Before and after: Green painted tiles transform this tiny en suite on a budget

DIYer Geri transformed her tiny en suite bathroom on a budget by painting the wall tiles a stunning shade of green

bathroom with yellow walls, patterned tile floor and walls - overatno18
(Image credit: Geri Alessi/overatno18)

Transforming your bathroom on the cheap has never been easier and who knew that painting bathroom tiles could transform a space so quickly?

Geri Alessi of @overatno18’s incredible en suite is proof. She managed to transform the space for less than £350 thanks to her incredible DIY skills and a stroke of creative genius. 

From covering the old brown floor with patterned adhesive tiles, to creating a Crittall-effect shower screen with electrical tape, there are plenty of handy budget bathroom ideas to steal from this makeover – but it’s the green tiles we fell instantly in love with when we saw them. We quizzed her to find out just how to recreate the look. 

  • DIY level: Novice
  • Time: Weekend
  • Budget: low

bathroom with crittall style shower screen, yellow walls, patterned tile floor and walls - overatno18

(Image credit: Overatno18)

You will need: 

In a few straightforward steps, Geri completely transformed her bathroom into a bright and colorful small bathroom idea.

Before:

bathroom with dark tiles and small shower cubicle with wicker basket

Our brick fireplace before we added tile

(Image credit: Geri Alessi/overatno18)

Step 1: Clean and prep tiles for painting

Give your tiles a wipe down to remove any dust or spills – this will ensure a smooth finish.

Following the instructions on the pack to mix the solution, use the Rust-Oleum Tile Transformations kit to paint the tiles in one layer.

Leave to dry before applying a second layer. Because the formula hardens in 90 minutes, Geri mixed half the solution on day one and the remainder on day two, when she was ready for the second coat.

bathroom with dated patterned tiles and slate effect wall tiles - overatno18

(Image credit: Geri Alessi/Overatno18)

Step 2: Paint the tiles

When the solution has hardened, you can apply your color. Place strips of Frog Tape vertically down your tiles, leaving gaps the same width as the frog tape between each strip.

Paint between the gaps of the frog tape with your chosen color. Wait to dry, then remove the tape.

bathroom with yellow walls, painted patterned tiles and patterned floor tiles

(Image credit: Geri Alessi/overatno18)

Top tip: For a hand-painted finish, use an artist’s brush to paint the remainder of the white gaps, leaving enough white to give the illusion of grouting.

Emily Smith

Emily is senior art editor on Real Homes magazine and has been designing the magazine for over 11 years. Some might say the magazine is her third baby. When she's not designing the pages of the magazine, Emily's either out walking her cockapoo or dreaming up new ways to update the home she shares with her husband and two teenage boys. She's not sure the boys appreciate her interior style, though. Her eldest recently told her he just wants a 'normal' bedroom – she was only trying to add some artwork to his bare grey walls…

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