Live with it until you can save a bit more to do it properly. Otherwise, you’ll be throwing your initial investment away. Get quotes from trade professionals and make a budget for the rest of the items.

I would paint the walls white and the cabinet as well... Keep the bathtub and ask for a hand shower you can have that connection done by switching out the existing faucets to include it . Then look again . It's the cheapest way to change all and I think , if you go slow and just have new mirrors ...new accessories , new colors ...a shower curtain ..which you need no matter which shower head you install ...you will see a nice change .., perhaps enough to make you happy for now ..

And OHH, those drapes HAVE to go !

Remove panelling and paint the walls. You may need new wallboard. Install new plumbing for the shower, use a bath/shower panel kit instead of new tile to save money, install a C shaped shower curtain rod. Add a good quiet exhaust fan with light in the shower area. Allow for the cost of permits in your budget.

If toilet is also a tan color, I’d keep tub, toilet, flooring and search for matching sink. Then paint walls a light color or WP with an ultra modern design, for contrast.

As others have stated, plumbing may need to be brought up to coding b4 adding shower head.

For immediate improvement, change vanity mirror, paint wall light color and replace curtains w/Roman shade

Do you use the tub? You might have more use for a walk-in shower and a larger vanity?

Gut it and start over. Nothing here to save.

It'd be worth looking at any old permits that were issued by the building department to see if they show any changes. Perhaps something that was done long ago explains why the toilet is in the corner.

^This. Could they have picked a worse spot for the toilet? If you don't have the funds now for a total gut, save up until you do have the funds so you can rectify that toilet placement among the other cosmetic desires.

Thank you, all! Did not expect such great responses from so many! We met with a contractor today and are awaiting a quote from him. The bath/toilet are actually a yellowish color and really date the room - along with the paneling, tile and curtains. :) We will need to remove the paneling to add the shower and we have a baby so need to keep the tub. We'll see what he comes back with. At the very least, we'll need to remove paneling, add shower, remove weird cabinet above toilet, replace vanity, etc. I have NO idea why they did this strange placement of the toilet. I think because it would have been too close to the bath if they went straight. All good ideas here though depending on what the final quote is. I wouldn't keep the brown/tan - just doesn't go with my style/the rest of the house, which is all mostly done in classic blues and whites, some greige, etc. So I'll definitely want to brighten this baby up! I'll update the group! Thanks again! Next up...the robins egg blue galley kitchen!!!! ughhhhh :)

that kitchen could actually look cool w/the right flooring, lighting, countertop, wall color, and fixtures/hardware. the color fits the style. (oh, and the ceiling needs to be redone)

How many bathrooms in the house? Is this the 'main' bathroom? Guest bath? Does the window have to stay there, or could the size be changed? Is the wall directly to the left of the door waterproof or tile?

Love this kitchen - adorable! Knowing your long term vision for the house would useful... are you planning a total gut and redo, or some updates that retain the charm of your cool place? What is your style inspiration? What is working for you and not... I think the robin's egg blue is plenty bright and would look so fun with the right accompaniment. But knowing the overall plan in YOUR head helps with advice.

Good luck w/the contractor! I hope some of the suggestions were helpful!

I agree, IMO the kitchen could be adorable--it just needs some love and a little updating. White top cabinets--maybe some open shelving, if you like that--a new floor (maybe do something different and go with black or charcoal? Wood/laminate would work well, too, as would a bright or black-and-white patterned tile). Farmhouse sink, new appliances (that stove looks ghastly) and light fixtures, and Bob's your uncle!

Pacific Dream Builders - there are two full baths in the house. One up, one down. This is the upstairs one so the main bath we'd use. The entire bathroom is paneling and actually like a plastic/vinyl paneling not wood. I have no problem painting paneling - I'm doing it in two other rooms of the house. But the bathroom with paneling just seems like a bad idea. So we'll need to at the very least tile around the shower. But I think we can do that somewhat affordably with a subway tile. Window offers some nice natural light, but could potentially make it smaller. You're thinking to reposition the toilet?

We are doing some renovations throughout but not a total gut - biggest jobs are in the bathroom and kitchen. There's some charm that I love about the place that I want to keep. Like a hand-built, built-in record player!! :) We purchased it from a man who recently died at 100 years old and built it with his own hands for his family. Lived there since 1951. So a lot of sweet personal touches. But the robins egg blue is not my style. I'd rather it feel more cottage-like than retro. Here are some photos of the direction I'm heading...mostly traditional/classic with some rustic/coastal vibes. Hope this helps!

inspiration photos very helpful! What a neat story to go with your home!

