Paint the walls maybe? Although I don't know what color.

I would paint. Your walls look light green on my monitor, which highlights the pink in a bad way. Instead I would paint the walls a white that has a faint pink undertone. Use white or pink towels and rugs. Leaning into the pink a bit, and eliminating any other competing colors, could make the room look intentional and polished, not like Grandma's leftovers.

I would paint the cabinets white, replace the mirror with 2 oval shaped ones, tear out the tile floor and put in LVP/LVT in a marble floor pattern or a blonde wood tone, paint the walls a cream white color, replace wall outlets to white.

I'd paint the vanity and the walls, and buy something for the window. You can't really ignore the pink you will have to work with it.

Paint if the walls need to be painted.

Art for the walls, that have all the colors in the room.

Add new towels and bathmats or if you have floor room add an area rug.

Consider painting vanity white and paint walls a soft subtle grey like BM Balboa Mist or do same white as the trim and ceiling. The floor looks grey?

Paint the walls or wallpaper
Remove that mirror and put two individual ones up
Window treatment

Paint the walls white and the vanity white. Leave the mirror alone, It's not bad and mirrors are expensive. Put a nice beach print on the big wall by the tub. Buy some white towels.

Don't "throw" any money on this ... invest the money and have more for when you do the full remodel.

I agree about removing huge mirror and replacing with two smaller individual ones... Perhaps in a pewter finish.

New faucets for sure- chrome.

A similar pink on the walls might help the sinks and tub blend in a bit more. Vanity could be left wood finish or painted a white that is similar to floor tile color. And then a pretty fabric for window treatment that can pull in one more color (other than pale pink) for things like towels/bathmats.

And depending on kids ages they could paint a couple pictures (watercolors you may already have on hand) and you could easily and cheaply frame those for some personal art and a bit more color. (I did this our hall/family bath and it coordinates with art I bought and I love it! That bathroom is also pink- but a peachier/corally pink called Jovial (SW)!)

I think taking down the mirrors may require more than paint and new mirrors.

Depending on how they were put up, you may need to re-sheetrock the area or just spackle, smooth and paint.

@Patricia Colwell Consulting

Love that first wallpaper

He's right. But for sure you need new wall paint and decent lighting. the walls look green and sickly next to the pink.

(I'm going to post a lot of links since you said you can DIY. if you need specific help w/something, let me know which one and I can dial in something for you. These should get you going)

Both of these are lighter colors and whites that lean toward the red side (and have pink undertones) which will compiment the tile color. stay aways from greens. You could also go with a neutral gray color, but I'd paint the walls one of these whites and accessorize w/plants, wood shelving, rug, artwork.

I'd paint the walls white, bring in some patterned towels, a rug in front of the vanity.

spend the 500 bucks on a new countertop (look for a prefab that includes sinks) and DIY paint the vanity.

they come in quartz, granite, marble, whatever. they come in a 22" X 6' or longer size. all you have to do is cut the end, and the sink holes.

do you have a stone/tile place nearby? go there and see if they have pre-fabs. they look like this

some of them can be had for $400. you can also check home depot and lowes, but if you have an odd size, you'll have to go w/these. Or, see if they have any remnants.

another option is craigslist. people are always unloading remnants, stone tops, complete vanities. you can luck out and find some deals.

Ditto w/sinks and faucets. You just have to know where to shop.

If you want to paint the vanity, do that and add new hardware.

Frame out the mirror for another $20 (look up tutorials on how to frame bathroom mirror)

This one is black, but you can use any wood, mdf, etc. the vanity is also painted.

I'd go w/the pink. White walls. white frame around your mirror diff hardware.

Or, what if you painted your floor tiles? are you aware you can do that? DIY it and make it whatever you want w/some stencils.

https://fusionmineralpaint.com/bathroom-makeover-with-fusion-mineral-paint/

how cute would this be if you did the floor (any design or color, but the black and white is nice) paint the vanity, paint your walls white (shiplap optional) and had the tub/tile surround epoxy coated in white? (that job is about $450)

https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-paint-a-tile-floor-for-a-budget-friendly-colorful-upgrade-36764790

this was completely redone on a budget. even the floor tiles

https://www.farmhouseliving.com/blog/diy-painting-tile-floors

Check out this link. She has a ton of DIY projects.

