There is a long-standing myth in interior design that small spaces must be painted crisp white to feel larger. But if you want to create a space that feels intentional, memorable, and rich with personality, the opposite is often true.

When our clients came to us wanting a dramatic, high-impact update for their compact bathroom, they had two major requests: bring on the bold design, and keep the existing basketweave tile floor and vintage clawfoot tub.

Here is a look inside the design concept we created to prove that small bathrooms don’t have to play it safe.

The “Before”: A Classic Foundation Lacking Personality

The original bathroom had great bones. A timeless black-and-white basketweave tile floor, a classic clawfoot soaking tub, and traditional beadboard wainscoting. However, the washed-out beige walls, basic pedestal sink, and builders-grade mirror left the room feeling cold, outdated, and underutilized.

Instead of tearing everything out, our goal was to design a concept that celebrated the room’s historic charm while infusing it with modern drama.

Design Strategy: How We Transformed a Small Space

1. Drenching the Space in Deep Forest Green

To make a small room feel grander, going dark can actually work magic. We specified a deep, saturated forest green paint for the wainscoting, trim, doors, and window casings. By wrapping the entire lower two-thirds of the room in one continuous rich color, the visual boundaries of the small footprint blur, making the room feel snug, cozy, and expansive all at once.

Using a bold combination, like orange and green gave this bathroom loads of personality. Here are the colors we chose:

2. Statement Wallpaper That Draws the Eye Upward

Above the dark green board-and-batten paneling, we introduced a large-scale botanical wallpaper featuring oversized leaves in deep green, warm terracotta, and ochre. Using a large-scale pattern in a compact space creates an illusion of height, drawing the eye up toward the ceiling rather than focusing on the room’s square footage.

3. Designing Around Legacy Features

• The Basketweave Tile Floor: Rather than removing the original floor, the high-contrast dark green paneling grounds the black-and-white tile, making it look intentionally vintage rather than outdated.
• The Clawfoot Tub: To tie the original tub into the new palette, we specified painting the tub’s exterior in a bold orange, echoing the warm accent notes in the wallpaper.

4. Doubling Functionality with Double Sinks

Replacing a single pedestal sink with a dark double apron-front vanity added major functional value. Topped with a striking gray-veined marble surface and modern chrome faucets, the new vanity delivers much-needed hidden storage and dual-sink capability without overpowering the room’s traffic flow.

To maximize the small space, using two sinks and two mirrors proportional to the space helps keep the zones clear.

3 Tips for Using Bold Colors in a Small Bathroom

If you’re inspired to bring big personality to a small space, keep these design takeaways in mind:

1. Balance Dark Tones with Contrast: Saturated paint colors need bright elements to balance them out. White porcelain sinks, marble countertops, and warm metallic accents prevent dark rooms from feeling dingy.
2. Go Big on Pattern Scale: Don’t be afraid of large wallpaper prints in small rooms. Small patterns can look busy and cluttered, whereas large-scale motifs feel custom and expansive.
3. Paint the Trim to Match: Painting window frames, baseboards, and doors the same shade as your wall paneling creates a cohesive, high-end look that unifies the space.

Ready for Your Own Transformation?

To get started, schedule a design consultation so we can create a plan for your home. Click the link below to book an appointment.

Final Thoughts

Thank you all for following along! If you’d like to get this blog in your email once a week, please sign up for our weekly newsletter by adding your email in the little box below my picture at the top of this page. 

If you’ve enjoyed this post, please like FunCycled on  Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest if you don’t already. Keep up to date on the newest finds, vote on colors and give your input on our creativity. We share fun tutorials, great before and after, and new design inspirations. 

We offer interior design, kitchen cabinet painting, and custom built tables, barn doors, and repurposed furniture. Thank you, again, for working with us and for taking the time to spread the word about what we do. This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As always, I only recommend products I genuinely love and trust.

Happy FunCycling Friends,
Sarah ; )

Because home is where peace begins.

Living in a compact footprint shouldn’t mean sacrificing ultimate relaxation or style. The struggle to find functional, space-saving living room furniture usually leads to a frustrating compromise: oversized, clunky chairs that swallow the whole room, or stiff, uncomfortable seats that no one actually wants to hang out in. Fortunately, a new generation of smart furniture design has solved this exact dilemma.

If you are looking for the best small space recliners and stylish swivel chairs, you don’t have to settle for dated silhouettes or massive profiles. From stealth push-back recliners disguised as tailored accent chairs to chic 360-degree swivels that effortlessly bridge multiple conversation zones, it is easier than ever to bring maximum comfort into a tight layout. Ahead, we’ve rounded up the prettiest, most space-conscious armchairs that fit seamlessly into compact living rooms. Plus, there’s a bonus: I am sharing my secret seating hacks for when you’re hosting a crowd.

1. Stylish Swivel Chairs with a Small Footprint

Swivel accent chairs are a designer favorite for small spaces because they offer maximum functionality without requiring extra clearance. A chic swivel allows you to turn seamlessly from facing the TV to engaging in conversation or looking out a window, all without physically dragging furniture across the rug. They add a high-end, dynamic feel to compact corners and awkward nooks.

The Modern Tailored Swivel: Featuring crisp square arms and clean lines, this option from Martha Stewart brings structure and tailored style to tight living rooms.

SHOP IT HERE

The Classic Upholstered Barrel Swivel: A timeless Pottery Barn favorite with a gentle, rounded silhouette that softens sharp angles in a small layout.

SHOP IT HERE

The Timeless Leather Barrel Swivel: Bring rich texture and warmth into your room with a classic leather barrel chair that hides its 360-degree swivel base completely.

SHOP THIS ONE HERE.

The Mid-Century Organic Leather Swivel: Featuring an exposed silhouette and sleek lines, this leather option is ideal for modern organic or mid-century spaces where light needs to flow freely.

SHOP THIS ONE HERE

The Long & Narrow Space Hero: Designed specifically for tight footprints, this West Elm favorite offers a slender profile and comes in dozens of custom fabrics to match any palette.

SHOP THIS ONE HERE

2. Space-Saving Mini Recliners That Actually Look Good

Forget the bulky, overstuffed recliners of the past that consume an entire room. Today’s modern mini recliners give you all the kick-back comfort you want in a slim, elegant profile that looks just like a tailored accent chair when closed. Push-back and compact power recliners with widths under 30 inches let you enjoy full-body relaxation without sacrificing your modern interior aesthetic.

The Coastal Classic: Upholstered in a crisp blue-and-linen stripe, this push-back recliner adds effortless style and cozy texture without looking like a reclining chair.

