Would you paint your whole bathroom black? See how one DIYer used the hue to create a shocking transformation

One DIY fan has proven that powder rooms are a space where going bold really pays off. With some wall panelling, a fresh lick of black paint, and carefully selected accessories, this once boring white space has been completely transformed.

For pointers on where to begin with your own makeover, head to our powder room ideas piece. 

• See also: Bathroom ideas – 51 stylish looks, trends and tips to inspire a makeover

Ariane Recasas-Pecana from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada shared her incredible transformation on Facebook where fans couldn't get over the transformation. Keeping to a tight budget, she has created a striking dark powder room oozing with character. 

'It’s small and didn’t have any windows,' Ariane says, 'almost as if it was begging to be moody!'

Before

Ariane took on the project to keep busy during lockdown, taking her time to get it just right. The first step was to scrape off the popcorn ceiling to achieve a smooth surface.

Next, she installed the moulding. 'We used a handsaw and a mitre box (no mitre saw necessary!) to cut the pieces,' she tells us. She then used No More Nails wood glue to attach them to the wall. 

Once they were dry, she caulked all sides and edges for a clean finish, before starting with the painting.

After

Ariane used Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black paint all over. The decision to paint everything - the ceiling, the walls, the trim, and the door in the same black shade is a key part of what makes the room so striking. 

The all-black-everything vibe also makes the room feel bigger, as under electric light, the corners and edges of this windowless space recede.

'Even though the rest of the house is white, light, and airy, I wanted this powder room to be an entirely different experience,' Arian says. 'I only had to listen to what the space was trying to say, and to me, it wanted to be mysterious and sexy so that's where I got the idea.'

As a self-confessed budget decorator, Ariane managed to transform the space without spending lots of money. She picked up the vintage chandelier and vanity mirror from Facebook Marketplace and got other bargains from IKEA, HomeSense, and Wayfair.

'It’s amazing how paint and lighting can make a dramatic change to a space,' she adds. The makeover is an incredible example of the power of paint and lighting - we're sure this small powder room receives lots of compliments from guests.

The metallic accents on the picture frame, mirror, light fitting and toilet paper holder add warmth and a modern feel. We love the addition of traditional paintings, helping strike a balance between old and new styles.

Feeling inspired? Our small bathroom design ideas piece is brimming with tips.

• See also: Black bedroom ideas

Take a look at our bathroom paint ideas piece for more inspiration - from lavender walls to a two-tone ombre effect. Do you have a small room waiting for a moody makeover?