I’m beyond excited to share that I was recently featured in Apartment Therapy (!!!) in a piece called “See How a $50 Find Transformed This Bathroom into a ‘Tiny Sanctuary.’” And honestly? That title captures the heart of what I hoped to create in this space—something peaceful, intentional, and uniquely mine.
This was one of those little projects that ended up having a huge impact—not just visually, but emotionally, too. It reminded me that you don’t need a giant budget or a full reno crew to make magic happen. Sometimes all it takes is a can of paint and a vision.
A Quick Backstory ✨
The bathroom I was working with was… fine. Builder-grade beige, dated tile, uninspiring vibes. I knew I didn’t want to rip everything out, but I did want it to feel more like me—bold, witchy, cozy, and colorful. So I grabbed a $50 can of epoxy paint and got to work.
The result? A sleek, cohesive transformation that took the space from blah to beautiful without a single tile being demo’d. Apartment Therapy called it a “tiny sanctuary,” and I couldn’t agree more.
What I Used (and Why It Works)
Epoxy paint is a total game-changer for bathrooms. It’s waterproof, super durable, and designed to stick to things like tile and laminate when prepped correctly. It gave me a clean, modern finish that feels elevated without being expensive.
Here’s the basic process I followed:
- Deep clean + sand the surfaces to make sure the paint would adhere
- Prime everything with a bonding primer
- Apply 3–4 thin coats of epoxy paint (let each one dry thoroughly)
- Seal it all with a waterproof topcoat for durability
No major tools. No gut job. Just patience, paint, and some podcast-fueled late nights.
Designing for Small Spaces That Feel Big
One of my favorite things Apartment Therapy highlighted is that even the smallest rooms can become places of rest and beauty. I talk a lot about this in my work—whether I’m painting a mural or designing a layout, I always aim to turn a space into a reflection of you.
This bathroom was a perfect example: a little nook of the home, turned into a full-blown vibe. The dark color made it feel rich and calming, and the fresh coat of paint unified everything visually. No clutter. No chaos. Just clean lines and a bold energy that feels like me.
Lessons from This Project
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Creativity thrives in constraint.
This wasn’t a big-budget project—it was a big-heart project. And sometimes that’s where the best design happens. -
Prep is everything.
The finish turned out gorgeous, but only because I spent the time upfront making sure everything was clean, smooth, and ready. -
You don’t need permission to transform your space.
Whether you rent or own, whether your space is big or tiny—you deserve to feel joy when you walk into a room.
Want to Try This Yourself?
If you’ve got a beige bathroom begging for a glow-up, I say go for it! A few things to keep in mind:
- Use high-quality epoxy paint (or tile-specific paint)
- Prep like your life depends on it (because the paint definitely does)
- Don’t rush—thin, even coats are key
- Finish with a clear waterproof sealant for longevity
Need help? Want to hire someone to do it for you? I’ve got you. 😉
This project was more than just paint—it was a reminder of how powerful it is to shape your space with intention. I’m so proud to have this story featured on a platform like Apartment Therapy, and I hope it inspires you to grab a brush and reclaim your own little sanctuary.
With paint-splattered love,
Kara Kirchhoff
Founder & Creative at Bohemian Enigma Design
Want more DIYs, color inspo, or to see what I’m transforming next?
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