A Micro Makeover for a Vintage Bathroom
A micro makeover can be a sustainable choice, taking the approach of beautifying your home using what you already have and making small, impactful improvements. With very little money and time, you can re-imagine any space in your home.
It does not involve demolishing or major renovations, but rather small, impactful changes, which makes this method perfect for renters. I recently discovered a new series launched by Joanna Gaines called “Meni Reni” where she renovates spaces similarly. She uses paint, furniture, decor, minimal add-ons, and no demolition, and I am hooked!
I used the micro makeover approach to refresh our guest bathroom by removing décor, adding new décor, decluttering, and deep cleaning. Let me just say, the deep cleaning alone was an improvement to this space!
This is how I refreshed the tired and dingy look of our guest bath with a micro makeover.
Our home was built in 1960 and we’ve lived in it for the past five years. We have not touched this bathroom yet, so what you see here in the photos is exactly as it was when we purchased it.
We have always called it the “pink bathroom” due to its vintage pink sinks, tub, and yes, the toilet. Recently, when I reviewed the plans with a friend, she thought of it as the “rose room”, and I liked it!
I never had an issue with the decor but something felt off, and I knew this room had potential. Since our last child recently moved out, I thought this would be a perfect opportunity for me to give this bathroom a refresh.
Links to all the products used and displayed in the video:
No Drilling Non Slip Stainless Steel Spring Tension Curtain Rod for Window or Bathroom, Sunset Gold
Ivilon Drapery Curtain Clip Rings – Clips Ring for Panels 1.7″, Set of 14 Warm Gold
Mayfair by Bemis Cameron Round Pink Enameled Wood Toilet Seat
Dap Kwik Seal for Kitchen & Bath – in Biscuit
The “Rose Room” Micro Makeover
[ ] Fix leak in tub faucet (task rabbit)
[ ] Replace shower head
[ ] Remove the “rose” curtain
[ ] Remove the shower curtain, hooks, and rod
[ ] Deep clean
[ ] Replace toilet seat
[ ] Caulk tub
[ ] Caulk sinks
[ ] Add new shower curtain, hooks, and rod
[ ] Line cabinet shelves
[ ] Decor
The budget:
With a plan in place, I sat down and figured out a budget. To some of you, this might sound backward but for me, this works. It allows me to adjust the scope and reassess design choices impacted by potential budget constraints.
Based on prices I found by basic Google searches I estimated a budget of around $100 and that was comfortable for me, so I forged ahead.
Working the plan:
The first step I always take in renovation is, draw up a plan, or project scope. I knew I wanted to remove the outdated, although beautiful curtain/drape. It just felt too heavy for the room, so I decided it had to go. I replaced it with a lighter, white fabric shower curtain. LiBa Fabric Shower Curtain, White Shower Curtain, Heavy Duty, Hotel Style, Water Repellent, Soft Cloth Shower Curtain, 72 x 72 Inches(White)
While I was at it, I swapped out the dingy metal shower rod for a beautiful warm gold one No Drilling Non Slip Stainless Steel Spring Tension Curtain Rod for Window or Bathroom, Sunset Gold that was easy to install and did not require any tools.
I attached the curtain to equally lovely shower curtain hooks Ivilon Drapery Curtain Clip Rings – Clips Ring for Panels 1.7″, Set of 14 Warm Gold which are also easy to install, but you’ll have to check out my video to see the comical turn it took!
I also decided to swap out the oak toilet seat for a more realistic, and easier to clean, enamel painted wooden toilet seat. I found one in pink! A perfect fit for a vintage pink toilet. Mayfair by Bemis Cameron Round Pink Enameled Wood Toilet Seat
How I make my vinegar cleaner:
1 oz. Dawn Liquid Dishwashing Soap
6 oz. Distilled White Vinegar
8 oz. Water
Add the ingredients right into your spray bottle and it’s ready to use!
The end result:
I ended up spending slightly over the $100 budget. I think the costs came in at around $113. I don’t that that is bad at all. The project took a little bit longer than a weekend as I needed to wait for the local hardware store to source my vintage, pink toilet seat. It was worth the wait!
Below you will find the links to the products I purchased for this project. I’m also including links to products used and displayed in the video (see link above) in case anyone is interested.
Removing carpet can be a cost effective option to refresh your space. It absolutely qualifies as a micro makeover.
Read the blog post on how to remove carpet
I hope this post and video inspires you to tackle your own spaces. You don’t need a huge budget and most of the time, you can accomplish a micro makeover using the things you already own. Happy decorating!
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