Perhaps you already know, but before painting wallboard/ wall panelling, you need an excellent primer. That is EXCELLENT, not just good.

following

Ah, yes, then you definitely don't want to stick with that blue in the kitchen. It is possible that a glaze or something could tone it down enough to get what you want without needing to actually fully repaint (I don't know that it is, it just might be. I mean, you want to talk to a pro anyway of course, just it might be worth asking about a glaze instead of a full repaint). You'd want a pale wood floor, then, tone down the blue or do a dark navy or charcoal for cabinets--maybe replace all the doors with Shaker-style, or add trim pieces to each to make "Faker-style" doors (I don't know your kitchen budget, so I'm trying to offer inexpensive options)?--still do the white uppers/shelves and new appliances, pale walls, maybe a thin white herringbone tile for the backsplash, or a white shot through with blues and grays? Brass handles and pulls, or nickel?

If you decide you want to replace the doors, contact Scherr's Cabinet & Doors; they will make any door you can imagine in any size you want, finished or unfinished, and their prices are very reasonable. They're making my IKEA Hittarp-style unfinished doors for my IKEA cabinets (making doors for IKEA cabs is one of their specialties, but they can do any style for any cabinet) and they've been very easy and pleasant to work with.

I love the yellow tub. Reminds me a little of Sarah Richardson's guest bath. Well, a "before" pic ;) You can certainly incorporate it with the right paint, tile, and fabric for a top-down shade.

Sarah's Farmhouse reno

Bathroom isn't ugly. I actually like the floor tile ... so ... if it isn't damaged -- "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" applies.

Toilet angle is ... awkward.

When you replace the toilet, get the newer taller (mid-height) kind. If anyone in your family ever has arthritis or a leg in a cast, they'll thank you for that.

It will cost you more to change where the toilet sets and the angle so, on a tight budget that might not be practical; however, it wouldn't hurt to get an estimate on swapping the locations of the toilet and sink since doing that could mean you could not have the "awkward" angle of the toilet. You're going to find that one change would make all the difference, especially since it would give you a very good reason to remove that dark, dominating overhead cabinet in the corner over where the toilet is now located -- and give you a good reason to rethink that entire wall right wall.

With the tub staying, redoing that right wall is going to be the easier wall to rennovate. While I believe that paneling can be successfully painted if well cleaned first, you might take the opportunity to change the wall itself.

If you remove that overhead cabinet in the corner, you might consider creating shallow storage built into that right wall between the studs. You might need to roll rather than fold towels to fit them in but the room would seem a lot less crowded without the toilet sticking out into the room at the awkward angle and the overhead cabinet in the corner

Redoing or painting only the one wall (at least initially) in your favorite light and cheerful color -- and then pausing to ponder the results -- could prevent you from making a decorating decision you regret.

A full length mirror-- or just a 4' rectangle one -- hung on the inside of the bathroom door can reflect natural light and brighten up the room. Just be sure to close the curtains and/or blinds anytime you are stripping off your clothes, especially when you have the interior light on.

Would NOT reglaze the tub. Haven't had one done myself but have heard the glaze flicks off easily. Consider using the money earmarked for that toward swapping the location of the toilet and sink instead.

Thanks, elaynemharris - very good tip.

Sidgirl K - thanks for the contact for cabinets and doors. I do also like the idea of maybe doing two-tone cabinets (darker on bottom, white on top). I just fear that's so trendy and it'll be out of style before the paint dries. Definitely love the brass hardware - that's exactly the direction I'm thinking.

suezbell Thanks for all the great ideas. I'll definitely do the taller toilet - would not have thought of that, so thank you. And I will ask the contractor what it would cost to swap the sink and toilet - I'd prefer to do that if it's within budget. :)

So appreciate all the help!

Yeah, I know what you mean re trendiness; I have the same worry with my own in-progress kitchen! But at the same time I think, eh, I love how it looks, it's something I've had in mind to do a long time, and since nobody really sees it but me/our family, I'm not going to worry about trendy/fashionable or not. I just want a kitchen that makes me happy when I walk into it!

Very good point! As long as we’re happy in our own homes!!

