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Complete Bathroom Remodel Under $2,000

3 min read
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Main Bathroom Remodel: From Foreclosure Eyesore to Modern, Budget-Friendly Retreat

It’s rare that a “before” photo actually makes me laugh, but Erin’s main bathroom did just that. The shower tile was unforgettable—dirty white tile with brown grout and even a painted rain shower mural. After a year of renovating a foreclosure and completing three bathrooms, Erin and her husband transformed this awkward, dated space into a clean, modern bathroom that feels both natural and welcoming.

Before photo: dirty white tile with brown grout and a rain shower mural

The Starting Point

The original room was about as bad as it gets: grimy white tile with brown grout, a tacky rain shower mural in the tub, pink walls covered in a gloopy, drippy textured finish. Erin admits that every time she used it she thought, “I can’t believe we bought this dump.” That blunt honesty is exactly what makes the final reveal so satisfying.

Another before shot showing the dated mural and tile

Design Goals and Key Decisions

Erin and her husband wanted a modern, minimal look that still felt warm—not cold. Their vision centered on simple lines, natural materials, and smart space solutions. The standout feature they designed and built themselves was a shoji-style sliding door. It slides to the right to close off the toilet and shower without blocking too much light, maintaining an open, airy feel while providing privacy when needed.

Custom shoji-style sliding door added to enhance privacy and style

DIY Work and Budget-Friendly Choices

One of the most impressive parts of this renovation is how affordable it was. By doing nearly all the labor themselves and choosing budget-friendly finds—like an Ikea vanity and mirror—Erin and her husband kept costs low. They also scored 12″ x 24″ clearance floor tiles for just $1.22 apiece. Because of those decisions and the hands-on approach, the entire remodel came in at under $2,000.

Clean, modern vanity and floor tiles after the remodel

Thoughtful Details That Make a Difference

Small practical touches elevate the space. Erin installed lighting beneath the floating vanity, which highlights the open floor and serves as a subtle, useful nightlight. The lights are plugged into an outlet under the vanity and tied to a switch by the door—simple, convenient, and effective.

Under-vanity lighting creates a warm, floating effect and practical nightlight

Final view showing cohesive modern design, penny tile accent, and floating mirror-shelf

Why This Remodel Works

  • Clear design intent: modern, minimalist, and natural without feeling sterile.
  • Smart DIY choices: custom sliding door and in-house labor saved money and allowed custom solutions that fit the room perfectly.
  • Budget-focused shopping: affordable fixtures and clearance tiles made a big visual impact for a small price.
  • Practical lighting: under-vanity LEDs improve ambience and function, doubling as a nightlight.

Erin’s achievement is a great example of what a thoughtful DIY renovation can do on a tight budget. The project proves that careful planning, a clear aesthetic goal, and willingness to put in the work can turn an embarrassment of a bathroom into a modern, serene retreat. The sliding shoji-style door is a highlight—when a custom idea fits and works immediately, it’s a real win for any DIYer.

If you’re planning a bathroom remodel and want inspiration for budget-friendly materials, floating vanities, creative privacy solutions, or under-vanity lighting, this makeover offers practical ideas and encouragement that beautiful results don’t always require a big budget.