SHOP THIS ONE HERE

The Family-Friendly Neutral: Wrapped in durable, easy-to-clean microfiber, this petite chair is built for high-traffic living rooms and everyday lounging.

SHOP THIS HERE

The Tailored Leather Icon (Pottery Barn): Available in dozens of rich leather choices, including an eye-catching deep forest green, the Tyler recliner from Pottery Barn offers optional height extensions without adding extra width.

SHOP THIS RECLINER FROM POTTERY BARN

The Traditional Touch: If you love the silhouette of a classic wingback recliner but need a scaled-down footprint, this leather option delivers vintage charm in a compact size.

SHOP IT HERE

Bonus Seating Hacks & Multi-Functional Tips

When hosting extra guests in a small space, you need smart, flexible seating solutions that don’t permanently clutter your main living zone. Here are two secret design hacks to double your guest capacity on demand:

Hack #1: Dining Chairs on Casters

Swap out standard head-of-table dining chairs for upholstered versions on smooth-rolling casters. At around 19 inches wide, they tuck neatly under your dining table for everyday meals, but can be effortlessly wheeled into the living room as substantial, comfortable armchairs when company arrives.

SHOP THIS SET OF 2 HERE

Hack #2: Elevated Folding Chairs (The IKEA Find)

Forget cheap, utilitarian card-table chairs. Modern folding options, like these sleek wood and woven designs from IKEA, offer legitimate design appeal. Store a pair hanging on wall hooks in a closet or slid neatly under a bed, then pull them out for instantly elevated party seating.

SHOP THIS CUTIE FOLDING CHAIR FROM IKEA HERE!

Final Thoughts

Making a small footprint work isn’t about having less. It’s about choosing furniture that works twice as hard. Whether you add a stealth push-back recliner, a sleek swivel, or double-duty caster chairs, you can easily create a layout that feels open, chic, and completely guest-ready.

Shop the Post & Products in One Place:

I have curated all of my top picks for this post in one place.

Need a Little Help?

Love one of these rugs but not sure how to pull it all together? We would love to help! Start with booking a 1 Hour Design Consultation to get started today. To lean more, visit our Interior Design Services Page.

Final Thoughts

Thank you all for following along! If you’d like to get this blog in your email once a week, please sign up for our weekly newsletter by adding your email in the little box below my picture at the top of this page. 

If you’ve enjoyed this post, please like FunCycled on  Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest if you don’t already. Keep up to date on the newest finds, vote on colors and give your input on our creativity. We share fun tutorials, great before and after, and new design inspirations. 

We offer interior design, kitchen cabinet painting, and custom built tables, barn doors, and repurposed furniture. Thank you, again, for working with us and for taking the time to spread the word about what we do. This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As always, I only recommend products I genuinely love and trust.

Happy FunCycling Friends,
Sarah ; )

Because home is where peace begins.

Live in the Capital Region? We paint kitchen cabinets like these for homeowners in Albany, Saratoga, Troy and nearby. Send us a few photos and your door and drawer count for a free kitchen cabinet painting quote.

We all know the standard ’90s honey oak kitchen: heavy wood grain, dated yellow Formica countertops, visible brass hinges, and a bulky microwave dominating the range area. While the footprint of these kitchens is often functional, the aesthetic can leave the whole home feeling tired and dark.

For our latest project, our clients loved their kitchen’s original layout, but they were ready for a bright, classic, and sophisticated update. Instead of a costly full-gut remodel, we executed a strategic kitchen refresh that transformed the entire room, proving that smart design tweaks, professional finishes, and the right color palette can completely redefine a space.

This was the kitchen when I first met with them. The before:

The Power of Paint: Benjamin Moore Louisburg Green

The centerpiece of this transformation was the cabinetry. We professionally prepped and painted the original oak cabinets in Benjamin Moore Louisburg Green, an earthy, muted sage that adds instant character without overpowering the room. To soften the surrounding walls, we selected Benjamin Moore Classic Gray, providing a warm, subtle contrast that keeps the space feeling airy. You can see this beautiful and classic combination below.

Louisburg Green

Classic Gray

And here is the after with the right combination of paint, finishes, new counters, and customization.

Elevating Details & Smart Spatial Hacks

• The Soffit Trick: To break up the choppy visual line above the cabinets, we added crown molding directly to the soffit and painted everything to match the cabinetry. This seamless, tone-on-tone treatment draws the eye upward, instantly adding perceived height to the room.

• The Microwave Niche: The clients wanted to open up the cooking area, so we removed the over-the-range microwave and built a custom open shelf, painting the niche to match for a tailored, cozy focal point.
• Modern Hardware & Hidden Hinges: We swapped out the dated external hinges for modern, hidden, soft-close hardware, instantly giving the cabinet doors a sleek, custom look.

• Coordinated Finishes: We installed durable white quartz countertops, a soft white subway tile backsplash with matching white grout, an undermount sink, and warm metallic hardware and plumbing fixtures to anchor the classic aesthetic.

Once we are finished with a project, we always encourage our clients to consider some new styling in the space. Adding thoughtful touches, like plants and small pictures create a warm feeling and can easily tuck in the background, allowing room for practical needs (fresh fruit or cooking utensils) to still remain.

Ready for Your Own Transformation?

Whether you are staring at a dark and dated kitchen or a lacklustre living room, we’re here to help. Our team doesn’t just dream up the design, we work with you to help bring the vision to life!

To get started, schedule a design consultation so we can create a plan for your home. Click the link below to book an appointment. We offer VIRTUAL or IN-PERSON consultations, so we can work with you no matter where you are located.

Want to Start With a FREE Cabinet Painting Quote

If you are ready to begin with a free kitchen quote, contact us today. Just send us some photos and the count of your doors and drawers, and we can start you off with a free quote for painting your cabinets!

Final Thoughts

Thank you all for following along! If you’d like to get this blog in your email once a week, please sign up for our weekly newsletter by adding your email in the little box below my picture at the top of this page. 

If you’ve enjoyed this post, please like FunCycled on  Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest if you don’t already. Keep up to date on the newest finds, vote on colors and give your input on our creativity. We share fun tutorials, great before and after, and new design inspirations. 

We offer interior design, kitchen cabinet painting, and custom built tables, barn doors, and repurposed furniture. Thank you, again, for working with us and for taking the time to spread the word about what we do. This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As always, I only recommend products I genuinely love and trust.

Happy FunCycling Friends,
Sarah ; )

Because home is where peace begins.

There is a unique kind of magic that comes with living in a historic home. The creaky hardwood floors, the original crown molding, the architectural quirks; they give a home a soul that modern builder-grade houses simply cannot replicate.

