Rewriting the Nightmare

When my aging electric shower started malfunctioning, I knew it was time for a full-blown master bathroom renovation. The constant power issues had become a real pain – literally climbing into the attic every few months to reset the darn thing. It felt like a bothersome puzzle I could never quite solve.

After reaching out to various professionals, the options they presented were less than ideal. Running an unsightly conduit strip along the exterior of my home or tearing down the entire wall seemed like drastic measures I wasn’t willing to take. I had already decided that electric showers were off the table moving forward. So, I made the tough call to postpone the renovation until I had the budget for a complete overhaul. [1]

A Fresh Start

In January, as I was preparing to sell my home and downsize, my shower finally quit working altogether. Talk about impeccable (or perhaps, imperfect) timing! I knew I needed to act fast to get this project done before putting the house on the market. Luckily, I had a trusted contractor in my corner who was up for the challenge.

I took the lead on sourcing all the materials I wanted, from tile to fixtures, to ensure I stayed within my renovation budget. Providing the supplies myself was a great way to save some cash. [2] The contractor handled the labor, and boy did they work quickly! I was amazed at how fast the old beige travertine and dated oil-rubbed bronze fittings disappeared, making way for my dream master bathroom.

A Bright, Airy Oasis

As the renovation progressed, I began to envision the space I was creating – a bright, airy oasis that would be a true haven. Gone were the cramped quarters and finicky electric shower. In its place, a spacious, modern sanctuary took shape.

The key to unlocking this transformation was reworking the layout. By removing the vanity on the right side of the troom, I was able to create a much more open and inviting entryway into the shower. [3] While I debated splurging on a freestanding tub, the extra cost of modifying the plumbing wasn’t worth it since I was planning to move. Instead, I focused on maximizing the shower space, which quickly became my favorite part of the bathroom.

Tile, Tile, Tile

Selecting the tile was one of the most fun and creative parts of the process. I scoured the aisles of Floor & Decor, hunting for the perfect combination of styles and textures. [4] For the shower walls, I landed on vertically-stacked Iceland White subway tiles, which give the space a clean, modern feel.

The shower floor features a delightful Dove Gray hexagon tile that quickly became the star of the show. Paired with simple white penny tiles on the tub surround, the textural contrast is absolutely divine. To complete the look, I opted for sleek black Schluter edge trim instead of traditional bullnose – a small detail that makes a big impact.

The Vanity Debacle (and Solution!)

One area where I knew I wanted to save some money was the vanity. Custom cabinetry and countertops can be shockingly expensive, so I set out to find a pre-made double vanity that would fit the bill. After scouring the web, I landed on a gorgeous option from Wayfair that checked all the boxes – quality construction, included countertop and sinks, and a wallet-friendly price tag. [5]

The new double vanity not only provides ample storage and surface space, but it also opens up the flow of the room. Gone are the days of feeling cramped as I enter the shower. Now, I have a spacious, serene environment to start and end my day.

Bringing in the Black

As the renovation neared completion, I knew I wanted to incorporate a bold design element to really make the space pop. That’s when I landed on the idea of painting the tub skirt and window trim in the shower a deep, dramatic black. [6]

The contrast of the dark wood tones against the bright white tiles is simply stunning. It adds a touch of moody elegance that takes the bathroom from nice to downright showstopping. And the best part? This budget-friendly DIY project gave me the luxurious look I craved without breaking the bank.

The Reveal

When the dust finally settled, I couldn’t believe the transformation. My once dated, problematic master bathroom had been reborn as a spa-like sanctuary. The spacious, light-filled shower, the clean lines of the vanity, the pops of black – it all came together in a way that feels both sophisticated and incredibly inviting.

In the end, tackling this renovation was absolutely worth the temporary hassle. Not only do I now have a bathroom that I’m proud to call my own, but the updates also paid off when my home sold in just 8 days! [7] As I prepare to move into my new, downsized abode, I can’t wait to see how this master bathroom remodel translates to the next chapter of my life.

References

[1] Shanty-2-Chic. (n.d.). Master Bathroom Remodel. https://www.shanty-2-chic.com/master-bathroom-remodel/

[2] Architectural Digest. (n.d.). Inspiring Bathrooms Archives Slideshow. https://www.architecturaldigest.com/gallery/inspiring-bathrooms-archives-slideshow

[3] Reddit. (2018). Designing new master bathroom – what do you love/wish you had? https://www.reddit.com/r/HomeImprovement/comments/a6xzmw/designing_new_master_bathroom_what_do_you/

[4] Houzz. (n.d.). Master Bathroom Ideas and Designs. https://www.houzz.com/photos/master-bathroom-ideas-and-designs-phbr1-bp~t_712~a_66-524

[5] The Spruce. (n.d.). Master Bathroom Design Ideas. https://www.thespruce.com/master-bathroom-design-ideas-4129362

[6] Meme Hill. (n.d.). Bathroom Remodeling Ideas Before and After. https://www.memehill.com/bathroom-remodeling-ideas-before-and-after/

[7] Pinterest. (n.d.). Beautiful Master Bathrooms. https://www.pinterest.com/footeaz/beautiful-master-bathrooms/