Modern farmhouse bathroom with a sleek concrete countertop, brass fixtures, and white shaker-style cabinetry. A large, round mirror is flanked by elegant gold and glass sconces, reflecting the fresh greenery in a textured black vase. Built-in arched shelves hold neatly organized toiletries, adding a touch of functionality and charm to the serene, neutral-toned space. This bathroom is the after of a DIY primary bath remodel.

DIY Primary Bath Remodel on a Budget

Bathroom, DIY

When we moved into our Omaha home, we knew we were taking on a fixer-upper—every inch needed a refresh, including a full primary bath remodel. This was a DIY labor of love, and looking at the transformation now, I can hardly believe it’s the same space!

Modern bathroom featuring a white shaker vanity with a concrete countertop, gold hardware, and two round mirrors. A black vase with green branches adds a natural touch, while wall sconces, organized accessories, and a brown leather stool complete the stylish and functional design.

Table of Contents

The Before: Cramped, Dated, and Ready for a Change

Let’s talk about the dreaded “before.” This bathroom was outdated, awkward, and had the tiniest shower imaginable. The layout was awful—no storage and not enough countertop space. I couldn’t wait to gut it and start fresh with our primary bath remodel.

Outdated bathroom about to undergo a primary bath remodel with pale green walls, a compact shower with a sliding door, and a basic white vanity. A pair of dark pants hangs over the shower door, and various toiletries clutter the countertop. The space has dated tile flooring, and the toilet area features a small built-in cabinet

Starting my Primary Bath Remodel by Expanding

We made a slightly controversial decision—sacrificing a bit of bedroom space to expand the bathroom. This meant moving a bedroom window to center it on the wall and framing in a new wall for those extra few feet we desperately needed.

The early stages of a primary bath remodel that will be extending the walls into the master bedroom. The picture shows bare walls, a plastic-covered floor, and an unframed window letting in natural light. A vacuum cleaner stands in the corner, and a ceiling fan with wooden blades hangs overhead. The room has unfinished trim, and markings are visible on the walls.
A construction worker builds a wooden framework as part of a primary bath remodel. He is balancing on a work platform while installing wooden studs. The exposed ceiling beams and insulation highlight the major renovation work in progress.

Next up in our primary bath remodel: demo! We ripped everything down to the studs for a totally blank slate. With a fresh foundation, we could reimagine the space from scratch.

Bathroom stripped down to the studs with exposed pink insulation and plywood subfloor. Plumbing pipes are visible along the walls, and a new drainpipe is in place for upcoming installations. The space is prepped for a full remodel with electrical wiring exposed near the ceiling. The first step to a primary bath remodel.

Building a Dreamy Walk-In Shower

The highlight of this primary bath remodel? A huge walk-in shower taking up the entire back section. No more cramped corner! We framed it in, moved the plumbing, and got to work tiling.

Primary bath remodel with exposed framing and insulation, revealing the inner structure of the walls. The floor is concrete, and there is a shop vacuum and a workbench with tools, showcasing the early stages of a remodeling project.
Close-up of a person using a trowel to spread adhesive onto a wall, preparing it for white subway tiles, with visible details of the tile pattern and the textured surface being worked on as part of a primary bath remodel.

We used classic subway tile, brass fixtures, and built an arched shower niche (because storage matters!). Plus, I added a little foot shelf—because if you know, you know. Now, this shower is big, beautiful, and spa-like.

Luxurious subway tile shower with brass dual showerheads, including a rainfall and handheld shower fixture, offering a spa-like experience. The wall niche has an elegant arch and displays a small plant, silver soap dispenser, and black shampoo bottle for a minimalist look. The wall also features two brass hooks holding a natural sponge and wooden back scrubber, adding a warm, organic feel to the clean, white subway tile design.

Heated Herringbone Tile Floors

Next up in our primary bath remodel… flooring! We installed a radiant heat system under our herringbone tile floor, and let me tell you—it was the best decision. There’s nothing better than stepping onto warm tiles on a chilly morning. Luxurious yet DIY-friendly!

An orange Schluter-DITRA underlayment with a green radiant heating mat laid over it, showing the initial setup stage for a heated bathroom floor system during a renovation.
A herringbone tile pattern partially completed on a bathroom floor with yellow spacers, tools, and a sponge in a metal bowl nearby for easy cleanup during installation.

Once drywall and lighting were done, this primary bath remodel was finally looking like a whole new space.

An in process primary bath remodel with freshly installed herringbone tile floor, smooth drywall ready for paint, and an elegant arched shower niche with white subway tiles and brass fixtures.

Creating a Custom Vanity With Concrete Countertops

Now for the vanity! Instead of two sinks, we went with one and used the extra space to create a sit-down vanity area—and I LOVE it. Having a dedicated spot for hair and makeup is a game-changer.

Woman in a striped sweater using a nail gun to install a support board for a white shaker bathroom cabinet. A green laser level projects guidelines onto the wall, and tools are scattered on the herringbone floor.
Partially installed plywood countertop over white shaker-style bathroom cabinets and an unfinished wooden cabinet. The clean, minimal space features wood-look herringbone flooring and prepped electrical outlets.

I DIY’d the vanity by combining a bathroom vanity with a kitchen cabinet, then topped it with DIY concrete countertops. They look like stone but cost a fraction of the price!

