Today’s featured project is a recent bathroom remodel and transformation in Kensington Ave., Newton, MA. What started as another dark and cluttered bathroom is now a light-filled oasis of peaceful serenity. As you can see from the photos below, the existing bathroom included a mismatched color scheme, a large vessel sinks, and floor tiles that ran on a 45-degree layout. Due to the light and exhaust fan location, the shower was dark, even with the glass shower doors. Storage was minimal, and the outdated fixtures made the space feel cramped and unwelcoming.
The remodeled bathroom now boasts a light-filled, cohesive design with a walk-in shower featuring elegant dark blue/green tiles paired with white hexagonal floor tiles for contrast and visual interest. The front and back shower walls received square white marble tiles to better reflect the available light. The floating vanity offers a sleek, modern, and uncluttered look, while the shower niche and new wooden storage unit above the toilet add style and functionality. The transformed bathroom now feels light, open, and significantly more spacious, providing a contemporary look and a more functional layout for daily routines.
The bathroom was entirely stripped down to the studs to facilitate this stunning transformation. After removing the old shower and vanity, the plumbing was reconfigured slightly to optimize the existing footprint. To ensure the longevity of the remodel, we installed a new waterproofing system and made minor structural improvements.
As you can see, even a small bathroom space can be dramatically improved to increase storage and functionality while adding spa-like features such as a rain showerhead and wand, as well as a modern floating vanity.
How to Achieve a Complete Bathroom Transformation for Your Family Home
If you’re considering a bathroom remodeling project, consider working with a design-build bathroom remodeling specialist. With an in-house design team, there’s no need to hire an architect, which can save you valuable time and money.
How Updated Plumbing Benefits Your New Bathroom
Slow drains and low water pressure are common complaints about older bathrooms. A bathroom renovation specialist can upgrade the existing plumbing system to address these concerns and insulate the water lines to reduce utility bills.
Why Modern Walk-In Showers Are a Game Changer
While traditional bathroom designs typically include a bathtub/shower combo, only some people want or need one today. As a result, the shower design and installation process have changed dramatically over time. A modern walk-in shower can quickly transform a cramped bathroom into the spa-like retreat you want or need.
Tips for Choosing Elegant Bathroom Fixtures and Finishes
Since most bathrooms are relatively small, a bathroom renovation allows homeowners to incorporate stylish and elegant fixtures and finishes without breaking the budget. Most plumbing fixtures are available with chrome, nickel, brass, black, or pewter finishes that complement or accentuate your bathroom renovation. Other high-end finishes such as marble, granite, and slate are available in porcelain tile versions to stretch your bathroom remodel budget.
How a Floating Vanity Adds Function and Style
A stylish floating vanity can be added to almost any bathroom with some quality workmanship. The wall must be able to properly support the additional weight, which typically requires adding blocking into the framed wall. Even a tiny bathroom feels much larger because the floor under the floating vanity is still visible. You can even add an under-vanity light to add more drama and interest to the space.
How to Optimize Storage in a Small Bathroom
Storage remains one of the biggest challenges for small bathrooms. As you plan your new bathroom design, features like Strategically placed towel bars, recessed medicine chests, over-the-toilet cabinetry, and shower niches can maximize storage for personal items while eliminating clutter on the vanity countertop.
Tips for Selecting the Perfect Tile for Your Bathroom
There is no shortage of tile options to consider for your bathroom remodeling project. While ceramic tiles remain wildly popular, glass and porcelain tiles add that luxurious finish that complements your spa-like or zen bathroom design. Larger rectangle tiles minimize visible grout lines, while mosaic patterns add texture and visual interest.
How a Bathroom Remodel Can Boost Your Home’s Value
A bathroom remodel can improve the home’s functionality and potential selling price. The Remodeling 2024 Cost vs. Value Guide provides the average bathroom remodel costs and ROI (Return On Investment) calculations.
| Bathroom Remodel | Cost | Resale Value | ROI |
| Midrange | $26,000.00 | $25,077.00 | 94.8% |
| Universal Design | $41,900.00 | $26,311.00 | 62.7% |
| Luxury/Upscale | $81,000.00 | $47,471.00 | 58.5% |
Why Timeliness Matters in Bathroom Renovations
Despite their small size, every bathroom requires electricity, plumbing, and HVAC services to function correctly. Bathrooms are essential for day-to-day living needs, regardless of the size of the family or home. As a result, finding a bathroom remodeling specialist who can work in a timely manner will reduce costs and inconvenience to the family.
During the bathroom remodel, the contractor must protect the rest of the home by covering finishes in the workers’ travel paths. This can include plastic coverings for floors, wrapping door and window frames, and daily cleanups to keep dust and trash under control, especially if there are children in the home.
To avoid the common pitfalls of most bathroom remodel projects, choose a remodeling general contractor specializing in bathroom remodels, like Bay State Remodeling. With over 15 years of successful remodeling projects, our customer testimonials and Google reviews speak for themselves.
If you haven’t finalized what your bathroom remodel should include, please visit our completed bathroom remodel project gallery for additional inspiration.
To schedule a design consultation, discuss different bathroom options for your home, or request a free, no-obligation quote in one day, please call us at (617) 340-6418 or email us.
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