We don’t have a huge bathroom overhaul to report this week—most of the major tasks are already done (we built a shelf and painted the walls)—but we squeezed in a few mid-project updates between a crazy stretch of travel (10 flights in 11 days!). Now that we’re home, the next installment will be a bit more substantial (either framing the mirror or sewing a window shade from a bold fabric I’m obsessed with), so here are the smaller but satisfying tweaks for now. And because I can’t talk about the fabric without showing it… behold:
I spotted this fabric before and snapped it up for $16 a yard at Mary Jos—it’s called Ubud by Iman Home/Waverly. It can sell for more elsewhere, but this find felt like the perfect pop of color for our mostly white, slightly plummy-gray bathroom. I’m picturing a shade that delivers a punch of pattern and warmth. Since the fabric hasn’t magically turned itself into a shade yet (boo, inanimate textiles), I’ll move on to the updates we actually finished. First: new knobs. The painted wood ones that came with the vanity just weren’t doing it.
These knobs came from Hobby Lobby and were only $2.49 each thanks to a 50% off sale. Quick tip: if you shop there, wait for the sale—many items rotate through half-price promotions every week, so timing can save you a bunch.
I love the slightly irregular shape—they read like green jade or dyed bone. The faceted, gem-like profile is pretty but not sharp or pointy, so they don’t stick out past the counter edge and won’t get in the way when you’re walking by.
They pick up the darker tones in the floor tile and help tie those notes up to the vanity. I’d like to add one more on the faux drawer above the sink, but they were out of stock when I bought these, so I’ll keep checking.
People have asked if we’ll paint the vanity a darker color like charcoal or black. We’re considering it, but not committed yet. The room is smaller than it appears in photos, so the trio of white wall tile, white vanity, and tub keeps things airy and balanced. A single dark object could feel side-heavy in a compact space, so we’re waiting to see how the shade, mirror frame, and other elements come together before making that decision. We’ll report back once we decide.
Also, keeping it real: Clara photobombed while I was snapping one of the shots. #Clarabomb
Another practical upgrade we managed between flights (and a marathon reunion of smooches between Clara and Burger) was frosting the window. Goodbye to the old paper accordion shade we always had to keep closed for privacy—the bathroom can be seen from the deck—hello to a clean, modern frosted window. Even with the lights on at night, you only see soft, indistinct shadows from outside.
I even included a process shot while applying the film. If you need step-by-step instructions, there are good how-tos available with clear guidance for applying window frosting film. We also shared a short video demo that shows the application in action.
So that’s where we are—small but meaningful progress. Don’t mind that brassy old doorknob in the photo; it’s on the list to be updated!
Here’s our running hall bathroom to-do list:
rehang a shower curtain at ceiling heighttrim out the unbalanced windowswitch out the light fixtureadd some meaningful artbuild in a shelf over the toilet for leaning artpaint the walls a fresher color to help the original tile popupgrade the vanity hardwarefrost the window- frame out the mirror over the vanity
- ORB/upgrade that brassy gold doorknob
- make a bold fabric shade for the window
- possibly paint the vanity (still deciding)
- add finishing touches, accessories, and a budget breakdown
Can’t wait to cross more items off. Back to my fabric obsession for a second—doesn’t it look great with the new knobs and the little fish canvas? Every bathroom needs a fish canvas, right?
How was your weekend? Did you tackle small mid-project upgrades or bigger changes that made a big difference? Sometimes a dramatic shift comes from hanging curtains or painting walls, and sometimes it’s the details—new hardware, window treatments, or a single accent—that finally make a space feel finished and truly yours.
P.S. We finally shared Clara’s hidden talent on Young House Life—she’s stealing the spotlight. Does Name That Tune have a toddler edition?