When I introduced our Zephenhaus in February, I said that for the time being, Peter and I weren’t going to touch the second floor bathroom. Yes, the tile was ugly, yes, it was dark and creepy and yes, the fixtures screamed 70’s. However, because it still worked and we’re ultimately planning to rip it out anyway, we decided our energy (and money!) would be better spent elsewhere.
But I kept thinking about that bathroom. It is situated right at the top of the stairs and is the first thing you see when you come into the house’s main living space. Something needed to be done.
That something, I decided, was painting the tile walls. All white had to be better than what was going on in that bathroom, but was that even a thing?? Peter was dubious, but after asking a friend and scouring Pinterest, I learned that yes! Painting tile is definitely a thing.
Planning and Painting
Before starting this project, I read A LOT of tutorials on painting bathroom tiles, but I found Ashley from Domestic Imperfection’s guide to refinishing her shower to be the most helpful. Even though my project was a little different, I followed her steps for prepping the tile and used her supply list as a jumping off point.
Next, I had to decide what, exactly, to paint. I knew I was going to paint the tile walls, for sure, but would I also do the tile floor? The avocado green porcelain tub? Peter and I decided that we kinda liked the shape of the tile on the floor, and, since we’re really just planning to give Chimi baths in there, we could make the funky green work. Additionally, we decided against updating the light fixtures but invested in matching light bulbs.
After all of that was decided, it was finally time to gather my supplies! All of the more reliable seeming tutorials recommended using the RustOleum Tub & Tile paint, but I couldn’t find it at the hardware stores in Rottweil. Instead, I used the Hornbach brand two component tile paint. I’m happy to report that the Hornbach paint does not have the same strong odor that is associated with the RustOleum brand. We already had some of the supplies on hand, but for the rest of the items I followed Ashley’s list. For two Edison light bulbs, two foam rollers, a paint tray, sandpaper and three cans of paint we paid €120.
Even at night.. 
It’s so bright!
Bathroom Decor
Our biggest problem in the Zepfenhaus is the lack of storage. We have ONE true closet in the whole house! As we renovate we’re incorporating storage solutions, but in rooms like this bathroom I’m focusing on functional decor! The basket under the sink contains certain bathroom necessities and conceals the trash can. Our bath caddie is the only new decor item in this room. When I finally FIND the rest of our towels, I will place wall mount hooks above the tub. This will hopefully soften the room slightly as well as adding function.
The mirror came with the house! I. Love. This. Mirror. The shape is super unique but it a way that feels very modern. My Frida print was bought in Denver, lived in Miami, moved to Milwaukee and now resides in Zepfenhan. She is a very well traveled print.
Now, my only issue with this room is that it feels unbalanced. However, with a walkway of less than 20 inches next to the tub, I’m concerned that ANYTHING on the wall opposite the bath will take up too much space.
What would you put on the big blank wall? Anything? What is a small change that made a big impact in your home! Let me know below!
Oh wow! I love what you’ve done to this bathroom. Believe it or not, we have the avocado fixtures in our downstairs bathroom. They look great in yours. How about a painted mural on that wall opposite the bathtub? A la Frida Kahlo style?
Jean!! That is so smart!! I love that idea
Annie, I was also pondering the possibilities of your many wonderful wallpapers. I hope you save squares/samples of each — perhaps frame each square separately, or create an origami mobile with them — something to remind you where you started!
You did an awesome job without spending a lot of $ It looks so fresh and clean! They always say all you need to change a room without breaking the bank is paint and accessories. You did just that! I’ll be eagerly awaiting your next project
Looks beautiful and so much brighter. An idea for that limited wall space would possibly be to find two or three thin flat mirrors or glass and then cut them as a similar pattern to your sink mirror. Then find some small flat stone or glass tiles with similar colors of the olive green and tans/browns and glue them on as a border to Incorporate all the colors together. If you would like maybe add a stencil or vinyl cut of an inspirational word in the center of each of the mirrors/glass or something to do with chimi’s Bathroom. Finished it should be less then a half inch and can stick them on with mirror tape so there’s no drilling into the tile and should be able to do it for less than $30. Just an idea. 🙂
Thank you so much! Those are fantastic ideas!