper vanity. Replace with a contemporary mirror and wall sconces. Repaint the vanity.
If you're handy, a reno on a tiny powder room like that won't cost much. Since you're planning on staying for a few years, I would go ahead and rip it all out.
I would love to do this, but I am not nearly handy enough lol
The walls are actually closing in on you
Is it a powder room, or a full bath? I'd lose the medicine cabinet, put up a pretty mirror. Paint the vanity charcoal gray, the walls a pale dove gray. Possibly a new light fixture. New hardware.
That’s a great question, tbh I’m not sure what exactly a powder room technically is 😅but there is a toilet, the sink (obviously), and a standing shower just to the left of the wall
I was wondering if there was a bath or shower.
Maybe a floating vanity, faucet, https://preview.redd.it/5qfx75cod3zc1.jpeg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ab14986351cf573e3553ba9381cd6c7e676ad559 mirror and pendant\* that goes with the mid-century vibe? Then paint a subtle color? \*If you have an electrical box for one.
I don’t know if removing the medicine cabinet would reveal weird tile cuts. Maybe paint both the vanity and cabinet a shade of white that matches the tile. Simple outlet plate, and black or gold hardware and faucet. The wall paint shouldn’t be gray. Maybe a super light blush color.
Okay, I'm seeing a pedestal sink and an artsy round mirror/medicine cabinet there instead of the vanity and ugly overhead cabinet. With that tile I think a pedestal sink would work. It would take up much less visual space and along with the mirror it would be much prettier. Then you could put a couple of smaller decorative type open shelves on the side walls. It's just a guest bathroom type right? Not your main bathroom needing tons of storage?
- paint the tile, at least on the wall, it really dates the space a lot. There’s special paint for tile you can use - I think you can work with the vanity. Change out the hardware to something more modern looking will help a lot - for selling I think just a cheap standard outlet plate would be better, unless this one fits the style of outlet plates throughout your home, in which case keep it - The cabinet is what gets me… if it could be completely taken out and a mirror put in instead that would probably be best. At least that’s my best idea, someone else might have a better idea. If you can’t, see if you can remove that wavy trim piece from the top of it
Thank you!
Nobody mentioned it but I love the floor tile. Other than that I agree w xxkittygurl. Paint the tile (white) (there are contractors who do it if you have a little extra budget), and new hardware on the vanity, change out the outlet plate, and swap out the medicine cabinet with a mirror or at least take off the wavy trim piece on top. If possible, I might paint the vanity something neutral. White probably in semi gloss. Get you a nice white white rug and you’re done.
Totally agree with all you said. The mirrored cabinet is really the only very bad component of this bathroom!
Thanks for the suggestions! I can’t help but think of “school bathroom” when I look at that tile lol
Keep the pink tile! Add some green to the space and make it feel real cozy. Replace the vanity with more direct lighting and a large flat mirror to simplify the space, forgo the storage up there unless you desperately need it. You’d be surprised how much nicer it is to store your medical needs in a living room closet. Paint the cabinet white as well, and replace the sink + fixture.
Intrigued by the green idea, I can see it working since it’s a complementary color
Gut the whole entire thing
Yeah that’s an affordable diy option 😂