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After years of tolerating a bathroom that felt cramped and outdated, I finally made the decision to transform it into a modern, functional, and aesthetically pleasing space.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

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.

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 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

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 woman on a stool uses a nail gun to add trim 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!