Before and After: A $900 DIY Redo Transforms This “Raspberry Disaster” Bathroom

Not every space that feels small actually is small — some are just victims of ineffective layouts, or maybe poor lighting. In the guest bathroom at Tyler and Danielle Pond’s home, the small feel was due to the color. “It was outdated, along with the majority of the home built in 1999, and the dark, overpowering color made it seem much smaller than it actually was,” Tyler says.

The bathroom, just off the kitchen, earned the nickname the “Raspberry Disaster” from the couple, who would “cringe every time we or company used” the space.

Thankfully, the bathroom was in pretty good shape overall, so Tyler and Danielle figured it lots of potential for a DIY redo that wouldn’t break the bank.

Danielle had a specific vision for the project, which the couple took on together over the course of about four weeks.

Tyler and Danielle opted to keep some of the bigger elements in place — like the tile floor and the vanity — but worked around them to make them feel fresh. The vanity, for instance, got a new dark blue paint job as well as new hardware, a new countertop, and a new faucet; the floors look brighter against the new blue-gray walls.

Above the vanity, Tyler and Danielle also swapped out the dated light fixture for something a little more modern. A new round mirror brings in some shape variation that helps the whole assembly seem more 2021 than 1999.

A few new accessories — including a shelf above the toilet, as well as some cabinets above the washer and dryer — helped round out the room. All told, it cost $900 for the project, which was 100% DIYed. “My wife and I are an incredible team,” Tyler says. “I love doing projects with her!”

Tyler also loves the new look of the bathroom, which he says makes it feel bigger and more inviting. And: “No longer are we embarrassed to have guests use the bathroom,” he says.

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