A Bathroom in Two Acts: From Modern Marvel to Warm, Functional Retreat

When we first moved into our home, the bathroom was—how do I put this delicately?—broken. Functionally and aesthetically, it simply didn’t work. So we jumped right into what became Phase One of this remodel journey: a total gut and rebuild. With the help of my contractor, we transformed that sad space into a truly stunning, modern bathroom. Clean lines, sleek finishes, and a fresh, elevated feel made it one of the first “wow” moments in our new home.

But as time passed, that modern beauty started to lose its luster. The vanity, once a centerpiece, began to feel too heavy for the space. Its dark tone lacked warmth, and more importantly, the bathroom just wasn’t working for us anymore. Storage was an issue—we were constantly battling clutter—and what once felt polished now felt a little... incomplete.

Enter Phase Two.

This round wasn’t about a full renovation, but a thoughtful refresh. I focused on two key goals: lightening up the vanity and seriously upping our storage game. You might remember the post I shared about refinishing the vanity—taking it from a dark, moody piece to a soft, light wood tone that instantly breathed new life into the room. It changed everything. Suddenly, the space felt warmer, more inviting, and much more me.

Next came the storage. Instead of buying all new pieces, I turned to what we already had. I gathered unused baskets, repurposed shelving, and a few unexpected finds from other parts of the house. With a little creativity (and a lot of rearranging), I was able to give the bathroom ample, beautiful storage—without spending a dime.

And to tie it all together, I gave the walls a fresh coat of paint in a calm, clean shade that brightened the whole room. It was a small change with a big impact—suddenly the bathroom felt cohesive, functional, and filled with character.

It’s funny how a space can evolve with you. What started as a dramatic rescue mission has turned into a layered, personal space that feels just right for our family now. And the best part? Every change in Phase Two was rooted in creativity and intention—not just style, but substance too.

Materials

• Vanity - KOHLER Tresham | 24" Bathroom Vanity Cabinet • Woodland from GPS Store

• Finishing product - Retique It - Smooth Finish on Pecan

• Hardware - KocsanTR From Etsy

• Ladder shelf - from West Elm

• Small Wall shelf - Ikea