Bathroom Remodeling...

Where to Begin?

So, you have decided you can no longer live with the coordinating avocado green toilet, sink, and tub in your current bathroom. You need a change. But where to begin? Bathroom remodeling can be overwhelming, even if you are not changing the footprint of your current bath. Choosing tile, fixtures, lighting, plumbing, etc. can make you feel like you want to quit before you even get started.

An excellent way to narrow your choices is to start with an inspiration. Either from a magazine or online source. Choose a bathroom you love! Don't look for rooms that are shaped like yours or about the same size, focus only on finding a bathroom that inspires you. THEN, ask yourself if similar finishes could work in your room. Could you replace the old tub with a stand- up glass enclosed shower? Would Carrera Marble subway tile look dramatic in a small space?

Here are a few "inspiration bathrooms" and the finishes I selected to recreate a similar look.

Inspiration # 1


Love the warmth of the wood floors, the classic subway tile, and the casual bead board chair rail.


A practical solution to wood floors is porcelain tile that looks like wood


Calcutta Gold subway tile is a bit warmer than the standard white subway tile. Use it in the shower/tub area. Grout with a warm gray.



Matte hexagon porcelain tile for the shower floor.



Bead board chair rail around the room instead of tile. I like this molding profile for the top of  the bead board.


 Benjamin Moore's Light Pewter for the beadbaord


Wall paint, Benjamin Moore's Ballet White


A clean modern sink with a nod to the past, like Kohler's Kathryn console sink would be perfect.

Inspiration #2


Classic with a modern twist.



A room like this starts with the tub.


The vanity could be purchased directly from a retailer or the base from a cabinet distributor, the carrera marble top from a granite and marble retailer and the under mount sinks online.


Classic carrera marble basket weave floor


A cheaper solution to the Thomas O'Brien light in the inspiration picture would be this  pendant from Lamps Plus


Modern sconces

Benjamin Moore's Nimbus 1465, eggshell, for the walls.