A person pouring wet concrete from a blue bucket onto a black plastic mesh grid over a wooden base, forming the foundation of a bathroom countertop. The process is part of a concrete countertop installation project.
A woman using a finishing trowel to smooth out the surface of a freshly poured concrete countertop on a bathroom vanity. Tools and protective plastic sheeting are visible in the workspace, with an oval mirror mounted on the wall. These DIY countertops are part of a primary bath remodel.

Extra storage is a must, so I built a custom counter cabinet with a hidden hair tool garage—practical, organized, and out of sight.

Woman using a red Milwaukee nail gun to secure trim pieces on a custom-built wooden counter cabinet. The cabinet, made from unfinished plywood, is being assembled atop a concrete vanity in a bathroom under construction.
Primary bathroom remodel in progress featuring a modern farmhouse vanity with a sleek concrete countertop, brass faucet, and white shaker-style cabinetry. A custom-built wooden storage tower is partially installed, adding functionality to the space. The round, frameless mirror is complemented by a gold wall sconce, while white vertical paneling adds texture. The warm wood-look tile flooring contrasts beautifully with the light and airy design.

Installing Shiplap Wall Panels

Next up in our primary bath remodel: shiplap! I’ve used it in my kitchen and entryway, so bringing it into the bathroom just made sense. It adds warmth and ties the style together throughout the house.

A woman sanding white shiplap paneling in a bathroom during a DIY renovation. She is wearing a dust mask and using a vacuum-assisted sander to smooth out joint compound spots. The bathroom features an arched shower with gray subway tiles, and the floor is covered in brown herringbone tile.
A woman painting a white shiplap accent wall in a bathroom with a roller brush. The space features a custom-built wooden cabinet, a concrete countertop, and an arched shower entrance, showcasing the transformation in progress.

Building Floating Shelves

The last major DIY? Floating shelves over the toilet—easy to build with just wood (no fancy brackets needed!). They’re sturdy, stylish, and provide even more storage with pretty baskets.

Primary bath remodel in progress with wooden support brackets installed for future floating shelves above a toilet. The bathroom features vertical paneling in soft neutral tones, and the space is prepped for additional storage and styling.
Primary bath remodel featuring newly installed wooden floating shelves above the toilet. The warm wood finish contrasts with the light, neutral paneling, adding functional storage space. The remodel is near completion, with clean lines and a fresh, modern farmhouse aesthetic.
Two wooden floating shelves in a bathroom corner, styled with woven baskets, glass bottles, and a potted plant in a white ceramic vase. A framed black and white photograph leans against the wall, adding a personal touch. The natural textures contrast beautifully with the white paneled walls, creating a warm and organized space.

The Primary Bath Remodel After Photos

To complete the space, we installed back-lit mirrors and wall sconces, then styled everything to perfection. One final detail I adore? An arched nook by the sink, perfect for everyday essentials. It’s those little touches that make the space feel extra special.

Primary bath remodel with a sleek, modern farmhouse vanity featuring a concrete countertop, brass fixtures, and white shaker cabinets. A soft neutral sliding door with a matte black handle leads to an adjoining space. The floor is finished in a warm wood-look tile, adding texture and contrast.
Primary bath remodel vanity area styled with a brass faucet, concrete countertop, and a round mirror. A potted greenery in a textured black vase adds a natural touch, while white soap and lotion dispensers sit on a ceramic tray. Built-in wooden shelves hold essentials in glass containers.

This primary bath remodel was a BIG undertaking, but WOW—what a transformation! Bright, fresh, and functional. And nope, still zero regrets about skipping that second sink!

Well-organized bathroom vanity featuring a concrete countertop, white cabinets with brushed gold handles, and a built-in storage tower. A brown leather stool with a black metal frame is tucked neatly under the counter, offering a stylish seating option for this serene and functional space.

Want links to everything I used in this primary bath remodel? From paint colors to baskets, rugs, and fixtures, I’ve got them all for you right here!

Plus, check out the individual tutorials for each DIY project.

Primary bath remodel featuring a serene, neutral-toned bathroom with a walk-in shower framed by an arched entryway. Floating wooden shelves styled with woven baskets, candles, and greenery add warmth above the toilet. A cozy towel hangs on a wall hook, and a framed landscape print enhances the spa-like ambiance.
How much does a primary bath remodel cost?

Costs vary based on materials and labor, but on average:
Budget remodel: $5,000–$15,000
Mid-range remodel: $15,000–$35,000
Luxury remodel: $35,000+
DIY projects and smart material choices can help cut costs significantly.

What’s the best flooring for a primary bath remodel?

Top choices for bathroom flooring include:
Porcelain or ceramic tile – Durable, water-resistant, and available in many styles.
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) – Budget-friendly and waterproof.
Natural stone – Elegant but requires sealing.
Heated tile flooring – Adds comfort, especially in colder climates.

Should I install a bathtub or a walk-in shower in my primary bath remodel?

It depends on your needs! Walk-in showers are modern, space-saving, and easier to clean. If you love baths or resale value is a concern, a freestanding tub may be a great addition.

What’s the best lighting for a primary bath remodel?

Layered lighting is key! Consider:
Backlit mirrors for soft illumination
Wall sconces at eye level for even lighting
Overhead recessed lighting for general brightness
Dimmer switches to adjust the mood

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  1. Melissa Woods says:
    March 14, 2025 at 5:24 pm

    This remodel is incredible, Crystel! I love the shower, the little foot shelf is the perfect addition! The amount of storage is so necessary, thanks for sharing this awesome renovation!

    Reply

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