Now that we’re back home and settled, here’s a sneak peek at a deck update — yes, more holes are happening — and a look at a reader bathroom makeover that stayed under budget. We’re working toward a passed inspection (remember when we failed here?), and hope to have an update early next week. Fingers crossed!
On to our Reader Redesign feature. Even though this note starts with a shout-out to a rival school, I had to share Melissa’s clever and affordable bathroom refresh. Many of us can relate to a bathroom that feels cramped and dated, and Melissa’s solution is a great example of working with what you have. Here’s her note:
What’s up John, Sherry, Clara, and Burger? We’re just down the road from you in Blacksburg (go Hokies!) and wanted to share our main bathroom renovation. With five kids, we squeeze home projects in whenever we can. When we bought the house, the only part we weren’t thrilled about was the bedroom size and attached bath, but we loved everything else, so we took the plunge. The “before” was a 90s linoleum lighthouse/sailboat honey-oak themed bath that felt totally outdated…
We didn’t want to pay for a big addition or full remodel, so we worked with what we had and set a $1,000 budget for new floors, a marble counter, fixtures, lighting, shelving, and accessories.
We removed the oak cabinet above the toilet to open the space and installed floating shelves with baskets to conceal clutter. The old mirror came down and we replaced it with a clearance find from Lowe’s. A wire magazine rack from TJ Maxx helps balance the off-center toilet. We kept the vanity and painted it Benjamin Moore’s White Dove, then added a new marble top and faucet from Home Depot.
Instead of removing the linoleum, we installed Allure laminate flooring over it — water-resistant and easy for a DIY install. It’s worked great in our downstairs bath.
The shower curtain is a simple waffle-weave curtain from Target, similar to the one we use. The paint color is Fossil Grey from Glidden’s old palette. Total spent: $995 — towels, toilet paper holder, garbage can, everything included.
Thanks for looking and reading! If you’re ever in town and want to go to a game, we’d love for Clara to come play! — Melissa
Melissa did a fantastic job. For under $1,000 she refreshed floors, counters, paint, fixtures, and storage — and the results look like a much pricier makeover. Repainting the vanity and adding a marble top gives the room a high-end feel without a full gut job. Small changes like removing the bulky cabinet, adding floating shelves, and updating the mirror and faucet make the space feel larger and more modern.
We estimate this update could add noticeable value to the home, since cosmetic improvements like new flooring and a marble-topped vanity appeal to buyers. What stands out to you? Sherry loves the mirror and floating shelves; I’m a fan of the new flooring and marble top — they’re the finishing touches that pull the look together.
P.S. We picked a winner for this week’s giveaway — click here to see if it’s you.