Ensuite makeover with upcycled vanity

[DIYMum]

Upcycling the vanity and painting wall tiles refreshed a dated ensuite.

• The project
• Before and after
• More bathroom inspiration

The project

I completed a cosmetic overhaul of my ensuite. This project threw a lot of challenges my way.

When replacing the toilet cistern, I discovered that they hadn't bothered to grout the tiles – and the same behind the vanity. Not a big issue and easy to fix with pre-mixed grout, but it added more time to the job waiting for grout to dry. I'm thrilled with the end result. 

The original tiles, while very outdated, were still in great condition and given they are floor-to-ceiling tiles, I opted to paint them rather than rip off and retile. I used White Knight Tile and Laminate paint gloss in Lexicon for the tiles and White Knight Tile and Laminate matte paint for the vanity and mirror. I used White Knight as I've previously used it on the kitchen tiles and it has performed exceptionally well. For the ceiling, door and trims, I used Lexicon half in a semi-gloss.

Here is the old shower recess:

The old tiles were very high gloss, and despite every effort to sand them back before applying the undercoat nothing worked, so I opted for using ESP which worked a treat. The first image is after the undercoat, and the second is after one coat of paint. Already a huge improvement!

The tiles behind broke when removing the old vanity top, which added extra work to the job. As the old tiles are not a standard size I had to come up with another plan – sheets of mosaic tiles for the splashback.

I painted the vanity and lined the shelves and drawers with bright contact.

Finished the shower with new black tapware and shower head. 

Upcycled the mirror with the same paint used on the vanity.

I added a Merbau laminated panel with several coats of sealer to the old vanity. I liked the combination of the black, wood and gold on these cabinet door knobs from Bunnings, and bought towels with a golden colour to match.

I'm waiting on a black-framed shower screen to complete the room, so in the interim, I am using an Aluminium Extenda Rail and a shower curtain.

Got lots of inspiration for this project from what others on here have done, so I hope this inspires someone too.

Before and after

More bathroom inspiration

For more ideas and inspiration for your bathroom, check out our Top 10 most popular bathroom projects.