When Jennifer Harden and her husband, Ryan, moved into their Victorian home in Central New Jersey in early 2022, they were captivated by its charm and history. While the house brimmed with character, one space stood out as lacking in both functionality and aesthetic appeal: the lone full bathroom. Determined to transform the dark, bland space into a light-filled retreat, Jennifer embarked on a renovation journey that would balance Victorian charm with bold and unique personal touches. 

A New Vision for an Old Space 

The bathroom, originally painted a dark gray and sparsely lit by a single small window, felt dull and imposing. “The room was tight, dark and lacked the character that defines the rest of our home,” Jennifer explains. “Being the only full bathroom in the house, it gets a lot of daily use, and I wanted it to feel special, bright and enjoyable.” 

Before

After

With a naturally dim space, Jennifer knew paint would play a critical role in the transformation. After testing a variety of whites, she landed on Whipped, a clean, warm white that worked seamlessly with her design elements. “Just switching from dark gray to white made the room feel so much brighter and more spacious,” she says. 

Embracing Classic Features with Modern Pops 

Jennifer embraced the history of her Victorian home by incorporating vintage-inspired details, like antique brass hooks and a push-button light switch. At the same time, she wasn’t afraid to make bold modern choices, like the emerald green vanity with a marble top and brass fixtures. “The white walls gave me the freedom to go bold with the vanity, and it’s such a fun pop of color,” she shares. 

For the flooring, Jennifer opted for classic marble in a gray-and-white checkerboard pattern, a nod to timeless design. While she initially considered peel-and-stick tiles, she decided to invest in real tile for its durability. “It’s a high-traffic room, so I knew it was worth the effort and expense to make it last,” she explains. 

Before

After

Larger on the Inside 

To visually expand the room’s narrow footprint, Jennifer employed a color drench technique, painting the walls, trim and ceiling in the same crisp white. “It creates a sense of continuity that makes the space feel larger,” she explains. 

Designing for Everyday Joy 

One of Jennifer’s favorite vignettes is the wall near the door, featuring a push-button light switch, antique brass hardware and framed prints. “These little details bring so much character to the space and pop so nicely against the paint,” she says. 

She also took great care to make the room enjoyable for her family. From learning to tile with her contractor friend to choosing pieces that balanced beauty and function, every element was thoughtfully selected. “I wanted the room to be functional for daily life but also feel special and reflective of our style,” she says. 

Lessons Learned 

Throughout the process, Jennifer learned that achieving her vision took patience and persistence. From tracking down the perfect floor tile to balancing DIY projects with professional help, every decision was deliberate. “It took a lot of searching to bring my ideas to life, but it was so worth it,” she says. 

In just two marathon workdays with her contractor, the space went from dark and dated to bright and inviting. “I kept joking with him that it felt like we were in a battle on the mountain tv show trying to renovate a whole bathroom in 2 days. It was a lot of work but we managed to finish I’d say 85% within a weekend,” said Jennifer. 

A Space to Love 

Jennifer’s bathroom makeover is a testament to the power of thoughtful design. By pairing a clean white backdrop with bold colors, vintage accents and practical upgrades, she created a space that’s not only functional but also full of personality. 

Whether you’re tackling a similar project or simply dreaming of your next renovation, Jennifer’s story is proof that with a bit of planning and creativity, even the smallest rooms can make a big impact.