Last year Lilly and her husband Markus spent their Independence Day transforming a tiny half bath, so we’re celebrating their one-year bathroom anniversary by sharing her charming makeover story. Here’s Lilly’s account:
After living in our 1952 house for three years, I was thrilled to finally remodel the small powder room that connects to our bedroom. We handled the demo, painting, tiling, plumbing, beadboard and trim ourselves—turning a Fourth of July weekend into a memorable home project.
One evening after work I attacked the old wallpaper. It was stubborn—similar to what we encountered in our earlier bathroom renovation—but with a borrowed steamer it finally peeled away cleanly.
We spent an entire day mixing mortar and laying tile. We bought a wet saw to trim tiles to fit edges and corners. At one point we mixed mortar too thin, which caused tiles to not adhere and nearly caused a major argument, but we persisted and eventually finished the floor tiling.
My favorite stage was grouting—it’s satisfying to see everything come together, it’s almost foolproof, and it gives your arms a workout. I chose gray grout to contrast the white tile and keep the palette neutral for future owners. After investing so much time and care into this room, I doubt we’ll be selling the house anytime soon—I picture a scene from Father of the Bride II at the thought of letting it go.
I wanted a midcentury-prep vibe with subtle nautical touches without creating a themed room. The rope mirror, polished chrome hardware, and navy wall deliver the look I wanted without being over the top—just a hint of maritime character.
The artwork on the right wall has family history: it was a gift to my grandfather and he cherished it, displaying it in his chair until he passed. Family possessions have shifted over time, but keeping this piece in our home preserves a tangible connection to the past that I value deeply.
My secret favorite detail is the built-in magazine rack I salvaged from the original architecture, refinished and painted to match the beadboard and trim. It’s perfect for stashing treasured magazine issues I’ll never part with but still enjoy flipping through. – Lilly
Thanks to Lilly for sharing this lovely makeover. We especially appreciate that she preserved family artwork and restored the original magazine rack—small details that make a house feel like home. Wishing everyone a happy Fourth of July weekend and continued inspiration for their own projects!