But living in a storied property also comes with design challenges. How do you bring 21st-century functionality and a fresh, elevated aesthetic into your space without stripping away its history? How do you modernize an old house without turning it into a sterile, soulless box?

Enter the “Modern Heritage” design movement. This approach isn’t about creating a time capsule, nor is it about gutting history. It’s about the art of juxtaposition; introducing clean, contemporary elements that actually honor and elevate the original integrity of your home.

If you are ready to upgrade your space, here are 10 highly curated, elevated products that bridge the gap between historic charm and modern luxury.

1. Solid Brass Toggle & Rotary Light Switches

Most old homes have been subjected to cheap, white plastic builder-grade light switches over the decades. They stick out like a sore thumb against historic plaster or wallpaper.

• The Upgrade: Swap them out for heavy-duty, vintage-inspired toggle switches or rotary dimmer switches in solid or unlacquered brass.
• Why it Honors the Home: The toggle silhouette throws back to early electrical systems, but the clean lines feel entirely modern. It turns a mundane, daily tactile interaction into a luxurious experience.
• Shopping Tip: Look for unlacquered brass or aged bronze finishes. Unlacquered brass will develop a beautiful, natural patina over time that mirrors the age of your home.

SHOP THIS TOGGLE SWITCH HERE!

SHOP THE ROTARY SWITCH HERE!

2. Rechargeable Brass Wall Sconces

Old houses are notorious for a lack of overhead lighting and a severe shortage of electrical outlets. The thought of hiring an electrician to cut into historical plaster walls to add hardwired ambient lighting is enough to induce a headache.

• The Upgrade: Battery-operated, rechargeable LED wall sconces.
• Why it Honors the Home: You can achieve the stately, symmetrical look of historic library or bedroom lighting completely wire-free.
• Shopping Tip: Choose fixtures with timeless silhouettes; like a classic library swing-arm or a simple linen shade, and pair them with puck lights or rechargeable smart bulbs controlled by a remote.

SHOP IT HERE!

3. Schoolhouse Milk Glass Pendants

When it comes to replacing outdated ceiling fixtures, going too modern can instantly break the illusion of an old home.

• The Upgrade: Schoolhouse-style pendants featuring milky white glass and striking hardware.
• Why it Honors the Home: Popularized in the early 1900s, schoolhouse glass diffuses light beautifully and softly. The modern twist comes from choosing fixtures with updated, clean metal mountings (like matte black or brushed brass) instead of overly ornate, dusty antique chains.
• Shopping Tip: These look exceptional in kitchens, entryways, and long hallways where you want a classic focal point. Also keep your finish a more modern one, such as matte black or brushed gold. Older finishes, like shiny brass or oil-rubbed bronze will make the room feel dated.

SHOP IT HERE IN BRUSHED GOLD!

SHOP MY PICK IN MATTE BLACK HERE.

4. Ornate Cast Iron or Brass Vent Covers

Nothing ruins the vibe of a beautiful original baseboard or floor faster than a dented, utilitarian metal slit vent cover from the 1980s.

• The Upgrade: Patterned cast iron or solid brass register covers.
• Why it Honors the Home: Historically, even the most basic utilities were treated as art. Replacing basic vents with geometric, Victorian, or Craftsman-style grates turns a functional eyesore into a striking architectural detail.
• Shopping Tip: Measure your actual duct opening (not the old cover) before buying, as historic vent sizes can sometimes be non-standard.

SHOP MY PICK HERE!

5. Fluted Glass Door Knobs

If your home’s original hardware was stripped away by past renovations, replacing it with cheap, round silver hardware can make the interior doors look incredibly flat.

• The Upgrade: Fluted or octagonal glass door knobs paired with a solid brass rosette.
• Why it Honors the Home: Glass knobs catch and refract natural light beautifully throughout a hallway. They feel substantially heavy in your hand and instantly restore early 20th-century glamour to standard interior doors.

SHOP IT HERE!

6. Washable Printed Persian-Style Rugs

True antique Persian rugs are stunning, but they are also delicate, expensive, and terrified of modern life (kids, pets, coffee spills).

• The Upgrade: High-quality, vintage-printed washable rugs.
• Why it Honors the Home: A traditional, faded motif grounds an old room, adding the color depth and historic weight the space begs for. Choosing a modern washable version gives you the aesthetic of a centuries-old heirloom with the low-maintenance reality of today.
• Shopping Tip: Look for options with a low pile and pre-faded, muted tones so it looks authentic rather than brightly digitally printed.

I love a lot of options from Ruggable. Here are two of my top picks

SHOP A MORE TRADITIONAL STYLE HERE!

SHOP ONE OF MY TOP PICKS FOR SOFT & MUTED STYLING HERE!

7. Pinch-Pleated Soft Linen Drapery

Older homes often feature heavy wood trim around the windows. Standard tab-top or grommet curtains can make the windows look cluttered and dated.

• The Upgrade: Tailored, pinch-pleated linen curtains hung high and wide.
• Why it Honors the Home: Linen is one of the oldest textiles in the world. Its organic, slightly slubbed texture softens the rigid architecture of an old room. Hanging them on a minimal brass ring-top rod just below the ceiling makes historic windows feel grand and airy.

SHOP ONE OF TOP PICKS HERE!

8. Woven Bamboo Roman Shades

If you need privacy but don’t want your windows suffocated by heavy fabric, modern plastic blinds are a definite design crime in an old home.

• The Upgrade: Natural woven bamboo or wood Roman shapes.
• Why it Honors the Home: Bamboo shades introduce a clean, structured geometric line to the window frame while injecting organic warmth. They layer flawlessly underneath linen curtains for a high-end designer look.

Look for a cordless option, like these below.

SHOP THEM HERE!

9. Minimalist Dining Chairs Paired with an Antique Table

Here is the ultimate design dilemma: You inherited or thrifted a gorgeous, heavy historic dining table, but pairing it with matching antique chairs makes the entire room feel like a dusty museum or a haunted mansion.

• The Upgrade: Mid-century modern, Scandinavian, or clean-lined minimalist dining chairs.
• Why it Honors the Home: This is the peak of Modern Heritage style. The sleek, understated lines of a modern chair act as a foil to the intricate wood grain and heavy turned legs of a vintage table. It lets the history of the table shine without dragging the room into the past.

The best way to really honor the history of your home while embracing a modern updated look is to blend old with new. We like simple lines found in many modern dining chairs. Simple curved lines & fabrics work best. Shop my picks below:

SHOP THIS SET OF TWO HERE!

