Rachel and Jun are back with another home project, this time sharing a Japanese bathroom makeover that focuses on making the space more functional and organized. The setup already had the basics, but it felt a bit cramped and lacked storage. Instead of doing a full renovation, Rachel focuses on small DIY upgrades that make a big difference in how the space looks and works.
Planning The Japanese Bathroom Upgrade
Jun had a clear vision for certain elements in the bathroom, like the sink and mirror placement, but the layout made everything feel tight. Rachel decides to improve the space by adding custom storage that fits the room better. She sketches a few ideas, keeping the design simple with clean lines so everything feels more balanced. The goal isn’t to completely redesign the bathroom, but to make it more practical. By adding shelves and towel storage, they can organize everyday items while keeping the space neat. It’s a good example of how small changes can improve a room without needing a full remodel.
Building Custom Storage
Rachel starts by making towel racks and shelves using wood. She glues pieces together to create thicker, more durable parts, then sands everything down to get a smooth finish. This process takes time, and not everything goes perfectly on the first try. Some pieces don’t turn out the way she expected, so she has to redo them.
Even with a few mistakes, she keeps going and adjusts along the way. This is very much a real DIY project, where trial and error is part of the process. In the end, she manages to create functional pieces that fit the space well. Once the main parts are ready, she installs the towel racks and begins setting up the shelves. She carefully measures the placement so everything lines up properly. The result already starts to make the bathroom feel more organized.
Finishing Details
After installing the main structures, Rachel focuses on the finishing touches. She adds more design elements, like slats to cover certain areas and make everything look cleaner and more cohesive. These small details help the project feel more complete and less like a rough DIY setup.
She also adds practical items like a hidden bin for wet towels and small trays to organize everyday essentials. These additions make the bathroom easier to use while keeping it visually tidy. One standout detail is the decorative wallpaper with bird designs, which adds personality to the space. Combined with the wooden elements, it creates a warm and slightly playful look that fits their home style.
Snack Break with Sakuraco
In the middle of the project, Rachel and Jun take a break to enjoy snacks from Sakuraco. Sakuraco is a monthly Japanese snack subscription box that features authentic, artisan treats from different regions of Japan. The box includes Japanese tea and a piece of traditional tableware, making the experience feel more complete.
As they try the snacks, they share honest reactions. Some flavors are familiar and comforting, while others are new and unexpected. It’s a fun break from the DIY work and a reminder of how food can be part of everyday enjoyment at home. If you’re interested in exploring Japanese snacks yourself, Sakuraco delivers a variety of seasonal and regional treats right to your door. Each box also comes with a booklet that explains the snacks and the makers behind them, so you can learn more about each snack as you enjoy it.
👉 Use code RACHELJUN to get $5 off your first Sakuraco box here.
Final Result of the Japanese Bathroom Makeover
After recovering from a short break due to illness, Rachel returns to finish the project and reveal the final result. The bathroom now feels much more functional, with better storage and a cleaner layout. The towel racks solve a practical problem by giving Jun enough space to dry multiple towels. The shelves provide easy access to daily items, while the small storage solutions keep everything organized.
Even simple additions like trays and containers help reduce clutter. Jun shares that he really enjoys using the updated space. The changes may seem small, but they make a noticeable difference in everyday use. Rachel also feels proud of the result, especially since she handled the challenges and improved her DIY skills along the way.
A Simple DIY That Works
This bathroom makeover shows how effective small DIY projects can be. Instead of aiming for perfection, Rachel focuses on making the space more useful and comfortable. Even with a few mistakes, the final result is practical and personal. If you’ve been thinking about improving your own space, this is a great example to follow. You don’t need a full renovation to make a room better. Sometimes, a few well-planned changes are enough to completely transform how it feels and functions.
👉 Watch the full Japanese Bathroom Makeover video on Rachel & Jun’s YouTube channel.
