"Also, reclaimed wood vanity sounds awesome aesthetically, but how's it holding up moisture-wise?"
Funny you mention that—I built a reclaimed wood vanity for our guest bath about two years ago, and honestly, it's been pretty solid. I did seal the heck out of it though...like multiple coats of marine-grade varnish. Probably overkill, but better safe than moldy, right? The only issue I've noticed is some slight warping around the edges, but nothing major enough to regret the decision.
Totally agree on the lighting thing too. I spent way too much time swapping bulbs before realizing my beige tiles were just destined to look yellowish no matter what. Eventually, I just embraced it and called it "warm Tuscan vibes." Guests seem convinced, or at least polite enough not to question it.
Budget-wise, mine ran around $5k, mostly because I splurged on heated floors (best decision ever, btw). But yeah, second-hand fixtures and leftover materials are the real MVPs for keeping costs down.
"Eventually, I just embraced it and called it 'warm Tuscan vibes.'"
Haha, love that. I'm currently knee-deep in my first bathroom reno and definitely feeling the beige tile struggle. Good to know reclaimed wood can survive moisture if sealed properly—I was debating it but chickened out last minute. Ended up going with a budget-friendly IKEA vanity hack instead. Total cost so far is around $3k, but I'm still eyeing those heated floors...maybe next time?
$3k sounds pretty solid for a first go—nice job keeping it budget-friendly. Did you DIY most of it or hire out some parts? Heated floors are tempting, but honestly, a plush bath mat does wonders too...just sayin'.
"Heated floors are tempting, but honestly, a plush bath mat does wonders too...just sayin'."
True, a cozy bath mat can feel pretty luxurious, but once you've experienced heated floors on a chilly morning—it's hard to go back. Did a remodel last year where the homeowner was initially hesitant about the heated flooring cost. We ended up compromising by installing it only in front of the vanity and shower area, not the whole room. Saved money and still gave them that little slice of luxury every morning.
$3k is impressive though, especially if you managed quality fixtures and finishes. Curious how you handled tiling—did you go ceramic or vinyl? Seen some pretty convincing vinyl tile lately that's budget-friendly and surprisingly durable.
Heated floors sound nice, but honestly, in older homes like mine, sometimes it's better to embrace the quirks. We went with reclaimed wood flooring sealed for moisture resistance—warmer underfoot than tile, and it adds character. Sure, it's not heated-floor cozy, but there's something comforting about stepping onto aged wood... imperfections and all. Plus, it didn't break the bank either.
