DIY Small Bathroom Makeover: Custom Vanity, Carrera Marble Floors, and Smart Storage

The bathroom makeover below, submitted by Gemma, is impressive for many reasons — the bold dark-framed mirror, the thoughtful use of shower tile over the sink, and most notably the custom-built vanity. The project transformed what was once a boring, beige, and outdated space into a fresh, sleek, and timeless bathroom. The couple handled nearly every aspect themselves, from plumbing to tiling to carpentry, and the results are both stylish and practical.

Hey John & Sherry! My hubby and I have just recently re-hauled our bathroom. What was a boring and beige space (and seriously outdated) has now become fresh, sleek, and classic. The whole project was a DIY affair – from the plumbing, to the tiling – we even built the vanity. We did it all ourselves and saved some big bucks.

The goals were clear from the start: make the small room feel larger and create plenty of smart storage. They achieved both by combining light finishes with a few well-placed design moves and a custom solution for the vanity area.

There were two main things that we wanted to accomplish: to make the space feel bigger (it’s a pretty teeny room), and to make sure there was plenty of smart storage. Here’s where we ended up:

To visually enlarge the room, they kept the walls crisp white, introduced a subtle color on the ceiling, and installed an extra-tall mirror above the vanity. The white walls reflect light and open up the space, while the taller mirror creates the illusion of greater height. The ceiling color adds personality without overwhelming the small footprint.

Because square footage was limited, they invested in Carrera marble tile for the floor to bring a luxurious touch underfoot. Carrera marble pairs beautifully with neutral walls and chrome fixtures, giving the room a refined, timeless look without feeling fussy.

One of the standout elements of the remodel is the custom vanity. They couldn’t find an affordable pre-made vanity that would fit the long, narrow space, so they built one to measure. The vanity is painted a sophisticated green-gray — the same hue used on the ceiling — which ties the design together and adds a subtle, modern color statement. Classic chrome hardware keeps the overall finish clean and coordinated.

Since we couldn’t find a budget-friendly vanity that would utilize the long and narrow space, we decided to build one. I painted it a pretty green-gray colour (which was the same colour I carried up to the ceiling), and kept all of the finishes in classic chrome.

The project was completed over the course of about a month, with the pair chipping away at tasks and applying plenty of elbow grease. The finished bathroom is a testament to careful planning, DIY skill, and thoughtful material choices. According to Gemma, the entire renovation — including the Carrera marble floors — came in at roughly $1,500, thanks in part to leftover wedding gift cards and resourceful budgeting.

One month of chipping away at the room and putting in a ton of elbow grease was absolutely worth it – we now adore the space. Every time I walk by, I can’t help but peer in and think “I can’t believe we did that!” Thanks for all the inspiration, you two! – xo, Gemma

Highlights to take away from this makeover for anyone planning a small bathroom renovation:

• Keep walls light to maximize perceived space and brightness.
• Use an extra-tall mirror to add visual height and reflect more light.
• Introduce a controlled accent color (on a vanity or ceiling) to add depth without cluttering the palette.
• Choose durable, classic materials like Carrera marble for a touch of luxury in a small area.
• Build custom storage where off-the-shelf options don’t fit — a tailored vanity can optimize awkward or narrow layouts.

Gemma shares more details and photos on her blog, including a full budget breakdown, and the result is a small but impactful bathroom that blends thoughtful design with hands-on craftsmanship.

Psst- We shared our Labor Day adventures over on Young House Life. Hello photo bombs, beach dancing, and cannonballs…