SHOP MY LUXE PICK HERE!

10. Streamlined Picture Frames in Simple Finishes

How do you display art in an old home? Traditional gold filigree frames can sometimes feel too formal, while too much heavy wood can keep the space feeling dated and dark.

• The Upgrade: Streamlined frames in simple finishes, like burl wood, soft gold, or classic black.
• Why it Honors the Home: The minimalist, thin profile of a streamlined frame introduces clean geometric lines that instantly refresh historical walls. By choosing classic, high-quality finishes—like the historic warmth of burl wood, a quiet matte black, or a soft, unpolished gold—you give a respectful nod to traditional textures without overwhelming the room with bulky, dated shapes. It creates the perfect gallery-style presentation that allows your art and your home’s character to shine simultaneously.

SHOP THIS SET OF THREE BURLWOOD FRAMES HERE!

SHOP MY PICK FOR BLACK FRAMES HERE. (Bonus, this one comes with matting for 8 x 10 or 16 x 20 picture)

SHOP MY PICK FOR THIS SET OF 3 BRASS FRAMES WITH MATTING HERE.

The Secret to the “Modern Heritage” Mix

The secret to successfully figuring out how to modernize an old house comes down to intentionality. You don’t need to gut your walls or spend a fortune on a total renovation. By focusing on the details you use and see every single day (your lighting, your hardware, your textiles) you can create a home that feels entirely functional for modern living, while remaining deeply respectful to the story your house has been telling for decades.

Which of these updates are you going to try first? Let me know the year your home was built in the comments below!

Shop the Post & Products in One Place:

I have curated all of my top picks for this post in one place.

Need a Little Help?

Do you see some items that inspire you for your home but aren’t sure how to pull it all together? We would love to help! Start with booking a 1 Hour Design Consultation to get started today. To lean more, visit our Interior Design Services Page.

Schedule a 1 Hour Design Consultation

Final Thoughts

Thank you all for following along! If you’d like to get this blog in your email once a week, please sign up for our weekly newsletter by adding your email in the little box below my picture at the top of this page. 

If you’ve enjoyed this post, please like FunCycled on  Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest if you don’t already. Keep up to date on the newest finds, vote on colors and give your input on our creativity. We share fun tutorials, great before and after, and new design inspirations. 

We offer interior design, kitchen cabinet painting, and custom built tables, barn doors, and repurposed furniture. Thank you, again, for working with us and for taking the time to spread the word about what we do. This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As always, I only recommend products I genuinely love and trust.

Happy FunCycling Friends,
Sarah ; )

Because home is where peace begins.

There is a massive design myth floating around the internet: if a client has a small space, you must paint it bright white and keep it completely minimalist to make it feel bigger.

But what happens when you throw a sharp, awkward attic angle into the mix? You usually end up with a room that feels less like an airy sanctuary and more like a sterile, cramped cave.

When we signed on to tackle this guest bath for our client, we decided to throw the old rulebook out the window. Instead of fighting the architecture, we leaned into it. By pairing moody, high-contrast elements with clever space-saving fixtures, we turned an awkward layout into the most talked-about room in their house.

Whether you are staring down a sloped ceiling of your own or trying to maximize a tiny attic footprint, here is exactly how we mastered this makeover—complete with our exact design board and product links so you can recreate the look!

Here is the concept we pulled together for this bathroom.

The “Before”: Beige, Boring, and Cramped

Let’s be honest: builder-grade bathrooms love a sea of beige. Our client’s original bathroom was drowning in muted tones, dated faux-wood flooring, and zero personality.

Beyond the outdated aesthetics, the layout had some serious functional flaws that were driving our client crazy:

• The Over-Sized Vanity: The original laminate countertop was far too wide for the sloped wall, making the sink area feel crowded and cutting off the room’s physical flow
• The Shadow Effect: The traditional multi-bulb light fixture over the mirror cast harsh, awkward shadows thanks to the angled ceiling.
• The Claustrophobic Shower: The old shower featured a dated chrome frame and textured frosted glass that blocked light and shrunk the room instantly

The Strategy: Embrace the Angle

Our goal wasn’t to hide the sloped ceiling for our client; it was to make it the star of the show. We designed a dramatic, high-contrast palette: deep charcoal walls to add depth, offset by crisp white vertical wainscoting to keep the room grounded.

Here is how it all came together:

1. The Small-Scale Vanity & Bold Feature Wall

To open up the walkway, we swapped out the bulky original vanity for a narrower, rustic wood vanity with a dark stone top and industrial black hardware.

Next we turned the sharp slope into a feature wall by installing a whimsical, framed-dog portrait wallpaper (our client absolutely loved this touch of personality!). Instead of a traditional vanity light that fights the ceiling angle, we utilized a sleek, circular LED backlit mirror. It provides flawless lighting without taking up a single inch of wall space.

Adding greenery (even faux) offers touches of nature to your bathroom. This will help create a peacefulness and keep your design grounded.

2. The Custom Frameless Shower

A huge game-changer was the shower overhaul. We completely removed the dated metal tracking and installed a clean, black-framed clear glass enclosure.

Inside, we used classic bright white subway tile on the walls to bounce light around, but gave it a modern edge with a matte black showerhead and a graphic, dark-patterned floor tile.

Keeping your fixtures cohesive creates an elevated and modern feel to any space.

3. Graphic Flooring to Tie it Together

To make a small bathroom feel high-end, using strong focal points offers a designer touch and thoughtful approach, making your space feel intentional. To accomplish this, we not only added the bold wallpaper but we decided to pait it with a high contrast floor tile. This bold pattern helps pull together the black and white shower install and you need a strong focal point underfoot. We carried a bold, geometric starburst tile across the main floor. Because the vertical wainscoting breaks up the dark paint and the patterned tile, the busy floor feels intentional and high-end rather than overwhelming.

4. The Secret Weapon: A Custom Door & Shiplap walls

When you’re dealing with tight angles and a small footprint, every single inch matters—including the doorway. A standard door swing would have eaten up half of our client’s usable floor space or constantly banged into the fixtures. To solve the layout puzzle, we added a custom door that fits the space perfectly without sacrificing style or privacy.

Three Rules for Your Sloped-Ceiling Remodel

If you are currently planning your own small bathroom remodel with sloped ceiling, keep these three designer takeaways in mind:

1. Rethink Your Doors and Vanities: Shaving just a few inches off your vanity depth or swapping a standard door for a custom space-saving solution can completely transform the traffic flow of a tight bathroom.
2. Make the Angled Wall an Accent: Don’t paint it out and hope it disappears. Use wallpaper or a statement paint color to make the architecture look entirely intentional.
3. Invest in Clear Glass: If you have a small bathroom, frosted glass is your enemy. Clear glass instantly doubles the perceived size of the room by letting your eyes see all the way to the back wall.

