Today marks the culmination of a significant journey – the grand reveal of our master bathroom remodel, complete with stunning “before” and “after” transformations! This project, akin to birthing a new space, has delivered everything I envisioned and more. It’s a true sanctuary, a testament to thoughtful design and meticulous planning. Are you ready to step inside and experience the magic? (This post includes affiliate links – a full disclosure statement is available here).
From Cramped to Opulent: The Bathroom’s Dramatic Transformation
Let’s begin by rewinding to the “before” state of our master bathroom. It was undeniably tiny, a space where I could practically touch all four walls with outstretched arms. The original setup featured a compact corner shower, a basic toilet, and a small pedestal sink – functional, yes, but far from inspiring. This cramped layout certainly didn’t align with our vision for a serene and spacious retreat.
Our bedroom is conveniently located on the first floor, and we were fortunate enough to have available space adjacent to it, perfect for an addition. This became the cornerstone of our renovation. The old bathroom was completely gutted and re-imagined; it now gracefully forms part of our expansive new closet. In its place, an entirely new 190 square foot space was seamlessly added, dramatically altering the footprint and potential of our home. These are our final architectural plans, expertly crafted by Kathleen Poirier. I’ve shaded the original master bathroom area so you can truly appreciate the colossal difference this expansion made:
While we faced limitations on the size and shape of the addition due to setbacks for our septic system and the necessity of maintaining an exterior door from our family room, we maximized every available square inch. The result is a brilliantly optimized layout that feels both luxurious and highly functional. Now, step inside with us and discover every exquisite detail…
(Crystal & satin brass doorknobs courtesy of Emtek – available here)
The Heart of Relaxation: A Luxurious Freestanding Soaking Tub and Statement Tile Wall
The moment you pass through the elegant double doors into our master bathroom, your eyes are immediately drawn to the breathtaking focal point: our freestanding soaking tub, beautifully complemented by a statement-making tile wall. This area was designed to be an inviting oasis, a place for ultimate relaxation and visual delight.
The wall tile, generously provided by Walker Zanger, is truly everything I dreamed of – I couldn’t love it more! It stands out as one of my absolute favorite elements in our entire bathroom remodel. This is their exquisite “Rattan” tile, found here, showcasing a sophisticated blend of porcelain and marble. Its unique texture and mixed materials create a captivating visual interest that elevates the entire space.
I fell head over heels for this tile early in the planning stages and used it as the central inspiration for the rest of the bathroom’s design. Initially, my intention was to use it on the shower floor, but a quick reality check from my tile specialist informed me that its size wouldn’t allow for the proper slope needed for the shower drain. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as I now believe it was always destined for this prominent spot behind the tub, where it truly shines as a work of art.
For the freestanding bathtub and tub filler, my goal was to select pieces with clean, minimalist lines to allow the magnificent tile wall to be the undisputed star. I ultimately chose this 67″ soaking tub, which offers a perfect balance of depth and size – not too small, not overwhelmingly large. Complementing it is this tub filler, finished in a chic brushed nickel, providing a subtle yet elegant contrast.
To enhance functionality and add a touch of warmth, I placed this small wood stool conveniently beside the tub. It’s the perfect spot to hold a refreshing drink, a book, or a fresh towel, making those indulgent soaks even more enjoyable.
Throughout the entire bathroom, we selected this contemporary gray ceramic floor tile, expertly grouted with MAPEI Pewter. But the real luxury underfoot comes from the Nuheat nVent electric floor heating mat installed beneath the tile. The warmth it provides, especially on chilly mornings, has been an absolute game-changer and a truly amazing addition to our daily routine.
Above the tub, a large and commanding pendant light adds another layer of visual interest. I adore its presence, and it’s available both here and here. Measuring a substantial 30 inches in diameter, it’s undeniably huge. However, its open-weave design prevents it from feeling heavy or visually overwhelming, allowing it to maintain a light and airy presence while preserving the view out our window.
