The Full Story Of Our Bathroom Makeover Before After Photos and Expenses

After a patient six-year wait, our master bathroom renovation has finally reached its glorious completion, nearly six months after we first broke ground! And with this reveal, it feels like the infamous “ensuite bathroom curse” we humorously documented on our social media has, at last, been lifted. All joking aside – though we still ponder if that curse holds any real weight given our journey – the long anticipation is over, and we’re thrilled to share every detail of this incredible transformation. Get ready for a comprehensive tour, including a full source list and a transparent budget breakdown at the end of this post!

Luxurious Marble Bathroom with Herringbone Tile Walk-In Shower and Elegant Freestanding Tub
Freestanding Tub | Tub Filler Faucet | Tub Art Print | Herringbone Shower Tile | Bathroom Floor Tile | Modern Toilet | Double Vanity | Vanity Mirror | Vanity Sconce Light | Wall Color: Behr Irish Mist

It’s truly astonishing, but the “after” photograph you see above was captured from almost the identical vantage point as the “before” image below. Our primary objective for this extensive renovation, as we highlighted in our initial kickoff post, was to infuse this previously dark, confined, and overly partitioned bathroom with a bright and expansive atmosphere. The difference achieved by simply opening up the space is nothing short of incredible, creating a sense of airiness that was entirely absent before.

Before Photo of a Cramped Bathroom with Blue Tiles and a Dividing Wall

In the years leading up to this project, we meticulously brainstormed countless layout ideas and complex rearrangements, all in pursuit of accommodating our highest priority features: a luxurious freestanding tub, a spacious walk-in shower, and a more functional master closet. It’s quite amusing in retrospect that, despite all that planning, our final design involved virtually no structural rearrangements. The shower maintained its original footprint, the toilet remained in its precise location, and even the double vanity ultimately settled into the space where two separate single vanities once stood, previously divided by a cumbersome wall. For a deeper dive into our early layout considerations, you can refer to this detailed floor planning post.

Bathroom Demolition Progress with Walls Removed, Revealing an Open Space

The simple act of knocking down the dividing walls was a revelation; it allowed us to see that we had far more usable space than we had ever imagined. We realized we didn’t need to completely reinvent the layout to achieve our desired features. Essentially, we transformed the old linen closet area into the perfect spot for the new freestanding tub, and just like that, the space began to truly shine. Of course, the actual execution of these changes was far from instantaneous or without its challenges – the intricate shower tiling, for instance, demanded immense focus and time. This is precisely why the entire makeover spanned a significant six-month timeline. However, by strategically applying some of the stress and cost-reducing methods we discussed in this podcast episode, we found that the process itself was surprisingly enjoyable, not just the breathtaking final outcome.

Finished Bathroom with Large Walk-In Herringbone Marble Tile Shower and Freestanding Soaker Tub
Freestanding Bathtub | Bathtub Filler | Shower Wall Tile | Bathroom Floor Tile | Toilet | Vanity | Wall Color: Behr Irish Mist

The Reimagined Vanity Area

Let’s begin our detailed tour with the vanity area, exploring the design choices and sourcing decisions we made along the way. We opted for a store-bought double vanity, which came complete with a beautiful quartz countertop and a “weathered gray” finish. While it was initially equipped with brushed nickel hardware, we chose to personalize it by swapping those out for elegant polished chrome pulls and matching knobs. You might recall our podcast discussions debating whether to paint the vanity, but ultimately, the original color truly charmed us. Considering that we’re in the process of selling our home, it felt more prudent to preserve the factory finish rather than experimenting with a new color for our personal preference. We still got to exercise our painting creativity on the already-painted hall bathroom vanity, so it felt like a perfectly balanced outcome.

