Table of Contents

Stunning Bathroom Transformation on a Budget: Our $1,000 DIY Remodel Before & After

Welcome back to our Remodeling Series! It’s been a while since I promised this final installment, and I’m thrilled to finally share the dramatic transformation of our main bathroom. Following this reveal, I’ll conclude the series with a comprehensive post detailing everything we learned throughout our entire remodeling journey. This particular project is a testament to what can be achieved with a vision, a lot of elbow grease, and a very modest budget. (Update: If you’re curious about our other transformations, you can explore the master bath remodel here and catch the remodeling wrap-up with a video here for more insights!)

We all tell ourselves to capture plenty of “before” photos when embarking on a home renovation, don’t we? Well, despite my best intentions, I seemed to have overlooked this crucial step for our main bathroom. The single photo I managed to find barely scratches the surface of the aesthetic challenges we faced. So, allow me to vividly describe the multitude of dated elements that once defined this space, transporting you back to its less-than-charming origins.

This bathroom was a true relic of its time, deeply rooted in a style that felt overwhelmingly yellow-gold and unapologetically 1980s. Every single surface and fixture contributed to an oppressive and uninviting atmosphere, practically begging for a complete overhaul. Here’s a detailed look at what was “wrong” with the space:

Honey Mustard/Yellow-Gold Fixtures: This was arguably the most prominent and offensive feature. Every faucet, every handle, every basin was cast in this pervasive honey mustard or yellow-gold tone. I cannot emphasize this enough: if you’re building or renovating, please, I beg you, choose white fixtures. They are timeless, versatile, and instantly elevate any bathroom’s cleanliness and appeal.
Dated Vinyl Flooring: The floor was covered in a vinyl that matched the yellow-gold theme, complete with a distinctly “fun” 1982 pattern. It not only looked cheap but also visually anchored the room in a past decade.
Tile Countertop: The counter was adorned with the same uninspiring yellow-gold tiles, contributing to a cluttered look and a challenging surface to keep truly clean. The grout lines, inevitably, only added to the dated aesthetic.
Monochromatic Walls: To truly complete the yellow-gold symphony, the walls were painted to perfectly complement these fixtures. This created an overwhelming and heavy feel, further exacerbated by a palm tree wallpaper border that offered no relief, only more visual noise. It was simply too much of one unappealing color.
Overly Long Vanity with Single Sink: We inherited a cumbersome 6-foot-long cabinet that housed only one sink. This design resulted in an impractical amount of counter space for a single user, making the room feel bulky and inefficient. The faucet, a large plastic pull-up model, was clearly a holdover from the 1970s and added to the dated functionality.
Giant, Unflattering Mirror: Above this expansive vanity hung an equally enormous mirror. While large mirrors can make a room feel bigger, this one was simply too grand, offering an almost overwhelming reflection. It was either too depressing or too narcissistic, neither of which we needed in our daily routine.
Dark Wood Cabinets and Linen Closet: Similar to other areas in the house, the cabinets were well-built but stained a very dark brown. This included a substantial built-in linen cabinet located behind the door, which absorbed precious light and contributed to the room’s overall dimness.
Inefficient Aluminum Window: The bathroom featured a brown aluminum frosted window, mercifully the only one of its kind in the house. These older aluminum windows were notorious for “sweating,” leading to condensation issues and poor insulation, making the room less comfortable and energy-efficient.
Unappealing Hardware: The final touches included a lovely wooden toilet seat and matching towel and toilet paper holders, all complete with peeling gold-toned parts. These small details perfectly encapsulated the room’s need for a complete refresh.

Essentially, every single surface in this bathroom was crying out for replacement. However, one significant budgetary constraint was the existing tub and its faux-marble surround. Replacing them was simply not an option. Fortunately, the surround was an off-white color, which we deemed acceptable, knowing that a carefully chosen shower curtain could effectively hide the yellow tub beneath, allowing us to live with it.

