A Contractor-Free Bathroom Renovation You Won’t Believe!

Step 2: Call in the Pros

With my fixtures on the way my next move was to hire a plumber to handle the install. I know what you’re thinking: “But this is a DIY!” After countless DIY projects, I’ve learned that knowing when to delegate is the most valuable DIY skill to have in your tool belt. In one day the plumber removed the old vanity and installed our new sink, something that would have taken me weeks to do on my own. If you’re confident replacing plumbing, though, then by all means go for it!

Step 4: A Quick Tile Fix

With the plumbing fixtures updated I turned my attention to the tile. If budget and time were no object, Glen and Louise would have preferred to replace the tiles with a  more interesting option. In reality, however, that option was out. On the upside, the tiles were in good shape and relatively inoffensive. To add a little graphic oomph, I used a paint-on grout dye to darken the existing white grout lines.

The process of dyeing grout is really simple: You paint the product on and then wipe away the excess with a paper towel or a rag. Don’t worry; the dye stains only the grout joints. I found that working on small sections of wall works best. If you try to cover too much space at a time you’ll end up really needing to scrub to get the dye off.

Tip: If black grout is not your thing, the dye also comes in a number of other colors, including gray. 

Step 5: Easy-to-Install Flooring

Like the wall tiles, the flooring was in pretty solid shape but far from stylish. So with the help of a gorgeous line of linoleum tiles I gave the bathroom floor a major upgrade. There are some really huge advantages to working with linoleum. For starters, installing it is supereasy, and you need only a utility knife to cut it and a little contact cement to hold it in place.

I used two kinds of tile, one solid and one patterned. I arranged the tiles so that the patterned ones were in the center and the solid tiles formed a border around the edges. Harvey Maria, the maker of these tiles, has a lot of great information about instillation on its website and even a few really helpful video tutorials!

Step 6: Creative Storage Solutions

While the previous cabinet below the sink did provide more storage than the new pedestal sink, it still wasn’t enough. I added a glossy blue campaign dresser that more than compensates for the storage we gave up with the cabinet—and it also provides additional counter space! When looking for nontraditional bathroom storage options, scale is everything. This piece is actually a bedside table.

For additional storage I used a midcentury-inspired planter to store rolled towels. Planters are an unexpected alternative to the average storage basket, and this one is waterproof, so it’s a perfect solution for next to the tub.

Step 8: Infusing Personality and Style

A new large round mirror above the sink gave the room some much-needed personality and creates the illusion of more space. To install the new mirror I unscrewed the door of the old medicine cabinet from the wall. With the door gone I hung the mirror right over the recessed part of the cabinet, rendering it inaccessible for daily use, but luckily we’d added storage elsewhere.

Next, I switched out the old light for this cool long-arm sconce.  I feel pretty comfortable changing out light fixtures, but if you’re not, definitely hire a pro to help. Both of these simple changes are great solutions for renters! Just rehang the original light and the mirrored door when you leave.

To finish things off, a couple of sleek new hooks were added to the wall for hanging towels or robes. By far the best part of the entire process was welcoming my friends to their new and improved bathroom!