When it comes to designing the main floor bathroom—the one everyone will see during dinner parties and get-togethers—you want it to be a true statement piece. I wanted a bold, dramatic design, but custom wallpaper was out of the question. It’s costly and requires professional application. So, I turned to a more creative and budget-friendly option: a $100 DIY Tropical Bathroom Feature Wall with a painted tropical stencil design.

The Inspiration Behind the $100 DIY Tropical Bathroom Feature Wall

The idea for this wall came about while exploring wallpaper options. After seeing how expensive it was, I decided I could achieve a similar look by painting it myself for a fraction of the cost. I envisioned a lush, jungle-inspired feature wall with bold tropical leaves and palms, set against a rich black backdrop.

I reached out to my talented friend Joanne at Muddaritaville Studios, who makes incredible high-quality stencils. Her stencils are durable, thick, and easy to work with—no slipping or paint seeping underneath. She curated a stunning selection of tropical designs for me, and I couldn’t wait to get started.

The Process

To create the feature wall, I painted the entire surface in Coal Black from Fusion Mineral Paint, which gave me a dramatic canvas for the tropical design.

Then, using testers in Azure, Renfrew Blue, Homestead Blue, I used these three colours individually and blended them together at times to create a unique look that is more natural. I then layered the stencil designs randomly across the wall.

Here’s the best part: no need for perfection! The colours blend naturally, and the pattern feels organic—just like a real jungle.

This DIY stencil wall cost me less than $100:

• Coal Black Pint: $29.99
• Four Testers: $5.99 each (and I still have paint left for future projects!)
• Stencils: Under $50

For under $100, I created a bold, custom look that brings personality and drama to the space. Plus, if I ever want to change it, I can just paint right over it—no peeling, steaming, or hiring a professional.

Tying It All Together

To complement the wall, I chose a matte black hexagon tile for the floor. While understated, the grout adds a little sparkle—something you notice only when the light hits just right. For the accents, I went with gold throughout: a stunning gold vessel sink, matching faucets, custom sconces, and a gold-framed mirror. These pieces all came from budget-friendly sources like HomeSense, proving that a luxe look doesn’t have to come with a luxe price tag.

The vanity, which pulls green tones from the stencil design, was a custom blend of Fusion colours. In our Fan Deck you can find a whole range of custom blends that are easy to mix recipes. This one is Receipt #45. Equal parts Liberty Blue & Park Bench. The colours and textures create a bold yet cohesive space that feels high-end and unique.

Design Tips for Small Bathrooms

This bathroom is quite large, but I opted to paint only one wall black to avoid making the space feel too enclosed. For smaller bathrooms, I recommend:

• Accent Walls: A bold feature wall like mine creates impact without overwhelming the room.
• Lighter Ceilings: If you want to go all-black, consider leaving the ceiling white or using a metallic accent to keep the room feeling spacious.
• Mirror Placement: A large mirror can reflect light and visually expand the space.
• For the boldest of us? Paint everything black—walls, ceiling, and trim—for a moody, dramatic effect.
• Floral Elegance: Use soft pinks and whites to stencil delicate floral patterns on a light gray or beige wall for a more feminine vibe.
• Geometric Glam: Combine metallic paints (like Fusion’s Bronze or Copper) with stencils for a modern, art-deco-inspired wall.
• Ocean Escape: Use shades of blue, green, and soft sand to create waves or abstract patterns for a spa-like retreat.
• Vintage Charm: Layer whitewash glazes over a painted stencil to mimic the look of antique wallpaper.

Why DIY Stencils Are a Game-Changer

Stencils let you unleash your creativity without the commitment or expense of wallpaper. They’re endlessly customizable, and reusable, and work on walls, furniture, or even floors. You can design something completely unique to your home and style.

Make Your Bathroom Beautiful with a $100 DIY Tropical Bathroom Feature Wall

This bathroom was a joy to create—not just because it turned out beautifully, but because it’s an example of how anyone can transform a space with a little creativity and paint. With Fusion Mineral Paint and Joanne’s stencils, I achieved a dramatic, luxurious look on a budget.

So, don’t shy away from bold ideas. With a bit of paint and imagination, you can create a bathroom that wows every guest who walks in. Ready to get started? Let’s paint it beautiful!