Hall Bathroom Mini Makeover – Emily's Project List

I have a list of house projects that goes on for several pages. One of those projects is our main level bathroom. It is a small half bath, in good shape, but just needing a little updating.

We moved into our house about 2.5 years ago and outside of painting the walls, the bathroom has remained untouched. I have aspirations to give it all sorts of character, maybe some beadboard, new light fixture, replace the pedestal sink with a vanity and floating shelves over the toilet.

But here is the thing, I also want to trim out our master bedroom windows, paint our kitchen cabinets, build a backyard pergola, and a hundred other things. So what is a girl to do? Here is my advice, when you start a “mini” project, don’t let it escalate to a major project.

For this mini update, I changed out the faucet, spray painted the hardward, got a brighter light bulb and framed the existing mirror. I was tempted along the way to do more.

When I pulled the towel rack to paint it, I debated about building a unique, new towel rack, or install a wainscot railing with hooks. And when I pulled the light fixture, I wanted to change it out completely with a new one, with more light.

When I replaced the faucet, I debated getting a new sink and building/finding a vanity. Woah! See what I mean?!? A mini project can turn into a major project quickly.

None of these projects are bad and I could have done them, but I want to spend my money and time on some other things first. So, I am content with my mini update. More than just content, I love it. What a difference a few small and affordable changes make!

First to go was the sink faucet. This was really the impetus for the bathroom update. Chrome and a giant crystal knob! Ugh! Not only do I dislike the chrome, but on a practical level this faucet was not cutting it. It was not kid friendly; hard to shut off and hard to change temperature.

So, I went on a search for a new faucet. I found one I liked on wayfair. Then I waited. Waited for it to go on sale and waited for a coupon in the mail! If you have spent any time looking at faucets, they are not cheap! But, if you are patient and really look around I think you can find a good deal.

Just look at the difference! SO MUCH BETTER!

Now, I couldn’t have an awesome oil rubbed bronze faucet surrounded by chrome towel racks, soap dispenser, etc. Time to break out a can of spray paint! I had a can of Rust-Oleum Paint and Primer in one in Oil Rubbed Bronze. I spray painted the towel rack I wanted to keep (the circle one, I decided to get rid of), the soap dispenser top, toilet paper holder, light fixture and toilet handle. My one tip here is to apply very light, thin coats. I let all the pieces dry for 24 hours before putting everything back.

The last step was to frame the existing mirror. I was going to write a tutorial on how I framed my mirror, but there are already dozens of great tutorials out there. And each mirror will have its own dimensions you will need to use. I liked the existing arch of my builder grade mirror and wanted to keep that look. I built a frame out of pine and some scrap trim from other projects, stained it Minwax Provincial and Gorilla glued it to the mirror.

This is the frame being taped in place while the glue dries. Framing an existing mirror is such an easy way to change the look and add some character.