I would start with painting the walls a complementary color, closer to your tile, update the gold shower frame and hardware, and paint the vanity. I wouldn't tile over tile, because that might just trap moisture and cause more issues for you later. Add a large bath rug and some art after you paint.

If you feel real ambitious, paint the vanity tile a different color from the wood below, change out the sink and mirror.

I agree with DelightedinDenver. I'd replace the vanity and repaint.

There is no point in fighting it. Paint the walls a color to blend with the tile. As Brandi suggests, paint the grout. It makes a big difference.

If I were you I would paint the vanity a warm white. Then get a countertop. Laminate is not that expensive.

I have to agree with your husband. The bathroom is functional and you probably could better use that money doing something else. I do have experience painting and breaking up tile countertop. You can learn to do both. The tile thing is dangerous. Wear gloves and eye protection.

Even if you keep the tile countertop you can still paint the vanity and get different hardware for it.

The main problem is the bathroom looks outdated, it's not too much tile, but it's starting to look old. However, stay away from vinyl coating, it can get you in trouble (it can grow mold between tile-vinyl material).

Some here say change the color on the walls and I agree, go with a lighter color, then paint the grout a lighter color and replace the furniture with something more modern. I'd pick elegant wood + same shade wooden mirror frame OR go with something Greek/Roman style because of the nice accents you have in the shower.

Next thing, replace the batteries with something that has golden accents and goes well with the shower area, and that's it. The golden shower entrance also makes me think about Egyptian influences - maybe you can use this in the accessories you will add to the bathroom (carpet, soap dish, toothbrush glass etc.)

If you are willing to take it a step further, I would probably recommend to replace the vanity area altogether, and then you can pick a countertop of your choice.

Some mirror frames + vanity combinations to use as inspiration:

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Paint. Paint the walls, paint the vanity, paint the grout lines. I would do a new shower surround as mentioned above. I would also look into replacing or covering the window...it mocks you with its "tile". Go lighter with all the painting and all the tile will look so much better.

Paint the grout first and see if the wheat bread works. Move to white towels and bath mats. Use Oxyclean and some bleach when washing and they will stay white.

I suspect that they mean replacing it with a new one with no frame or with a chrome/nickel frame. If you stick to a frame, it may be possible for under $1000; otherwise, it might be twice that.

Wait to do anything with the shower frame. Try painting the walls and vanity and recoloring the grout first. Add white towels and slightly larger rug.

All grout needs to be cleaned occasionally to keep it from getting all grungy. But the color of that grout now is much too dark - makes it look like it needs a good power-washing. I wouldn't go bright white, maybe off white or sand?

You can have all the tile surfaces reglazed professionally.

Andi, the finish is an epoxy. If you check YouTube you can see the material sprayed on the tile/tub. Yes your tiles will be glossy, but perhaps a glossy. white, tiled bathroom will tide you over for the next 10 years.

Epoxy is not exactly paint.

Here is the do it yourself. Personally, I couldn't ever do this myself.

Try to match grout color to tile. Take a photo of the tile before you head to the store. People have described painting the grout as time consuming but easy. The room is more attractive from the angle of the latest photo.

Here's an inspiration photo with unusual wall color and beige tile color.

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I painted your wall Delaware Putty by Benjamin Moore and made your surround a VERY messy oil rubbed bronze color. Lightening your grout just a shade or two will help. I believe you could make a big change with a new vanity top, sink and faucet.

Vanity top - have you seen / liked any of HD's or Lowe's in-stock counters? My grout cleaner is acid and removes anything on it. Returns it to 'cement color' {?}.

Like the nice dusty lilac/ purple, I had thought of a berry/ burgundy. Lots of colors could be used in art, etc....

Paint vanity blue or teal / and get a white top/ sink?

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I clean my grout with a bleach solution, but the grout is white (and was when the guy did the tile) and then I reseal it. In between I use the following to clean: 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1/2 cup of dawn (in that order specifically) all in a spray bottle. Keeps the kitchen tile spotless and the shower soap scum free.

I use a toothbrush to scrub the grout itself. The cleaner recipe is for after I seal the grout again as an in-between maintainer.