After living in this home for over a decade and tackling countless projects along the way, our primary and hallway (or “kids’”) bathrooms finally made it to the top of our never-ending renovation list! We managed to complete both bathrooms this year, and now, with just a few finishing touches left, I’m excited to photograph and reveal their incredible transformations.
Today, let’s take a look at where we started with the primary bath and the vision I had for this compact space. This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. You can read more about affiliate links here.
Before the Renovation
This small bathroom, tucked off our primary bedroom, had a tiny, almond-colored fiberglass shower enclosed by a wall that made the space feel dark and prone to mildew. The walls and ceiling had peeling paint, the floors were covered in dated peachy tiles, and the lighting was poor. To top it off, the almond thermafoil vanity was also peeling, the faucet was leaking, and the whole space just felt uninspiring. While I had made a few updates over the years, it was finally time for a full-scale upgrade!
Primary Bathroom: The “Before” Look
The photo above captures the view from my side of the bed—a view I had contemplated changing for what felt like an eternity. To me, imagining the potential of a space is half the fun, and seeing that vision come to life is the other half!
For years, we debated whether to expand the bathroom by merging it with the walk-in closet and reconfiguring our bedroom layout to add storage in the eaves of our garage. But in the end, we opted to work within the existing footprint and make the most of this small but functional space.
Are you ready to see how we’re transforming it from drab to fab?
Here’s a look at the elements that will define the new space:
- Vanity • Toilet • Towel Warmer • Faucet • Shower System • Laundry Basket
- Mirror • Lighting • Shower Door Handles • Towel Ring • Toilet Paper Holder
- Robe Hook • Toothbrush Holder • Hand Soap Dispenser • Cabinet Knobs • Towels
- Tile Selections: 3×12 Marble Tile, Marble Mosaic Tile, Marble Hexagon Tile
- Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace OC-65 (Eggshell for walls, Semi-gloss for trim)
Plan of Action
For this renovation, we once again hired Ken, our trusted contractor, who previously worked on our kitchen remodel. As before, I designed the space and sourced all materials, coordinating with Ken on plumbing fixtures and tile measurements.
The only challenge? Ken was fully booked for nearly a year due to the home improvement boom brought on by the pandemic! However, he assured us that if we had all the materials ready in advance, he might be able to squeeze us in sooner.
Since this was all happening at the height of supply chain delays, some items were estimated to take 6–8 months to arrive. That timeframe simply wasn’t going to work for us! Our goal was to complete the renovations before all the kids were home again, so we had to be flexible with certain design choices—more on that below!
Primary Bathroom Renovation Goals
1. Light, Bright & Airy
The top priority was replacing the fiberglass shower stall and removing the enclosing wall to introduce a glass enclosure, allowing natural light to flow in. Additional lighting elements—such as a recessed light over the shower, a fan light, and sconces—would help further brighten the space.
To maintain a cohesive feel with the rest of our home, we opted for white walls, marble tile, and a mix of metal finishes, creating a fresh and timeless aesthetic that complements our kitchen and family room.
2. Product Availability & Flexibility
Given our contractor’s limited availability and our eagerness to complete the renovation sooner rather than later, quick access to materials became a crucial factor in decision-making.
For example, due to stock shortages, I opted for polished chrome fixtures (faucet, shower system, shower door handles, etc.) instead of my original choice—polished nickel. While I adore the warm undertones of polished nickel, chrome was far easier to source, plus it’s more affordable and lower maintenance, so it turned out to be a win-win!
3. Timeless, Not Trendy
My ultimate goal was to create a bathroom that would stand the test of time. I focused on classic materials that have been in use for centuries—such as marble tile, a marble-topped vanity, and a glass shower enclosure—ensuring that the core design elements would remain stylish for years to come.
Trends in hardware finishes will inevitably evolve, but with this foundation, I’m confident that the bathroom will maintain its elegance and functionality for the long haul.
The Beauty of Marble
Marble is a timeless material, not a passing trend. Used in architecture, flooring, and countertops for centuries, its popularity soared in the Victorian era as quarrying methods improved. Today, there’s a wide range of stunning and affordable marble tiles available, making it easier than ever to incorporate this classic material into home design.
I can’t wait to reveal the final transformation of this small but mighty bathroom next week! In the meantime, I hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving. I’m always grateful for you—thank you for stopping by Shine Your Light!
