Down to Earth Tips from a DIY Serial Bath Renovator!

Still haven’t repainted our greige primary bath which can feel a bit gloomy in winter (ever toying with the idea of SW Eider White). Am I taking my time to get it right or just stuck in paralysis? As an inspiration blogger, it is all too easy to simply dream of the possibilities! Obviously paint is the easiest bath tweak. As a DIY serial bath renovator, I assure you bathroom redesigns are especially tricky. Critical decisions will yield realities with which you’ll live for a long time. TAKE YOUR TIME with those decisions if at all possible, and maybe these bath tips will help.

Serene white modern French bathroom with clawfoot tub and Louis chair - Hello Lovely Studio. #modernfrench
Hello Lovely – Bath Tips for Renovations Along With Inspo

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Bath Tips from a Renovator for Redesigns & Inspiration

Glimpses of Our Renovations

Here’s where our most recent bath renovation began:

The primary bath before renovation - dark brown vanity, dark brown granite top, and tons of brown tile - Hello Lovely Studio.
DURING demo of floor and Jacuzzi – you can see wall tile in the mirror’s reflection, and that’s my vintage clawfoot tub that will eventually live here.

It was awkward (hello, 1990s) with soffits, steps to a sunken bath, a custom shower bench on the wrong end of the shower, and a sea of brown tile. Perfect if you’re into funky and clunky.

Fortunately, this space has a million dollar view of a gorgeous forest preserve so attending to the details was well worth it.

Cutting tiles during bath renovation at the Georgian - Hello Lovely Studio.
DURING the bath renovation, the shower was reframed and a stone floor is being installed

Bathroom designs are so PERSONAL. Plumbing, electrical, and space planning must all be addressed before the pretty finishes. Also lighting! Storage needs, and of course safety is a priority. Due to health issues, the old bath was enough of a death trap that I didn’t use it a single day until we renovated.

During renovation of our bath at the Georgian - Hello Lovely Studio.

Bathroom redesigns may be even trickier than when you start from scratch. Changing the locations of existing plumbing and electrical? A specialized skill set and wads of cash are required.

Vanity wall in bathroom after removal at the Georgian - Hello Lovely Studio.
DURING the bath renovation, the old vanity was removed, wall repair is happening, and plumbing is moved
Herringbone marble mosaic floor going into our bathroom shower at the Georgian - Hello Lovely Studio.
Herringbone marble tile shower floor looking gorgeous even before grout.
Tub niche during renovation of our bathroom at the Georgian - Hello Lovely Studio.
During our renovation

So much better now!

Modern French renovated bath with Louis style arm chair holding basket of towels, column side table with plant, and vintage clawfoot tub - Hello Lovely Studio. Walls are SW Repose Gray. #swreposegray
Hello Lovely – Bath Tips for Renovations Along With Inspo

Here are particulars for this bath:

Lantern style vanity lighting on marble look porcelain tiled wall with modern LED medicine cabinets over Shaker style vanities with marble tops - modern French bath renovation at the Georgian by Hello Lovely Studio.
DIY Framed Herbarium Art

A Classic White Bath We Redesigned

In our former home, we opted for separate, individual, freestanding vanities and created a custom bridge as a makeup area.

Traditional freestanding white single vanity with carrara marble top in our French country bathroom. #hellolovelystudio #bathroomdesign #whitevanity #carraramarble #kohlerpurist #bathroomfaucets

I love how the angles of our vanitiy tops and bases echoed other architecture in that space.

Serene white bath with vintage clawfoot tub and Louis style chair - Hello Lovely Studio. #modernfrench

Need ideas for cabinets and vanity organization? Who couldn’t use a little more space for THE STUFF?

Clear Bins to Store Like Items

It’s the mirrored base in the bins that really does it for me!

Drawers Behind Doors

Super Smart Styling Organization

Style station storage for hair dryer and curling iron - The Container Store.
Style Station for organizing bathroom stuff of life
Mister Rogers quote Fred Rogers quotes to inspire on Hello Lovely Studio. #misterrogers #fredrogersquotes

Tips for Scoring the Right Bath Vanity

Notice the Relationship of Vanity and Top

Are you a fan of high contrast? As you collect inspiring photos of bath vanities you admire – notice the consistencies. Do you prefer high contrast, low contrast, ornamentation, minimal style, or modern lines?

