5 Ways to Update a Builder Bathroom

You know builder grade bathrooms? Super drab and boring. Our’s was particularly blah… and full of stuff. So we decided to update it with 5 easy ways, that require no structural work. Here are 5 ways to update a builder bathroom to a modern spa-esque feel!

Tip 1: Install a Wall Treatment in the Bathroom

Now, when we started this project, I wanted wall treatment all around. In particular I wanted beadboard to wrap all around the bathroom. But, something about it wasn’t working for me. So, I went back to the basics for me: i.e. create an accent wall! I decided to scrap the beadboard, and install a vertical shiplap wall. I did this is partnership with Metrie Trim. This particular shiplap is the Metrie MDF Shiplap – Complete(R) in 5 1/2″ x 8′ (white). This shiplap product comes painted, so in fact you don’t even need to paint it! It is incredibly easy to install and went up like a dream. Metrie products are available at your local Lowes or Rona and have incredible quality and are made to last. Installing this shiplap is surely one of the easiest ways I have in this guide to update a builder bathroom.

Tip 2: Go Bold with Colour to Make an Impact in the Bathroom

I next painted the shiplap wall in this beautiful colour by Sherwin-Williams For the shiplap wall we went with Smokey Blue (SW 7604) in a Satin finish which is a beautiful blue with smokey gray undertones. It even reads a bit of green depending on the light, and is the perfect colour for this vertical shiplap. For the rest of the bathroom, I chose a neutral bright white (Alabaster -SW 7008). For both paint colours, we chose the Sherwin-Williams  Emerald Interior Paint which is the finest paint by Sherwin-Williams, and has paint and primer in one! Emerald Interior Paint paint provides excellent coverage, and believe me I used only 1/4 of my gallon to paint this whole wall… and it’s washable with great resistance to staining and spotting! Makes it perfect for the bathroom, or any room of the house in my opinion. This paint colour is a great way to update a builder bathroom.

Tip 3: Don’t be afraid to mix metal finishes in a bathroom

Next we changed out the lights and mirrors. Here, we went with these stunning aged brass double vanity lights paired with these rustic barn-door mirrors by Universal Lighting based in Toronto. These vanity lights were really easy to install, and did not take us very long! The mirrors were a little tricky, but we got them up! Here, I mixed brass and black. At first, I was scared to do so, but my bff Fariha told me to go for it! In fact, she picked these mirrors for me! Universal Lighting is a lighting store that carries designer lights and fixtures in Toronto. Their selection is incredible, and they carry a lot of gorgeous fixtures. Changing out mirrors and fixtures is an overall great way to update a builder bathroom.

I also went with darker rubbed black knob pull for the cabinets, and rubbed brass scroll edge hooks by D Lawless Hardware. Both of these perfectly complimented the brass and black combination I have going in the bathroom.

Tip 4: Add a rug to the bathroom

Yes.. a rug in a bathroom! I know it is an unconventional way to update a builder grade bathroom. But, I always find that rugs make a bold statement in any room and why shy away from using them in a bathroom?! At first, I wanted a runner. However, I went with a slightly larger size, and I absolutely love how it turned out! This rug is the Terracotta rug from the Loren Collection by Loloi Rugs. It is a flat pile rug, with a woven back which means that it wont get “wet” the way some of you are probably thinking a rug would in a bathroom. I mean, we are grown ups… we can handle a rug?!

Tip 5: Don’t forget the details!

It is all in the details right?! I added some details with a cute house shaped shelf, some trinkets, a bath tray… and my most favourite detail of all: this beautiful poster by the Poster Company! You can see it in the mirrors!

So there you have it: 5 easy ways to upgrade a builder bathroom, and make it your own without changing anything structural!

Hope you enjoyed this little bathroom makeover as much as I did. I would love if you could pin the image below!

**please note that all products used in this bathroom makeover (shiplap, paint, lights, mirrors, hardware, rug, poster) were gifted to me by brands. However all opinions are my own!