From DIY Disasters to Spa Serenity: Our Mobile Home Bathroom Remodel Journey

From DIY Disasters to Spa Serenity: Our Mobile Home Bathroom Remodel Journey

Hey there, Semperfidiy fam! It’s been a while since we last shared a big home project, and today I’m so excited to walk you through our bathroom remodel journey. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t all smooth sailing, but the lessons we learned along the way turned our tiny mobile home bathroom into a cozy, spa-inspired retreat that we absolutely adore. Grab a cup of coffee, and let’s dive into the highs, lows, and everything in between!

The First Attempt: A Frenzy of Rookie Mistakes

When we first tackled this bathroom remodel, I was full of enthusiasm but lacking in experience. Like many first-time DIYers, I went in with big dreams and a tight budget, which led to some… let’s call them “learning opportunities.” I replaced the floor with the cheapest option I could find, swapped out the sink for a smaller 18-inch one thinking it would save space (spoiler: it didn’t feel that way), and kept the old mobile home bathtub because, well, replacing it felt daunting. I didn’t touch the shower at the time, but I did rip out the shower doors in a fit of frustration. Oh, and I picked the cheapest faucets and fixtures I could find, which looked fine at first but didn’t hold up over time.

To top it all off, I painted the tiny bathroom a dark color without considering how small the space already was. The result? A cramped, cave-like room that felt more claustrophobic than cozy. Looking back, I can laugh about it, but at the time, I was so disappointed. It just didn’t feel like the relaxing bathroom I’d envisioned.

What’s Next?

While we’re thrilled with how this bathroom turned out, the journey isn’t over yet. The shower stall remodel is still on our to-do list, and we can’t wait to install those frameless doors and create a custom epoxy surround. Until then, we’re soaking up every moment in our spa-inspired oasis (pun intended!).

What do you think of our bathroom transformation? Have you tackled a remodel that didn’t go as planned the first time around? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments below! And if you’re curious about the stock tank tub process, let me know—I might just bump that post up the list.

Until next time,

Semperfidiy.com

What We Learned (So You Don’t Have To!)

Looking back on this journey, there are a few key lessons I’d love to share with anyone embarking on their own bathroom remodel:

• Think About Scale and Color: In a small space, dark colors can make the room feel even smaller. If you love bold hues, use them sparingly—like on an accent wall—and balance them with lighter tones to keep the space feeling open.

• Invest in Quality Fixtures: Cheap faucets might save you money upfront, but they’ll cost you in the long run when they start leaking or looking dated. Spend a little more on fixtures that will last and elevate the overall look.

• Embrace Greenery: If your space feels too sterile, plants (real or faux) can make a world of difference. They add texture, color, and a calming vibe that’s perfect for a bathroom.

• Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: Our stock tank tub was a bit of a wild card, but it turned out to be one of our favorite features. Sometimes the best ideas come from thinking outside the box!

The Winning Combo: Sweet Basil and Greenery Galore

After a lot of back-and-forth, we landed on Sweet Basil by Benjamin Moore in an exterior soft gloss finish for an accent wall. This rich, earthy green instantly brought life to the space without overwhelming the small room. We decided one accent wall was enough and balanced it out by adding lush greenery to the other walls. Faux plants, cascading ferns, and leafy garlands now frame our round mirrors, creating a natural, spa-like vibe that makes the room feel so much more inviting.

To add texture and warmth, we incorporated wooden elements like floating shelves and a rustic vanity light fixture with exposed Edison bulbs. The combination of the green accent wall, white walls, black fixtures, and natural wood tones strikes the perfect balance between modern and cozy. We also hung some vintage-inspired artwork and black-and-white photos to add a personal touch, along with a few woven baskets for storage. Oh, and those round mirrors? They’re not just pretty—they make the small space feel so much bigger by reflecting light around the room.

Round Two: A Thoughtful Redo with a Spa Vibe

Fast forward a few years, and we were ready to give this bathroom another shot—this time with a bit more wisdom and a clearer vision. We still haven’t tackled the full shower stall remodel (that’s next on the list!), but we did paint it with #Rustoleum, and three years later, the paint has held up beautifully. When we do get to it, we’re planning to install frameless doors and a custom epoxy shower surround for a sleek, modern look. But for now, we focused on the elements we could improve without breaking the bank.

One of the biggest changes we made was swapping out the old bathtub for a stock tank tub. If you’ve been following our blog for a while (or checked out our YouTube channel), you might have seen this transformation! Stock tank tubs are a game-changer for anyone who loves a deep, luxurious soak but doesn’t want to spend thousands on a fancy clawfoot tub. It’s been a lifesaver for us, and one day, when I run out of pretty pictures to share, I’ll write a detailed post on how we made that happen.

We also upgraded all the fixtures, opting for a cohesive retro black bathtub faucet and matching sink faucet that adds a touch of modern elegance. Initially, we painted the entire bathroom bright white, hoping for a clean, airy look. But over time, I realized it was too white—like a sterile hospital room with zero character. My husband, who’s obsessed with plants and the “spa” aesthetic, suggested we add some color and greenery to warm things up. So, I headed to our local Ace Hardware, grabbed some paint swatches, and started brainstorming.