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angiedono88

2000s bathroom - update without demo

7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago

How can you update this bathroom without doing a demo or redoing the tile? Would wall paint and maybe painting the vanity make it look more modern and if so, what colors? It looks dated to me and I can’t figure out an inexpensive fix.


Comments (13)

  • 7 years ago

    It looks dated to me and I can’t figure out an inexpensive fix.

    there isn't one. slapping on paint isn't going to do anything. It's the shape of the vanity, the lights, and stone coloring (and 12x12 tiles) that are dating the space.

    I'm sorry, but if you want to update, you're going to have part w/the moola.


    but if you're bound and determined, paint the walls a diff color (maybe a light creamy shade) bring in some creamy rugs to hide the tiles, and if you want to take the time to sand, prime and paint those cabinets, have at it. in the interim, save some money so you can buy new light fixtures and remove the pendant light hanging over tub that is a code violation.

    maybe ditch the curtain and look for an inside mount blind of some sort.

    bring in some orchids or some type of greenery for between the sinks and over on the tub deck.



  • 7 years ago


    It's really a nice bathroom, you just need a bit of a change, and it's amazing how much difference color will make.


    Seems to me that there's quite a bit going on here, and it would look more harmonious if the colors were kind of all in the same family with some accents in your favorite colors.


    You can lighten up as much as you want, from just the walls to everything in the whole room.

    I think painting the walls light creamy color would help tremendously, as would accessories that will soften the stark lines:

    big fluffy rugs, decorative accessories on the vanity, maybe some potpourri, perfume bottles etc, and something on the walls that will add dimension, such as pictures, shelves with doodads on them, floral accents etc.

  • 7 years ago

    “Slapping on paint.” How rude.

    Great room. Lighten up walls. A bamboo roller shade over the window complementing the cabinet wood color. Large white soap containers in the shower cubby and on the side of the bath. Change the towel rack between the mirrors for framed artwork. Other places for art? A towel rack? Change out the lighting to something simple. Easy updates.

  • 7 years ago

    Similar to Renee's suggestion....bamboo shade, less fussy lighting. Really nice looking bath, though.

  • 7 years ago

    For a big change, use dramatic new wallpaper. Change the fixture over the tub to something that passes current safety codes (it'd never pass in my area). Lower the towel bars, see why someone put one in between the mirrors.

    Page through the results of this search: https://www.houzz.com/photos/bathroom/cabinet-finish--dark-wood/query/wallpaper/nqrwns

  • PRO
    7 years ago

    I might reface and re-paint the cabinets to go with a style with cleaner lines. Choose a lighter paint color that will brighten the space. I might paint the cabinets the same sage green you have on the walls, then paint the walls Simply White or similar. Will totally transform the space.

    angiedono88 thanked Sabrina Alfin Interiors
  • 7 years ago

    Won't make it more modern per se, it's not a modern style bathroom- but will make it more harmonious, and you might love it much more than you do now

    To me, a color of the vanity and mirrors is too red next to more yellowish tile.

    So if you can afford to spend time/money/energy-yes I'd look into changing vanity's color. That's my personal pet peeve though..very reddish wood tones next to yellowish tiles. Not sure how much bothers others.

    (as an easier fix-a rug that incorporates both colors in its pattern.)

    Different wall color (yes I also tend to think-something like cream or ivory..) ..a different shade-bamboo? grass woven? in short something more streamlined but still going-with-everything.

    Art you love..

    A plant if enough light. Plants always make everything more alive.For obvious reasons)) Containers/trays you love..

    It's a nice bathroom..seems functional and livable enough

    angiedono88 thanked aprilneverends
  • PRO
    7 years ago

    For a lot of bang for the buck, I'd look at reconfiguring the mirrors and sconces: Rewire to put a scone on the outside of new mirrors that are much taller and wider, and one in between the two mirrors. I see why they put a towel bar where they did, but it's bizarre; the last thing I want to look at is a drying towel. You can change the hanging fixture over the tub to an integrated LED downlight that is wet rated. Agree with most the suggestions above. good luck!

  • 7 years ago

    Thank you everyone!!! We are buying this home and don’t want to spend a whole lot more right away, just want to make it a little more appealing before we can afford a renovation years down the road. I really do appreciate all of your ideas. I do love the idea of maybe painting the vanity the color of the wall, creamy white walls, new mirror and light fixtures, and bamboo shade.

  • 7 years ago

    I like the plan that you decided on, except for the blinds. I like natural light and you have that with the windows. Cover them with bamboo blinds from the top and you loose some, even when open unless you mount them high enough above the top of the window. My preferred solution is to get a top-down, bottom-up shade where you can block views with the bottom window pane being covered, and the top pane still open. The shade I suggest will allow you to do that and still be able to close the top when needed for privacy. This also gives those plants that you are being advised to add the light that they need to live. You won't have to mess around with opening and close the shade every day with top-down, bottom-up shades.

  • 7 years ago

    I think the biggest issue is the cherry vanity and mirrors. I would paint the walls a neutral warm white, paint the vanity a light taupe color taken from your floor tiles, and get new mirrors with a simple metal frame, or try painting them the taupe color. Add a light colored runner in front of the vanity, and use a woven shade on the window.

    angiedono88 thanked calidesign
  • 7 years ago

    I would go with a modern farm house inspired look with fresh white paint. It would match the color of the sinks and tub and give it a really fresh look instead of trying to just find another color that blends in with the tile. I do think painting a vanity is tricky and would hold off on that. I'd find black iron lighting for either side of the mirrors - maybe something gooseneck, and for above the tub. I would change the cabinet hardware to black iron too. It will blend in more with the vanity and not call so much attention. Maybe even black mirrors with a thin frame.

    angiedono88 thanked Kendrah