A Gorgeous IKEA Vanity Hack Transforms This Dated 2000s Bathroom
When Savannah and Kaitlyn Stone, co-owners of @ainslee_design_studio, took on the challenge of renovating their client's outdated bathroom, no one expected the transformation to be quite this stunning. The project began with the recognition of what Savannah described as glaring issues: large, yellowish tiles from the early 2000s, a vanity resembling "an office cabinet," and a wall paint color of blue-gray. The aim? To give the bathroom a brighter, softer vibe and create a pleasant experience reminiscent of spa-like serenity.
Demo day was no small feat. The duo stripped the space down to the studs. Much like peeling away layers from an onion, every element had to go. "Our client wanted to update all of it!" Savannah explained, citing their challenge of turning the bathroom's dark and cramped feel on its head. And they did just this by opening up the space. Out came everything: the tile, the shower, and, of course, the infamous vanity. The end result, according to Savannah, was all about creating peace and calm within this once-dated space.
Among the significant changes was the removal of the soffit above the shower, allowing vertical space to breathe. This adjustment instantly gave the shower more height and helped eliminate the previous heaviness the room exuded. The decision to paint the fresh walls with Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace brought even more lightness to the room, contrasting spectacularly with the light-toned tile chosen for the shower area. “It’s all about making the space feel bigger and more welcoming,” Kaitlyn pointed out, echoing Savannah’s emphasis on the need for openness.
Instead of splurging on expensive tile for every surface, the Stones made strategic choices. They opted for more budget-friendly options for the shower tiles, saving up for luxurious materials like the floor tile and the custom calacatta marble countertop. The sophisticated slabs of marble contribute greatly to the overall elegance of the finished look—allowing the bathroom to feel both upscale and serene.
The centerpiece of the makeover? An IKEA vanity. Originally, it was simply "a typical white IKEA vanity box," as Savannah put it. Its transformation is what caught everyone's attention. By customizing the door fronts with soft, warm wood from Nieu cabinet doors, the vanity was elevated from mundane to magnificent. Savannah can barely contain her enthusiasm, noting, "The statement vanity made the biggest difference in the bathroom." Fancy lights and a stunning pivot mirror completed the whole design, drawing the eyes to the commercially influenced statement piece.
The duo's blending of functional and stylish fixtures speaks volumes about the trend of DIY enthusiasts enhancing IKEA furniture to fit high-end aesthetics. DIYers worldwide are always coming up with innovative IKEA hacks to revitalize their spaces—including this bathroom hack by Savannah and Kaitlyn. Their design not only highlights the beauty of the IKEA product, but it broadens the creative possibilities for what can be done to stay within budget but aim for lavish looks.
While this transformation focused on elegance, it’s also about craftsmanship. Both Savannah and Kaitlyn have made names for themselves not just with their eye for design but how they execute these incredible transformations for their clients. The family-centered approach to home design allows homeowners to rejuvenate spaces they've long been hesitant to change. Their company has now solidified its reputation for prioritizing customer desires and marrying functionality with artistry.
This stunning renovation proves again the power of thoughtful design! Transformations like this can inspire those with modest budgets to rethink their own spaces and tap through DIY strategies to achieve their home aspirations without breaking the bank. “We love how it turned out!” Savannah beams. Simply put, this IKEA hack is not just about saving money; it’s about creating spaces where people feel at ease and at home.
Check out this incredible transformation to see how these design choices work harmoniously together, crafting not only function but style—a great reminder of how far creativity can stretch when paired with some smart shopping choices.
