Transform Your Bathroom with Evergreen Fog on a Budget

Refresh an outdated bathroom on a budget with simple updates — including a painted feature wall in Evergreen Fog by Sherwin-Williams.

A minor ceiling repair this summer turned into a full refresh of our main bathroom. One small project led to another, and step by step the space transformed into a bright, updated room without a full renovation.

Because a full bathroom remodel with all-new fixtures can be costly, we chose a budget-friendly plan that kept the tub/shower, toilet, vanity, and flooring in place while focusing on cosmetic improvements and a few targeted upgrades.

This is how the bathroom looked after the ceiling repair and after some of the ceiling texture had been scraped off:

The room worked well functionally with its large vanity and layout, but the overall look felt dated. The beige wall color, old mirror, and dated light fixtures made the bathroom feel heavier than it needed to be.

The mirror and lighting were two of the biggest visual issues, and the dark beige paint amplified the dated feel.

And here is the space now after the updates:

What we changed — focused, inexpensive updates that made a dramatic difference:

• Faux shiplap ceiling: When scraping the ceiling texture proved difficult, we covered the ceiling with faux shiplap. We used the same method applied in another room, but because ceiling joists didn’t line up conveniently we glued boards in place and used temporary mechanical bracing while the adhesive cured.
• Fresh wall paint: We first brightened the room with a clean white (Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore), which opened the space but felt a bit stark for our taste.
• Feature wall in Evergreen Fog: Adding a single wall painted in Evergreen Fog (Sherwin-Williams) introduced a gentle, calming color that completely changed the room’s mood without overwhelming it.
• Updated hardware and lighting: A new round mirror, fresh light fixtures, a modern faucet, and new drawer pulls brought the vanity into the present without replacing the entire cabinet.
• Simple accessories: A Turkish towel used as a shower curtain, soft rugs, and a faux plant on the sill make the room feel cozy and welcoming. Tip: hang the shower curtain as high as possible — even a few extra inches creates the illusion of taller ceilings and a more spacious bathroom.

More about Evergreen Fog Paint Color

Evergreen Fog, selected as Sherwin-Williams’ 2022 color of the year, works beautifully as an accent in bathrooms because it reads as a soft, muted green-gray that complements both warm and cool finishes. Light plays a large role in how any paint color looks, so it’s important to test swatches in the actual space and observe them across morning, afternoon, and artificial light.

If you’re unsure about a color, paint a board or a large swatch on the wall and live with it for several days. That one extra step prevents surprises and helps ensure the chosen color enhances the room’s existing elements.

Bathroom Sources

Disclosure: Some items mentioned below are similar to those we used and are commonly available from home improvement retailers.

We purchased many supplies locally at a national home improvement store. For affordable updates, look for a new mirror, streamlined light fixtures, a modern faucet, and simple pulls for drawers. Textiles like Turkish towels, a textured shower curtain, and plush rugs instantly add warmth and style without a large expense.

For paint, test both a bright white and a muted accent shade like Evergreen Fog to find the best balance for your space. Faux shiplap planks, adhesive, construction adhesive designed for trim, and temporary bracing supplies will help when working on ceilings or walls where studs are not aligned for direct fastening.

More Bathroom Feature Wall Ideas

• Powder room feature walls using textured or patterned paint
• Shiplap accent walls for a coastal or farmhouse feel
• Small bathroom makeovers that focus on paint, lighting, and accessories rather than full replacement