Love this bathroom and want to find similar products? Shop the whole collection below.

Ready for Your Own Transformation?

To get started, schedule a design consultation so we can create a plan for your home. Click the link below to book an appointment.

Did you know? Project Management is Just as Important

At FunCycled, we can also project manage your design project. Whether you are renovating your bathroom, updating your kitchen, or adding on to a part of house, there are so many details that need to be considered and properly managed to assure your project goes according to plan and executed well! Communication and detail management are key to accomplishing this, and FunCycled can do this for you.

As project managers, we ensure your project stays on schedule. These are the details we will ensure: smooth communication with your contractor and any vendors required for your project, ensure proper layout and installation, coordinate details for deliveries, take care of ordering products to mitigate incorrect products, and provide oversight to the full scope of the project.

Final Thoughts

Thank you all for following along! If you’d like to get this blog in your email once a week, please sign up for our weekly newsletter by adding your email in the little box below my picture at the top of this page. 

If you’ve enjoyed this post, please like FunCycled on  Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest if you don’t already. Keep up to date on the newest finds, vote on colors and give your input on our creativity. We share fun tutorials, great before and after, and new design inspirations. 

We offer interior design, kitchen cabinet painting, and custom built tables, barn doors, and repurposed furniture. Thank you, again, for working with us and for taking the time to spread the word about what we do. This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As always, I only recommend products I genuinely love and trust.

Happy FunCycling Friends,
Sarah ; )

Because home is where peace begins.

Have you ever scrolled through high-end home decor sites, fallen completely in love with a moody, sophisticated room, and then nearly fainted when you saw the price tag on the furniture?

You are definitely not alone.

Lately, we have been seeing a massive trend toward deep, jewel-toned statement furniture. High-end retailers are capitalizing on this look with vintage-inspired pieces that cost a fortune. But here is a designer secret: you don’t need a luxury budget to get a magazine-worthy home. Today, we’re breaking down the art of high-low interior design to show you how to get that exact high-end look for thousands less.

The $4,000 Retail Comparison

To show you what we mean, let’s do a little head-to-head comparison.

On the High-End

Here we have a stunning green buffet from Wayfair currently priced at a whopping $4,159.99. It features beautiful molding, a bold jewel-tone finish, elegant wood-toned legs, and plenty of storage.

On the Low End

On the “low” investment side, we have our newly finished FunCycled Two-tone Buffet available right now for just $999.00.

When you look at them side by side, they offer the exact same design impact: a striking two-tone aesthetic with warm wood legs grounding a rich, statement color.

But here is the real kicker: the Wayfair piece is factory-made to look old. The FunCycled buffet is an authentic vintage piece built from solid wood with old-school craftsmanship that modern furniture lines simply cannot replicate. It’s a sustainable, one-of-a-kind statement item. No one else on the block will have this exact piece in their home!

These photos speak for themselves!

How to Style a Buffet for a High-End Look

Once you have your statement furniture, the real magic happens in how you dress it up. Mastering high-low buffet styling means pairing an affordable, high-quality base piece with beautifully curated accessories.

Depending on your personal home aesthetic, here are two designer formulas to style this exact piece, complete with shopping links to recreate the look:

Mood 1: Dark Academia Meets Modern Organic

This look is all about texture, mystery, and an artfully curated vibe. It feels like the private study of a well-traveled scholar, balancing deep, dramatic tones with raw, natural elements that soften the buffet’s ornate vintage lines.

• The Focal Art: Center a striking, large-scale abstract print above the buffet. A minimal and understated frame allows the modern selection to play off the the depth of a bold paint color and balances the ornate details with simple lines.

SHOP THIS ARTWORK HERE

• The Statement Vase: On one side, introduce a tall, charcoal-terracotta amphora vase. I like this one with handles; it adds subtle sculptural interest for a touch of drama.

SHOP THE VASE HERE

• Organic Greenery: Populating it with wild, sprawling green branches creates an asymmetrical, organic silhouette that breathes life into the moody palette and draws the eye upward.

SHOP THESE BRANCHES HERE

• The Layering Elements: On the opposite side, ground the look with a monochromatic stack of matte black art books. Placing a heavily veined, ivory marble interlocking knot sculpture on top creates a stunning “high-contrast” moment that feels intentional and upscale.

SHOP THIS COLLECTION OF BOOKS HERE

SHOP THIS MARBLE DECOR HERE

Mood 2: Traditional English Cottage Meets Modern Elegance

If your style leans toward a timeless, historic estate vibe, this direction is for you. It relies on symmetry, heritage accents, and gilded finishes to celebrate the buffet’s vintage roots while keeping it fresh for a modern home.

• Symmetrical Lighting: Place a pair of textured brass statement lamps with clean linen shades on either end of the buffet. This instantly elicits a high-end look that is timeless.

SHOP THIS SET OF LAMPS HERE

• Framed Focal Point : Hang a classic, impressionistic oil landscape featuring stormy skies and rolling hills. Enclosed in a heavy, ornate gold frame, this artwork instantly introduces a sense of heritage, acting as an heirloom focal point that complements the rich jewel-toned paint.

SHOP THIS LANDSCAPE PAINTING HERE

• Heritage Centerpiece: Directly beneath the painting, place a rustic, textured ceramic pedestal bowl finished with a gilded gold rim. Filling the bowl with vibrant, manicured boxwood topiary spheres injects a sophisticated splash of life that perfectly anchors the formal, symmetrical design.

SHOP THIS DECORATIVE BOWL HERE

And here are some great and inexpensive faux boxwoods for filler and decor.

SHOP THESE HERE

Bring This Designer Piece Home

You don’t have to spend over $4,000 to get a luxury look for less. By investing in repurposed artisan furniture and styling it intentionally, your home will look like a million bucks on a realistic budget.

Our FunCycled Jewel-Tone Buffet is officially up for grabs for $999.00. Because it is a true vintage piece, once it’s gone, it’s gone forever! Click the link below to purchase online.

Final Thoughts

Styling your home, no matter what room it is…should be a fun reflection of your personality, not a source of financial stress! High-low interior design proves that you don’t need a luxury budget to create an intentional, curated look that feels high-end.

