3 DIY Swaps Gave This Once-Boring Bathroom a Boho Refresh for Under $500

Sarah Everett
Sarah Everett
I organize the Before & After series and cover DIY and design. I joined AT in October 2020 as a production assistant. I have an MA in Journalism from the University of Missouri and a BA in Journalism from Belmont University. Past editorial stops include HGTV Magazine, Nashville Arts Magazine, and local magazines in my hometown, Columbia, Missouri.
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Basic bathroom with black-framed sink

And no wonder: Whether it’s a vintage-style look or a modern textured option, pasted or peel-and-stick, wallpaper can instantly double the style factor in any room.

She Added a Boho Flair to the Beige Builder-Grade Space

In the case of this powder room designed by Jordy Miranda (@boho_onabudget), wallpaper added colorful, old-world, boho flair. The beige builder-grade bathroom was desperate for some personality, and Jordy (along with her wallpaper) delivered.

She Chose a Bold Wallpaper for the Small Space

“We wanted to make this powder room unique and fun, while also keeping it affordable,” Jordy says of her client’s bathroom.

For the walls, Jordy chose a burnt orange wallpaper to cover the drab beige walls from before. She also swapped the very ’90s chrome light fixture for a gold-finish one with a globe style that’s a little vintage and a little modern. Plus, Jordy bought a round mirror with a more delicate frame than the clunky old one from before, which gives the illusion of a bigger space.

“We were honestly surprised with just how much of a difference a few changes could make,” Jordy says of the redo.

It’s Better Than She Dreamed

Jordy says if she could do anything differently, she’d upgrade the chrome faucet with an option that better matches the new light fixture, but she adds, “The after looked better than I could ever dream it to be.”

Her main piece of advice? “Take the risk on wallpaper for a small space!” Jordy says. “There is no perfect pattern or perfect way to do it.”

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