A Home Renovation Gift to Ourselves
Who else considers home renovations as gifts? For Mark and me, this small primary bathroom remodel was our Christmas present to each other last year. So, it feels fitting to share the grand reveal in the heart of the holiday season!
Before the Remodel
Our bathroom was in desperate need of an upgrade. It was dark, cramped, and had poor ventilation. The plumbing was outdated, and the fiberglass shower enclosure made the space feel even smaller. My vision was to transform it into a bright, clean, and functional space featuring elegant marble tile and a more open feel.
The Transformation
This time, we hired a contractor to handle the entire project, from demolition to installation. I took charge of the design and sourced all the materials myself. We kept the existing layout but made significant changes to enhance the sense of space. Removing the old fiberglass shower and replacing it with a glass enclosure instantly made the room feel twice as large. We also eliminated the wall separating the shower from the toilet, allowing natural light to flood the area from the window.
Lighting Enhancements
One of the most dramatic improvements was the lighting. We installed a recessed light with a dimmer over the shower, a ceiling exhaust fan with built-in lighting, and stylish vanity sconces. These updates vastly improved the brightness and ambiance of the space. Read more about affiliate links here.
Details of Our Small Bathroom Remodel
Floor Tile
The choice of flooring set the tone for the entire renovation. I wanted a cohesive look that tied into the rest of our home’s design, incorporating white marble with hints of gray and warm tones. The result is a timeless and elegant floor that adds depth and character without overwhelming the space.
Shower Upgrade
For the shower walls, we chose 3″x12″ marble tiles in a slightly different variety from the floor. These tiles feature a mix of whites, grays, warm creams, and even hints of blue, creating a serene and luxurious atmosphere.
The shower floor is finished with 1″ marble hexagon tiles, providing contrast while maintaining the cohesive marble theme. We also repeated the floor tile in the niche, framed by a white marble threshold for a polished look.
Glass Enclosure & Fixtures
A key element of our remodel was upgrading to a glass shower enclosure. Not only does it make the space feel larger, but it also allows light to flow freely. Our shower system is a significant upgrade, featuring a handheld sprayer that is perfect for cleaning and even bathing our golden retriever! I found the laundry basket on Etsy.
Vanity & Storage Solutions
While we couldn’t expand the footprint of the bathroom, we did upgrade the vanity. Our new petite vanity came with a beautiful Carrara marble top, and we added a custom backsplash to match. To enhance its look, I swapped out the standard knobs for these cuties brass cabinet knobs that mimic the hexagon shape of the shower floor tiles.
Mirror & Lighting
Originally, I planned to use a brass mirror,(where I typically share more day-to-day projects, I’d love for you to follow me there!) but once everything was in place, it didn’t quite work with the vanity lights. Instead, I opted for a slim yet curvy mirror that fits perfectly in the space and adds a modern touch.
Towel Warmer – A Luxurious Touch
One of my favorite additions is the towel warmer. Inspired by my Irish relatives, I knew this was a must-have for our New England winters. Not only does it keep towels toasty, but it also helps them dry faster, reducing any musty odors. I did make one small mistake—I accidentally ordered a stainless-steel finish instead of chrome. However, since it’s tucked behind the door, the subtle difference doesn’t bother us.
Toilet Placement & Wall Décor
Due to existing plumbing constraints, the toilet couldn’t be perfectly centered on the wall. I had to decide whether to center artwork above it or align it with the toilet. After some trial and error, I found that centering the décor on the wall looked more visually appealing.
The Details Matter
In a small bathroom, every detail counts. I spent time researching and thinking about classic versus trendy designs. One aspect I carefully considered was mixing metals. I tried a few sets of bathroom hardware (towel ring, toilet paper holder and robe hook) before landing on these sturdy and ornate pieces. They were close to the right color but just a bit too bright yellow and new-looking, so I toned them down with Rub n’ Buff and a bit of sandpaper distressing to give them more of a vintage look, and they work much better with the sconces now. I love the shine of the faucet, shower door handles and other chrome elements, and the more subtle brass accents.
Matching brass finishes can be tricky, so I used a bit of Rub n’ Buff and sandpaper to tone down bright gold hues for a more vintage look. This mix of polished chrome and aged brass creates a balanced, stylish contrast.
Final Thoughts & Lessons Learned
This small primary bathroom remodel exceeded my expectations, proving that even compact spaces can be both functional and luxurious. Looking back, my only regret was the slight mismatch in towel warmer finishes, but it’s a minor detail in an otherwise dream-worthy bathroom.
Before & After – The Transformation
Our 80s bathroom has been completely revitalized! I am beyond grateful for this renovation, and I love starting and ending my day in this fresh new space.
For more of our home improvements here and DIY marble tile projects, check out these posts:
- Large Herringbone Marble Floor Tile
- Kitchen Remodel With DIY Marble Backsplash
- Tiling Over A Brick Fireplace Surround
- Tiling Over A Brick Hearth
Thank you for following along on this small primary bathroom remodel journey! Let me know if you have any questions or need sources for specific items.
OURCES
Vanity • Toilet • Towel Warmer • Faucet • Shower System • Laundry Basket • Mirror • Lights • Shower Door Handles • Towel Ring • Toilet Paper Holder • Robe Hook (not shown, on back of door) • Cabinet Knobs • Bath Towels • Hand Towel • 3×12 Marble Shower Wall Tile • Marble Mosaic Floor Tile • Marble Hexagon Shower Floor Tile • Similar Garden Stool • Fabric Roman Shade • Glass Soap Dispenser and Toothbrush Holder – Homegoods
Paint: Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace OC-65 (egg shell on walls, semi gloss on trim)
Contractor: KC Renovations • Electrical Services: EMCO Electric
Painting: Marland Painting Service