Traditional Gray Double Vanity in Bathroom with Brass Pivot Mirrors and Dapper Sconce Lighting
Vanity Lights | Brass Pivot Mirrors | Double Sink Vanity | Chrome Faucets | Vanity Knobs | Vanity Pulls | Towel Hook | Hand Towels | Wall Color: Behr Irish Mist

To truly appreciate the visual upgrade, let’s take a moment to reflect on the past. The image on the left below captures the vanity area back in 2012 when we first purchased the house – yes, that’s carpet in a bathroom! The right image showcases how we lived with the space for several years after implementing some “Phase 1” updates, such as building out some vanity shelving and painting the subfloor. That right picture represented the view from our bedroom for five years, making the current “after” scene below a truly monumental visual improvement that brings us immense joy.

Side-by-Side Comparison of Before and Progress Photos of the Vanity Area

From a functional standpoint, this renovation marks a significant leap forward, primarily because we now each have our own dedicated sink. While we technically had two sinks before, their separation by a wall meant we never truly utilized them as “his and hers.” One, located across from the toilet, was mainly for hand-washing and my beard trimming (because, you know, chivalry never dies!), while the other was shared for all other purposes. It wasn’t the worst arrangement, but the luxury of having individual sinks with personal items conveniently close by is truly a game-changer. Sherry’s morning routine often takes her to the kitchen for certain concoctions involving vinegar and coconut oil, and her makeup application happens on the go in the car, so I probably spend more time at the bathroom sink than she does. Nevertheless, the ability to have separate sinks, completely unimpeded by walls, was a priority we’re delighted to have preserved in our renovation plans. They fit perfectly, with room to spare, contributing to an overall sense of spaciousness and streamlined mornings.

After Photo of Vanity Sink Area Visible Through Elegant Paned Glass Door
Bathroom Door | Doorknob | Privacy Frost Spray | Vanity Sconce Light | Pivot Mirrors | Double Vanity Unit | Sink Faucets | Wall Color: Behr Irish Mist

The feedback from our recent 51 house showings this past weekend has been incredibly encouraging, with many visitors singling out the ensuite bathroom and closet as their favorite spaces. This was truly wonderful to hear and validated our design decisions. We’ll be sharing a more in-depth account of how those showings unfolded in this coming Monday’s podcast – trust us, we have quite a story to tell!

Before Photo of Bathroom Showing Walls Separating Two Vanities from Shower Area

Returning to our new bathroom vanity, we’re fortunate not to be hoarders of toiletries, which allowed us to neatly organize all our daily essentials within the top drawer. The two left bins are mine, corresponding to my preferred left sink, while Sherry utilizes the right bin and sink. The remaining drawers efficiently house less frequently used items like first aid supplies and sunscreen, and the under-sink cabinets primarily serve as storage for toilet paper – an essential, indeed! The organized drawers demonstrate how thoughtful planning can maximize even compact spaces.

Open Drawer of Gray Bathroom Vanity Revealing Organized Plastic Caddies

Knowing that the room would feature many cool tones, we deliberately incorporated warm metallic accents to create a pleasing contrast. Elements like the brass pivot mirrors and the coordinating brass sconces were carefully chosen to introduce this inviting warmth. It’s a point of pride that these particular lights are actually part of our exclusive design collection for Shades of Light, and you can explore our entire lighting range here.

Elegant Brass Pivot Mirrors Above a Double Vanity with Traditional Moldings and Dapper Sconces

Sherry previously shared a valuable design tip on Instagram, inspired by Shea McGee, about maintaining similar metals along the same eye-line. We applied this principle meticulously in our vanity area: all wall-mounted fixtures—the sconces, mirrors, and towel hook—feature a warm brass finish. Conversely, all elements directly on the vanity, including the faucets and cabinet hardware, boast a sleek, cool chrome finish. This deliberate separation prevents visual clutter and allows each metallic accent to shine without competing for attention. We experimented with different combinations; for example, a chrome towel hook felt incongruous next to the gold mirror, and gold vanity hardware seemed to fight with the mirrors. Ultimately, chrome on the vanity proved to be the perfect choice, allowing the brass mirrors to serve as the dominant focal point.

