It’s funny how one thing leads to another, isn’t it?  A crystal chandelier purchased at a yard sale lead me to a making over one of the bathrooms here at Designs by Donna.   It’s missing a few crystals but now that I’ve found The Crystal Place, www.CrystalPlace.com , I’ll get those replaced for just a few dollars.

My $50.00 yard sale chandelier.

As you can see from this “before” shot, the bathroom needed a little help.

“Before”

In this “before” picture, the window trim is dark, the walls were white.  The only thing I really like here is the tile.  Yes, it is dated, but I love the color, what can I say?

The dark stain on the window trim is awful!

The walls are painted to match tile. The painted window trim looks so much better!

Notice how the white trim is much easier on the eyes.  The walls are painted to match the tile for a more uniform look from floor to ceiling.

Dated gold flecked formica counter top.

I was able to paint the counter top after using the correct type of  primer.  I used Kilz but there may be others on the market.   After cleaning the counter top with ammonia and water, a fine grit sandpaper was used to allow the primer stick.  Using a damp cloth, I removed all the dust created by sanding.  I then used a coat of primer on the counter top.   Once the primer was completely dry, I painted the counter top and cabinet with a base color, you guessed it, the same as the walls and tile.  I then added highlights a few shades darker than the base color.  As the highlights, I used a few coats of contrasting glaze.

Painted counter top and cabinets.

Keeping the walls and cabinet the same color as the tile allows this small room appear larger and less cluttered.

“After”

Adding a new custom-made window treatment was the finishing touch to the bathroom makeover.

Other than the new light fixture, installed by my loving husband, all this bathroom needed was paint, a new window treatment, and a new mirror.  Not a huge investment for a big change in appearance!  What do you think?