Ready to start your project? If you’re feeling stuck with too many options or just want a professional eye on your layout or styling needs, let’s get it done! You can set a 1 Hour Design Appointment with me, or just reach out for a quick 15 minute call to see if we’re a good match.

• Schedule a 1-Hour Design Appointment 
• Book a 15-Minute Intro Call

Thank you all for following along! If you’d like to get this blog in your email once a week, please sign up for our weekly newsletter by adding your email in the little box below my picture at the top of this page. 

If you’ve enjoyed this post, please like FunCycled on  Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest if you don’t already. Keep up to date on the newest finds, vote on colors and give your input on our creativity. We share fun tutorials, great before and after, and new design inspirations. 

We offer interior design, kitchen cabinet painting, and custom built tables, barn doors, and repurposed furniture. Thank you, again, for working with us and for taking the time to spread the word about what we do. This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As always, I only recommend products I genuinely love and trust.

Happy FunCycling Friends,
Sarah ; )

Because home is where peace begins.

Renovating a kitchen can feel like trying to hold back a tidal wave of invoices. It’s easy to get caught up in the “while we’re at it” trap, only to realize you’ve spent your entire budget on a fancy backsplash while your drawer slides are still screeching for mercy.

At FunCycled, we believe a beautiful kitchen shouldn’t require a second mortgage. The secret lies in knowing where to anchor your value and where to lean into money saving selections that will give high impact without blowing your budget.

The Value-Anchor: Where to Splurge

If you’re going to open your wallet, do it for the things you touch, pull, and prep on every single day.

1. Hardware and Fixtures Nothing ruins a high-end look faster than a “designer” faucet that feels like lightweight plastic or cabinet pulls that peel after six months of use. We recommend investing in heavy, high-quality hardware and plumbing fixtures.

SHOP MY TOP CABINET HARDWARE PICKS HERE

I also suggest investing in high-quality hinges and drawer slides so your doors and drawers open & close smoothly. These truly are investments that will pay off in the long run.

Pro-tip: Be sure you measure the proper hinge overlay of your cabinet doors & depth of drawer for slides BEFORE ordering. I have linked up a couple of examples for you below.

SHOP OUR FULL COLLECTION OF KITCHEN GADGETS & ORGANIZERS HERE:

2. Countertops Counters are the workhorse of the room. Investing in a durable, stunning stone or quartz is the fastest way to modernize your space. Because they occupy a primary horizontal plane, they catch the most light and the most eyes.

While we see this as an important investment in your kitchen design, we also know you don’t have the blow your whole budget on high-end counters. We strongly recommend quartz (manmade to look like stone) and quartzite or leathered granite counters, both of which are natural materials. There are so many options and often can mimic the high end look of marble and soapstone which are both more costly and harder to maintain.

Here are some of our best recommendations:

Shadow Quartz made to look like marble, but easier to maintain and much less expensive.

Honed Granite that provides a similar look to soapstone.

3. Lighting Cheap lighting can make even the most expensive kitchen look flat. Proper scale and finish in your pendants ensure the room feels cohesive rather than “pieced together.” I have pulled together my top lighting picks for kitchens to help take out some of the guess work.

SHOP THE FULL COLLECTION OF KITCHEN LIGHTING HERE:

FunCycled can help you navigate these selections! From sourcing hardware that won’t dent or peel to assisting with counter selection, we ensure your “spend” items look and perform like a dream.

Mindful Visual Touches: Where to Save

This is where the magic happens and your personality can shine. All while saving you on your budget!

The Cabinetry Secret The biggest expense in a kitchen remodel is almost always new cabinetry. But here is the truth: if your layout works, you are sitting on a goldmine. Painting your existing kitchen cabinets is a “visual illusion” that can literally save you tens of thousands of dollars compared to a full gut-job.

When done professionally, the finish is factory-smooth and incredibly durable. You get the look of a $100K custom kitchen for a fraction of the cost.

• Check out our Before & After Gallery here to see the FunCycled transformation in action!

Affordable Tile You don’t need $40-per-square-foot hand-pressed tiles to make a statement. Many ceramic tiles fall into a very affordable range (under $10!) and can offer beautiful finishes and texture to your kitchen. This helps create warmth. Ceramic tiles come in a variety of shapes and sizes. I have pulled some classic selections that will work in so many designs.

SHOP THIS CERAMIC SUBWAY TILE IN NEUTRAL

SHOP THIS PICKET CERAMIC TILE IN BREEZE

SHOP THIS “HANDMADE” SQUARE 6X6 CERAMIC TILE

• The Pro Move: Buy a classic, affordable subway tile and install it in a unique pattern—like a vertical stack or a double herringbone. It looks custom, but the material cost stays low.

The “Smart Add-on”: Appliances & Tech

Looking for one more way to balance the budget? Let’s talk about Appliances. Unless you are a professional chef, you likely don’t need a $15,000 range. This is a great place to find “middle-ground” luxury. Look for reliable, highly-rated brands that offer a high-end aesthetic without the commercial price tag.

We love the Cafe Collection. It offers a high end look without the sticker price!

SHOP THE CAFE RANGE HERE

Removing the Fear: “Will it Last?”

When considering what choices to make in your kitchen remodel, the big fear we hear is: “If I don’t replace everything, will it look ‘cheap’ in two years?” The answer is a firm no. By spending your money on the “touchpoints” (hardware, counters, and fixtures) and saving on the “bones” (by painting cabinets and choosing smart tile), you create a kitchen that is high-functioning and high-fashion.

Ready to Transform Your Kitchen?

You don’t have to wait years to afford a “Pinterest-worthy” kitchen. You can start by upgrading your hardware or booking a cabinet transformation. Let’s get started! We specialize in elevating existing cabinetry with custom trim and professional finishes and helping you make selections that will add value to your home. Contact us today to get a personalized FREE KITCHEN CABINET PAINTING QUOTE, or Book a 1 – Hour Design Consultation.

Let’s get your project on the calendar!

Thank you all for following along! If you’d like to get this blog in your email once a week, please sign up for our weekly newsletter by adding your email in the little box below my picture at the top of this page. 

If you’ve enjoyed this post, please like FunCycled on  Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest if you don’t already. Keep up to date on the newest finds, vote on colors and give your input on our creativity. We share fun tutorials, great before and after, and new design inspirations. 

We offer interior design, kitchen cabinet painting, and custom built tables, barn doors, and repurposed furniture. Thank you, again, for working with us and for taking the time to spread the word about what we do. This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As always, I only recommend products I genuinely love and trust.

Happy FunCycling Friends,
Sarah ; )

Because home is where peace begins.