After Photo of Area Opened Up with Wide Doorway to Walk-In Closet

The Thoughtfully Designed Toilet Nook

Now, let’s turn our attention to the toilet area. In any bathroom discussion, this is an unavoidable, albeit often understated, topic. While a direct view of the toilet might not be everyone’s priority – indeed, some prefer precisely the opposite – in our specific case, the removal of dividing walls here brought an invaluable benefit: an unobstructed view of the window. This window is the sole source of natural light for the entire ensuite, and it was previously completely blocked, leaving the space perpetually dim. Opening up this sightline was therefore crucial for achieving the bright, airy feel we desired.

Contemporary Marble Bathroom Featuring Walk-In Shower, Gray Vanity, and Green Plants
Freestanding Tub | Shower Wall Tile | Floor Tile | Toilet | Vanity | Mirror | Vanity Light | Faux Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree | Fig Basket| Wall Color: Behr Irish Mist

While I wish I had a more direct “before” shot of this exact angle, the mid-demo photo below perfectly conveys just how enclosed this view once was. We had already made considerable efforts during our “Phase 1” adjustments to brighten this bathroom, including removing the dark wallpaper, eliminating the grimy shower door, and painting nearly everything white. These initial steps had already transformed the space significantly from its original state when we first bought the house, but the latest renovation took it to an entirely new level.

Demolition Stage of Bathroom Remodel Showing Drywall Removed to Connect Spaces
Before Photo of Blue Tile Bathroom with Dated Blue Wallpaper

We understand that for some, a private water closet—a toilet enclosed behind its own door—is a non-negotiable feature in an ensuite bathroom. However, it wasn’t a high priority on our list, as we’ve never had one in any of our previous homes. Any attempts to incorporate one into our floor plans invariably led to a dilemma: it either completely blocked the precious natural light from our single window or forced us to sacrifice other, more crucial features, such as the separate soaking tub. Given our strong preference for a distinct soaking tub and a spacious walk-in shower over an isolated toilet room, it was an easy decision to forgo the private water closet and instead focus on maximizing the room’s openness and light. Additionally, the proximity of the closet to the bathroom often raises questions about simultaneous use. For us, this has never been an issue. We typically get ready at different times, and we’ve enjoyed this open closet-to-bathroom layout for six years without any problems. For those who might find it problematic, an alternative entrance to the closet from the bedroom could be an option, but we personally love the seamless transition from showering to getting dressed in the closet. Moreover, with a toilet in our freshly updated hall bathroom, conveniently located just behind our ensuite, and a third one downstairs, privacy for toilet use has genuinely never been an concern in our home.

Toilet Nook in a Traditional Modern Marble Bathroom Behind a Gray Vanity

To add a touch of elegance to the toilet area (because who doesn’t want that?), we enhanced its visual appeal with our DIY molding treatment and our favorite toilet, which, serendipitously, features a design that subtly complements the molding detail. I daresay we transformed this formerly mundane zone from dreary to delightful. Yes, I dare to say it, and I mean it wholeheartedly! The careful selection of elements, even for a utilitarian space, can significantly elevate the overall design and user experience.

Detail of Kohler Memoirs Toilet in Bathroom with Traditional Wall Picture Frame Molding Treatment

Alright, let’s move on to the undeniable stars of this room: the shower and the freestanding tub. It’s truly challenging to pick a favorite, as both have transformed the space dramatically. Each element contributes significantly to the luxurious and functional appeal of our newly renovated master bathroom.

Elegant Freestanding Tub in a Modern Marble Bathroom with Traditional Wall Molding

The Invigorating Walk-In Shower

That last statement was a bit of a fib; I absolutely have a clear favorite, and it’s undoubtedly the shower. If Sherry were authoring this post, she would undoubtedly start with the tub, dedicating thousands of words to her profound adoration for it. But for this particular narrative, I’m at the helm, and the shower claims its rightful spotlight. This magnificent walk-in shower now occupies the same fundamental footprint as our previous, rather uninspiring tub/shower combination. While it’s only a few inches deeper than the old 3×5-foot tub, it somehow feels immeasurably more spacious and open. This expanded perception is likely a harmonious blend of several factors: the deliberate choice of lighter-toned tiles, extending those tiles all the way to the ceiling, and the psychological freedom of no longer feeling “boxed in” by a tub at your feet. The transformation is genuinely remarkable.

