Farmhouse Main Bathroom Renovation: From Drab Box to Spa-Like Retreat with Vintage Charm

Welcome back to our ongoing 1900 farmhouse renovation series! Today, we’re thrilled to unveil the incredible transformation of our main bathroom before and after. What began as a standard, uninspired, and windowless box has been meticulously converted into a tranquil, spa-like sanctuary, brimming with the unique character of an old home. This remarkable metamorphosis was achieved not just through design ingenuity, but also by strategically expanding the space by two feet and maintaining a strict budget through extensive DIY projects and the clever reuse of materials. Get ready to be inspired by this journey from bland to beautiful!

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This bathroom renovation has honestly brought me so much joy and satisfaction. It’s not just visually stunning, but also incredibly functional and a truly delightful space to use every single day. I’m incredibly excited to walk you through every step of how we took this room from a dark, boring, and utterly windowless box to a bright, airy, and character-filled haven that perfectly complements our historic farmhouse!

Remodeling bathrooms is notoriously challenging and often comes with a hefty price tag. There are countless decisions to make, each impacting a room that gets used multiple times daily, every single day. It’s crucial to get it right, ensuring both optimal functionality and a timeless aesthetic that stands the test of time.

In our case, we inherited a bathroom in our beautiful 1900 farmhouse that had already undergone previous remodels. We uncovered that the space had originally served as a cold storage or pantry before being converted into a bathroom. Later, around the 1990s, it received a “builder-grade” makeover. This left us with a rather uninspiring space: a basic tub-shower insert, a tiny pedestal sink offering zero storage, an awkwardly placed toilet, and unappealing wallboard walls. The overall impression was bland, dark, and severely lacking in functionality.

Perhaps the most baffling discovery was the complete absence of an electrical outlet. That’s right – not a single outlet in the entire room! It’s truly hard to imagine how one would manage a modern bathroom without electricity for hair dryers, electric toothbrushes, or other daily essentials. Even in the mid-20th century, light fixtures often included outlets. Our best guess is that previous occupants resorted to running extension cords, diligently tucking them away before any walkthroughs.

With a comprehensive gut renovation and the clever addition of two feet “borrowed” from the newly expanded main bedroom, we successfully designed and built a bathroom that exudes a luxurious, spa-like ambiance while retaining and enhancing the authentic character of our century-old home. What makes this even more remarkable is that we undertook the majority of the work ourselves, only hiring out the initial rough-in plumbing and the structural room bump-out. This DIY approach significantly reduced the overall cost, making it far more budget-friendly than many comparable total bathroom remodels.

Main Bathroom Before and After Video Tour

For your convenience, I’ll provide a detailed list of sources for all materials and fixtures at the end of this reveal, allowing you to replicate elements you love in your own projects.

Planning and Executing Our Main Bathroom Renovation

My primary objectives for this main bathroom renovation were multifaceted: to create space for a much-needed window, to infuse the room with historical character, and to drastically improve its functionality, particularly by introducing ample storage – an element that was entirely absent before. By strategically taking two feet from the main bedroom, which we were expanding concurrently, and opting for a spacious walk-in shower instead of a traditional tub, we achieved all these goals. This thoughtful reconfiguration not only allowed us to finally add a window, bathing the room in natural light, but also provided sufficient space for a dedicated linen cabinet and a generously sized vanity with built-in storage solutions.

(A small note on the plans: our designer, who drafted these for the permit process, made an assumption that we’d want two sinks. However, a single sink was always my personal preference for this space, prioritizing counter space and an uncluttered look.)

As a lover of history, I find immense satisfaction in peeling back the layers of an old house and uncovering its past. During demolition, we discovered compelling evidence that this room originally served as a pantry or cold storage area off the kitchen, predating indoor plumbing. You can clearly see the faint outline where a door once led into the kitchen on the far left, the ghost of a shelving system in the corner on the right, and, of course, the remnants of charmingly dated, kitchen-themed wallpaper. However, the most thrilling discovery for me was finding an old, boarded-up opening for a window in precisely the same spot where we had planned to install our new one! It’s moments like these, where historical restoration perfectly aligns with modern renovation, that truly make these projects special.

