After years of tolerating our very ugly, very dated shower surround, we finally reached the point where ignoring it wasn’t an option anymore. When it started pulling away from the wall, that was the final nudge. This bathroom was overdue for a remodel.
The idea of a full bathroom renovation felt overwhelming, but it also felt like the right moment to stop settling and actually make the space work and look the way we wanted it to.
If you have seen my Pinterest boards, you already know the style I’m chasing. Classic design details with matching marble tile, trim, bullnose and chair rail. Vintage inspired fixtures that feel timeless instead of trendy. Polished nickel, white linen accents and tiny details that make a big impact.
Small Shower Room With An Arched Doorway
I love the idea of a small, enclosed shower room. There is something undeniably comfortable about showering in a space with three solid walls. It feels cozy and private in a way open showers just do not. You can see a DIY version of this style in this blog post.
Pros:
- Enhanced Privacy
- Less Glass Cleaning
- Customizable
- Spa-Like Feel
Cons:
- Limited Ventilation
- Space Requirements
- Cost
- Decreased Natural Light
A Built In Shower Bench with Optional Storage
The marble waterfall shower bench pairs perfectly with the matching marble trim on the exterior. A shower bench is high on the list of “wants”.
A built in shower bench might seem unnecessary at first, but it is actually really practical. From what I found while researching, the ideal height is around 17 to 19 inches, similar to a standard chair, with a depth of about 14 to 16 inches.
Marble benches look beautiful and timeless, but they need to be sealed to prevent staining over time. Weight is another thing to consider, especially with floating benches, since they need solid framing behind the wall for support. A built in bench also opens up the opportunity to add a hidden drawer or storage on the outside of the shower, which is a smart way to use the space underneath instead of wasting it.
Unlacquered Brass or Polished Nickel
Unlacquered brass has a warm, lived in look and will naturally patina, meaning it will darken and change with use. That aging is part of the appeal, but it is something to be comfortable with because it is not low maintenance. Polished nickel stays much more consistent and is easier to live with day to day.
Mixing finishes is an option, but I wouldn’t choose these two metals together in one space. It is also worth checking that all the fixtures you want are available in the same finish, especially if you are trying to avoid a mismatched look later on.
Dark Wood Vanity That Looks Furniture Or One With Plenty of Storage
A dark wood vanity brings warmth and character and can make the space feel more collected and less builder grade. The tradeoff is that darker finishes tend to show dust, water spots, and wear a little more, and true furniture style pieces often have less built in storage.
A vanity with tower cabinets and plenty of drawers is much more practical if you need organization. The extra vertical storage is great for towels, toiletries, and everything that usually ends up under the sink, and lighter finishes help keep the room feeling bright.
Either option works, but your decision depends on whether style or storage matters more in your day to day routine.
Tiled Molding Accents
Tiled molding accents are a small detail that can make a bathroom feel finished and intentional.
Pencil tile is often used to frame out shower fixtures or niches, and from what I found, it works best when it is subtle and close in color to the main tile so it adds definition without looking busy.
Chair rail tile inside the shower helps break up large tile areas and adds a more traditional, architectural look, especially in classic or transitional bathrooms. It is also a clean way to change tile patterns or materials.
Stone baseboards are another detail worth considering. They hold up better than painted trim in wet spaces and are easy to clean.
The key with tiled trim is size and proportions, just like other types of molding. Scale matters; the size of the molding should relate to the size of your wall tile so it feels proportional and classic.
Tile Ideas I Saved While Planning
While planning this remodel, I saved a lot of tile options in DesignShop to compare colors, finishes, and patterns side by side. Seeing them together made it much easier to narrow things down and avoid second guessing later. If you are in the early planning stage, ordering samples is one of the best things you can do before committing. You can get tile samples delivered overnight through this link, which is a simple way to see how the tile looks in your own lighting and space before making a final decision.
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