After Photo of Bathroom with Large Walk-In Herringbone Marble Tile Shower and Freestanding Tub
Demolition Photo Showing Drywall Removed, Exposing Space Between Vanity and Shower

One day, I might delve into the exhaustive details of our DIY journey for this entire shower, because believe me, it was an immense undertaking. From the initial demolition of the old tub and the precise framing of the new ledge and window, to carefully sloping the shower pan (huge thanks to YouTube for guidance!) and meticulously laying the intricate herringbone tile pattern over five intense days – I hesitate to call it my masterpiece, but I am undeniably proud of the outcome. Can’t you sense that pride from the gleeful, fully-clothed showering reenactment you see below? As a 6-foot tall individual, the image perfectly conveys the sheer size and luxurious expanse of this glorious shower, a true testament to our dedication and effort.

John Standing in Walk-In Shower to Illustrate Scale of Marble Tiled Wall

We extensively discussed our tile selections in a previous post, but our overarching goal was to utilize a classic, timeless material in a manner that would generate sufficient visual interest to establish it as a captivating focal point. While we were well aware that herringbone patterns can be challenging to install, this particular application demanded even greater focus and precision than we had initially anticipated. Maintaining a perfectly level and evenly spaced pattern across three walls, while navigating obstacles like the shower ledge and window, was genuinely no easy feat! Every tile was placed with meticulous care, transforming a daunting task into a rewarding artistic endeavor.

Detail of Marble Herringbone Pattern Along Wall of Walk-In Shower with Ledge

All of the exquisite shower tiles, including the elegant marble ledges (which were cleverly sourced as floor transitions and window sills), are from Floor & Decor, and you’ll find every single link conveniently listed in the source section at the end of this post. As our budget breakdown will illustrate, the tile represented one of the most substantial line items for this room, but we are unequivocally thrilled with the outcome. Furthermore, we achieved significant savings on the floor tile throughout the remainder of the bathroom and closet by opting for a marble look-alike from Home Depot. This porcelain alternative was not only incredibly durable but also remarkably affordable, costing just $2.29 per square foot, proving that high style doesn’t always demand a high price tag.

Marble Herringbone Modern Pattern in Walk-In Shower with Hexagon Tile Floor

Instead of installing a glass door, which we seriously considered, we chose to rehang our extra-long white waffle weave shower curtain. This decision was driven by the desire to introduce a sense of softness and texture into the room. The bathroom features an abundance of angular and hard surfaces – from the gleaming geometric tiles to the structured boxy molding and rectangular vanity – so the curtain provides a welcoming contrast. Some worried that a curtain would “cover all that beautiful tile,” but it’s important to remember that the curtain is never between us and the tile. When closed, it means we’re inside the shower, actively surrounded by that glorious marble. And when not in use, it’s open, allowing us to admire the tile from every conceivable angle. We’ve discussed this preference on the podcast back in 2016, but we personally favor the privacy and cozy enclosure a curtain offers. Plus, it’s one less surface to regularly wipe down and clean compared to a glass shower door, adding to the practicality of our choice.

Walk-In Shower Behind Freestanding Tub with Modern Herringbone Marble Tile Pattern
Marble Bathroom with Herringbone Tile Walk-In Shower and Freestanding Tub

All of our shower and tub fixtures are proudly made by Delta, and we procured them through Ferguson, a local bath and kitchen showroom here in Richmond. We’ve linked all the specific items in the source list at the end of this post for your convenience. If you’re unfamiliar with Ferguson, they have numerous locations nationwide, so it’s worth checking if there’s one in your area. We highly recommend them, especially if you ever feel overwhelmed by the complexity of coordinating various fixtures, valves, sprayers, and other plumbing components. We were pleasantly surprised to receive a bulk discount by ordering through them, rather than purchasing items individually online, making their quote invaluable. You can also find many of their products on Build.com, which often features excellent sales.

