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After years of tolerating a bathroom that felt cramped and outdated, I finally made the decision to transform it into a modern, functional, and aesthetically pleasing space.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

Easy Tile Install For a Gorgeous Bathroom Backsplash

July 30, 2024 by kelsey.mackall

A few weeks ago I tore my bathroom down to the studs. The bathroom was dated and old, because it was updated in the early 2000s. I finished the shower renovation using the Palisade click and lock tile system and it’s gorgeous. After finishing the shower I had a spot of trouble getting the bathtub in and then I tiled the floor. Once I got that done Hurricane Beryl came through and knocked out my power for a week. I put myself on a deadline with this bathroom and desperately needed to get the walls ready for the backsplash tile asap. So I worked in the dark to get the electrical done and the drywall up.

A Gorgeous Bathroom Backsplash With Peel and Stick Mussel Bound

I tore the bathroom down to the studs in order to move some outlets and light fixtures. There was also some plumbing to move, and a soffit to destroy. Thankfully the soffit didn’t hide any electric or plumbing so it was easy enough to remove. Hurricane Beryl did me no favors leaving me without power for a week, so I was stuck installing drywall in the dark. But I did it and go the backsplash area ready for tile! I have tiled several walls and floors, and I’ve used a few different methods of tiling.

Woman in pink shirt uses a drill to hang drywall in the dark

One of my favorite ways to tile backsplashes is to use MusselBound tile adhesive. MusselBound is a roll of super strong double sided sticky paper. I know it sounds sketchy, but it is really super strong. It’s so strong I actually stuck my baby to it once! I really love MusselBound for its ease of use and how fast the tiling goes.

Woman in pink shirt sits holding hands out to baby hanging on a wall in a box

Using MusselBound To Make Any Tile Peel and Stick

I start with a clean wall and work in sections. Spread the MusselBound in sheets in the section you’re working on. I usually start by peeling the back side and sticking it to the wall and then I peel the front side as I go. With the MusselBound on the wall, I stick the tiles on it. For this tile job I chose not to use spacers. The tile I used has slight variations that give it a more organic look and I wanted them to sit against one another.

Woman in blue top sticks musselbound to a wall

Woman in blue top hangs tiles on wall using musselbound

I continue tiling, exposing the sticky MusselBound when I am ready to put tile on it. When I get to spots that need a partial tile I use my sliding wet saw to cut the tiles to the size and shape I need. When using MusselBound the tiles need to be 100% dry so cutting them with a wet saw slows down the process a little. In some cases, cuts can be made ahead of time, allowing plenty of time for the tiles to dry before use. When I tiled my kitchen backsplash with MusselBound, I actually dried the tiles in my oven set to a super low temperature. Once all of the tile is up, it’s time for grout.

Finish It Off With Grout

Grouting is such a satisfying process. I use pre-mixed grout. You can use a tile float to get grout in the spaces, but I prefer to use my hands. After grouting all of the grout lines you use a wet sponge and go over the tiles to remove excess grout. Sometimes it takes a few passes to get all of the extra grout and haze off the tile. Once the grout is done, I always like to caulk the edges. Caulk finishes off the seams and seals the corners. Make sure to use silicone caulk made for bathrooms and kitchens.

The Most Gorgeous Bathroom Backsplash With MusselBound

I always love when I finish a project and this one feels even more sweet. This project has been a long time coming and I have really enjoyed planning it. The backsplash is beautiful and provides a perfect accent to my bathroom. I chose Zellige tiles in {} from Lowe’s and I couldn’t be more happy with how it all came together. The pros of using MusselBound are: ease of use, tiling speed, no waiting for mortar to dry before grout, and beginner friendly. There are few cons to using it. Once tile is on, it can be difficult to take it off and adjust. MusselBound is also a bit more expensive per square foot than using traditional mortar. I’ve loved using it for the projects that I have and will always recommend it as an option. I can’t wait to see how the rest of the bathroom shakes out. Follow along for the rest of my bathroom projects here!