Take a look at your kitchen. Is it functional, but lacks energy? Does it feel heavy, even though it has an open layout? That is exactly where our clients were when they approached us about updating their space.

The original kitchen had high-end bones, including an incredible Wolf range and beautiful natural oak floors, but the dark espresso cabinets, busy brown granite, and beige square backsplash were trapping the light. The room felt weighed down and dated.

Our goal wasn’t to rip everything out and start from scratch. Instead, we approached this project through the lens of strategic interior design: reimagining the surfaces, playing with contrast, and bringing in a softer palette to lighten the room.

The Design Challenge: From Heavy and Dark to Light and Airy

The “before” kitchen was a classic example of early-2000s design trends. While the dark wood cabinets were high quality, they absorbed almost all the ambient light from the surrounding living spaces. Paired with a heavy, multi-toned granite, the perimeter of the room felt visually crowded.

Our client wanted a kitchen that felt breezy, modern, and sophisticated. They needed a space that felt custom and intentional, not cookie-cutter. By keeping the existing layout and the premium appliances, they were able to focus the budget entirely on high-impact design elements: color, textures, and finishes.

Why Blue Cabinets with White Counters Are the Perfect Match

If you are looking to step away from the traditional all-white kitchen without committing to a dark, moody palette, blue cabinets with white counters are the ultimate design solution. This combination strikes a perfect balance, offering a distinct personality while remaining entirely timeless.

Selecting the Perfect Shade of Muted Blue

We moved away from stark whites or deep navies and instead opted for a sophisticated, dusty blue-gray for the cabinet painting. This specific shade acts as a colorful neutral. It brings a calm, coastal-meets-modern energy to the space, instantly making the cabinetry feel lighter and more architectural.

These cabinets were painted in Santorini Blue by Benjamin Moore. This color is so soft but still offers a certain depth and richness.

Anchoring the Space with a White Quartz Waterfall Edge

To complement the new cabinetry color, the client paired the look with simple, clean white quartz countertops. But the real showstopper here is the waterfall edge on the peninsula. By wrapping the quartz seamlessly down the side of the cabinetry, it anchors the room, creates a clean sightline from the living areas, and acts as a massive reflector for natural light.

The Finishing Touches: Hardware and a Statement Backsplash

In interior design, the major surfaces lay the foundation, but the details tell the story. To tie the blue cabinetry and white quartz together, we curated elements that added height and warmth.

Drawing the Eye Up with a Vertical Picket Tile

Instead of standard subway tile, we selected a stunning, elongated picket tile for the statement backsplash. By installing these tiles vertically rather than horizontally, we created a subtle visual trick that draws the eye upward, making the kitchen ceilings feel significantly taller.

This is the tile we selected for this kitchen.

SHOP THE TILE HERE

The soft variation in the tile tones bridges the gap between the crisp white counters and the blue cabinets.

Adding the “Jewelry” with Modern Gold Hardware

To prevent the blue and white palette from feeling too cool or clinical, we introduced elongated, satin gold cabinet pulls with a textured grip. The gold tones bring an immediate sense of luxury, and more importantly, they beautifully mirror the warmth of the original hardwood floors, tying the entire room together.

These are the cabinet pulls we selected for this kitchen.

SHOP THEM HERE

The Power of a Strategic Kitchen Makeover

This transformation is proof that you don’t need to knock down walls or completely gut a kitchen to achieve a luxury, custom look. By pairing professional cabinet painting with a stunning waterfall quartz edge, a thoughtful vertical backsplash, and the right hardware, the kitchen was entirely reborn.

The natural wood floors now look vibrant, the gold fixtures pop against the crisp finishes, and the entire main floor of the home feels brighter and more welcoming.

Ready to reimagine your own space? Contact us today to schedule a design consultation and find out how we can transform your kitchen from heavy to heavenly.

Ready for Your Own Transformation?

Whether you are staring at a dark and dated kitchen or a lacklustre living room, we’re here to help. Our team doesn’t just dream up the design, we work with you to help bring the vision to life!

To get started, schedule a design consultation so we can create a plan for your home. Click the link below to book an appointment. We offer VIRTUAL or IN-PERSON consultations, so we can work with you no matter where you are located.

Final Thoughts

Thank you all for following along! If you’d like to get this blog in your email once a week, please sign up for our weekly newsletter by adding your email in the little box below my picture at the top of this page. 

If you’ve enjoyed this post, please like FunCycled on  Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest if you don’t already. Keep up to date on the newest finds, vote on colors and give your input on our creativity. We share fun tutorials, great before and after, and new design inspirations. 

We offer interior design, kitchen cabinet painting, and custom built tables, barn doors, and repurposed furniture. Thank you, again, for working with us and for taking the time to spread the word about what we do. This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As always, I only recommend products I genuinely love and trust.

Happy FunCycling Friends,
Sarah ; )

Because home is where peace begins.

Your bedroom should be more than just a place to sleep. It should be a curated sanctuary that reflects your personality. We recently wrapped up a full-service modern farmhouse bedroom makeover, taking a blank-slate space and transforming it into a high-contrast retreat. By managing every detail from the initial design board to the final styling, we were able to blend bold architectural features like a black shiplap wall with the organic warmth of exposed wood beams. Peek inside the transformation to see how we used purposeful texture and a sophisticated color palette to bring this client’s vision to life.

The Scope: A Start-to-Finish Design Journey

This project was a true collaborative journey. It began with a design consultation to understand how our clients wanted the space to feel, not just look. Once the vision was set, we moved into the creation of a custom design board and sourced product recommendations.

This is the design board we created for the bedroom. SHOP THE DESIGN BOARD HERE.

As a full-service project, we didn’t just hand over a shopping list; we provided comprehensive project management. From the first coat of paint to the final installation of the curtain rods and artwork, we were on-site to ensure every element was executed to our high standards. NOTE, sometimes during the process, products seen on a design board may be slightly adjusted based on availability and any minor tweaks needed to best execute the design plan!

The Focal Point: Mastering the Black Shiplap Accent Wall

To anchor the room, we decided to go bold. We installed a horizontal shiplap feature wall and drenched it in a deep, velvety black. While a dark wall can feel intimidating, here it acts as a sophisticated backdrop that makes the existing wood headboard and crisp white linens truly sing. It adds an architectural “weight” to the room that was missing before, instantly elevating the entire aesthetic from standard to custom.

Did you know, FunCycled can install a custom wall feature for your home!

Adding Warmth: Elevating the Space with Wood Beams and Muted Tones

Balance is key in modern farmhouse design. To keep the black shiplap from feeling too heavy, we highlighted the stunning vaulted ceiling with rich wood beams.