Elegant and luxurious French country bathroom in Provence - @provencepoirers. #frenchcountry #bathroomdecor #antiques #oldworldstyle #trumeau #provencestyle #interiordesign
@provencepoirers – Bath Tips Along With Inspo for Bathroom Redesign

Lighting Needs for Vanity Area

I have no trouble sourcing beautiful sconces for the bath, but they aren’t always the right scale. The most flattering vanity light comes from placement where the sides of your face are lit.

However, sometimes this isn’t possible when space is limited.

It often comes down to planning to the inch! Also, as far as flattering light, maybe it’s my age, but I no longer stand at the vanity for extended periods. Consequently, the decision to install vanity lights above our medicine cabinet mirrors made sense. Think specifically about your individual needs and be guided by how you actually live more than trends on Pinterest.

Darryl Carter, known for for his refined eye for antiques, filled his master bath with finds carefully cultivated over years and years of frequenting flea markets and vintage shops.
Design: Darryl Carter…in case you admire a classic bath.

When you begin to look closer at pretty bathrooms, it becomes clear lighting options are endless. There are not hard and fast rules for the design.

French country farmhouse bathroom with Sherwin Williams Alabaster paint color on walls. Brit Jones Design.
Brittany Jones – see more of her beautiful design and resources in THIS

Let’s face it – we are all different heights and have different daily needs and preferences.

Step Stool Green (an olive green paint color by Kilz - Magnolia's Castle Collection by Joanna Gaines) on paneled walls in a bath with subway tile in Fixer Upper The Castle (Waco, TX). #thecastle #fixerupperthecastle
Step Stool Green – Magnolia

Simple Bath Refresh

Before we painted the vanity below in our son’s condo, it was a 20-year old builder-grade oak vanity with orange stain. Just a little paint (didn’t even change the old faucet or cultured marble top) transformed it.

Sherwin Williams Carbonized paint color on a traditional vanity in a renovated bathroom - Hello Lovely Studio. #sherwinwilliams #carbonized #charcoalgrey #paintccolors
Photo: Hello Lovely Studio

This paint color (above) is an interesting charcoal color with both brown and navy blue undertones. It was discontinued but is similar to Farrow & Ball Railings. In some lighting, it looks like oil rubbed bronze, and in others, a soft black.

Funny tweet humor quote on Hello Lovely Studio from the hilarious @simoncholland! #funnytweet #humorquotes #funnyquotes

Repurposed Antiques for a Traditional Vanity

This vanity area with a lamp just charms me! If you have the opportunity to repurpose an existing vanity, antique, table, console, etc. what fun!

When a rustic French farmhouse powder room with repurposed antique table and vessel sink is this gorgeous, who would want to leave? Design by Brooke Giannetti. #europeancountry #oldworld #bathroom
Velvet and Linen/Giannetti Home…in case you love European country decor.

I love seeing a bath that feels like an escape to serenity:

Farrow & Ball Old White paint in English country bathroom with clawfoot tub and vintage sepia artwork - @harnhamhouse. #oldwhite #farrowandballoldwhite
Farrow & Ball Old White – @harnhamhouse

Most of us wouldn’t dream of wallpapering a bathroom where there’s a shower, but what a lovely prospect when you can:

In our bath’s redesign, I initially thought we would refinish the existing solid wood vanity and add vessel sinks since the height of the cabinets was too low. However, quotes for a custom marble countertop were much greater than new vanities with proper height. (Another issue is time. Refinishing a vanity? A dusty, laborious, possibly toxic process.)

Charming custom bath by Giannetti Home with vessel sinks and pool plastered shower. #bathroomdesign #vesselsinks #europeancountry #frenchfarmhouse #rusticelegance
Velvet and Linen

Don’t you love the basket storage below the vanity above?

Jennifer creates the most beautiful baths for herself and lucky clients!