For those who love the distinctive look of this pendant but desire a slightly more compact size, this rattan pendant offers a very similar aesthetic.
Smart Storage Solutions: Floating Shelves and Chic Organization
Turning to the left of our inviting tub nook, you’ll discover a set of beautifully crafted floating wood shelves, strategically installed to the right of our spacious shower. These shelves are not just practical storage but also an integral part of the bathroom’s overall design, blending seamlessly with the natural textures and serene color palette.
Shelf sources (from top to bottom): White woven basket (medium) | Gray & white striped planter (holding snake plant) | Colorful moth art print | White wood frame | Glass canister (1 gallon size) | Bath bombs | Belly basket (similar) | Favorite bath towels | Other accessories no longer available
Before diving into the intricate details of the shelves themselves, let’s admire some of the beautiful and functional items they display. The elegant white woven basket positioned on the top shelf discreetly holds extra rolls of toilet paper, while a charming belly basket below keeps our washcloths neatly organized and easily accessible. These subtle touches ensure that everyday essentials are both handy and aesthetically pleasing.
Further enhancing the spa-like atmosphere, we’ve included a jar brimming with luxurious bath bombs, perfect for unwinding after a long day. Additionally, the shelves provide a dedicated spot for our favorite fluffy bath towels, ensuring comfort and style are always within reach.
Our floating shelves are a true highlight, courtesy of UltraShelf. They are 12 inches deep, crafted from exquisite white oak with a beautiful pickled white finish, available here. As a special offer, UltraShelf is generously providing my readers with a 25% discount when you use this link and enter the code DRIVENBYDECOR at checkout. These shelves arrived complete with all necessary hanging hardware and are exceptionally well-made. I particularly adore their unique finish, which adds a subtle warmth and sophistication to the space.
For a comprehensive dive into the specifics of these shelves, including installation tips, a cost comparison against DIY options, and detailed information on shelf heights, be sure to check out my full post on our bathroom floating shelves. Beneath these stylish shelves, we’ve positioned this lidded seagrass basket (size large), which serves perfectly as our elegant clothes hamper, keeping laundry neatly out of sight.
For more insights into this chic laundry hamper and similar options, explore my dedicated post on laundry hampers with lids.
An Oasis of Calm: Our Elegant Marble Shower
Directly adjacent to our open shelving unit is our magnificent new shower – a truly enormous upgrade from the rather comical “Mork from Ork” shower pod that once resided in our old bathroom. This new space is a testament to luxurious design and thoughtful functionality, creating an immersive, spa-like experience every day.
For the shower walls, I selected {this exquisite 3″ x 12″ Bianco Bello tile}, while the shower floor features coordinating {Bianco Bello 2″ hexagon tile}. Both stunning choices were graciously provided by Walker Zanger and finished with Mapei’s “Frost” grout, which perfectly complements the natural stone. I was particularly captivated by this specific marble due to its ideal tone – it’s neither too blue nor too yellow, striking a flawless balance. While incredibly simple in its design, its elegance truly shines once installed, creating a serene and sophisticated backdrop for daily routines.
Our shower niche is undoubtedly one of my favorite functional design elements in this entire bathroom remodel. It was meticulously crafted using the same beautiful Bianco Bello tile, adorned with elegant Carrara marble shelves that were cleverly fashioned from remnants supplied by our skilled tile installers. This detail not only adds continuity but also provides a luxurious touch for storing shower essentials.
On Shower Niche Shelves: Shampoo & Conditioner Pump Bottles (16 oz white/gold) | Body brush | Sea sponge
Given such an exquisite shower niche, it felt only right to pair it with equally appealing accessories. Ditching unsightly bright plastic bottles, I discovered {these chic shampoo and conditioner pump bottles}. With their elegant design, they are precisely what I was looking for to maintain the sophisticated aesthetic of our marble shower.
Beyond the main niche, we also incorporated a clever, smaller niche centered directly below it. This thoughtful addition serves a dual purpose: it acts as a convenient footrest for shaving, and it’s the perfect, discreet spot to keep my razor, keeping the main shelves clutter-free.
