When we first saw this dramatic bathroom makeover we could hardly believe it was the same room. Anneliese sent these photos after reading our toilet paper post, and the result is a clear example of how thoughtful design and small, budget-conscious choices can transform a dated bathroom into a stylish, functional space. This project highlights creative toilet paper storage, smart tile choices, and personality-filled finishing touches.

This is a combo email to show you the before/after we did in our not-so-fabulous bathroom and also how we store the TP. My fiancé and I live in a seen-better-days adobe in Albuquerque. The first project we tackled was the bizarre main bathroom, which featured 60s floor tile, a monstrous vanity cabinet, a mauve toilet, and a 28” high bathtub that I had to use a step-stool to get into.

The transformation focused on updating surface materials, improving storage, and introducing a cohesive color palette. The original features—retro floor tiles, an oversized vanity, and a high tub—were replaced with choices that prioritize accessibility and aesthetic harmony. The result is a bathroom that feels modern yet warm, with an emphasis on clean lines, practical storage, and carefully selected textures.

The finished project featured a slate-esque porcelain floor tile, matte subway wall tile, an antique spice cabinet as a medicine cabinet, and the prettiest gray-blue-green paint. Oh, and a bright orange floor mat that was the result of a showdown between my fiancé and I on the third hour of a massive IKEA run. It’s our bit of quirk. As you can see, we’re big fans of honest display in the bathroom- no having to find the mysterious replacement rolls when we run out! Thanks for all your posts on the trials and tribulations of having a beautiful, functional space on a budget! -Anneliese

Key design elements that make the makeover successful:

• Flooring: A slate-like porcelain tile creates a durable, low-maintenance surface that anchors the room with a rich, natural look. Porcelain is a great choice for bathrooms because it resists moisture and wears well over time.
• Wall tile: Matte subway tiles lend a timeless, understated backdrop that brightens the space while remaining easy to clean. The matte finish reduces glare and highlights the grout lines, adding subtle texture.
• Paint and color palette: The chosen gray-blue-green paint complements the slate floors and warm wood accents, creating a balanced, calming atmosphere. Accent pieces—like the unexpected orange floor mat—introduce personality without overpowering the scheme.
• Storage and cabinetry: Repurposing an antique spice cabinet as a medicine cabinet provides character and useful storage. Open display of essentials, like toilet paper in a wire basket, keeps items accessible and turns practical needs into part of the room’s aesthetic.
• Hardware and accents: Dark metal fixtures and deep wood tones contrast with the white tile and tie together the modern-rustic look. Even small choices—the shower curtain rod and hardware finishes—contribute to the finished room’s cohesion.

From the wire toilet-paper basket and the slate-like flooring to the abundance of white tile and the deep wood accents, this bathroom proves that a dated, dingy space can become inviting and functional with thoughtful planning and a modest budget. The project is a reminder that small, focused changes—better flooring, new wall tile, a fresh coat of paint, and clever storage—can create a new room that reflects both style and everyday practicality.

Thanks to Anneliese and her fiancé for sharing these photos and the details of their renovation. Their approach offers useful ideas for anyone planning a bathroom makeover: prioritize moisture-resistant materials, look for opportunities to repurpose furnishings, and don’t be afraid to add a playful accent that makes the space feel uniquely yours.