The image above captures the “total gut” stage of our main bathroom renovation. At this point, the original room has been completely stripped back to the studs. You can clearly see where we’ve installed the new window, a crucial element for bringing natural light into the formerly dark space. The wall on the left has been removed, and a new wall has been framed in, effectively expanding the bathroom by two feet into what was previously part of the main bedroom. This critical structural work, including the room bump-out and the rough-in plumbing, was handled by a professional crew we hired, ensuring proper structural integrity and adherence to building codes and permits. However, a significant portion of the initial demolition was a DIY effort, giving us a hands-on start to the project. Once the professionals completed their specialized tasks and passed all necessary inspections, the exciting responsibility of finishing the space fell entirely to us.

My husband, Brian, took on the challenging and meticulous task of all the electrical work. We can now proudly say, “Yay for an outlet in the bathroom!” a fundamental convenience we previously lacked. In addition to standard outlets, we incorporated elegant wall sconces for ambient lighting and a highly functional fan-light combo for ventilation and improved illumination. Brian also skillfully handled all the finish plumbing work, ensuring everything was perfectly installed and watertight. A true testament to his craftsmanship was the painstaking recreation of the shiplap walls. We’ve discovered original shiplap in other areas of our farmhouse, and while this room originally featured simply boards nailed together, Brian meticulously replicated the shiplap aesthetic. He achieved this by reusing beautiful, aged wood salvaged from the demolition of the adjacent bedroom, giving the room authentic old-house character while being incredibly resourceful. Furthermore, we removed the outdated acoustic-tile-like ceiling to expose the original wood ceiling joists and planks. This was a significant undertaking, as the original wood was not in pristine condition and required extensive patching and restoration due due to past reconfigurations. There were certainly moments during this laborious process when I wished we had opted for the simpler solution of installing beadboard panels, similar to what we used in the laundry room – but the final result of the restored wood is truly worth the effort.

Next up was the formidable task of the shower tile installation. Oh, what an undertaking that proved to be! I mentioned in the video tour that the initial $4,000 quote we received for professional shower tiling began to seem less extravagant after days, then weeks, and ultimately months of grappling with this particular aspect of the renovation, all while simultaneously managing the broader house remodel. Hindsight is indeed 20/20, and looking back, we can now clearly see that investing in professional tiling for something used daily would have been well worth the cost in terms of time, effort, and stress saved. While we managed to complete the job ourselves, and the outcome is perfectly fine and functional, there are undoubtedly numerous “wonky” spaces and areas where a professional’s expertise would have resulted in a much smoother, more flawless finish. It was a steep learning curve!

In stark contrast to the shower, I am incredibly relieved and happy that we chose not to pay the $1,000 quoted for labor to lay the 64 square feet of floor tile ourselves. Tiling a floor with larger 8×8 tiles is surprisingly straightforward and manageable for a DIY project. This entire floor space was completed in a mere half-day, with Brian efficiently cutting the tiles and me laying them into place. The grouting process, which I tackled myself, took another half-day, primarily because I opted for a pre-mixed grout which required quick work. Once all the tiling was successfully finished, the remaining steps involved installing the custom vanity we built, placing the toilet, attaching all the final fixtures, and meticulously adding all the trim work. While I say “just a matter of installing,” those final details always seem to take longer than anticipated, but the end result was well worth the effort!

Farmhouse Main Bathroom: The Dramatic Before and After Reveal

This image offers a glimpse of the bathroom from the hallway, presenting its original, uninspired state. It was a functional room, but lacked any charm or aesthetic appeal. The narrow doorway and bland surfaces offered little to suggest the beauty and character of a historic farmhouse.

Now, feast your eyes on the transformed view into the bathroom from the hallway! The difference is absolutely breathtaking. Naturally, our hallway remodel plays a significant role in enhancing this view, creating a cohesive and inviting flow. I truly believe that the salvaged old doors, rescued from another historic house and painstakingly stripped of their layers of paint, contribute immensely to bringing an authentic, old-house character to this entire zone. After enduring white floor tiles in our previous bathrooms, which constantly highlighted every dark hair and speck of dust, I was absolutely determined to opt for a darker tile this time. (Spoiler alert: I am incredibly glad I made this decision! The few light specks I now occasionally find are infinitely preferable to the constant visibility of all.the.dark.hairs on white tile.) When I stumbled upon these matte, almost chalkboard-looking tiles with their subtly hand-painted corner petals, I instantly knew they were the perfect choice. They strike that ideal balance – not too busy, not too overtly modern, but with just enough intricate detail to add visual interest without overwhelming the space. My hope is that this design will remain timeless and that I won’t grow tired of it over the years (you’ll find the link in the sources section below).

This image shows the “full” bathroom as it appeared before the renovation, captured from the doorway. It clearly highlights the cramped and uninspired layout that we were so eager to transform. The outdated fixtures and lack of character were evident from every angle.