In the corner of our shower, I’ve placed {this small teak shower bench}. Since I opted for a clean, minimalist shower enclosure without a towel bar or hooks, this bench provides a practical and stylish spot to keep a towel handy while showering. Currently, our beautifully tasseled bath mat rests elegantly on it, adding a touch of texture and comfort.
When selecting our shower hardware, I initially considered Kohler’s Purist shower trim set. However, I was thrilled to discover a similar high-end look at a more accessible price point, proving that luxury doesn’t always come with a premium price tag.
Ultimately, I chose {this sleek, thin shower head} mounted on {this sturdy shower head arm} with {this complementary flange}. These are paired with {this elegant shower valve trim}, all in a sophisticated Satin Nickel finish. The combination coordinates beautifully with our vanity faucets, creating a cohesive and polished look throughout the bathroom.
While I desired the practicality of a hand shower for easy cleaning, I wanted to avoid the visual clutter of a traditional shower bar. My solution was {this hand shower}, which elegantly rests on a simple, discreet hook. This choice maintains the minimalist aesthetic while offering essential functionality.
To ensure a sleek and unobstructed feel, I kept the glass shower enclosure remarkably simple, featuring clean, straight lines that enhance the spaciousness of the shower. For an in-depth exploration of the decision-making process, costs, and various options for glass enclosures, I’ve dedicated an entire post to choosing my glass shower enclosure.
Functional Beauty: The Double Vanity and Thoughtful Details
Are you ready to explore the other side of our newly transformed bathroom and discover the vanity area, a true blend of beauty and practicality?
To beautifully frame our master bathroom vanity with two long, narrow windows, we designed for a maximum of 60 inches of space. We found the perfect fit in {this double vanity, featuring a weathered wood finish and exquisite caned doors}. It filled the space flawlessly and immediately caught my eye. I particularly adore how the delicate caning on the cabinet fronts subtly echoes the intricate pattern of our statement tile wall, creating a cohesive and harmonious design flow throughout the room.
While the vanity initially came with small silver knobs, I felt they appeared a bit understated for such a stunning piece. To elevate its presence, I swapped them out for {these gorgeous frosted acrylic and champagne gold knobs}. I used the larger size for the top faux drawers and the smaller size for the cabinet doors, creating a subtle yet impactful upgrade that perfectly complements the vanity’s design.
The vanity conveniently arrived with a pre-installed marble top and integrated sinks, which meant I was already set in that department. My next step was simply to add two of {these high-arc bathroom faucets}, chosen in a brushed nickel finish. I’m particularly fond of the classic and elegant style of their cross handles, which add a touch of timeless sophistication to the vanity area.
For lighting, I selected two of {these stylish vanity lights}, each featuring beautiful glass globe shades. These lights are perfectly positioned above our mirrors, providing ample illumination while enhancing the bathroom’s modern yet classic aesthetic. The globe design adds a touch of retro charm, balancing the contemporary feel of the space.
Above each sink, I installed {these large rectangular mirrors}. What I especially love about them is their exceptionally thin frame. From the side, you catch a generous glimpse of elegant gold, but from the front, it’s just a subtle, delicate edge. This design cleverly allows for a beautiful, understated mix of metal finishes, harmonizing perfectly with the brushed nickel of our faucets without overwhelming the space.
To add a touch of curated elegance to the center of the vanity, I found a small woven seagrass tray – its compact size is absolutely perfect for fitting snugly between our two sinks. Within this charming tray, I’ve arranged a few decorative yet functional items: fresh flowers in a stylish cross base planter, similar to {this one}; a decorative glass jar filled with cotton Q-tips for easy access; and {marble stacking pinch pots}, which ingeniously hold dental floss in the top section and hair bands in the bottom, combining beauty with smart organization.
