Get a load of Kelly’s budget bathroom makeover. Here’s her letter:
We’ve been working really hard on the house and it seems that the most “done” room is of course the smallest – one of the bathrooms! Here’s what the bathroom looked like when we moved in:
And this is what the bathroom looks like today after we replaced the old cracked toilet, painted the walls, replaced the light fixture, spruced up the existing counter and bought a slew of accessories:
This bathroom was redone for a total of… (DRUMROLL PLEASE!)… approximately $399!!! By shopping thrift stores and looking for good prices at big box stores it’s possible to really change a room’s look without making it look matchy matchy! – Kelly
Kelly’s makeover proves a small bathroom can feel brand new without spending a fortune. She focused on a handful of high-impact changes: replacing the cracked toilet, updating the light fixture, painting the walls in a bold, fresh color, and refreshing the countertop instead of replacing it. Thoughtful, inexpensive accessories pulled the look together—things like new towels, a shower curtain with decorative rings, and a few thrifted accents that add personality.
Shopping smart made the difference. Thrift stores provided unique pieces at low cost, while value-oriented big-box stores supplied fixtures and hardware at good prices. Combining these sources helped Kelly avoid a strictly coordinated, showroom look and achieve a layered, lived-in style that feels inviting.
Practical tips from this project you can use:
- Prioritize one or two functional upgrades (toilet, lighting) to improve comfort and appearance.
- Paint is inexpensive and transforms the room’s mood quickly—choose a bold or contrasting color to make small spaces pop.
- Refresh existing surfaces like countertops when possible to save money; a new faucet or hardware can change the look dramatically.
- Mix thrifted finds with new basics to create a unique style without overspending.
- Small decorative details—towel hooks, curtain rings with bows, or coordinated towels—add polish at minimal cost.
The result is a bright, cohesive bathroom that feels modern and personal but didn’t require a full renovation. Kelly’s total spend of about $399 shows you can get striking results with careful planning and a mix of budget-friendly purchases.
We love the fresh light fixture, the updated paint, and those charming bows on the shower curtain rings—simple touches that make a big difference. Inspired by Kelly’s project, you can plan a similar refresh in a weekend and stay well under the cost of a full remodel.
For more details and step-by-step photos, check Kelly’s blog post where she documents the project and lists the items she bought and where she found them.