This Charming Powder Room Makeover Showed Me the Power of Paneling

In my opinion, powder rooms are the hidden gem of any home. There’s just something about a petite space that allows people to explore their more adventurous side and go a bit bolder with their design. When I see a powder room that could use a little TLC, I almost always start dreaming of the epic makeover that could ensue. 

Such was the case when I saw DIYer and home blogger Sana Faheem’s (@lively_lair) dull bathroom basement. Not only was the beige-covered space dim and drab, but it boasted plenty of past-their-prime features (think linoleum floors and a broken toilet) and didn’t function well for Sana and her family, who were embarrassed to even have guests use the space.

Determined to tackle the projects themselves — and keep the budget to a modest $5,000 — Sana and her husband began the makeover of their space, focusing on aesthetic changes that moved the needle, like a new floor, rich ash wood vanity from Signature Hardware, gleaming sconces, and tailored accessories that bring a sense of refinement to the room. 

For me, though, the biggest win in the petite powder came from the addition of the unique reeded paneling that added a much-needed dose of texture and color to the space. Coated in a soft forest green, it covers about two-thirds of the wall, which (surprisingly!) makes the basement bath live much larger than its tiny footprint. I love that it also gives the room a sense of history, allowing the bathroom to feel like it’s always looked that way, rather than having undergone a very recent renovation. 

The lesson? Investing in a personality-packed design is always worth the effort, no matter how small of a space you’re working with.