04/29/2026
I used to HATE going into this bathroom. The original fixture was a DIY white MDF cabinet and it was all bubbled and stained from many years of use (I have over 50,000 pics on my phone and I can't find a before photo LOL).
So, years ago, I snagged a box of handpainted Spanish tiles at the and I had been holding onto them with hopes of one day using them in this bathroom. Then, earlier this year, I walked into the same thrift store and found this old painted vanity and knew it was finally time!!
I then stripped the layers of paint using citrus strip, sanded down the surfaces, cleaned, stained, and sealed it. Can you believe this gorgeous solid oak was beneath all of that! 😍 The drawers and runners were extremely damaged and not very functional for storage, so I removed them and replaced them with oak cabinet doors and hinges. I also sawed off a couple inches from the legs because it was a bit too high for our needs.
The top was irreparably damaged, so I used the tiles for a more water resistant surface. I sealed the wood as was recommended by the mortar manufacturer, and I did A LOT of research and watched A LOT of YouTube before cutting the Schluter edging and laying tiles. I chose a matching grout/silicone combo to finish it and we are absolutely in love with the results! I also invested in a wet tile saw for this project that I have also already been using to "fussy-cut" broken china for jewelry and magnets as well... a great investment all around.
As you can see, a previous owner of this antique cabinet had taken the original drawers pulls off and replaced them with these stunning ceramic k***s. I was able to reuse two of them on the new bathroom vanity and the other 4 on my china hutch (it has had a broken k**b for MANY years... possible it was even that way when I thrifted it 15+ years ago). They look like they were meant to be on both pieces.
This was so much work, but it was SO worth it! I LOVE walking into this bathroom every day now!
Also, tiling is kind of fun once you get the hang of it! I have lots of mortar and grout left so I am thinking about dabbling in some mosaics at some point (because I need yet ANOTHER hobby 😂).
