bathroom renovation Archives - A Dabbled Dwelling

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After years of tolerating a bathroom that felt cramped and outdated, I finally made the decision to transform it into a modern, functional, and aesthetically pleasing space.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!

Taking the Bathroom from Gloomy to Glam: A Budget Breakdown

October 10, 2024 by kelsey.mackall

My primary bathroom was such a dungeon stuck in 2001. I couldn’t wait to take that bathroom from gloomy to glam. I lived with the dark uninviting space for 2.5 years while I planned, budgeted, and fantasized. After several projects in this house I was ecstatic when I finally had the chance to tear it all out. I took the whole bathroom down to the studs and partnered with several suppliers to create a glamorous, dreamy bathroom.

Rebuilding the Bathroom After Demo

My list of must-haves consisted of a spa like shower, a soaking tub (boy did I miss bubble baths!), gorgeous tile accents, and a stunning vanity. Doing the work myself saved me buckets of money and allowed me to get the high end fixtures and features that I wanted. Wait until you see the cost!!

Bathroom Budget Breakdown

I kept a running total of the expenses in this remodel and there may be some rough estimates in there but you get the idea! ceiling drywall was hired out because I loathe drywall and so was shower glass for obvious reasons. I deserved a teeeeny bit help after all.

Vanity: $3469
Tub: $1749
Faucets: $818
Tub Faucet: $729
Tile saw: $200
Mussel bound: $200
Backsplash: $800
Floor Tile: $175
Light fixtures: $300
Mirrors: $80
Pocket door: $250
Plumbing: $50
Ceiling Drywall (hired out): $400
Paint/Caulk/Mud: $200
Trim: $100
Arch Framing: $70
Cement board:$100
RedGard $50
Mortar: $25
Grout: $45
Adhesive: $100
Floor tile: $280
Caulk: $30
Wall tile: $560
Premade Niches: $200
Fixtures: $589
Window: $100
Pvc and Stone Trim: $175
Glass Door(hired out): $900

Total: $12,744

The vanity! That tub! My shower! This bathroom renovation is everything I dreamed of. It turned out absolutely gorgeous. Instead of inspiring doom and gloom, it inspires peace and comfort. It’s amazing how where you live can impact your mental health so much!

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.

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.

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.