Can you transform a bathroom by changing most of the surfaces, including counter tops, for under $100? YES! Can you transform a drab formica surface to a beautiful faux marble counter top for less than $50? YES! Can you paint the existing laminate cabinets to create a more modern sophisticated look? YES! All it takes is a little time and even less money, and I’ll show you how to update a bathroom for under $100 including DIY Faux Marble Countertop.
Disclosure: I received a free sample of this product in exchange for writing this blog post. (Be assured that all of these opinions are my own. I would not support a product if I didn’t believe in it.)
Let me show you the “before.”
Yuck!
The first thing on the bathroom update to-do list was to get rid of the “builder grade” mirror.
Friends, it is amazing what an actual framed mirror can do for the look of a bathroom. It’s easy to slap a piece of glass on a wall, but it also makes it look cheap.
On a whim one day I switched up the dated light covers with a few lamp shades I found that we weren’t using.
Another little crafty project I created for this bathroom was my DIY wall pallet sign.
We also transformed the terrible black speckled formica to a beautiful faux marble countertop.
My “modern farmhouse” bathroom update all started when I stumbled upon a product that would transform this bathroom.
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Table of Contents
The best faux Marble countertop vinyl
I hated these black countertops, and I I figured I would have to wait until we had the money to replace the entire vanity. But low and behold you’ll never guess what I found…
INSTANT GRANITE!
Yes, you heard me right, it really is instant (well, sort of). This is a PVC vinyl “film” with a no bubble backing that makes it easy to install. It is Fade resistant, easy to clean with most household cleaners, and you can remove it without damaging the old counter.
This stuff also has a honeycomb grid pattern that creates air channels that help release the air bubbles to make install much easier!
The color I chose was called White Italian Marble and I couldn’t be happier.
Installation notes for Instant Granite faux marble
- It is best to have two people for the install if it’s your first time. Now that I’ve completed one vanity, I believe it will be much easier for me to complete another one on my own. There is a small learning curve in the beginning. I thought I could lay the counter top AND backsplash down in one piece (because the old countertop is one piece), but we couldn’t get it to look right.
- Take your time and don’t be afraid to pull the vinyl up and start over. The product is very easy to work with, and very forgiving. I think I pulled it up at least 3 times at first, just trying to make sure all the air bubbles were gone.
- Don’t be afraid to caulk! I had seams on every corner, and caulking made all the difference in how the final product looked. The caulk hid the seams, and also made it look more real.
Installing the DIY faux marble countertop
Ideas to update a bathroom on the cheap
- Remove builder grade mirror and replace with a framed decorative mirror – I had this mirror on hand so it didn’t cost anything
- update lighting (even if it’s a free update, LOL)
- add decorative towel racks – $20
- paint cabinets – supplies $10
- install Instant Granite – $50
- Add fun artwork or sign – $10
Now I feel like I have a new modern farmhouse style bathroom, for UNDER $100!
Some Final Pictures:
Updating a space doesn’t have to break the bank. With a little time and effort, and only $100, you turn a bathroom from drab to fab!
Lindsey*