French country bath with stone accent walls, shelf, candles, and luxurious design by @thefrenchnestcointeriordesign. #frenchcountrybath #oldworldstyle
@thefrenchnestcointeriordesign
Universe quote on Hello Lovely by Aldous Huxley. #aldoushuxley #universequotes #wisdomquotes

Modern French & Old World Vanity Inspiration

Here’s a sconces with mirror look I love:

Bathroom in breathtaking French inspired Houston Home (2535 Inwood). #frenchcountry #housedesign #interiordesign #luxuryhome #frenchhome #sophisticateddecor #bathroomdesign
Bath Remodel Ideas

And yes, we’re down to earth today, but that doesn’t mean we can be inspired by a fantasy powder bath moment!

Bathroom in breathtaking French inspired Houston Home (2535 Inwood). #frenchcountry #housedesign #interiordesign #luxuryhome #frenchhome #sophisticateddecor #bathroomdesign
Bath Remodel Ideas

Don’t forget that makeup vanities can move to a closet or dressing area.

Vanity in dressing room of Stunning French inspired luxury home in Houston. #luxuryhome #frenchhome #frenchcountry #sophisticateddecor #timelessdesign #dressingroom
Bathroom Redesigns as well as Inspiration Photos of Beautiful Baths

White is a natural color for a bath, and here are three contenders if you care to sample a few.

Spiritual quote by Elizabeth Johnson. #christianityquote #faithquotes

Inspiration for Coastal Style Baths

If you have shopped for bath design elements, coastal and Shaker styles are most commonly available.

Is this my favorite traditional yet modern cottage vintage look?

Come check out Antique Vintage Style Bathroom Vanity Inspiration! #bathroomdesign #bathroomvanity #classicstyle #traditionaldecor #interiordesignideas
Interior Design: Sarah Richardson – in case you admire repurposed antiques for the bathroom.

The beautiful wall of mosaic tile would probably blow the budget!

Walburn Vintage 34" Single Bathroom Vanity Set - PLEASE COME SEE Traditional Style Bathroom Vanity Design Inspiration as well as Vintage Bath Ideas. #bathroomdesign #bathroomvanities #interiordesign
Walburn Vintage 34″ Single Bathroom Vanity Set…in case you love vintage style bathrooms.
Accent Mirror - PLEASE COME SEE Traditional Style Bathroom Vanity Design Inspiration as well as Vintage Bath Ideas. #bathroomdesign #bathroomvanities #interiordesign
Accent Mirror…in case you love elegant framed mirrors for the bath.
Hafez quote about sun and earth and relationships - on Hello Lovely Studio. #hafezquote #hafiz #sufipoets #earthquotes #sunquotes

Traditional Vanity Inspo

Remember when there was no selection whatsoever for readymade vanities or bathroom sinks?

Kordell 36" Single Bathroom Vanity Set - PLEASE COME SEE Traditional Style Bathroom Vanity Design Inspiration as well as Vintage Bath Ideas. #bathroomdesign #bathroomvanities #interiordesign
36″ Kordell Single Bathroom Vanity Set…in case you admire modern farmhouse bathrooms.

Sheets of mirror on the wall can still be a great idea, but there are plenty of other possibilities too.

Hub Modern and Contemporary Accent Mirror
Hub Modern Accent Mirror…in case a modern minimal look suits your bath.
Ka 24" Single Bathroom Vanity Set - PLEASE COME SEE Traditional Style Bathroom Vanity Design Inspiration as well as Vintage Bath Ideas. #bathroomdesign #bathroomvanities #interiordesign
24″ Ka Bathroom Vanity Set…in case you’re seeking a grey vanity set.
Walburn 34" Single Bathroom Vanity
Walburn 34″ Single Bathroom Vanity…in case you admire green.
Acrion Accent Mirror
Acrion Accent Mirror…in case you love a curvy mirror.

Here are a few more possibilities:

Johnstown 36" Single Bathroom Vanity Set
36″ Johnstown Bathroom Vanity Set…in case a handsome rustic vanity set suits you.
Kingon 48" Single Bathroom Vanity Set
48″ Kingon Bathroom Vanity – Bath Remodel Ideas & The Work Begins on Our Bathroom!