https://thediyplaybook.com/cabinet-transformations-kit/

this is another one she did w/the navy vanity and painted tile floors in a soft gray and white. This would look great w/your pink tiles.

spend the money and have the tile and tub epoxy coated in the white. paint your vanity any color you like. save up a few more bucks for a pre-fab countertop. (if you had 1K to spend right now, you could do all of this)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOxOb-P7dEQ

paint the vanity tutorial. (lots of these out there. make sure to sand, prime, sand again, and use a good wood trim paint. Advance, Gen Finishes milk paint, SW ProClassic, Cabinet Coat, etc)

https://simply2moms.com/budget-bathroom-makeover-final-reveal/

I think I'd pay to have your tub/surround epoxy in the white, paint or gel stain the vanity in a black, paint the floor tiles white and do a black or charcoal stencil, frame out your mirror in a white or black frame, bring in up cool looking hardware for the vanity (there's so many to choose from. go to Hobby Lobby)

After.

https://www.thisisourbliss.com/2020/02/06/how-to-achieve-high-end-vanity-look-with-paint-hardware/

And get rid of the mini blinds and do a woven wood or roman shade.

Check out LoneFox on YouTube and see what he did when he made over his bathroom on a budget. Amazing!

I thought you might enjoy my bathroom refresh from 2015+. I am a complete amateur, but I am pleased with how my bathroom turned out. And yes, I had a pink tub. No matter how much I change around it I could not live with it. I finally had it professionally painted white. Best of luck.

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/3025418/design-on-a-dime-literally

I love the wallpaper idea, that first one is so pretty. Paint the cabinets white. I’ve seen people paint tile floors, but you could cover or replace them. I think this bathroom could be really nice without a lot. I like the vintage vibes from the pink sink and bath.

Paint, leave the pink it's in good shape. I painted my tub white & cost was a few grand. Hubs starched it with tools. White or wood cabinet & gray towels or black. The mirror is fine. Add a towel bar at sink or both sides. A shade on window & vent on ceiling.

I would not paint the tub or sinks. Painted tubs don’t stand up to wear, they scratch and chip. Just play up the pink. This woman with a pink tub went dark instead of light and it’s cool and chic. So you could totally go either way, white and bright or dark and bold.

https://katepearcevintage.com/2019/01/how-we-diy-ed-our-dream-bathroom-renovation/

I think the best renovations don’t try to erase all evidence of the original design and intent of the house. The best renovations update and freshen and pay homage to the years of past. This is also a good way to keep your renovations from looking dated. And even 80’s and 90’s is vintage now, gasp I’m old. IMHO

DO NOT try to take the mirror down. You will wind up with a mess on your hands.

I like Patricia's idea of wallpaper and minimal cosmetic changes like painting the vanity cabinets, until you have the $$ to do a gut job. New window treatment and towels/accessories. You can't do much more than that with $500.

Would have to have vanity a different color:

could add down the middle, transitional garden fresh stylized/abstract canvas art, etc....

Sylvie Succulent Framed Canvas by F2 Images, Gold 18x24 · More Info

Foam Bath Rug Mat · More Info

I really hate pink, but pairing it with black makes it tolerable for me, so that's my suggestion. Paint the vanity black, like in one of the suggestions posted above, and use a pink and black wallpaper. Maybe one of these?

In one way or other, grey shower finish should be referred to with chrome and/or blue/grey items.

3 of these over sinks? 6" W glass is wavy and iridescent.

next light is organic...

OVE Decors Bose Colorful Glass Finish LED Integrated Pendant · More Info

Distorted Glass Single Pendant Light Fixture, Smoke · More Info

Paint, mainly. For the walls. It could be very nice. Pink bathrooms are ’back’, so to speak.

I like the wood vanity, and I think it adds a nice, organic element - so I wouldn’t paint it white, etc. I don’t think your bathroom really needs more white. Contrast in paint colors - like grey, taupe... that is the direction I would go.

I was trying to do a charcoal grey on the pillar and the paint visualizer painted some of the tub as well - so excuse my sloppy cleanup attempt. But hopefully this gives you a general idea.

This bathmat is fun. https://www.amazon.com/Chesapeake-Rug-x32-Rose-Cloud/dp/B07VB2KJ1C/?encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=sdzF9&pf_rd_p=067e8e18-34c5-4e6e-8c6c-a4d937ff3226&pf_rd_r=635DS4S8XYBWE0X1Z8JG&pd_rd_r=b946ca89-9366-4136-b6c2-6b26beab4c90&pd_rd_wg=AcEtx&ref=pd_gw_ci_mcx_mi

Or you could just do mats or a rug in grey/charcoal, black, and/or white etc.

I’d maybe do new faucets in black or maybe gold. Definitely a beautiful, dimmable ceiling light fixture or chandelier.

ETA:

And some art. Black and white could be fabulous. Any type of art that you like; but not treasured paintings... a bathroom is too humid/moist for them. But there are lots of other art options - prints, posters, etc. Knowing me, I’d probably bring in at least one flamingo.

Etsy.com

Urban sleek with 3 pendants. Ok if shower is another metal, if metals are the method of focus/ not color....?

Hammered Glass Pendant Light with Brass Ring, 1 Ceiling Hanging Light, Gray, Medium · More Info

Circular X Brass Single Hole Bathroom Faucet KBF1010, Titanium, Without Drain · More Info

If you found a cheap white counter - could use the pendants I just posted, and because with white, a brass finish faucet-

2 of these are $300.... seems good shape with large tub nearby, all 'basic' shapes.

Add personal touch with your color towel, mat, canvas art.... recessed lights suit this look imo.

Glass Vessel Sink wit Faucet · More Info

Wallpaper the entire front of the cabinet, add roman blind in coordinating fabric, add towels/decor,

5 years can go by relatively quickly, so if this was my bathroom I’d start planning now and once you settle on what you want to do you could start stockpiling the items you want to use. A new faucet in a box for a couple of years won’t go bad and in 5 years you can find it on sale at some point (I had the sink and a toilet in storage for 2 years before I actually remodeled, custom Roman shades for a year and a half before they were installed). In the grand scheme I probably didn’t save that much money, but it felt like I did by spreading it out (but maybe I did because I paid cash and nothing was charged).

I would not remove that mirror. In the next five year your toddler will want to see themselves as they wash hands, brush teeth. These mirrors may be a design no no today but they are soooo functional when one has small children. I loved the fun wall paper idea. That's what I would do, go for it. The gray towel hung by the shower shows how well grays go with pink. At this point the brown vanity is the odd man out. I might paint it white (IF you plan to replace it in five years) the paint should hold up that long. Then go FUN with grays and fuchsia accessories. In the end don't sweat it. It's a WORKING space not a show room spa.

vanity SW Alabaster, ceiling/doors SW Pure White, walls SW Amazing Grey, wallpaper Astreetprints Gemma Light Pink Boho

Paint walls and cabinet white. Not too cold a white, not too warm. Simple white by BM might do it. Just that will make a huge difference, bringing in light and air and sweetening up the pink. Since you have the tile surround to the tub, I’d leave the floor alone. Put down some big white rugs. White towels. No wall paper. Nothing fussy. Keep it clean and simple. easy and fresh. (And economical while you save for your reno)

If the look doesn’t work for you, you can add more decoration without feeling you’ve wasted a lot of time and money.

"If you had $500 to throw at this bathroom, and intermediate DIY skills, what would you do?

we don’t have plans to do a full renovation for another 5 years at least."

Several have put forth some very nice ideas, but you have missed the OP's two main points that I listed above.

You are spending way more than $500 and a lot of wasted remodeling. Paint and new linens will take up all the money. It will look nice for 5 or so years when they plan a full remodel.

Well said, Sherry! Although I would agree with some posters about new faucets, when funds are available. It would make a big visual improvement, and good faucets could be reused in the remodel. Save a little longer and then add a new window treatment, if the remodel is still a ways off.

Totally agree with painting the vanity and leaning into the pink with fabulous wallpaper - don't refinish the tub, it does not last - a previous owner did ours and it was mess, it always looked stained & dirty until we could replace it. I would paint the floor tiles and get a washable rug I liked, that would go a long way as well - there is tons of potential here! (googling pink bathrooms gives tons of ideas)

As others have suggested I would highlight the fabulousness of the pink with paint and accessories such as towels.

The walls appear to be sage green on my monitor which adds to the sad feeling.

Take a look at the pink Art Deco or even Mid Century Modern bathrooms for design inspiration.

