Half Bath | A Small Bathroom Remodel on a Budget

It doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful – and change takes time! That’s the story with this budget half bath update. It’s a small bathroom remodel on a budget, with so much practical inspiration you’re going to love!

Learn the keys to bathroom renovations on a budget.

Originally posted April 7, 2014 and updated with fresh content April 15, 2021.

In our Leawood, Kansas Colonial Home, our half bathroom was one of the last rooms to be completed. It was a budget renovation that came together fairly quickly and still has so many cute ideas that bring me joy today, even though we haven’t lived there in quite some time now.

In the midst of chaos, I find sanity in organization, peace in pretty. Even if the rest of me feels out of sorts, at least this little half bath doesn’t.

I often start projects – multiple at one time, never truly finishing one. Do you do that? I decided that this spring, I would take some time to complete each space, giving each the finishing touches I always intended to, but neglected to do in favor of a new project.

I love chatting bathrooms and all types of renovation projects with you. If you’re new here, don’t skip our Spa Bath for guests, this Modern Bath with the cutest wallpaper, a charming Guest Bath, this Nautical bathroom makeover, and a Powder Room with brick flooring.  Designing bathrooms is challenging, fun, and oh-so-rewarding!

Small Bathroom Remodel on a Budget

Our tiny little half bath is now everything I dreamed it would be! Here are a couple before photos for reference. You can see we had a dark and dated starting point, to be certain.

The space was tight, dark and quite dated. The countertop over the toilet made me claustrophobic and the white carpeting… well, you know there just aren’t words for that decision.

It was dimly lit and difficult to maneuver around in this space. We knew we could do so much better!

We started remodeling the half bath immediately after moving into our home. Step by step, we got to work in a process that looked like this:

• We opened it up by removing the existing vanity and wall-to-wall countertop.
• We brought our new hardwood floors into this space since we did them throughout the main level.
• Replaced the dated vanity with a pedestal sink to open up the space. As you can see, we had a little built in storage and didn’t need the storage under the vanity cabinet.
• Paint! We painted the walls in a soft neutral color, Sherwin Williams Rhinestone.

My original intent was to save the paneling and paint it bright white, but it was damaged heavily due to the countertop removal and there was a large hole that would have been exposed with the new sink.  

We removed the paneling, sanded and painted the walls in Rhinestone from Sherwin Williams and then had new hardwoods put in.

We added a chair rail where the paneling was.

What we didn’t do right away, was replace the light fixture and complete the room with artwork and accessories. Seems simple, but sometimes I start spinning so fast, I just stall out!

The problem? The existing light fixture was a pendant. In an effort to refrain from drywall repair (and an unhappy husband), I needed to replace it with another pendant.

Unfortunately, I found that most ceiling pendants are too small, too large or feel too kitchen-y. Finding this charming chandelier gave me the motivation I needed to decorate and finish the half bath!

Budget Bath Accessories

I love adding fresh flowers to a bathroom. It’s the ultimate bathroom decor. When we’re having guests over, I always pick up a few blooms at the grocery store and create a little arrangement.

On an average day, I have dried lavender or dried hydrangea. Either way, I like the color and fresh vibe and fragrance it adds to the space. Flowers = happiness to me! Learn how to be your own florist here – I’ve got every tutorial you could ever need!

It’s no surprise that I had to have this peony print from Minted. I loved the mix of mint and pink colors.

It was just the pop of color this bathroom had been lacking the last 2.5 years. I now smile every time I pass by it. Lucky for me, they come ready in a frame! That’s just the kind of easy this girl needs.

Learn all my best tips for DIY Wall Art, Free Art Sources and How to Choose Framed Art here. There are so many wonderful free pieces of art that you can download and print at home!

Small Bathroom Organization

To maximize the space in this small bathroom, Chris removed the cabinet doors to create open shelves.

Our towels and toilet paper are easily accessible in baskets and don’t seem so unsightly when paired with a little art and my collection of mint julep cups.

I love organization and love sharing all my inspiration with you! Don’t skip my laundry room organization, mudroom organization and garage organization posts if you’re looking for more ideas!

Budget Bath Remodel Sources

• Mini Crystal Pendant Chandelier (similar) | https://rstyle.me/+tF39X-UnIg1pBKXt16DTPQ
• Pedestal Sink (similar)| https://rstyle.me/+vG1lhlHR6_YuTByc9Na48g
• Beveled Oval Mirror | https://rstyle.me/+3u7nkhFmxLU_LvwNBhE1fg
• Faucet (similar) | https://amzn.to/3sjBo6t
• White metal trash pail (similar) | https://amzn.to/2OQgrlU
• Pink floral art | https://rstyle.me/+fHgCDf8GzNeHfFBhfdawTg
• Silver wire baskets (similar) | https://amzn.to/3dkAtyh

Do you have any unfinished projects? I’d love to hear from you! Check out this basement bathroom for more bathroom inspiration.

More Home Design Resources

• Studio McGee at Target
• The best Indoor/Outdoor Pet-friendly Living Room Rug
• Choosing Patterned Carpet
• Brass Bathroom Faucets
• Vintage Turkish Rugs
• Where to Invest in Your Home for the Best Return