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Add Mystery by Creating a Hidden Medicine Cabinet

January 16, 2025 by kelsey.mackall

After years of tolerating a bathroom that felt cramped and outdated, I finally made the decision to transform it into a modern, functional, and aesthetically pleasing space. The goal was to create a spa-like retreat with updated features and a fresh design. A soaking tub was an absolute must for me with the bathroom renovation, but I wanted to keep the bath essentials out of sight.

First Things First

Adding a hidden medicine cabinet above the tub is a clever and stylish way to maximize storage in your bathroom while maintaining a clean and uncluttered aesthetic. This project involves building the cabinet into the wall, between the studs, and concealing it behind a delightful picture for a seamless and elegant look.

Use a stud finder to locate the studs in the wall above your tub. Mark the area where you want the cabinet to be installed. Ensure there are no electrical wires or plumbing pipes in the way. Using a drywall saw, carefully cut an opening between the studs. The size of the opening will depend on the dimensions of your picture frame or artwork. In my bathroom, the studs were already exposed so when I put up drywall I left a square where I knew I wanted the cabinet. Measure and cut 2x4s to create a frame that fits snugly within the opening. Secure the frame to the studs using screws. You can use pocket screws or put them in from the top and bottom leaving a flat level space for you to work with. This frame will provide support and structure for the cabinet.

The Space is Ready, Now What?

Using plywood, build a box to the specifications of your space in the drywall. For mine, I added a shelf to maximize storage. Make sure to close the back of it to give it a clean look on the inside. Then install it into your space. If you have to use a mallet to get it in, you’ll know it’s nice and snug. I countersunk screws attaching the box to the studs so that it would stay put.

Paint the box a coordinating color and caulk the edges and seams. Mount hinges on one side of your picture or artwork. Ensure the hinges are level so that the door opens and closes smoothly. I used a hinge that was almost the same size as the height of my painting. After installing it on the painting I installed the whole thing on the corresponding side of my frame. And that’s it!

Hidden Medicine Cabinet Success!

Installing a hidden medicine cabinet has been a fantastic addition to my bathroom. It’s a simple yet effective way to enhance storage, maintain a clean look, and add a touch of sophistication to the space. My hidden cabinet utilizes the unused space between the studs, helps me keep the counters clear of clutter, and provides a convenient spot to store essentials, and keep them discreetly hidden. This hidden medicine cabinet project is a functional and decorative addition to any bathroom, blending practicality with a touch of charm. I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: bathroom project, bathroom remodel, bathroom renovation, diy, diy bathroom, diy tile

How to Save Space in Tight Quarters by Installing a Pocket Door

September 28, 2024 by kelsey.mackall

My bathroom renovation included the most gorgeous free standing tub. Only problem was that it was in the way of the door to the toilet room swinging freely. My favorite solution to doors in tight spaces is to install a pocket door. Installing a pocket door is a great way to save space and add convenience. Unlike traditional hinged doors, pocket doors slide into a wall compartment when opened, freeing up floor space and giving rooms a more open feel.

a woman opens an old door

Installing a Pocket Door

I like these pocket door kits from Amazon. They come with all of the hardware needed for a pocket door. I decided to use the old door since it already fits my aesthetic. Doors are available in various materials and finishes, so you can pick any one that fits your interior. I like to ensure that the wall where I plan to install the pocket door is free of electrical wiring, plumbing, or other obstructions. Then I use a stud finder to locate studs because I will need to cut through some of them to install the door frame.

I remove the door and then use a pry bar to remove any trim around the door opening. Then I remove the drywall around the door frame and from the part of the wall where the pocket will go. Once the drywall is removed I’ll need to modify the wall structure to create a space for the door to slide into. I cut out the wall studs in the section where the pocket will be installed. Then I take out the original door frame. For this door I added new jack studs to the sides of the opening. The jack studs are the height of the door and are added for me to install the track of the pocket door kit on.

A woman removes the drywall from a wall
A man demos a wall to install a pocket door

A Pocket Door Kit Makes This So Easy

Then I assemble the pocket door frame, which comes with the kit. I install it inside the opening, ensuring the frame is level and square. When it’s level and square I use wood screws to secure the frame to the remaining wall studs. The pocket door track gets installed on the jack studs inside the pocket I built. It allows the door to slide smoothly into the wall. The track in this kit is kind of like a drawer slide. It’s a soft close slide and that part is what the door hangs from to slide back and forth.

After the track is installed I attach the hooks to the top of the door. Those go into the track for the door to hang from. It’s also important to remember to install a door stop on the inside of the pocket to avoid losing your door in the wall. I usually just add a wood block to stop the door at the edge of the frame. When all that is done it’s as easy as mounting the door. You can adjust the height to make sure the doo hangs correctly and slides with ease.