Chrome Delta Shower Fixtures in a Walk-In Marble Herringbone Shower

We intentionally kept the shower design straightforward, incorporating a standard shower head and a convenient hand-held sprayer mounted on an adjustable bar. A key design consideration was placing the controls on the opposite wall. This thoughtful positioning allows you to easily turn on the water and adjust the temperature before stepping into the shower, preventing any unexpected cold blasts or getting sprayed directly in the face, which would be the case if the controls were situated directly beneath the shower head. The larger, lower handle expertly manages the water temperature, while the smaller, upper handle gives you precise control over which sprayers are active: the main shower head, the hand-held unit, or both simultaneously, offering a customizable and comfortable showering experience.

Plant Window Ledge in Walk-In Shower Allowing Light into a Modern Marble Tile Shower

We frequently receive inquiries about the fan/light combination unit we utilize in our bathroom remodels. Essentially, it’s a recessed light that seamlessly blends in with all the other recessed lighting fixtures in the room, but it cleverly doubles as a covert bathroom vent fan. This integrated design is far more discreet and aesthetically pleasing than the typical large, ceiling-mounted fan contraptions. Another significant benefit is its quiet operation. We’ve incorporated these units throughout our duplex and the pink house, appreciating their subtle functionality. Notice how similar the “light” closest to the shower in the ceiling appears to the one positioned above the toilet? It’s these small, thoughtful details that contribute to the overall clean and cohesive aesthetic of the space.

Marble Bathroom with Herringbone Tile Walk-In Shower and Freestanding Tub

The Luxurious Freestanding Soaker Tub

Alright, now we can finally turn our attention to the exquisite freestanding tub. While I, personally, am not a “bath person” and haven’t yet taken it for a spin, I can confidently say it has exceeded every single expectation Sherry set for it during the renovation planning. She affectionately refers to it as her BBFF – “bathroom best friend forever” – which, frankly, speaks volumes about her adoration. It’s truly delightful to witness her profound satisfaction with this central feature.

Freestanding Tub Next to Marble Shower in a Modern Traditional Bathroom Remodel

This tub fits the space exceptionally well, offering generous dimensions and a remarkable depth that allows Sherry, despite her petite stature, to fully submerge. Our old tub, by contrast, offered no such luxury – a humorous irony considering Sherry’s small frame, leading us to wonder who that tub was even designed for! Crucially, the new tub fills surprisingly quickly and, as promised by many recommendations, retains heat much longer than anticipated, thanks to its acrylic construction. What’s more, it wasn’t nearly as expensive as we initially feared; while prices on Wayfair fluctuate, we secured it for a mere $542. In short, we wholeheartedly recommend this freestanding tub for anyone seeking a deeply satisfying and surprisingly affordable bathing experience.

Please enjoy this delightful photo of Sherry, fully clothed, showcasing the tub’s impressive scale. She can, at long last, comfortably soak more than just the bottom half of her torso. Apparently, this is an ideal feature for dedicated bath-takers, ensuring a truly immersive and relaxing experience. Her beaming smile is a testament to the success of this renovation, fulfilling a long-held dream for her ideal bathing sanctuary.

Sherry Sitting in Freestanding Tub in a Modern Traditional Bathroom with Marble Floor and Wall Molding

We encountered a bit of a challenge finding a tub caddy online that met our aesthetic and functional requirements; many designs featured an excessive amount of bells and whistles (think iPad stands, razor platforms, wine glass notches!). So, we decided to take a DIY approach, constructing this simple yet elegant caddy ourselves from store-bought 1×2″ pine and applying our own stain. It’s not overly elaborate, but it was incredibly easy to create and fits the tub perfectly. If crafting a custom ledge to luxuriate in the next four months of tub time before our move is considered wrong, then Sherry emphatically declares she doesn’t want to be right! This personal touch adds a unique charm and functionality to her beloved bathing spot.