A Bright New Beginning: Our Bathroom’s Transformation Story

Despite the “before” state and the challenge of retaining the tub, we embarked on a complete transformation with a clear vision: to create a bright, clean, and highly functional space that felt timeless and refreshing, all while staying within a very tight budget. We meticulously replaced and renewed nearly every surface, and the results are truly remarkable. Here’s a glimpse of our main bathroom today, a testament to DIY ingenuity and patience:

Remodeling Details: Crafting Our Dream Bathroom

New Window Installation: One of the most impactful early changes was replacing the old, inefficient brown aluminum window. We opted for a new vinyl, single-hung window, which not only dramatically improved the room’s energy efficiency and eliminated condensation issues but also allowed significantly more natural light to pour in, instantly brightening the space.
The Tile Flooring Journey: Choosing and installing the new tile floors was an adventure in itself. My initial desire for charming little octagon tiles was quickly thwarted by their prohibitive cost. Instead, we settled on the smallest square tiles we could afford, conveniently packaged in 12×12 sheets. Our initial plan was a straightforward installation, especially with the beadboard we were adding. However, once a section was laid, we quickly realized it looked too ‘square’ and rigid, creating too many straight lines that clashed with our desired aesthetic. Both Brian and I agreed it simply wasn’t working.
Embracing the Diagonal: To achieve a more dynamic and visually appealing result, we pivoted to laying the tiles on the diagonal. This decision, while aesthetically superior, significantly increased the complexity and labor involved. It meant a *lot* more cutting – countless small triangles were needed to accommodate the diagonal pattern and fit perfectly along the room’s edges. Brian painstakingly handled all the precise cuts, while I focused on the intricate task of laying each piece. This experience was incredibly rewarding once finished, but it cemented one thing for me: I never want to tile again – and I’m completely serious!

Vanity Repurpose and Transformation: The gargantuan 6-foot vanity, which had dominated the room and stretched all the way to the toilet (it later found a new life in our laundry room!), was replaced with a more appropriately scaled and elegant piece. We cleverly repurposed a section cut from our master bath vanity, allowing us to perfectly center the new sink within a more compact 4-foot-plus vanity. To give it a polished look, we glued beadboard and trim to the newly cut end and painted the entire unit a crisp white. This strategic downsizing served two crucial purposes: it created much-needed wall space for hanging towels (which previously dangled uncomfortably close to one’s knees) and significantly opened up the room, making it feel more spacious and less cramped.
Stylish Countertop and Fixtures: Topping the refreshed vanity is a beautiful wood counter from IKEA, which we stained to flawlessly match the existing wood floors throughout the rest of our home, ensuring visual harmony. This was paired with a new American Standard sink, chosen for its classic “Antiquity” style, and a coordinating faucet from the same brand. This combination elevates the entire vanity area, blending practical functionality with a touch of timeless charm.

Beadboard Paneling and Trim: To infuse the bathroom with a classic cottage aesthetic and further brighten the space, we installed beadboard paneling on the lower half of the walls. This was elegantly capped with a simple yet effective trim composed of a 1×3 base with a 1×2 installed directly on top, creating a subtle, appealing ledge. We also meticulously copied the window trim style from the rest of the house, ensuring continuity and correcting the inexplicable difference that previously existed in the bathrooms. These thoughtful details were paramount in achieving a cohesive and polished design.

Clever Tub Camouflage: Since replacing the yellow tub was not an option within our budget, we devised an ingenious solution to minimize its visual impact. We ran a baseboard trim across the front of the tub, securely attaching it with Liquid Nails and carefully caulking where the trim met the tub to protect it from any water exposure. This simple yet highly effective trick ensures that when the shower curtain is closed, the unsightly yellow tub is completely hidden from view. While our friend who was helping us expressed initial skepticism about using wood trim on the tub, I’m delighted to report that it has held up incredibly well – even with two teenagers actively using it! It’s a true testament to creative problem-solving on a budget.

Painting and Hardware Updates: A fresh coat of paint transformed every surface, dramatically lightening the room and allowing the previously dark door and built-in linen closet to seamlessly blend into the new, brighter aesthetic. We also took the opportunity to replace all hinges and knobs, including the main door knob, opting for a style that exudes a vintage charm, a welcome upgrade from the original worn brass hardware. These seemingly small updates collectively contribute significantly to the overall refreshed feel of the space.