A man shows the track for a pocket door.
A man installs the track on top of jack studs for a pocket door
A wall pocket made for pocket doors
Showing off the hardware on top of the door for a pocket door

Now To Put It All Back Together

The pocket door is a success, but it’s not finished until there is a whole wall again. I hang the drywall by screwing it into the studs. Then I use drywall mud and paper drywall tape to mud screw holes and seams. The doorway needs to be reframed next. I went with my usual craftsman trim and made sure to sandwich the door well while leaving a slot on the inside of the door frame.

When the mud is dry the drywall will need to be sanded smooth, I hate sanding drywall because it’s a huge mess. For some spaces dry sanding with sandpaper is best, and for others you can use a damp tile sponge to sand the drywall smooth. After sanding I finished off the wall with paint and the seams with caulk. Down to the final touches all I had left to do was to add hardware.

A woman is adding drywall to finish a wall where a pocket door was added
A woman adds trim to either side of a pocket door
A nail gun attaching trim to a door
A woman on a stool uses a nail gun to add trim to a door
A hand adds hardware to a door

It Was Worth Installing a Pocket Door

I am so much closer to getting to enjoy my bathroom! The pocket door allows me better use of the space near the bathtub. It was so easy to install and is such a simple addition to the bathroom. I don’t have to worry about the door hitting the bathtub and I can use all of the floor space in my bathroom. It is gorgeous and slides so nicely, I love it!

Woman in pink shorts and white top dances to show off a pocket door

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: bathroom project, bathroom remodel, diy, diy bathroom

Natural Light Is the Best Light. How to Install a Window!

August 26, 2024 by kelsey.mackall

What can I say? I like nice things. My primary bathroom wasn’t cutting it for me, it was dark and dingy and dated. I ended up taking the whole bathroom down to the studs. The room felt like a cave, and one thing I really wanted to do was add a window. Dismantling my bathroom gave me the perfect opportunity to do that.

Old and boring shower stall
Gutted shower stall

Searching For the Perfect Window

I looked everywhere for the perfect window. A picture window was what I really wanted, but it was hard to find just the right one. I ended up buying a window from Home Depot because I was getting antsy. The window made it all the way home before I decided one last time to check Facebook Marketplace. And there it was… Exactly the window that I wanted! It was a beautiful, large, picture window. I rushed to pick it up and get started installing it.

A woman in an orange shirt shows off a window in the back of a car

Framing To Install a Window

Windows are really not that difficult to install. Since the bathroom had been demolished I mapped out the place that I wanted to install the window. The shower provided the ideal spot for a new window. I started out by adding framing to provide support and hold the window. I placed the window in between the studs, but the space between the studs was a little too wide. So I needed to install a new king stud on one side.

I then attached the header to the king studs on either side with the bottom at the height I wanted the top of the window. The jack studs (2x4s) were attached to the king studs flush with the bottom of the header. They were attached to fit the measurements I took for the width of the window. Then we attached the sill plate to the jack studs with the top of the sill plate at the height of the bottom of the window. I measured down from the header to find the right spot to place that.

Then the cripplers(2x4s) were placed in the center of the window. One went on top between the header and the top of the wall. The other went between the sill plate and the floor. All of the new framing was secured with wood screws and framing nails. Then I cut the siding with a reciprocating saw using the framing as a guide.

A woman looks shocked at cutting into the siding on her house
A man and woman use a reciprocating saw to cut the siding out of a window frame
A woman in black pants and a gray shirt sits in the space allocated for a window

Time to Install a Window

It’s finally time to install the window! I put it in and… it didn’t fit. So I adjusted my measurements and tried again. It still didn’t fit! I adjusted again. And again. Finally on my fourth try it fit! I installed the window using wood screws to attach it to the framing. The inside was finished off using PVC trim attached with construction adhesive. I also installed a stone window sill, I’m already dreaming of plants in the window. After that was attached all of the seams were sealed using a silicone caulk that is just for bathrooms.

A man dry fits a window into a space
A man uses screws to install a window

The outside of the window needed to be weatherproof. I live in the Houston area and we get our fair share of weather here. I started by using a high quality silicone caulk made for outdoor use around the edge of the window. Then I installed window flashing on top of that. Expanding spray foam was super helpful to fill any gaps, then the exterior window framing was attached. The whole thing looks fantastic!

A man in a green shirt applies caulk to the outside of a window
Construction adhesive is being applied to a window sill with a battery powered caulk gun

This Window is EVERYTHING

I am so glad I took on this project. Having natural light in my bathroom changes the whole mood of the space. What was once dreary is now bright and happy. It feels so much cleaner. If you were to ask me my favorite part of the bathroom remodel the window would be at the top of my list.

Woman in White shirt excitedly shows off the finished window

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: bathroom project, bathroom remodel, bathroom renovation, bathroom window, diy bathroom, diy window, Window install

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