By myhomeidentity 
When we first decided to take on a bathroom remodel in Sacramento, it wasn’t because we had extra money burning a hole in our pocket. It was because we were tired—tired of the broken grout, the leaky faucet, the beige tile that looked permanently sad, and the harsh lighting that made every morning feel like an interrogation.
But we weren’t after a luxury spa either. What we wanted was simple: a space that felt peaceful, functional, and beautiful—and a remodel that respected our budget.
This is the story of how we transformed a tired bathroom into a place we love, without overextending ourselves or sacrificing style.
🧱 The Before: Drab, Dysfunctional, and Draining
When we first decided to take on a bathroom remodel in Sacramento, it wasn’t because we had extra money burning a hole in our pocket. It was because we were tired—tired of the broken grout, the leaky faucet, the beige tile that looked permanently sad, and the harsh lighting that made every morning feel like an interrogation.
But we weren’t after a luxury spa either. What we wanted was simple: a space that felt peaceful, functional, and beautiful—and a remodel that respected our budget.
This is the story of how we transformed a tired bathroom into a place we love, without overextending ourselves or sacrificing style.
💡 The Vision: Refresh Without Rebuild
We set two goals:
- Stay under $8,000 total
- Keep as much of the existing footprint as possible to avoid major plumbing costs
So, we got creative. Inspired by designers like Hilary Farr, who know how to turn constraints into opportunities, we started with what we had—and began planning around smart choices, not flashy upgrades.
🛁 The Process: Style in the Details
1. Paint and Light: The Instant Uplift
We painted the walls a soft, warm gray (Benjamin Moore’s “Balboa Mist”) and swapped the overhead light for a warm-toned LED fixture. Suddenly, the space felt alive.
Total cost? $150—and worth every penny.
2. Resurfaced, Not Replaced
Instead of gutting the tub and surround, we hired a local refinisher to reglaze them in classic white. The result looked brand new, without the $3,000+ cost of replacement.
Cost: $500. Savings: sanity.
3. The Vanity Glow-Up
We kept the existing vanity frame but added a butcher block top (sealed for water resistance), new brushed brass hardware, and a round vessel sink we found at a discount showroom.
Cost: under $400 for the full update, including faucet.
4. Mirrors That Matter
We replaced the old medicine cabinet with a framed mirror from a local home décor store clearance section. It instantly softened the space and added warmth.
Cost: $75. Impact? Immense.
5. Flooring for Function
Luxury vinyl plank with a stone look gave us the aesthetic of tile but with easier installation and a softer underfoot feel—ideal for Sacramento’s changing temperatures.
DIY install saved us hundreds. Material cost: $300.
✨ The After: A Sanctuary on a Shoestring
Now, our bathroom feels like a quiet retreat. It’s brighter. Warmer. More inviting. Every element has a purpose—and the room finally feels like part of our home, not a relic of the past.
Friends can’t believe we did it under $8,000. Honestly, some days, neither can we.
💬 Call to Action
If you’re dreaming of a bathroom that reflects your style—but think you need a five-figure budget to get there—think again.
Start with intention. Spend where it matters. Save where it doesn’t. And remember: thoughtful design always looks more expensive than it is.
Need help finding affordable materials or planning a design-forward remodel in Sacramento? We’re here to help—every step of the way.