Overhead View of a Tray Over a Freestanding Tub in a Modern Traditional Bathroom

Oh, and the art piece displayed above the tub consistently generates many inquiries about its origin. It’s actually a printable piece called “Lowland” from Juniper Print Shop. We had it printed locally and then paired it with a large, affordable Ikea frame. This budget-friendly solution creates a significant visual impact in the room. Sherry particularly loves how it harmoniously ties into the artwork displayed over our bed, which was a unique secondhand find we acquired directly off the walls of a ski house we once rented. This artistic connection helps to bridge the aesthetics between the bathroom and bedroom, creating a cohesive and personal feel.

View from a Modern Traditional Marble Bathroom into a Bedroom Before the Door was Installed

The Integrated Walk-In Closet

We’ve previously shared a full, in-depth tour of our closet, where you can find all the specific details about that side of the room. However, we wanted to include a few photographs here to showcase how beautifully it integrates within the larger master ensuite space. We are genuinely delighted with the seamless flow between the bathroom and the closet. For the past six years, our closet has been open to our bathroom, and we’ve never encountered any issues with humidity or other concerns. This positive experience gave us immense confidence in our decision not to add a door here, preserving the open and airy flow. While we did briefly consider a pocket door, we ultimately concluded it wouldn’t be worth the expense, as we were convinced we would literally never close it, preferring the continuous, open connection.

Double Gray Bathroom Vanity Next to Entrance of a Large Walk-In Closet with Arch Mirror

To provide a clear reminder, the image below illustrates what this view looked like before the renovation. It’s hard to believe the sheer number of walls that once compartmentalized this space! Widening and centering the doorway between the two rooms delivered an immense improvement. The old closet doorway measured a mere 22 inches wide – barely wider than my shoulders – whereas it now boasts a generous 34-inch opening, making it significantly less cramped and far more inviting than before. This seemingly simple change dramatically enhanced both the functionality and visual appeal of the transition between the bathroom and closet, creating an effortless passage.

Before Photo of Walk-In Closet Prior to Bathroom Renovation

If you’ve followed this entire post and found yourself wondering, “Where do they hang their towels?” I can tell you this was one detail that required considerable thought in our bathroom design. With limited unused wall space, our initial plan involved hanging towels on the wall above the tub. However, we ultimately decided we preferred a large piece of art there instead. Our chosen solution has been to hang them on the back of our bedroom door, which is conveniently just a few steps outside the bathroom. This means that before stepping into the shower, we simply grab our towel and drape it over the side of the tub (or the vanity, if Sherry is taking a bath). This system has worked perfectly for us, causing no inconvenience. However, for a future homeowner who might prefer hooks over wall art, there are ample options: hooks could easily be added above the tub, or even on the back of the frosted bathroom door or the fronts of the wardrobe doors within the closet. We debated all these possibilities and found this particular solution best suited our lifestyle and aesthetic preferences.

View Through Bathroom Door from Bedroom Showing Double Vanity and Window in Marble Bathroom

I also want to highlight how meticulously seamless our hardwood floor to tile transition is between the bedroom and bathroom in the photo above. The wood and tile sit at precisely the same height, a detail achieved by adding an extra layer of plywood beneath the cement board for the tile, thereby reinforcing the floor. This particular detail brings me an almost absurd amount of satisfaction, as it speaks to the precision and craftsmanship we strived for in every aspect of this renovation. Speaking of this perspective, the photo below effectively represents my view from bed – and previously, it was entirely obscured by walls. The fact that we can now literally see the light makes both of us incredibly happy. It’s almost as if we’ve gained an additional window for the bedroom, dramatically enhancing the sense of space and openness.