On each side of the vanity, we’ve placed {this practical soap & lotion sink set, beautifully presented in a cute white tray}. As someone who moisturizes constantly, I absolutely love having lotion conveniently within reach. Additionally, I integrated one of {these compact toothbrush holders} on each side of the sink. They occupy significantly less counter space than typical large toothbrush holders, contributing to a clean and uncluttered vanity top.
Thoughtful Details: Towel Hooks and Paint Palette
Looking towards the wall immediately to the right of our vanity, I’ve installed three of {these elegant golden champagne robe hooks}. These hooks serve as a stylish and practical solution for keeping our towels neatly organized and easily accessible, complementing the warm tones subtly woven throughout the bathroom’s design.
These robe hooks are impressively deep, allowing each one to comfortably hold both a plush white bath towel and one of {these chic gray & white striped towels}, which I particularly love for wrapping around my head after showering. This practical depth ensures that towels can air dry effectively while maintaining a tidy appearance.
These close-up shots also offer a fantastic view of the paint color I selected for this serene space: Chantilly Lace. I’ve used this crisp, clean white throughout the entire room, unifying the walls, ceiling, and trim. This choice creates a cohesive, airy backdrop that allows all the other design elements to truly pop. For a deeper dive into this specific paint color and how it compares to other popular whites, explore my comprehensive post on Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace.
The Private Retreat: Our Stylish Water Closet
Finally, we’ll take a quick tour of our charming and highly functional water closet, a private space designed with both utility and delightful aesthetics in mind.
Above the toilet, I’ve installed a stylish brass wall shelf. It not only provides a spot for a few beautiful decorative items but also features a convenient bar on the bottom, perfect for hanging wet washcloths before they go into the hamper. While my exact shelf is no longer available, {this shelf} is a super similar alternative that offers the same blend of form and function.
On the top shelf, I’ve framed {this delicate 11 x 14 rose print} in a white wood frame I already owned, adding a touch of natural beauty. Beside it, I created a playful “hello sweet cheeks” printable, which I framed in {this chic brass frame}, injecting a bit of whimsy into the space.
Moving to the bottom shelf, I discovered {this charming round rattan holder for an extra roll of toilet paper} – how incredibly cute and perfectly functional is that?! It adds a lovely textural element while keeping necessities close at hand.
To the right of the toilet paper holder, I added {this delightful new llama planter}, bringing a playful and unexpected element of greenery to the water closet.
For the toilet itself, I opted for {this no-frills yet reliable model}. However, the true indulgence came with the addition of {this luxurious heated toilet seat}, which was actually a thoughtful parting gift from our contractor – a truly delightful surprise!
This fantastic heated seat can be installed on almost any toilet, but it does require an electrical outlet on the toilet wall for power. We made sure to plan for this during the design phase of the space. To complete the look, I also added {this elegant brass toilet paper holder}, complementing the other brass accents throughout the room.
Finally, a small but significant detail: {this charming rattan trash can}. Its natural texture and compact size fit perfectly within the water closet, bringing cohesive design to even the most utilitarian elements.
There’s one final space connected to our master bathroom that you haven’t seen yet – our expansive master closet, conveniently located to the left as you enter the bathroom. This space was also part of our major renovation, transforming a previously underutilized area into a highly organized and beautiful storage solution.
Given the sheer volume of photos and details I’ve shared with you today, I’ve decided to dedicate a separate, in-depth post to the closet tour. You can explore our impressive new IKEA PAX closet system {here} – we are absolutely thrilled with how it turned out and the functionality it provides! Thank you so much for joining me on this exciting reveal and sharing in the joy of our beautifully transformed new space.
Update! For those embarking on their own bathroom remodel, I’ve written a valuable follow-up post detailing my ten favorite ideas from this master bathroom renovation. It includes truly helpful insights and tips! Discover my top master bathroom remodel ideas {HERE}!
Here are a few other bathroom-related posts you might find incredibly helpful for your own projects:
Glass Shower Enclosures: Cost & Options
Must-Have Bathroom Measurements
Marble in a Bathroom: Would I Do It Again?
XO,
