From Drab to Fab: Our DIY Powder Room Overhaul
There comes a time in every homeowner’s life when they stand in their main-floor powder room, sigh dramatically, and think, “This place needs a serious overhaul—now.” For us, that moment came right after we’d moved into our otherwise freshly painted home. Why didn’t we paint this bathroom along with everything else, you ask? Because I had big plans, a big brush, and a big bucket of courage for tackling it myself.
Below is the entertaining, slightly nerve-racking (but oh-so-satisfying) journey of turning a bland, builder-grade bathroom into the modern-yet-classic showstopper it was always meant to be.
Meet the Mustard Monster
Let’s start with the original color—a glorious shade I can only describe as “dijon-mustard delight.” This mustardy hue once adorned not only our powder room but the entire house. Thankfully, we painted over it all before we moved in. This poor powder room got left behind, probably because it was sulking in the corner whispering, “No one loves me.” Well, that’s not entirely true; I left it that way on purpose so I could tackle it myself.
Here’s the bathroom in all its before glory—mustard walls, builder-grade everything:
The layout itself wasn’t bad. The toilet and pedestal sink were in excellent shape, so I decided to let them live another day. But basically everything else had to change.
The Cover-Up & The (Anti)Vent
Before painting, you want to protect anything that you’re not planning to paint. In my case, that was the pristine toilet and sink. Out came the plastic drop cloths, tape, and a dash of fervent praying that I wouldn’t slosh paint on either. Once they were nice and cozy under their plastic armor, I removed the ceiling vent and set it aside for painting.
Seriously, if you’re painting a darker color, do yourself a favor and paint your vents the same shade as your walls or ceiling. Why break up that gorgeous new color with a random, bright white square? Let it fade into your wall or ceiling and bask in décor anonymity.
Green is the New Mustard (AKA, Paint Job Initiation)
Now for the fun (and somewhat meditative) part: painting. My strategy was to paint the ceiling and the top half of the walls first. Why not the entire wall? Because I had a cunning plan to install board and batten on the bottom half—making it utterly pointless to use precious paint on something that would be covered up later.
I used a high-quality interior paint with good coverage. Painting a mustard hue is no joke, so I didn’t want to skimp on the brand. Two coats later, mustard was gone, and sleek new color was in. But this was just the beginning.
Board & Batten vs. Wainscotting—What’s the Diff?
Alright, let’s sort this out. Wainscotting is typically more ornate and is often installed just a few feet high. Board and batten is simpler, using boards as a base layer and narrower “battens” to cover the seams. Since I was going for a more modern, minimal look, board and batten was my jam.
Embracing the B&B (Board and Batten, Not Bed & Breakfast)
First up were the project panels from Home Depot. I grabbed large sheets and used our SawStop table saw to cut them to size. If you’re not familiar with SawStop, do yourself a favor and look it up online. My dad gifted me this magical piece of machinery for my birthday one year, and it literally stops the blade if it comes in contact with human flesh—like, say, your finger. I’d like to keep my fingers for future DIY adventures, so I can’t recommend it enough.
After cutting the panels, I adhered them to the walls with construction adhesive and a few nails from my nail gun. Next came the battens. I used various sizes of MDF—already primed, because shortcuts are a DIYer’s best friend. To make the lines cohesive, I replaced the ornate baseboards with new, simpler ones and then added a 2x1 piece along the top to finish it all off.
Once everything was nailed in place, it was time for the not-so-fun part: caulking. Caulk every seam and connection. Yes, it’s tedious, but the crisp, clean lines you get afterward are worth every second of numb fingers. The final step was painting the board and batten a semi-gloss white. Bathrooms and semi-gloss go together like peanut butter and jelly—especially if you have kids. A quick wipe-down, and the remnants of your toddler’s attempts at “making it” in the toilet vanish like magic.
The Stained Statement
For a little extra flair, I stained six thin pieces of wood and placed them vertically to the left of the toilet. Think of it as functional artwork for your guest’s eyes while they’re otherwise “occupied.” The dark wood against the white board and batten provided a stylish accent, breaking up the potential monotony and adding an organic feel to the space.
Light It Up & Accessorize
I swapped out the vanity light fixture for something more in tune with my new modern aesthetic. Next came a new mirror—because, you know, the old one looked like it belonged in a carnival funhouse. The faucet got replaced with a sleek, matte black version that actually matched everything else.
I also found a nifty toilet paper holder that had a shelf on top—perfect for a phone that you are inevitably juggling, we don’t judge here :) Above that, I found some pictures that tie the green paint and white paneling together. A woven basket with fake eucalyptus stems added a touch of greenery and spa vibes without the hassle of keeping real plants alive in a low-light environment.
Finally, a new wastebasket and a towel hook were installed to replace the standard-issue builder’s versions. Adios, drab towel ring and cringe-worthy, plastic-coated trash bin.
The Grand Reveal
After all of the caulking, painting, and impulsive caffeine breaks, it was time to step back and admire the transformation. What once was a dull, builder-grade bathroom drenched in mustard gloom was now a stylish, modern, and so-much-better space that welcomes our guests with open arms.
It’s amazing what a fresh coat of paint, a dash of creativity, and a few pieces of MDF can do for a space. The best part? I get a little rush of pride whenever I hear, “Can I use your bathroom real quick?” Sure thing—just prepare to be dazzled by the board-and-batten magic you’ll find inside.
Lessons Learned (And Fingers Kept)
Plan it out: Decide how high your board and batten will go before painting. That way, you won’t waste paint or time.
Safety first: If you’re buying a table saw, consider SawStop. You don’t want to lose a finger in the name of vanity (vanity lights, sure; but not vanity-limb sacrifice).
Match your vent: A simple coat of paint on the vent makes a world of difference.
Use gloss or semi-gloss: Especially if you have little ones who might miss the mark. It’s a lifesaver.
Accessorize thoughtfully: A toilet paper holder with a shelf is the new frontier of restrooms. Enough said.
In the end, redoing our main floor powder room was as exhilarating as it was necessary. Who knew that bidding adieu to the “dijon” could be so rewarding? Now, every time I step in there, I breathe in the fresh scent of success (and semi-gloss paint), marvel at the crisp lines of the board and batten, and wonder why I didn’t do this sooner.
So here’s to the next DIY project—may it be as bold, fun, and finger-safe as this one. Until then, I’ll just be here, gazing lovingly at my new favorite room in the house…or at least the most used room!
A before-and-after shot of our powder room glow-up:
Product List
Amazon
SawStop Table Saw (my most recommended saw- keep all those fingers attached- it’s worth the investment!)
Hand Towels (the green are sold out but I linked the grey ones)
Woven Floor Vase (linked a similar one!)