Decor and Budget Details: Achieving Style Without Breaking the Bank

Beyond the structural and surface renovations, carefully chosen decor elements and smart, budget-conscious decisions were instrumental in completing our main bathroom’s remarkable transformation:

Thoughtful Color Palette: The beadboard is painted in “Creamy White” by Behr, a shade I absolutely adore. It strikes a perfect balance, being wonderfully bright yet possessing a warm undertone. This color choice is also consistent with all the trim used throughout our entire house, ensuring a cohesive design flow. For the walls, we ventured outside my usual comfort zone, selecting “Silent Ripple” by Behr – a beautiful periwinkle blue. This dynamic color subtly shifts between blue and soft purple hues depending on the time of day, adding an element of surprise and sophisticated depth to the room.
Balancing Accents: To prevent the periwinkle from appearing overly sweet or saccharine, I strategically introduced black accents. A tasteful toile fabric was used for the valance and the tub curtain, complemented by various black accessories around the room. This creates a sophisticated contrast and provides a grounding element against the softer wall color.
Custom Shower Curtain Solution: To effectively conceal the unreplaced yellow tub and its surround, I designed and made an extra-tall shower curtain and mounted it purposefully close to the ceiling. This clever trick visually draws the eye upwards, making the room feel more expansive and completely masking the less-than-ideal tub area. It was also incredibly simple to create, as I used curtain clips for hanging, eliminating the need to punch holes in the fabric like traditional shower curtains. A separate, lower rod discreetly holds the inside liner in place.
Vintage Cafe Curtain: Adding a touch of timeless charm and a personal touch, I crafted a cafe curtain from a piece of vintage linen, bringing a unique, repurposed element into the design.
Repurposed Wall-Mounted Cabinet: The charming wall-mounted cabinet is another prime example of our budget-friendly philosophy. It traveled with us from our previous home, originally purchased on clearance from Target. Reusing such items significantly reduces costs without sacrificing style or functionality.

Sink and Faucet Details: The elegant sink is the “Antiquity” model from American Standard, paired with a coordinating faucet from the same reputable brand. While the specific faucet name currently escapes my memory, its classic design perfectly complements the overall refreshed aesthetic we aimed for.
Vintage Mirror Charm: The mirror positioned above the vanity is a unique vintage find. I initially hung it as a temporary placeholder while I deliberated on a permanent choice. However, its character and charm quickly grew on me, and it has remained a fixture in the bathroom ever since, adding a touch of history and personality to the space.
Clearance Light Fixture Bargain: Our light fixture is a true budget success story and a testament to patient shopping. I discovered it on clearance at a local store for an astonishing $13 several years before the remodel and wisely stored it away until the time was right. Though it came without shades, I found suitable replacements at our local home store for $7 each, bringing the total cost for this stylish fixture to an incredible $35. It bears a striking resemblance to a much pricier favorite from Pottery Barn, proving that patience and savvy shopping can yield significant savings.
Affordable Knobs and Pulls: The initial cabinet knobs and pulls were fantastic Target clearance deals, reinforcing our commitment to affordable decor. (Update: These have since been replaced with charming glass knobs and pulls for a refreshed and even more elevated look.)

Our Remarkable $1,000 Bathroom Remodel: A True DIY Success Story

Perhaps the most astonishing and rewarding aspect of this entire project is the total financial outlay: just over $1,000. For this incredibly modest sum, we managed to completely redo virtually every single surface in the bathroom, with the sole exception of the existing tub itself. This comprehensive cost encompasses every major component: the new tile floors (including the tile, cement board, mastic, and grout), a brand new toilet, the elegant new sink and faucet, the new energy-efficient window, the custom wood counter, the stylish light fixture, all the beadboard and molding, fresh paint for every surface, and all new knobs and hinges.

The undeniable secret to keeping our costs so dramatically low was our unwavering commitment to performing all the labor ourselves. With the invaluable assistance of a kind friend, we completely eliminated labor costs, which are often the most significant expense in any home remodeling project. This hands-on, DIY approach not only saved us thousands of dollars but also instilled a profound sense of pride and accomplishment in our beautifully transformed space.

I am absolutely thrilled with the before-and-after results of our main bathroom and incredibly proud of its astonishing $1,000 price tag. I recall reading in a magazine around the time we were undertaking this remodel about a “budget” bathroom renovation that reportedly came in at $10,000. *Cough* Honestly, that hardly aligns with my definition of a budget remodel – does it yours? Our project stands as a powerful testament that with careful planning, creative resourcefulness, a willingness to get your hands dirty, and a solid dose of patience, a dream bathroom transformation is entirely achievable without breaking the bank.