Yes, you read that right!! After weeks of planning, unexpected delays, and countless hours of hard work, I’m beyond thrilled to finally share the bathroom I transformed for the Spring One Room Challenge (ORC)!
A Journey of Challenges and Triumphs
The ORC’s grand finale was on May 11, but let’s just say this project didn’t exactly go off without a hitch. A major tile delay left me in limbo, and on top of that, plumbing issues arose that were way beyond my DIY capabilities. But no worries! Everything is now fixed, the floor is finished, and this bathroom remodel is officially complete!
And oh my gosh, my friends… I cannot wait to take you inside this transformation!
The Wish List: Dreaming of a Coastal-Inspired Retreat
When I first started brainstorming, my wish list included: ✔ Updating the laminate floor with something more elegant. ✔ Replacing the outdated almond toilet with a sleek, modern one. ✔ Adding character to the walls with an architectural feature. ✔ (Mark’s request) Possibly upgrading the vanity and countertop.
From these ideas, a light and airy coastal-inspired design plan emerged, turning our once boring and beige bathroom into a charming, inviting space.
(This post contains affiliate links. Click here to read more.)
The Before: A ‘Peach Party’ in Desperate Need of a Makeover
Before we dive into the big reveal, let’s take a moment to appreciate just how far this space has come. The image on the left below is from when we first bought the house seven years ago—a peach explosion of epic proportions.
The walls? Peach. The vanity? Bland. The floor? Outdated laminate. Needless to say, this bathroom was screaming for some love.
To make things even more interesting, the previous owner had a Dutch door installed in here. Because apparently, being able to chat with your family while using the bathroom is a thing. 🤔
This space is the main bathroom for guests and also doubles as my laundry room since the washer and dryer are tucked behind bifold doors. It had absolutely zero personality, and I was ready to change that!
Bringing Coastal Charm to the Bathroom
From the marble tiled floor to the board and batten walls, every single detail in this remodel was a labor of love. I tackled the wall treatment, installed crown molding, gave the vanity a facelift, and even DIY’d a stunning oyster shell mirror (more on that later!).
Board & Batten and Crown Moulding
To elevate the room, I decided to extend the board-and-batten style from our foyer and staircase into this space. The transformation was instant! Adding crown molding also gave the bathroom a much taller and grander feel.
(More details on how I installed the board & batten coming soon!)
The Star of the Show: The Self-Cleaning Toilet
One of the biggest (and most exciting) changes? Our brand-new WHITE toilet, generously provided by American Standard for this remodel.
This isn’t just any toilet—it’s self-cleaning! With the press of a button, it has both a light and deep cleaning mode.
Honestly, why isn’t every toilet self-cleaning?! In a house with three teenagers and their revolving door of friends, this feature has been a lifesaver. While it still needs some occasional manual cleaning, this function keeps it fresher in between. It’s so futuristic, I feel like Jane Jetson-esque! 🚀
Vanity Makeover: From Outdated to Elegant
Our 32-year-old vanity wasn’t terrible, but it needed some TLC. Instead of replacing it, I opted for a budget-friendly facelift: ✔ Sanded and filled in any imperfections. ✔ Removed old corroded hinges and replaced them with concealed hinges. ✔ Painted it Benjamin Moore Gentleman’s Gray, which shifts between navy and teal depending on the light. ✔ Upgraded the hardware with mercury glass knobs (after testing about 10 different options!).
And wow—what a difference!
The Floor: A Labor of Love
This was, hands down, the most challenging part of the remodel. Our original wood-look laminate ran from the kitchen through the hallway and into this bathroom. I had been dreaming of marble flooring since we updated our fireplace, so I finally went for it!
The Process:
✔ Confirmed there was no asbestos in the laminate before demo. ✔ Cut the flooring at the bathroom entrance and ripped it out (a back-breaking job!). ✔ Prepped the subfloor and laid 6”x12” marble tiles in a herringbone pattern to echo our hearth. ✔ Used gray grout (thank you, Instagram friends, for your input!).
I LOVE the final result and couldn’t be happier that I took the plunge!
(Full tutorial on installing herringbone marble tile coming soon!)
The Details That Make Me Smile
Beyond the carpentry and tiling, the little decor details are what bring the space to life.
Framed Travel Photos
I enlarged and framed some of our favorite travel photos, each capturing a stunning destination we’ve visited. I even wrote the location in pencil on each one—a simple touch that makes them feel even more special.
Check out these frames with mats for travel photos here!
DIY Oyster Shell Mirror
Inspired by Ballard Designs, I created a DIY oyster shell mirror using bleached shells and Liquid Nails. It’s huge, unique, and a total conversation piece!
(I promise a dedicated post on how to make your own soon!)
Final Before & After: A Total Transformation
Looking back, I still can’t believe how far this space has come. It was worth every sweaty, paint-covered moment!
HUGE THANKS to my sponsors:
- AMERICAN STANDARD for the fabulous ActiClean Self-Cleaning Toilet
- MINTED for the gorgeous “Ocean Landscape” print
And a big shoutout to Linda at Calling It Home for hosting the One Room Challenge—this challenge was the motivation I needed to finally tackle this space!
Sources & Paint Colors
🛠 SOURCES:
- American Standard ActiClean Toilet
- Ocean Landscap
- Mercury Glass Cabinet Knobs
- Closet Door Knobs
- Hand Towel
- Marble tile details coming soon!
🎨 PAINT COLORS:
- Vanity – Benjamin Moore Gentleman’s Gray (#2062-20, eggshell)
- Walls – Benjamin Moore Simply White (#OC-117, eggshell)
- Trim & Doors – Benjamin Moore White Dove (#OC-17, semi-gloss)
Thank you for following along on this journey! Let me know what you think of this One Room Challenge bathroom reveal!
This post is sponsored by American Standard, which has supplied the product for this project. However, all reviews and opinions expressed are solely those of the author, who prioritizes transparency and integrity. The author ensures that only products they would personally purchase and recommend to their readers are featured.