Petite & Modern Ideas

Caitlyn bathroom vanity in royal blue
Single Bathroom Vanity Set…in case you need a petite classic bathroom vanity.
Luxurious modern bathroom with freestanding tub (Waterworks) and his and her sinks. Serene Spa-like Bathroom Design Ideas.
Photo: Hello Lovely Studio…certainly spa-like indeed.
Petite 24" black single bath vanity
Single Bath Vanity – Bath Remodel Ideas & The Work Begins on Our Bathroom!

Bath Vanities in Our Former Bath Were Budget-Friendly

Come check out Antique Vintage Style Bathroom Vanity Inspiration! #bathroomdesign #bathroomvanity #classicstyle #traditionaldecor #interiordesignideas
Bonus of this vanity style? You can slide the bathroom scale underneath it!

When we tackled our master bath above, we first demo’d everything to begin from scratch. I wanted budget friendly traditional white vanity sets with simple clean lines.

White classic bathroom vanity. Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio

In lieu of a long double sink bathroom vanity, a custom makeup counter joins two separate single vanities.

Come check out Antique Vintage Style Bathroom Vanity Inspiration! #bathroomdesign #bathroomvanity #classicstyle #traditionaldecor #interiordesignideas
Hello Lovely Studio

Our DIY bathroom remodel was a mix of high and low. In fact, the Kohler Purist faucets cost more than the vanities.

White vanity with carrara marble top. Come check out Antique Vintage Style Bathroom Vanity Inspiration! #bathroomdesign #bathroomvanity #classicstyle #traditionaldecor #interiordesignideas
Hello Lovely Studio…in case you need bathroom vanity design ideas.
Classic white bathroom with tufted Louis chair next to clawfoot tub. Plantation shutters, sphere pendant with silver leaf, and vintage leaded glass window. #hellolovelystudio #whitebathroom #classicdecor
Hello Lovely Studio

Modern Country Vanity Inspiration

In one of their biggest challenges yet in terms of redefining spaces and floorplan, Joanna and Chip take on a quirky house in a rural setting and transform it into a charming and dramatic country home. It's the ideal spot for a couple who have two grown kids and are looking to settle down in their forever home.
Design: Joanna Gaines – HGTV Fixer Upper

This mirror is a FAVORITE among famous designers…if it’s in stock, snag it!

Lovely double vanity with antique gold ornate mirrors in a timeless bath by @riverbrook_. #timelessbath #oldworldstyle
@riverbrook_

Rustic Elegance & Vintage Charm

Sherwin Williams Pure White on trim in a lovely timeless bath with checkered floor - @via110design. #sherwinwilliamspurewhite
Trim: Sherwin Williams PURE WHITE@via110design – Bathroom Redesigns & Photo Gallery of Inspiring Bath Designs

Who can resist the charm of a checkered floor?

French farmhouse white carrera marble rustic elegant bath by Dreamy Whites. #frenchfarmhouse #bathroomremodel
Dreamy Whites – Bathroom Redesigns, Bath Refreshes, Remodels & Inspiration

Find beautiful bathroom design inspiration from my PINTEREST BOARD HERE.

In the mood for a bit of fantasy dream home tour (hint: The Fox Group!)?

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Thanks for shopping RIGHT HERE to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!

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White Slipcovered Sofa
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Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
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Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
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Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
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Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
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White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
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French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
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Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
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Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
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Tray Side Table
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Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
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Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
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White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
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Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing
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2 Comments

  1. Leanne Gillespie
    January 19, 2025 / 6:27 am

    To me one of the most important things to incorporate into bathroom design is adding a quad outlet under the sink inside the cabinets. Then you have a place to keep your hair dryer plugged in ready to pull out and use, a place to keep your electric tooth brush plugged in and anything else that’s electrical plugged or chargeable and off your counters.

    • Michele
      Author
      January 19, 2025 / 7:51 am

      oooooh yes – that should be at the top of the list! I should talk about where we placed our outlets (out of sight inside medicine cabinets and below eye level for aesthetics). THANK YOU!

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Let’s SHOP!

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing