With our new bedroom addition taking shape upstairs, I thought it was the perfect time to share a little makeover we tackled downstairs — our main floor bathroom refresh.
This bathroom has always been the everyday go-to, and it will also serve as the bathroom off our new bedroom. Up until now, our entire family has been sharing the upstairs bath, and truly… it hasn’t been terrible. But I have a feeling this setup is going to feel downright luxurious as our kids get older and bathroom real estate becomes prime territory.
Before launching into the bedroom addition, back in late 2021, we decided the bathroom needed a little love. Nothing dramatic — no gut job, no tearing out plumbing — just thoughtful upgrades to make the space feel more like “us.” A few cosmetic changes, some added storage, and suddenly the room feels brighter, cleaner, and much more finished.
And yes, brighter without adding a window — although if I could go back and redo the house plans, a window in here would absolutely make the list. I miss natural light in a bathroom (the drama natural shadows create when you’re trying to apply eyeliner… unmatched). But hey, here we are, and we made it work beautifully.
For nearly seven years, this little room looked exactly the same as it did the day we moved in after finishing our build. It served us well, no complaints — but once I imagined what it could look like, there was no going back.
The first change was replacing the original white vanity. It had been a budget pick when we built, and while it looked cute at the beginning, it wasn’t aging gracefully. The finish wasn’t holding up, storage was minimal, and it was time. I knew I wanted a vanity with character and real functionality — drawers, hidden space, and something that added richness to the room.
Enter the Home Decorators Collection vanity from Home Depot. Deep blue, marble top, clean lines, and fabulous storage — I loved it immediately and it feels like such a big step up in quality and style. It completely shifted the vibe.
I also swapped in a larger medicine cabinet. We have always used one, and I will never willingly live without a medicine cabinet again. The extra storage right at eye level? Elite. This one has an arched top and feels both classic and a little bit special. Pretty and practical — my love language.
But the true star of this bathroom makeover? The wainscoting.
To make it work with our trim style, Ryan actually removed all the baseboards first. Then he added vertical trim pieces to create “faux” wainscoting, and topped it with a slim ledge. It’s amazing how architectural details like that can transform a space. It instantly feels more custom, more charming, and more finished — like it’s always been here. And the little ledge? Perfect for decor, a plant, or whatever small treasures land there. Cute AND functional. Win-win.
For now, we’re still using the shower curtain from our barn apartment, and honestly, I still love it. I originally imagined wallpaper above the wainscoting, but after seeing the clean lines and soft contrast, I fell for the simplicity. Sometimes restraint is the best design choice.
Even though this bathroom is small, every inch works hard now. It feels intentional, cozy, and bright — packed with thoughtful details and enough storage for real daily life.
So tell me — what do you think of the updates? I’d love to hear. We’re so happy with how it turned out, and it feels amazing to see our home continuing to evolve with us, one little project at a time.