This Under-$1,000 Bathroom Makeover Has the Coolest Limewash Wall Treatment

published Aug 15, 2024
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While some people use their bathroom as an opportunity to add vibrant colors and bold patterns, others prefer a more neutral, spa-like feel. There’s no right or wrong answer, of course, but if you’re looking for something ultra-calming and tranquil, take inspiration from DIYer Jihan Henriques (@_lifewithjihan), who transformed her New York City apartment’s bathroom into a soothing oasis with a neutral color palette and varied textures.  

The old bathroom felt “sterile,” according to Jihan, and was painted all one color: white. “The bathroom felt very stiff and uncomfortable,” she says.

For the makeover, Jihan opted for a mix of DIY and professional help. Unsurprisingly, her NYC bathroom isn’t the largest of spaces, so she had to get creative with her vision. “I really didn’t have a lot to work with, space-wise, and one of my bathroom walls is completely tile,” she explains. “So I only had one wall and a little bit of another to paint.”

A limewash paint treatment adds subtle texture.

Jihan says on Instagram that her vision for the bathroom makeover was “Tulum-Inspired, upscale hotel vibes.” She originally wanted to put wallpaper on the walls, but it didn’t work out. As an alternative, she opted for a limewash paint, which adds depth and texture to the space. 

“The limewash paint was scary because I could NOT select a color, so I ended up having my painter get two for me (Bauwerk’s Balance and Still), so I could see what things looked like in my actual bathroom lighting,” she says. She ended up using a combo of both. “And spoiler alert: It turned out so well.”

New hardware modernizes the bathroom. 

For decor, Jihan decided on matte black and gold-toned pieces to add a sleek sophistication to the space. 

One setback in the project was trying to remove the existing shower rod, which actually took Jihan a week to complete rather than hours. “The previous owners of my condo drilled into the tile, which ruined some of the areas where I was planning to install the upgraded rod,” she explains. “I’m so proud of myself for staying the course and playing around with different tools/drills to get it down.”

A cocktail table is actually the perfect bathroom accessory. 

This included floating shelves, over-the-toilet storage, and a drinks table. “I came across a drink table at Target that I’m using in my bathroom for some extra pizzazz,” she says. “And no, it’s not for drinks … just more of a decorative feature that might function as a holder for my clothes.” (Who says a bathroom can’t have chic cocktail bar vibes?)

Jihan documented the bathroom makeover on her social media channels to show her followers that you can transform a small NYC bathroom into your own personal sanctuary. The entire project cost around $900, including the materials and professional help. 

“The after is everything I could’ve asked for and more! Somehow, my bathroom revamp really elevated the space visually and physically. I feel like I have way more space, and I have an overwhelming sense of relaxation every time I walk in,” she says.  “It’s no secret, but the limewash was my proudest element of the bathroom.”