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The Black Goose Design Blog

Bathroom Remodel on a Budget
Friday Jan 24 2025

Everyone loves a good bathroom remodel. Today, we’re delighted to share ours! We hope it inspires you with budget-friendly ideas and tips for remodeling an older building, which can come with its own unique challenges. Let's kick things off with a Before/After. 

BEFORE

AFTER

 

THE BASICS

We’ve already had so many ask, so we’ll start with this FAQ – what paint did we use? It is a beautiful combination, isn’t it? We went with:

 

STRUCTURAL UPDATES

Did you know our building was built in the early 1900s? (Learn more about its fascinating history here.) Because structures were made using lath & plaster in those days, we couldn’t necessarily move walls or make drastic structural changes, but we were able to drop the height of the bathroom ceiling. Doing this instantly made the area feel less industrial. It’s common to think about how you can make a space feel bigger, but sometimes the opposite can make the right difference. This was certainly true in our narrow, tall room. Plus, the new, lower ceiling presented the perfect space to add can lights. Updated lighting is a quick, cost-effective way to make a BIG difference in any room.

BEFORE

AFTER

 

CABINETRY

What a difference a coat of paint makes. The large cabinetry in the bathroom was already there. We simply updated it with a fresh color (Intrigue by Benjamin Moore) and new hardware, which added so much sophistication.

BEFORE

AFTER

 

WALL WORK

The walls also received fresh paint, as well as gorgeous wallpaper. Along the seam, we added a chair rail, and wainscoting provided the ideal finishing touch. These relatively easy upgrades drastically improved the entire look and feel. Again, being in an older building, there were challenges, including walls that weren’t built entirely straight. However, it was nothing a little putty and sanding couldn’t help fix.

 

FLOOR FINISH

New flooring is expensive. If you have tile that feels dated but is otherwise in tact, paint could be just the ticket. Yup, you can actually paint ceramic tile, which provides all sorts of creative potential. The trick is a durable topcoat. We used the Corotech Command by Benjamin Moore.  

BEFORE

AFTER

 

SINK STYLE

The sink is a focal feature in any bathroom, so this is where much of our budget was invested. We had a new countertop and faucet installed. We also added fresh paint, updated hardware, a new mirror, and a cool pendant light. To complete the chic, we incorporated classic countertop decor, all of which is available at The Black Goose Design.

 

FURNITURE FILLER

This is a loooong, lean bathroom. Creating a cozy vibe in an area with tunnel-like qualities can seem intimidating. Dropping the ceilings did help. Beyond that, the trick came down to simplicity. Using the same paint color used on the cabinets and walls and woodwork with clean lines all help this space feel welcoming.  If you have a lean area that could use a little something, furniture could be the way to go. Credenzas, buffets, sideboards, and sofa tables are all options that tend to work well in narrow areas. Plus, since bathrooms storage is often a high priority, this kind of furniture also provides a space to put smaller baskets that help keep your everyday items within reach and organized without adding clutter.

 

INTEGRITY MAINTAINED

More than anything, we wanted this redesign to still feel like our building. Features like the old light switches, the BLANK window above the door, and the radiator all add charm and personality. They were always considered. With every design choice we made, we were careful to select finishes that play to original character of the building and not detract in any way.

 

We’re so pleased with the way this project turned out. If you could have seen this bathroom before, you’d be amazed at the transformation. To have created such a space on a budget just goes to show how big improvements don’t necessarily mean big investments, even on areas like bathrooms. Stop by soon to discuss your next remodel. We’d love to share pointers unique to your project and help get you started.




Labels: the black goose design, bathroom remodel, how to update old buildings, cost savings, 2025 bathroom design trends