A No-Demo Powder Bath Makeover
No DIY. No plumbing changes. And the $2,000 project cost breakdown.
Yes, I’m an interior designer—and yes, I design homes for a living. So you might assume my own home is perfectly styled and finished. Spoiler alert: it’s not. Like most of you, I have a never-ending list of projects I’d love to tackle.
We bought this house in 2021, knowing it would be a long-term project. In 2022, we renovated and added on, but since then? Crickets. Nothing. Why? Because turning a house into a home is expensive. Contrary to popular belief, design—even for a designer—isn’t cheap.
Sure, I could lean into DIY, but I’m just not that kind of girl. And by the time the weekend hits, all I want is to catch up on Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and eat Cheetos.
But last fall, I finally decided to tackle our powder bath, but on the cheap. So here’s the reveal—the full BTS, a look at the budget, the selections, and compromises.
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The Plan: Budget, Goals, and Guardrails
Every project starts with a roadmap, and I try to practice this in my own home, too.
Budget—Keep total spend under $2,000. Right away, I mapped out a detailed estimate, which I share below. I mean, I am a former accountant, so would you expect anything less? The answer is no.
Goals—Refresh the space’s look and feel without any sort of renovation.
Non-Negotiables—No moving plumbing fixtures or walls. No DIY. Cosmetic updates only.
The focus was on maximizing impact while respecting both time and money constraints—a reality for many homeowners (and for me during this season of life—see rant up above).
The Spark: Finding the Jumping-Off Point
Design always needs a starting point (sometimes referred to as the jumping-off point), and for this project, it was the wallpaper.
When my mom offered leftover rolls from her own home project, I gladly accepted. Now, is the wallpaper beautiful? Yes. But was it my first choice? No. But in this particular project, I knew I was going to need to compromise because I refused to spend more than $2,000, so I accepted the wallpaper and went on my merry way.
Transparent Process: Step-by-Step Decisions
Here’s exactly how the powder bath came together:
Assessment—I looked honestly at what was working (the paneling, basic layout) and what wasn’t (the overall vibe was feeling tired and dated). The yellow had to go.
Prioritization—Rather than splurging on a new vanity, mirror, or plumbing fixtures, I funneled the budget toward high-impact visual changes: wallpaper, lighting, and a few new accessories.
Professional Help—Since the wallpaper was already on hand, I was able to allocate funds toward professional installation, because as I previously mentioned, I wasn’t going to DIY this thing. Sidebar—In my opinion, traditional wallpaper isn’t the place to DIY unless you’re extremely experienced. Trust me.
Execution—No walls moved. No demo. Just thoughtful updates that respected the original footprint.
The Numbers & Transformation
Before, the powder bath was perfectly functional—but visually underwhelming. It had potential: classic paneling, a great layout, and natural charm. But it lacked a focal point and felt disconnected from the style of the rest of the home.
After, thanks to the wallpaper, the space now feels intentional, welcoming, and polished—without any major construction. The pattern adds depth and interest, and the pendant light makes a subtle statement, making the entire room feel curated rather than cobbled together.
Now that the project is complete, I’m happy to report that it came in under budget. I share the full breakdown below, as well as before and after photos. But the real takeaway here? Despite what you may see on Instagram, or Pinterest, you don’t need a full renovation—or an endless budget—to create a space you love. You just need a clear plan, a flexible mindset (aka be willing to compromise), and the right priorities.
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