Before we dive into the practical updates, let’s address the most important question: an armadillo in the bathroom. Yes, really — an unexpected, playful piece of art can make a small bathroom feel more personal and memorable.
We picked up this quirky armadillo print at a local craft fair from an artist named Rachel, and I finally framed and hung it. The textured, burlap-like or grasscloth-style frame (a Pottery Barn Outlet find) pairs nicely with the framed Instagram photo below it, where Clara holds a naked doll — the kind of cheeky image that feels oddly at home in a bathroom setting.
The linen-like fabric behind the Instagram photo complements the textured frame and softens the look. I’ve been intentionally bringing cream and straw tones into the room because they pick up on the warm metallic accents already present — the soap containers and even the loofah on the toilet tank. Those golden and cream notes help the oddball cream sink blend in, making everything read as a cohesive palette rather than a mismatched afterthought.
Design wise, the lesson is simple: embrace the oddball color or shape and repeat it in small doses elsewhere. When an unusual sink or an unexpected art piece is echoed by accessories — soap pumps, frames, a small loofah — the whole composition feels layered and intentional. That’s a useful trick for a Phase 1, budget-friendly bathroom refresh when you’re planning a bigger renovation down the road.
Of course, it’s hard not to stare at the armadillo, but there’s another update worth calling out: a thrifted light fixture. We found this one at a Habitat for Humanity ReStore for $9.99 — a great example of how secondhand finds can add character without breaking the bank.
To update it, we taped off the bulb sockets and gave the metal a few thin coats of oil-rubbed bronze spray paint. Because the paint we used is self-priming, it covered well and made the process a one-step update. After the paint cured, we added inexpensive frosted bulb covers from a local home improvement store to soften the light.
This small upgrade instantly makes the whole room feel crisper and more updated. Thrifted and repainted fixtures are a fast, affordable way to refresh lighting and give a bathroom more personality while you save for a larger renovation — like tiled accent walls or grasscloth wallpaper — down the line.
A quick styling note: I added a small bunch of red flowers on the sink for a pop of color after taking these photos, and they really lift the space. Little, inexpensive touches like fresh flowers or a colorful hand towel can make a big visual difference in an otherwise neutral palette.
Update: We’ve switched our whole house to LED bulbs. They use around 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, cost less to operate, and last much longer — which makes them a great choice for anyone looking to reduce energy use and maintenance. Choose LEDs with a warm, natural glow to keep bathroom light feeling inviting rather than bluish.