Coastal Bathroom Makeover: Before & After Renovation Ideas

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Tired of your outdated bathroom dragging down the energy of your home? This transformation takes a dull, tile-heavy space and turns it into a serene, light-filled coastal retreat.

From dated blue walls to soft floral wallpaper and crisp white paneling, the difference is stunning and totally achievable in your own home with the right inspiration.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the makeover process with rich visuals and tips to recreate the look!

The Before: Heavy Blue Tiles & No Personality

The original bathroom was practical, but it felt cold and outdated. Floor-to-ceiling blue tiles overwhelmed the space and made the room feel smaller and darker. The lack of decorative elements left it feeling unfinished, despite the natural light from the window.

Problems with the original space:

Overuse of patterned blue tile creating a closed-in feeling
No warmth or texture in the monochromatic design
Outdated fittings and fixtures that aged the entire room
Small space felt even more enclosed due to dark color choices

It was a classic case of functional, but not fabulous – a perfect candidate for our coastal bathroom renovation approach.

The After: Coastal Bathroom Makeover That Breathes

This makeover is the perfect example of how coastal-inspired bathroom decor can completely transform the mood of a space. With a focus on light, natural textures, and soothing colors, the space now feels bright, peaceful, and much more spacious.

Let’s dive into the after photos and break down exactly what changed and how you can recreate this look in your own bathroom renovation project.

For more coastal home decor ideas and seaside style tips, explore our article on coastal decor ideas for a seaside home.

Key Design Elements: Soft Coastal Charm with Floral Elegance

This image captures the essence of coastal cottage charm, using a blend of traditional finishes and soft decorative touches.

What Makes This Coastal Bathroom Design Work:

Floral Blue Wallpaper: A delicate, hand-drawn floral wallpaper wraps the upper walls in a serene palette of light blue and white. It introduces pattern and personality without overwhelming the small space.
White Beadboard Wainscoting: The lower walls are finished with crisp white vertical paneling, a classic coastal design choice that adds texture and structure.
Natural Roman Shade: A woven bamboo blind filters light gently, adding warmth and balancing the cooler blue tones. It also echoes beachy, organic materials like driftwood and rattan.
Ocean-Inspired Details: A turquoise glass wall sconce and a framed beach print quietly reinforce the coastal theme.
Timeless Fixtures: A pedestal sink paired with chrome hardware keeps the space open and clean while maintaining elegance.

The overall effect is romantic, serene, and practical ideal for a modern small bathroom with a beachy twist.

Find the best home decor stores for sourcing coastal bathroom decor items and renovation materials in our detailed reviews and recommendations.

Modern Coastal Bathroom: Bright, Breezy, and Beach House Inspired

This photo offers a more refined and slightly more modern take on minimalist coastal bathroom design.

What makes this coastal bathroom renovation successful:

Vertical White Shiplap Paneling: Running from floor to ceiling, this paneling style brightens the room and draws the eye upward, making the space feel taller and airier.
Stone-Look Lower Walls: Either through wallpaper or subtle tile, the lower portion of the walls adds contrast and spa-like elegance without making the room feel busy.
Framed Coastal Art: A large seascape above the toilet creates a calming focal point and brings the ocean inside without needing literal shells or kitschy beach signs.
Brushed Nickel Fixtures & Lighting: The light fixture features multiple bulbs with frosted glass for a soft glow, ideal for creating a relaxed ambiance.
Accessories & Textures: A neutral bath mat with subtle geometric texture, rolled towels, and a few well-placed prints add charm while preserving a clean, uncluttered feel.

This look is clean, modern, and grounded in natural light perfect for those who love a refined beach house bathroom design.

How to Get the Coastal Bathroom Look in Your Own Home

You don’t need to demolish your entire bathroom to get a similar look. Here are simple, affordable tips to bring a coastal feel into your own bathroom renovation:

Swap tiles for wallpaper with botanical or nautical patterns for an instant bathroom transformation
Add wainscoting or shiplap for texture and brightness that defines coastal bathroom style
Use chrome or brushed nickel fixtures for a timeless finish that complements any coastal design
Bring in natural textures think bamboo blinds, jute rugs, or rope mirrors for authentic beach house vibes
Decorate with coastal art or shell-themed accessories in soft blues, whites, and sandy beige

Recommended Products for Your Coastal Bathroom Makeover:

Peel and Stick Floral Wallpaper in Coastal Blue – Perfect for rental-friendly bathroom updates
DIY Beadboard Wainscoting Kit – Easy installation for weekend warriors
Bamboo Roman Shade in Natural – Adds warmth and texture to any bathroom window
Brushed Nickel Bathroom Fixtures Set – Complete matching set for a cohesive look

📎 Final Thoughts

This before-and-after proves that you don’t need a huge budget or a full renovation to turn your bathroom into a peaceful retreat. With the right mix of light, texture, and personal touches, your bathroom can become your favorite room in the house.

Linda Designs | Home Decor, Interior Design & Lifestyle Inspiration