This is the exact same view, standing just inside the doorway, revealing the incredible transformation. The layout has been dramatically improved, making far more efficient use of the compact space. The shower is now elegantly positioned to the right, while the vanity and toilet occupy the wall opposite. This strategic repositioning not only opens up the room but also enhances its flow and functionality, making it feel much larger and more inviting than its actual square footage. We proudly transformed a vintage Facebook Marketplace dresser into our custom vanity, much like we did with a similar piece in our previous home. This time, however, the original dresser top was beyond saving, so I painstakingly painted it to mimic the subtle veining and timeless elegance of old marble. While I’m not entirely “in love” with my painting technique, I do appreciate that it offers a far more refined and characterful look than a plain painted top would have provided, adding a unique DIY touch to the space.

I still can’t quite articulate why this particular toilet placement always struck me as so peculiar and awkward. I suspect it’s simply because we’re unaccustomed to seeing a toilet positioned quite so close to a doorway, making for an odd first impression upon entering the room.

Now, this is an infinitely more pleasant sight when looking into the bathroom from the hallway with the door ajar! We are absolutely delighted with both the aesthetic appeal and the daily functionality of our custom-built vanity. I’m particularly fond of the generously deep sink, which, combined with the wide overlap of the countertop, means I never have to worry about water splashes or soap residue damaging the wood surface. The elegant, bridge-like faucet and coordinating handles add a touch of classic charm and excellent usability (all linked in the sources section below). Truly, it’s such a joy to use every single day. The oversized mirror above the vanity provides ample reflective surface, easily accommodating two people simultaneously, and the wall-mounted sconces cast a wonderful, bright light. I specifically chose white shades for the sconces to help diffuse the illumination, creating a softer, more flattering light that’s ideal for tasks like makeup application.

While pedestal sinks can be perfectly charming and suitable for a powder room or a guest bath, a main bathroom, especially one serving a family, demands significantly more storage than this tiny setup offered. Wouldn’t you wholeheartedly agree? The lack of practical storage was a major pain point we aimed to resolve in our renovation.

This image showcases the same wall where the impractical pedestal sink once resided, now completely reimagined. It proudly features our spacious, fully tiled walk-in shower, along with a clever linen cabinet tucked discreetly behind the door. I truly believe that the expansive, fully tiled shower is a key element that contributes to the bathroom’s overall spa-like ambiance. This luxurious feeling is further enhanced by the tall ceilings, the large, illuminating mirror, and the abundance of bright, natural light filtering in, creating an open and serene atmosphere.

Here’s another perspective of the room, with the door closed, allowing you to fully appreciate the charming vintage green china cabinet I chose for additional storage. Instead of opting for a built-in linen cabinet, which would have been a more conventional choice, I decided to embrace a freestanding piece with character. As I discuss in the video, while we might have sacrificed a marginal amount of storage capacity compared to a custom built-in, the trade-off was incredibly worthwhile. We saved hundreds of dollars (this beautiful vintage cabinet cost us just $100, whereas a built-in equivalent would have easily approached $1000 or more), and in return, we gained a truly unique and beautiful piece that infuses the room with undeniable old-house character and warmth.

Let’s take a closer look at the shower itself. Initially, I had some concerns that the expanded space might still feel too narrow, but I’m happy to report that it turned out perfectly fine, achieving a comfortable, standard width. One of the significant advantages of opting for a fully tiled shower, rather than a pre-fabricated insert, was the flexibility it offered to create a completely custom size, maximizing every inch of our newly gained space. And I absolutely adore the choice of black tile for the shower floor and insets, for the same practical reasons I chose the darker floor tile throughout the bathroom – it consistently looks clean, if you catch my drift! I made a conscious effort to stop using white bar soap in the shower, and by exclusively using handmade soap for the past year, I’ve noticed absolutely no white residue, keeping the black tiles looking pristine. Our main bathroom now serves a dual purpose, functioning both as our primary en suite bathroom and as the main-floor guest bath. It has surpassed all our expectations, realizing every aspect of our initial plans: a thoughtfully designed, roomy layout even within a modest footprint, infused with both the enduring beauty of an old house and exceptional modern functionality.

Main Farmhouse Bathroom Renovation Sources

Curious about the specific elements we used in our farmhouse main bathroom renovation? Here’s a comprehensive list of sources for all the materials, fixtures, and decor items that brought our vision to life. Please note that some links are affiliate links, as disclosed at the beginning of this article.