I'm all over saving...but you have a lot of stuff to do in that house. You deserve at least ONE great room. You don't have to break the bank to do it. We're currently doing our master bath and saved money on demo. keeping the vanities, painting ourselves doing some electric ourselves. I plan on refurbishing the vanity lights (they are so darn expensive!!)...hubs can reinstall the toilet.

The trick is not to go overboard on general stuff but add lovely details. Also you must shop around and use all the tricks to get the best prices...

I hope your estimate comes in at a good price...

ETA don't reglaze the tub...

Thanks, pennydesign! You're right - I deserve at LEAST one great room! lol I think we can make it work by getting a little creative. My cousin is doing the electric work, family friend on plumbing, handy brother-in-law for small projects, we're painting ourselves and doing some demo ourselves, etc. So let's just hope the estimate is within a good range that we can get some expert help on these bigger projects that will make a big impact! Thanks for the tips. :)

Christine, I think you'll be fine. As long as you keep things simple. I'm thinking the biggest expense will be moving the toilet stack...still my fingers are crossed for you.

Probably unwanted tips, but remember that a lot of what you buy online won't have tax (like local will) and a lot of the time has free shipping. There's also Ebates and coupon codes...

You can do this!! I have faith in you!!

Probably unwanted tips, but remember that a lot of what you buy online won't have tax (like local will) and a lot of the time has free shipping. There's also Ebates and coupon codes...

Yes, utilize any money saving method that you can. I'm doing a whole house remodel and between credit cards with rewards points (that is paid off each month) and Ebates and Honey, for cash back and coupon codes for those online stores that might save me tax, the savings does add up to a tidy sum.

Ebates and Honey can be added to your browser and automatically notify you of any savings from an online retailer.

thanks for your encouraging words, pennydesign!

and very helpful alex9179!!

Read all the comments. Nobody has suggested tossing the curtains away and putting on vinyl window film. Goes on with soapy water and a squeegee. When you are tired of it, it takes 5 seconds to remove because it only stays on with static cling. There are hundreds of choices on line, or off the shelf at a big box store. Privacy without bulk. And if the window gets direct sun, there are films that will refract light and send rainbows around the room.

OH, my! That is a LOT of robins egg blue!

I am one of those who does not think that any house needs a bathtub, unless you really like the idea of tub full of water. And, you may.

Babies can be bathed in the kitchen sink until they are toddlers. Toddlers enjoy playing in the shower.

If you only want to salvage and live with it for a while longer it seems that you have recognized some easy changes. If your only issues in that bath are cosmetic, you can do something about that. First, get rid of the curtain and the cabinet over the toilet. Then throw down some colorful bath rugs and hang up some visual interest and maybe some nice mirrors to reflect the light. The next step would be to replace the vanity. All of that is really easy and would buy you some time.

I would advise against resurfacing the tub or painting the paneling. Neither of those options fares well. IMHO, both of these end up looking somewhat desperate and cheap.

Otherwise, you could bite the bullet and put up the ten thousand plus that the contractor, no doubt, came back with. I know because I had an estimate done for my house. Moving the plumbing for the toilet can be very pricy. I wanted mine moved, too. But, what it was going to cost means it stays where it is.

Looks like you have a lot to do to bring your house up to the modern century. Your kitchen is likely to be a big expense. Hopefully you are a handy type.

I would love to know how it's going here! Even if (if you're anything like me!!) you're still only at the planning stage.

is it weird that I like the floor?! lol new tub/shower, get rid of paneling, new window dressing and mirror above sink, new lighting and you'd be surprised how great it would look! sink n vanity doesn't look too bad - maybe it could be replaced down the road if not enough $..... I'd love to see the "after" pictures!!!!

I used white subway tile from lowes ( 15 cents each)! Make sure they use cement board around the shower and water proof either with something like redguard or plastic behind the cement board.

this is my shower I did myself. We've done our entire bathroom for under $2k.

Can you do a bath fitter think over the tub and shower? Paint panelling white and call it "shiplap". Leave the rest and bring in rustic decor to go with your new shiplap. Then when you have money to do it right and completly, gut it. But bath fitters might save you for a few years : )

I have priced Bath Fitters. They are not cheap, especially if you are trying to stay on a budget.

I would not waste my money facing over an old bathroom. You still have an old bathroom and that money can go towards a real renewal. Just refacing leaves the old stuff there, complete with mold and any other problems. Ugh. I would have none of that!

i don't know if any of us said this, but it is a nice neutral color. rip off the paneling or if it does not look like you can you can fix and paint it. actually with new tiling methods you can tile over it. many colors and designs would fit in there and by time you accorize and paint, you should no longer have a problem with it. i think if the tub is in rough shape i would spend my money there.