Before View Through Bathroom Door of Walls Blocking View of Window

And for those who haven’t noticed explicitly, let me assure you that we carefully frosted the glass on the door to ensure complete privacy whenever someone is using the bathroom. Sherry playfully jokes that it provides 100% privacy unless you press your buns right up against the glass (and she knows this from personal, albeit accidental, experience!). We deliberately chose this 15-light glass door because we have two others in the house already – one leading to our back porch, and another that we installed leading into our bonus room. This not only maintains visual consistency throughout the home but also contributes to the light and airy feel we aimed for in the bathroom. Have I sufficiently emphasized the “light and bright” aspect in this post? Oh, and we even have a frosted door to the bathroom at the pink house too. It seems our affection for them is undeniable!

Master Bathroom Renovation Budget Breakdown

Let’s dive into the financial details of this transformation. While this renovation was by no means inexpensive, we firmly believe we achieved an exceptional return on our investment, particularly when considering our starting point and the fact that virtually every item and surface was addressed. This was a far cry from the quick, cosmetic update we performed on our hall bathroom. We now boast a dedicated soaker tub, luxurious upgraded materials like marble and quartz, and a dramatically more open layout that feels an incredible 86 times larger. Despite it being a fairly large room (the bathroom alone spans 8 x 12 feet, not including the closet), we successfully managed to keep costs from spiraling by undertaking a substantial amount of the work ourselves. This included all the demolition, framing, shower pan construction, tile preparation and tiling, as well as all the intricate molding work, painting, and door hanging.

  • Marble shower & shower floor tile, thinset, and grout from Floor & Decor: $2,043
  • Porcelain floor tile from Home Depot (throughout bathroom & closet): $277
  • Framing wood & plywood for floor: $212
  • Cement board & tile prep supplies: $311
  • Shower pan cement, liner, and materials: $107
  • Miscellaneous tiling supplies: $102
  • Plumbing labor (to add new shower valves/drain along with a new tub drain/tub faucet) $3250
  • Electrical labor (to add 2 vanity sconces, 3 can lights, outlets, closet lighting, & a vent fan/light): $900
  • Drywall & drywall patching labor: $450
  • Soaker Tub: $542
  • Double vanity with quartz top: $956
  • Vanity hardware & 3 towel hooks: $93
  • Our Favorite Toilet: $352
  • Shower & Bath Fixtures: $1,207 (sourced locally from Ferguson, with online alternatives linked here: tub faucet, tub rough-in valve, and the shower kit with slide bar)
  • Wall Molding Treatment/Caulk/Paint: $648 (see our tutorial here)
  • Two gold vanity mirrors: $550 (purchased during Black Friday sales)
  • Two sink faucets: $280
  • Print & frame over toilet: $0 (already owned)
  • Print & frame over tub: $83 for everything! ($20 printable + $43 print from FedEx, and $20 Ikea frame!)
  • Toilet paper holder: $37 (Black Friday price)
  • Two Vanity Sconce Lights: $198
  • New 15-Light Door: $205
  • Wood to make tub tray: $11 (already had stain)
  • Miscellaneous (frosting spray for door, toilet seat, truck rental to bring plywood home, etc): $66
  • TOTAL: $12,880
Marble Bathroom with Herringbone Tile Walk-In Shower and Double Gray Vanity with Brass Pivot Mirrors

Considering that the average higher-end bathroom renovation often exceeds $23,000, we are absolutely thrilled with where we landed financially. As we detailed in our closet budget breakdown, some of the figures above encompass additional materials or fees that extend beyond just the bathroom (for instance, the floor tile, drywall, and electrical costs for the adjacent closet are integrated into this budget, as it was impractical to separate them precisely). When we combine our closet and bathroom budgets, our total investment for both spaces, which measure 8 x 12 feet and 8 x 6 feet respectively, comes to $15,316. While this is certainly not a small sum, it’s a number we feel exceptionally good about, given the incredible functionality, aesthetic appeal, and overall value we’ve gained in return.

And speaking of the end, I wanted to conclude precisely where we began this journey – with my absolute favorite before & after comparison from this entire project. This transformation truly encapsulates the essence of what we set out to achieve and the remarkable changes we made.