We also gave a piece of existing furniture a new lease on life by painting the dresser in a beautiful, muted terracotta.

This earthy pop of color, paired with the rust and slate tones in the throw pillows, creates a bridge between the dark accent wall and the natural wood elements, ensuring the room feels cozy and lived-in.

Purposeful Texture: Layering Curtains, Linens, and Decor

Texture is the secret ingredient that makes a room feel “finished.” We traded the bare windows for floor-to-ceiling patterned curtains that add softness and height.

On the bed, we layered a striped duvet with subtle, ivory euro pillows and decorative throw pillows in muted tones to create a tactile experience.

We also carried this theme into the accessories, using woven baskets and beaded decor items to add organic variety. Every piece was chosen with purpose—to add comfort without creating clutter.

Scale and Light: Sourcing Statement Lighting and Intentional Artwork

Proper scale can make or break a room’s design. We replaced the standard recessed lighting with a large-scale wagon wheel chandelier that fills the vertical space of the vaulted ceiling.

Beside the bed, we installed modern industrial sconces to free up space on the nightstands.

Finally, we swapped the scattered wall hangings for a curated trio of geometric art prints. By choosing larger, intentional pieces, we were able to accentuate the room’s height and create a sense of calm, professional symmetry.

Love this room? Shop the look here!

Love the pieces we used? You can source the exact items (or our favorite alternatives) for your own home below:

Final Thoughts

Thank you all for following along! If you’d like to get this blog in your email once a week, please sign up for our weekly newsletter by adding your email in the little box below my picture at the top of this page. 

If you’ve enjoyed this post, please like FunCycled on  Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest if you don’t already. Keep up to date on the newest finds, vote on colors and give your input on our creativity. We share fun tutorials, great before and after, and new design inspirations. 

We offer interior design, kitchen cabinet painting, and custom built tables, barn doors, and repurposed furniture. Thank you, again, for working with us and for taking the time to spread the word about what we do. This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As always, I only recommend products I genuinely love and trust.

Happy FunCycling Friends,
Sarah ; )

Because home is where peace begins.

Note some of the the links provided are affiliate links, and I may earn from any qualifying purchases.

When we first met our clients, Heather and Brian, we knew it would be such a wonderful experience working with them! They were truly excited about having a fresh take on their bathroom and really willing to trust the process of design.

In reviewing their bathroom with them, we noted some key elements that needed change: 1) it was outdated; 2) the shower was way too small; 3) there was a lack of storage; and 4) the bathroom had absolutely no personality. After discussing some of the hopes and needs, we went to work on planning a stunning at-home spa experience for these well-deserving clients!

Given the details our clients shared with us, we leaned into a modern farmhouse aesthetic for the bathroom. Here’s the design board we created to envision a new retreat for our clients. The design feels grounded, clean, and just a little bit indulgent.

YOU CAN SHOP THIS DESIGN BOARD HERE

The Bold Move: Swapping the Tub for a Luxury Walk-In

The centerpiece of this renovation is the massive walk-in shower. We said goodbye to the barely used tub area and cramped shower and hello to a custom tiled sanctuary.

Here is the before of a cramped shower and not so very big tub. Both really not accommodating for this family.

And here is the transformation. Oversized shower with simple but thoughtfully designed storage cabinet.

• The Setup: We installed two overhead showerheads (because why fight for the warm water?) and a built-in bench seat for that true spa experience.

• The Vibe: The entire space is encased in a black paned shower enclosure. It provides that “industrial edge” that keeps the farmhouse look from feeling too “country.”

• The Execution: To really embody the luxury feel for this bathroom, we paired deep gray tiles with dark grout with the black shower fixtures – all within the stunning paned shower enclosure. Together, these really create an elevated and luxury feel.

Storage That Doesn’t Look Like… Storage

One of the biggest pain points in any bathroom is clutter. We solved this with two strategic moves:

1. The Arched Cabinet: Tucked right next to the shower, this adds architectural interest while housing fresh towels and a few “just for looks” decor pieces.

2. The Hidden Gems: We swapped standard mirrors for round medicine cabinet mirrors. You get the sleek, circular look that breaks up the sharp lines of the tile, plus a secret spot for your toothpaste and skincare.

Warmth Meets Industrial: The Vanity & Tile

To keep the black accents and deep grays from feeling too cold, we brought in a rustic wood double vanity. The soft brown tones provide that “organic” feel that is essential to a modern farmhouse.

We also took the tile work up a notch, literally. We tiled the floor in a grounding gray with clean lines and then ran white subway tile halfway up the walls on three sides of the bathroom. It’s a classic design trick that protects your walls and makes the room feel significantly more expensive than it actually was.

When working with a palette of black, warm white, and deep gray, texture is your best friend. The wood grain in the vanity is what makes this room feel like a home rather than a hotel.

pro tip from the funcycled design team

Shop the Look

Love the pieces we used? You can source the exact items (or our favorite alternatives) for your own home below:

Ready for Your Own Transformation?

Whether you are staring at a 1990s honey-oak vanity or a tub you haven’t used since 2012, we’re here to help. Our team doesn’t just dream up the design, we work with you to help bring the vision to life!

To get started, schedule a design consultation so we can create a plan for your home. Click the link below to book an appointment.

Did you know? Project Management is Just as Important

At FunCycled, we can also project manage your design project. Whether you are renovating your bathroom, updating your kitchen, or adding on to a part of house, there are so many details that need to be considered and properly managed to assure your project goes according to plan and executed well! Communication and detail management are key to accomplishing this, and FunCycled can do this for you. That is exactly what FunCycled did for this project, and can do for your project as well.

As project managers, we ensure your project stays on schedule. These are the details we will ensure: smooth communication with your contractor and any vendors required for your project, ensure proper layout and installation, coordinate details for deliveries, take care of ordering products to mitigate incorrect products, and provide oversight to the full scope of the project.

Final Thoughts

Thank you all for following along! If you’d like to get this blog in your email once a week, please sign up for our weekly newsletter by adding your email in the little box below my picture at the top of this page. 

If you’ve enjoyed this post, please like FunCycled on  Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest if you don’t already. Keep up to date on the newest finds, vote on colors and give your input on our creativity. We share fun tutorials, great before and after, and new design inspirations. 

We offer interior design, kitchen cabinet painting, and custom built tables, barn doors, and repurposed furniture. Thank you, again, for working with us and for taking the time to spread the word about what we do. This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As always, I only recommend products I genuinely love and trust.

Happy FunCycling Friends,
Sarah ; )

Because home is where peace begins.