Paint for Walls, Trim, Cabinets: Simply White, Benjamin Moore (We had this color perfectly matched at Home Depot using Behr Premium paint).

Green Paint for Cabinet: Custom green, an exquisite shade named ‘Boxwood’. I had this custom mixed according to the specific formula detailed in this insightful article on Miss Mustard Seed.

Flooring Tile: Della Torre Fiona Black and White 8-in x 8-in Glazed Porcelain Tile (This tile perfectly combines classic elegance with practical durability).

Shower Tile:
Wall: Daltile Restore Bright White 12×12 sheets Ceramic Subway Wall Tile (A timeless choice for a clean, bright shower. Note: They didn’t offer a wide range of accessory pieces like bullnose ends, so I would suggest looking for a brand that provides all the necessary finishing parts for a seamless installation if you prefer specific trims).

Floor/Accent: LuxeCraft Hexagon 10×12 sheets Obsidian Black Glazed Ceramic Matte Mosaic Tile (Adds a stylish, clean-looking contrast to the white subway tile).

All Grout: MAPEI Flexcolor CQ 0.5-Gallon Warm Gray Acrylic Premix Sanded Grout (A word of caution: I haven’t been entirely satisfied with this particular grout. It proved challenging to apply in the shower, tending to leave a sandy haze if not worked very quickly, and has shown some discoloration on both the floor and shower over time. In hindsight, I likely would have chosen a darker grout, despite following a recommendation from Young House Love. If you plan to DIY with this product, I strongly advise thorough research on application techniques to avoid similar issues).

Faucet: Glacier Bay Lyndhurst 8 in. Widespread 2-Handle High-Arc Bathroom Faucet in Brushed Nickel (I deliberately selected brushed nickel fixtures for their resistance to water spots, a practical choice given our hard water).

Sink: Kohler Memoirs Stately Drop-In Vitreous Sink (Specifically the 8-inch faucet spread model, offering a classic and deep basin).

Shower Head: Attract Dual Shower Head in Brushed Nickel (Provides a versatile showering experience).

Shower Curtain Set Up: Our shower curtain setup was chosen for both aesthetics and durability:
Extra Long 96-inch Fabric Shower Curtain Cotton Honeycomb (The extra length adds a touch of elegance and helps contain water effectively).

Extra Long Shower Curtain Washable Fabric Liner (A practical, easy-to-clean essential).

Double Glide Shower Hooks in Nickel (These are fantastic for their effortless on-off action, making curtain changes a breeze!).

Adjustable Tension Shower Curtain Rod in Matte Nickel (Provides strong, reliable support without needing to drill into tile).

Fan-Light Combo: NuTone 70 CFM Ceiling Bathroom Exhaust Fan with Recessed Light (I absolutely love this unit – the fan works exceptionally well, it provides abundant light, and its recessed design ensures a clean, attractive look!).

Sconces: While my exact sconces are no longer available, they are very similar to this style featuring a classic white glass shade. (Source: Etsy, for similar options).

Mirror: French Country Wall Mirror, 30×42 (It originally came in a light brown finish, but I used Rub N Buff in European Gold to give it a richer, more antique look that beautifully coordinates with our sconces and other metallic accents).

Towels: Taupe Sculpted Medallion Scarlett Bath and Hand Towels (Chosen for their plush feel and subtle pattern).

Decor: Thoughtful accents bring warmth and personality to the space.
Enameled First Aid Box, White, Black Cross (A nod to vintage medical supplies, providing stylish storage).

Creamy White Hanging Planter (set of 2, ideal for adding a touch of greenery).

Green Soap Pump Bottles (Practical and aesthetically pleasing, complementing the vintage cabinet).

Explore More About Our 1900 Farmhouse Renovation

Delve deeper into our farmhouse renovation journey and discover more about this incredible project:

• Our New Farmhouse Fixer – The Before Tour (Get a raw, unfiltered look at the house when we first acquired it, revealing the extent of work ahead.)
• Exterior Farmhouse Fixer Before Tour (Witness the initial state of the farmhouse’s exterior and the challenges we faced.)
• Farmhouse Fixer Yard Tour Before (A tour of the neglected outdoor spaces awaiting transformation.)
• Farmhouse Fixer Year 2 Review + Video (A comprehensive update on our progress two years into the project.)
• Farmhouse Progress Year 3 (+ Tour) (Discover the significant strides made in our third year of renovation, complete with an updated tour.)

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