I wouldn't go with the taller toilet unless your family is tall. We has one in our 1st house and my husband who's 5'1" couldn't touch the floor when sitting on it. My 3 year old would also need a stool which he refuses to use.

Just paint everything white!

It's very hard to see the actual colors of the tile floor, but if it is in very good condition, I would consider keeping it. You will find out the tile's condition when you remove the vanity and toilet. Remove the wall cabinet. The paneling is the worst offender here! Remove it all. Update the plumbing and include new plumbing for a regular wall showerhead over the tub. Update the light fixture. Buy a new toilet and sink/ vanity in the lightest color (or closest to the lightest color) in the tile, and have the tub reglazed to match. If there is wallboard behind the paneling, it may need replacing or at least recoating with a moisture-proof finish. Mount a shower curtain track to the ceiling. New towels, new shower mat and a new shower curtain. Paint the window trim and door in a good enamel.

I think these ideas are all great, but you need to wait for quotes from the pros for the things you really can’t do yourself (like moving the toilet and creating a shower in your bath tub).
Having a tub with a baby is important so I’d consider a new one done, professionally with the shower you want. Tubs are NOT expensive. Plumbing is.
After those two things, re-evaluate your budget and start shopping inexpensive sinks, vanities, curtains, etc.

If this is a long term house, do it slowly so you’re happy long term.

@Christine, how's it going?

What is the size of your bathroom, are you making structural changes to your home. Your bathroom needs to be reconfigured.

I suspect there are going to be a lot of "hidden" problems in this bathroom. There's a reason why 1. plywood covers every wall, 2. the previous owner didn't install a shower head, and 3. the toilet is angled so oddly. Until you take down the panelling and do some wall explorations, you should assume that the contractor fees alone could eat up this budget.

Whatever you do, I would not keep this bathtub. It isn't just the color that dates this tub, but the shape as well. Also, the size and shape are dictating the proportions of the entire room — and the size and shape are quite possibly, as OP stated, the reason for the oddly angled toilet.

A new tub will not be that expensive if you're not looking for anything fancy. Get a tub that fits the space, and many of the problems with the symmetry of the room will be resolved.

I always say, anything angled in a room becomes THE focal point, screaming “look at me”, and this photo proves it. A toilet is the dominant feature. Ugh.

I agree with those who say, other than a coat of paint to last a year or two, bathrooms like this are not capable of “cheap and cheerful”. Save up, gut and rebuild from the studs out, or you’ll be throwing money into a sink hole.

I love old tubs...I love the shape and the colors and the durability...They don't make them like that anymore and if you like it, keep it.

I also love the tile...

Of course not everyone thinks like I do. But to use the word "dated" isn't really fair. It implies that good taste is something that applies only if I pick whatever is shown on hgtv or Houzz.

Or what a designer chooses.

Penny, I usually love old things and try to salvage what I can, but this tub is too big for this bathroom.

@apple_pie_order We haven't touched it yet! But loving all the ideas. Unfortunately, I won't be able to live with this tile, paneling and coloring!! So will need to make real updates. We plan to start in late August! We've been focused on gutting the kitchen, redoing HVAC, redoing electrical, painting the rest of the house, have some plumbing updates to make and THEN we'll tackle the bathroom. We haven't even moved in yet...the big move is Tuesday! Wish us luck and thanks for your interest! I'll be sure to follow up with photos and plans.

Good luck, Christine! Try to fit in a celebratory drink and relax...

Any heavens, take a short vacay and postpone the bathroom!! It works and that's what matters..

Hi, with regards to your tub/shower installation. Have a look at this product. Maax Utile which has a tub surround package. We have this in the shower option and I can't say enough good things about this product. No separate waterproofing needed, this is installed right against your stud wall. You'll need a plumber to run your shower head for you. This improvement will make a huge difference and I think you can do it and stay within your budget. Maybe your floor can stay for now, and replacing a toilet is not a big nor expensive job. And like others said, look on Kijiji for a nice vanity and new mirror etc. You might be amazed what you can do with $5000. Look at big box options and you can try at specialty bath stores - some have scratch and dent areas with amazing deals on things. Really look around and use your imagination for solutions. Good luck.