There’s something so satisfying about taking a dated, cramped bathroom and turning it into a fresh, functional space that feels like a little slice of spa heaven. This recent remodel was all about balance: soft and clean with a touch of bold; practical, but still pretty.

The star of the show? That graphic floor tile—playful without being loud. The same pattern carries up the back wall of the tub/shower, drawing your eye up and giving the illusion of more height and space. It’s one of those details that makes the whole room feel elevated.

Handmade tiles in off-white and soft cream tones were used on the side walls, creating a beautiful contrast through an unexpected, artful pattern.

The lighting was a fun choice too. Black fixtures with a warm light bring a cozy glow to the mirror, which has a soft oval shape to offset all the tile geometry. It’s the little things, right?

This bathroom went from basic to boutique in just a few weeks, and the client was thrilled with the result. It’s clean, calm, and current—and it’ll look just as good ten years from now as it does today.

Client Goals: Timeless, Functional, and Family-Friendly

After years of waiting, these clients were ready to update their home all at once—including the kitchen, the primary bath, and this hardworking guest bathroom. Their vision was clear: keep it timeless, keep it neutral, and make it highly functional.

This particular bathroom needed to serve multiple roles. It’s the main bath for their three adult kids when they’re home, but also doubles as the guest bath during holidays and family gatherings. So everything had to be durable, efficient, and free of anything too trendy. Longevity and practicality were top of mind—without sacrificing style.

Guest Bathroom

This bathroom had done its job for years—raising three kids into adulthood—but it was definitely showing its age. Storage was minimal and inefficient, with a low vanity that offered little usable space underneath and no medicine cabinet in sight. There simply wasn’t enough room to comfortably accommodate one person, let alone three adults.

The tub and surround were basic and lackluster, just functional enough to get by. The flooring was outdated, and the overall vibe of the space felt tired and in need of a serious glow-up. On top of the aesthetic challenges, the space also needed functional upgrades: a new window above the tub to bring in more natural light, updated lighting fixtures, a proper exhaust fan, and a full plumbing overhaul.

This remodel wasn’t just about pretty finishes—it was about bringing the entire bathroom up to today’s standards in both form and function.

Voila!

Design Approach: Timeless Whites, Thoughtful Texture & A Touch of Bold

For this bathroom, the goal was clear: keep it timeless, functional, and fresh. We anchored the palette in clean, classic white—from the tub and sink to the window frame and bathroom door—creating a bright, open feel and ensuring the fixtures stay relevant for years to come (no avocado green throwbacks here!).

With that foundation in place, we went bold in all the right ways. We sourced a patterned tile that was both floor- and wall-rated and extended it from the floor all the way up the back wall to the ceiling. This not onlyadded height and movement but brought a subtle sense of drama without overpowering the space. After some trial and error—including an initial cement tile that didn’t make the cut—we landed on the perfect porcelain option: thin, durable, and design-forward with rectified edges and minimal grout lines for a seamless look.

To balance the bold pattern, we chose handmade wall tile in a soft, neutral tone and arranged it in a pattern that felt elevated and unexpected—steering clear of overused brick or chevron layouts.

Then came the vanity: a warm, mid-tone clear alder finish that grounded the room and brought in a natural, organic texture. It’s soft, creamy, and the perfect counterbalance to all the crisp white.

Every element was thoughtfully selected, right down to the grout color and the mix of textures. We offered curated options, guided the client with clarity, and made each decision with intention—and they trusted us to bring the vision to life.

The result? A bathroom that’s calm, current, and beautifully built to last.

Preparation

Let The Fun Begin

Challenges

Every project has its curveballs, and this one was no different—but smart design always finds a way. Storage was a key consideration, especially with three adult kids sharing the space. To maximize functionality, we added two aftermarket rollouts under the sink and selected a vanity with a lower drawer beneath the cabinet doors—giving us a fully functional drawer without sacrificing plumbing space. Paired with built-in caddies, these small upgrades made a big impact on everyday usability.

We also added two floating shelves for extra open storage, swapped out traditional towel bars for modern hooks, and installed additional hooks inside the tub/shower area. That way, sponges and brushes could hang dry neatly, leaving the niche free for bottles and daily essentials.

On the logistics side, timing was tight. The goal was to fully complete this guest bathroom—and make it fully functional—before starting demolition on the primary bath. To make that happen, we installed a temporary sink while waiting for the custom vanity to arrive, ensuring the family never went without a working bathroom. With a tight timeline and no room for delays, we tackled each challenge head-on—with a mix of creativity, planning, and a proactive mindset that kept the project moving smoothly.

Favorite Detail: What makes this space feel special or unique to you?

It’s hard to pick just one favorite detail in this space—there are a few standout elements that really make it special. The patterned floor and wall tile adds just the right amount of energy while staying grounded in a classic palette. I love how it pairs effortlessly with the white fixtures, and how the handmade tile on the side walls brings in a softer, more organic texture with a unique layout that keeps things interesting.

The vanity finish is another favorite—it’s warm, natural, and adds so much depth against all the white. And the quartz countertop? It subtly pulls everything together with delicate brown veining and hints of sienna that echo the warmth in the wood and tile. Every element was carefully chosen, layered, and refined to create a bathroom that’s not only beautiful, but also built to last.

At the end of the day, this space is truly a labor of love—a reflection of thoughtful design, attention to detail, and a deep commitment to finding just the right pieces to make it all work in harmony.

Stay tuned for more project reveals coming soon!

Fin!