The bathroom makeover Gemma shared with us stands out for many reasons—the bold dark mirror, the thoughtful use of shower tile over the sink, and especially the custom-built vanity. The finished room feels fresh, modern, and carefully considered. Here’s her note about the project:
Hey John & Sherry! My husband and I recently overhauled our bathroom. What had been a boring, beige, and outdated space is now sleek, classic, and inviting. This was a complete DIY project—from plumbing to tiling—we even built the vanity ourselves, which saved us a lot of money.
We had two main goals: make the space feel larger (it’s a fairly small bathroom) and add smart storage solutions. Here’s what we ended up with.
Keeping the walls white, adding color on the ceiling, and installing an extra-tall mirror above the vanity makes the room feel much more spacious than it actually is.
Since we don’t have much square footage, we invested in Carrera marble tiles for the floor, which give a truly luxurious feel without overwhelming the small space.
We couldn’t find an affordable pre-made vanity that fit the long, narrow layout, so we decided to build one. I painted it a muted green-gray—the same color carried up onto the ceiling—and kept the hardware and fixtures in classic chrome.
After a month of steady work and a lot of elbow grease, the results felt completely worth it—we absolutely adore the finished bathroom. Every time I pass the door I smile and think, “We actually did that!” Thanks for the inspiration, you two! — xo, Gemma
The custom vanity is a standout feature—well designed and perfectly proportioned for the space. Gemma documents the build and shares additional photos and a full budget breakdown on her blog. The whole project, including Carrera tile and materials, came in at around $1,500 thanks to some leftover gift cards.
Design highlights to note:
- White walls to maximize perceived space.
- Ceiling color carried from the vanity for cohesive contrast.
- Tall mirror above the vanity to enhance light and depth.
- Carrera marble tile on the floor for a luxe feel in a compact room.
- Custom-built vanity tailored to a long, narrow footprint with classic chrome finishes.
It’s a great example of how careful choices and a bit of DIY can transform a small, outdated bathroom into a stylish, functional space without breaking the bank. What stands out to you most—the handmade vanity, the tile detail behind the sink, or that ceiling color echo?
Psst—We shared our Labor Day adventures over on Young House Life. Think photo bombs, beach dancing, and cannonballs…