I wouldn't get rid of the mirror because it would be costly to remove and I find wall to wall mirrors in bathrooms to be very functional - perhaps you could could just put some framing around it. Again look to vintage mirror styles for inspiration.

I agree with most of the posters. I would paint the walls and vanity a nice white like BM Simply White. I would also see if you can find a paint that would adhere to the counter and paint that also BM Simply White. I would not invest in wallpaper that may peel and will have to be removed during a renovation.

Do a search for pink bathroom restoration and focus on the ones that really highlight the pink and work with it. There are A LOT of good ideas out there.

I found this to be interesting: https://savethepinkbathrooms.com/10-facts-about-pink-bathrooms/

I think you should embrace the “vintage-ness” of this bathroom. Paint now. Maybe a fun fabric valance, some towels an accessories. When you have some more money to remodel, wallpaper, shower enclosure, floor, countertop. I love the idea of bringing in some black.

5 years is a long time. I'd still replace the countertop and sinks and paint. it can be done for under 500 if you know where to shop.

for example, this is on my local craigslist for 200 bucks.

2x9 prefabs,,,$250

(5 years from now when you're ready to replace everything, sell the painted vanity w/the countertop for a few hundred and let another person utilize your budget makeover!) You won't lose money on the deal.

When you paint the walls, replace those yellow outlet covers that have been there for 50 years!

I gave you a list of white paints w/pink undertones. Use one of those.

(as for spraying the tub, I've had it done on mine. it's good for 4-5 years. find a place that guarantees it for at least 3 years and they will come out and touch up any chips for free. just do the tub alone for $200 or so)

Paint for the vanity will run about 30-40. (use BM Advance or Gen. Finishes Milk paint.

Sand first, wipe clean then spray the wood w/Zinsser oil base primer.

the can costs a bit more, but it's much easier to use. when dry, lightly sand w/220, wipe clean, now paint)

if you did the walls in white, white tub, one of the light or dark grays would look nice w/the pink tiles.

get some simple, cheap mfdf molding and frame out the mirror

https://thefrugalhomemaker.com/2015/02/10/how-to-frame-out-that-builder-basic-bathroom-mirror-for-20-or-less/

https://uniquelyyoursormine.com/2013/07/26/framing-bathroom-mirrors-the-hard-way/

I’m with @Beth H on this. I painted my wood vanity and the dumb copper tiles around my (never used) jetted tub. The bathroom felt new and refreshed. You can consider finding a stone remnant for the countertop and on sale faucets. You will be happier while waiting for the big renovation.

Love the idea of leaning into the black-and-pink idea. Removable wallpaper is worth it to sexy up the tub area. You can also paint the floor. Just make sure to find the CORRECT paint for the floor and cabinets.

Beth's counter for $250 caught my eye! Pink is not altogether "out of style" and it's in plenty of cheap runners for nice focus by the vanity. [Floor is neutral, ok.]

Imo, patterned wallpaper isn't needed cause there are 4 'busy' of: vanity, mirror, window, tub. Pattern can 'disrupt' all the squares of tiles though.

Contemporary POP Modern Abstract Brushstroke Area Rug, Ivory/Pink, 2 X 8 · More Info

Will someone please make the vanity white so all can!?

This with grey or white vanity?

Weeping Flower Room Darkening Window Panel Set, Blush/Gray, 63"x52" · More Info

Virginia 2PC Blackout Weave Grommet Panels, Taupe, 74"x63" · More Info

Use sheets on the window... this reminded me of it.

Laural Home Blushing Pale Pink Peonies Window Curtain · More Info

A little fun - put disco ball on the ceiling! :)

Night Sky Single Window Panel, Blush/Gray, 84"x42" · More Info

flamingo-sc-gold-single-72x72 · More Info

Bohemian from World Market, etc.. buy a throw/scarf and drape it over the window. Paint vanity a turquoise blue.....

Nuloom Erline Traditional Vintage Area Rug, Multicolor 2'6"x6' · More Info

Nuloom Flatweave Cotton Kamila Southwestern Area Rug, Orange 2'x8' · More Info

Pink is a very flattering color, so take comfort in that if you have to look at that "pig" every day for the next five years. Paint is the least expensive way to improve the bath. I would focus on the tub and sinks staying as they are, while everything else goes white. There are lots of DIYs on how to paint tile and formica, if that's what your countertop is.