We’ve made exciting progress over the last few weeks and now have a much more functional bathroom and closet. There are a few remaining tasks, but the space finally feels close to finished. Having a double sink for the first time, my favorite toilet, and a real closet system instead of a handful of old hanging bars has been a huge upgrade for us.
This renovation has taken longer than we expected—aren’t they all?—but we’re thrilled with how things are shaping up. We’ve shared many small updates on our Instagram Stories, but it’s been a while since we gave a full written update, so here’s what’s changed, along with photos we took this morning.
Shortly after Thanksgiving we had completed the shower tile and started on the floor tile, planning to grout both at once. Then we learned our plumber would be having knee surgery in four days and would be out for five weeks. That left us with less than a week to get the room ready if we wanted anything installed before February.
We briefly panicked, then regrouped and prioritized getting the floor fully tiled and grouted so the toilet, vanity, and tub could be set on top of it. That meant the shower work would be delayed, but our top priority was regaining a sink and toilet. We could continue using the hall shower for a little longer, but having a functioning sink and toilet again made a big difference for daily life.
Because we planned to add molding around the room, we needed to install that before the toilet, vanity, and tub were in place. We compressed a lot into a short time—tiling, nailing, caulking, grouting, and painting—and after several long days and late nights we finished the crucial tasks just in time. We’ll share a detailed post about the thick trim soon; it’s one of our favorite choices in the room and really elevated the space.
We thought we’d be finished in time for the plumber to complete installations before his surgery, but his schedule stayed full. The good news: he sent two teammates the next day to finish the work, so we avoided a five-week delay. They weren’t able to install the tub because the kit wasn’t on hand, and the shower still needs final grouting and sealing before its trim can be completed, but the sinks and toilet are in and working.
Yes, the bathroom currently looks great but still lacks a functioning tub and completed shower. The tub is waiting in our bedroom for installation, but honestly we’re thrilled to have running faucets and a flushing toilet again.
Some readers asked why we didn’t install the toilet and vanity ourselves. While we could have, we prefer the plumber to see the project through from start to finish so he can guarantee the plumbing work—especially with new pipes connected in the walls. That way, if anything leaks later, responsibility is clear and covered. It also helps with code compliance for a big gut renovation to have a licensed professional complete the plumbing.
Once the sink and toilet were functional, our focus shifted to the closet. With holiday guests coming, we needed to reclaim the dining room and garage where we’d stashed closet contents. Over the week of Christmas we installed an IKEA PAX closet system and trimmed it to look built-in. It felt amazing to move clothes back into a proper closet and clear our dining table for visitors.
We also added an arched mirror in the closet, hung a capiz chandelier, mounted new mirrors over the sinks, and brought in plants and woven baskets to warm the space. Styling a half-finished room with a few pretty things is a great morale boost—plants make a big difference.
That rug you see is a secondhand piece from Turkey that arrived quickly and adds warm, faded character to the space. It works beautifully in front of the vanity and in the closet.
Remaining tasks are few and feel manageable. Key items on our to-do list include wiring the vanity fixtures (we’re deciding between two finish options), possibly repainting the vanity to a softer muted green, hanging towel hooks and art after the tub is installed, choosing and hanging a shower curtain for added softness and texture, and installing and frosting the bathroom door for privacy.
- Wire the vanity fixtures: We hung the fixtures but haven’t wired them while we choose a finish.
- Paint the vanity: The current gray is nice, but a muted green might feel softer in the room.
- Hang towel hooks and art: We’ll place these above the tub and over the toilet once the tub is in.
- Pick and hang a shower curtain: We’re leaning toward a curtain for texture and easier upkeep, with the option to add glass later.
- Install and frost the bathroom door: Our new glass door is arriving soon and will be frosted for privacy.
We’re down from a long list of tasks to just a handful, and we’re excited to finish this project. We’ll share a full reveal and a budget breakdown once everything is completed. For now, we’re enjoying the progress, the functional improvements, and the boost that a few thoughtful details bring to a nearly finished room.