Before Photo of a Bathroom Separated by Walls with Blue Tile
After Marble Bathroom with Herringbone Tile Walk-In Shower and Freestanding Tub

We are profoundly in love with how this renovation turned out; it might very well be our most cherished room makeover to date. It’s undeniably bittersweet to know that we only have approximately four more months to savor it before our move to Florida in June. However, there’s a significant silver lining: being so utterly pleased with this result fills us with immense confidence and excitement to design the bathrooms in our new home. We’re actually adding an ensuite bathroom to our new house before we even move in (currently, there’s only one non-functioning bathroom in the entire house, so making that operational and adding another is paramount). This means we’ll be meticulously planning that bathroom in the coming months with the contractor we met back in February, who will help us execute it since we can’t be on-site full-time until after our move. WHICH, intriguingly, MEANS MAYBE WE CAN BREAK THE MASTER BATHROOM CURSE BY NOT SAVING IT FOR THE VERY END! Ha. After patiently waiting over six years to finally have a proper ensuite bathroom, it feels incredibly surreal to think that we’ll be tackling two of them in less than a year. I feel a strong urge to knock on wood after uttering such a bold statement!

Comprehensive Bathroom Sources

To simplify your search for specific items, we’ve compiled all the links and paint color information in one convenient place below. We hope this makes replicating elements of our design or simply finding inspiration much easier for your own projects.

  • Wall, trim, and ceiling color: Behr Irish Mist
  • Freestanding Soaker Tub
  • Double Vanity with Quartz Top
  • Modern Elongated Toilet
  • Brass Pivot Vanity Mirrors
  • Vanity Sconces (Explore our full lighting collection here)
  • Vanity Cabinet Knobs
  • Vanity Cabinet Pulls
  • Decorative Hand Towels for Sink
  • Towel Hook
  • Toilet Paper Holder
  • Extra-Long White Waffle Weave Shower Curtain
  • Extra-Long Shower Curtain Liner
  • Tension Shower Curtain Rod (no drilling required!)
  • Herringbone Marble Shower Wall Tile
  • Hexagon Honed Marble Shower Floor Tile
  • Porcelain Floor Tile (used throughout bathroom & closet)
  • Sink Faucets
  • Shower Kit (includes shower head, sprayer with bar, valve, and controls)
  • Tub Filler Faucet (and coordinating Rough-In Valve)
  • Art Print over Tub (Ikea Frame)
  • Art Print over Toilet
  • Similar 15-Light Glass Door (we custom ordered our size in-store at Home Depot, delivered primed!)
  • Doorknob
  • Glass Frosting Spray
  • Closet Arch Mirror
  • Closet Chandelier
  • Similar Closet Rug
  • Faux Fiddle-Leaf Fig Tree
  • Fiddle-Leaf Fig Basket

Detailed Room Dimensions

Since we frequently receive requests for floor plans and measurements, here’s a helpful, albeit not perfectly-to-scale, layout of the room. This provides a good general idea of the measurements and spatial relationships for anyone interested in the specifics. Please note that some measurements have been rounded to the nearest inch for simplicity.

Detailed Floor Plan of Bathroom Remodel with Measurements

Okay, I believe that covers every conceivable detail I can provide about our master bathroom renovation. Thank you for joining us on this extensive journey, and please know that taking fully clothed photos of oneself in a shower or tub for scale feels precisely as awkward as you would imagine!

If you’re interested in revisiting every step of this renovation process from the very beginning, here’s the very first post outlining this project, followed by a detailed tile-picking and floor-planning post. You can also find a major update we shared approximately two-thirds of the way through our renovation, a comprehensive tutorial and cost breakdown for the decorative molding we incorporated, and finally, the full closet reveal, complete with a video tour.

And for those searching for exceptional lighting – whether for your bathroom, bedroom, dining room, hallway, laundry room, kitchen, or any other space – you can explore all of our exclusive lighting designs right here – and rest assured, none of them are “boob lights”! HURRAH for stylish illumination.

*This post contains affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site, at no additional cost to you.