Neutral Coastal Bedroom Makeover

We recently transformed our bedroom into a calm and pretty coastal retreat!

The result is a calming, neutral space with splashes of blue that evoke the tranquil feel of the coast. Discover how we transformed our bedroom into a serene coastal retreat with budget-friendly updates including LVP flooring, peel-and-stick tiles, and shiplap accents!

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The Before and AFter

Here is a look at the before of this room (carpet, unpainted vanity, mirror etc…).

And here is the after!

The Vision

From the outset, we envisioned a bedroom that exuded calm and relaxation, reminiscent of a coastal escape. We wanted neutral tones to dominate the palette, with varying shades of whites and beiges, complemented by touches of blue. Our goal was to create a cohesive look that flowed seamlessly from the bedroom to the bathroom.

Flooring: Luxury Vinyl Plank

We kept the carpet that was here when we moved in. Unfortunately, it was stained and starting to bubble up in spots. We waited nearly 2 1/2 years before budgeting in a replacement.

After!

The first major change was replacing the old carpet with luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring. We chose LVP because of its durability, ease of installation, and realistic wood appearance. We were able to find a decent match to the color and style of our tile floors downstairs. This makes it feel like it belongs and flows together from first floor to second floor. It’s also more resistant to moisture compared to traditional hardwood, making it an ideal choice for our home.

Installation Tips:

1. Preparation: We started by removing the existing carpet and preparing the subfloor. Ensuring a clean and level surface is crucial for LVP installation.
2. Layout: Before installing, we laid out the planks to ensure a natural wood pattern and to minimize waste.
3. Installation: The click-and-lock system made the installation straightforward. We used a LVP cutter and utility knife to cut planks to fit around corners and edges.

The result was a sleek, cohesive floor that added a warm, wood-like texture to the room, setting the stage for the rest of the makeover.

Bathroom Floor: Peel-and-Stick Tiles

The previous owners had installed simple off white ceramic tiles. Sadly, it wasn’t the best job and the floor was a bit uneven. Grout was piled up messily in some spots too.

After: We went with an inexpensive option and a classic pattern with soft neutral colors. We still have a little finish work to do in this area.

Next, we tackled the bathroom floor with peel-and-stick tiles. This was a cost-effective solution that provided a fresh look without the hassle of traditional tile installation. Although, if you may remember our situation was unique in that we ended up having to repair and deal with some toilet and subfloor issues. It was quite a process and added much time to the project!

Installation Process:

1. Surface Preparation: Just like with the LVP, the surface needed to be clean and smooth. We filled any gaps and sanded down rough spots. Initially we tried to go over tile and this unfortunately did not work for us.
2. Tile Layout: We started from the center of the room and worked our way outwards to ensure the tiles were evenly spaced.
3. Sticking and Cutting: The peel-and-stick feature made it easy to place the tiles. We used a utility knife to trim tiles to fit around fixtures and edges.

The new tiles brightened up the bathroom and provided a pretty pattern that complemented our coastal theme.

Adding Shiplap to the Bathroom Walls

Shiplap is a classic element in coastal decor, adding texture and a touch of rustic charm. We decided to install shiplap on one of the bathroom walls to create a feature that ties the room together.

Steps for Shiplap Installation:

1. Measuring and Cutting: We measured the wall and cut the shiplap panels to fit.
2. Attachment: Using a stud finder, we located the studs and used a nail gun to attach the panels securely.
3. Painting: To maintain our neutral theme, we painted the shiplap a really muted grey – blue.

This feature wall became a focal point in the bathroom, enhancing the overall aesthetic and adding to the coastal vibe.

Painting the Vanity and Framing the Mirror

This vanity is spacious and was in good shape overall.

It’s amazing what a fun “AFTER” simply painting can provide!

As I mentioned, we did not want to replace the bathroom vanity, so we chose to work with what we already had in there. It is a nice vanity with lots of storage. We opted to paint it in a soft, neutral beige to blend seamlessly with the rest of the decor. To frame the mirror, we chose a simple yet classic design that added a finished look.

Painting the Vanity:

1. Preparation: We removed the hardware and wiped the surface down so that the area was prepped. I chose to skip sanding (sanding is always recommended) as I used a primer I love and trust.
2. Painting: Using a high-quality, moisture-resistant paint, we applied two coats for full coverage after starting with one coat of primer.

Framing the Mirror:

1. Measurement: We measured the mirror and cut trim pieces to fit.
2. Attachment: Using special glue, we attached the frame to the mirror. This was a bit tricky because we could not use finish nails as the trim pieces were fixed atop the mirror itself. It has held up well though.

These updates gave the bathroom a cohesive and polished look, enhancing the overall feel of the space.

The Final Touches: Decor and Accents

To complete the makeover, we added decor and accents that tied everything together. Soft linens, coastal-themed artwork, and a few strategically placed plants brought life and color into the room.

Decor Ideas:

1. Linens: We chose bedding and towels in soft whites and blues to reinforce the coastal theme.
2. Artwork: Coastal prints and beach-inspired pieces adorned the walls.
3. Plants: A couple potted plants added a touch of greenery and freshness to the space.

These final touches brought warmth and personality to the room, making it a true coastal retreat.

Future Plans: The Ceiling

Although we achieved a lot with our budget, we still have plans to update the ceiling. We’re considering adding white painted wooden beams paired with planks to add depth and character. This will be the finishing touch to our coastal bedroom makeover one day.

Budget-Friendly Tips

1. DIY Where Possible: Doing the work ourselves saved a significant amount on labor costs.
2. Smart Shopping: We shopped sales for materials and decor when possible.
3. Repurpose and Upcycle: Where it made sense, we repurposed existing items and gave them a new lease on life with paint and creativity.

ShOp The Post!

Our neutral coastal bedroom makeover was a labor of love, transforming an outdated space into a serene haven. By focusing on a cohesive color palette, using budget-friendly materials, and incorporating coastal elements, we achieved a beautiful transformation. We hope our experience inspires you to take on your own home makeover projects and create spaces that bring you joy and tranquility.