Want a bathroom that stops feeling boxed in by wide platforms, dark granite and enclosed shower walls? This is shared by Primary Bathroom Remodel Reddit user throwaway5038480 Checkerboard flooring, arched details, frameless glass and cleaner sightlines transformed the split layout into a warm space in the early 2000s.
Before the renovation, the bathroom relied on tall tub framing, oversized mirrors, dark counters, heavy beige tile, and multiple walls dividing the room into separate sections. Even with the large footprint, the layout looked closed as each area interrupted the next.
After the remodel, the bathroom feels calmer, brighter, and more connected. White oak cabinetry, soft Zellige tile, warm brass finishes and frameless glass changed how the room read from the door to the shower wall.
The raised tub framing made the layout heavier
Prior to the renovation, the soaking tub sat within a large tiled platform surrounded by steps and thick wall sections connecting to the shower enclosure.
Instead of a continuous floor plane, the room kept changing levels and blocking sight lines. The corner behind the enclosed shower next to the tub looks tighter than the actual square footage suggests.
A large beige tile blended into a heavy surface makes the room look flat and dated.
The vanity area added more weight. Dark granite counters stretch the entire wall while oversized builder-grade mirrors reflect every surface in the room. Oil-rubbed bronze fixtures and dark cabinet hardware push the vanity deeper into that heavy early 2000s style.
Because the mirrors cover almost the entire wall width, the vanity looks more professional than a custom built one. The dark countertop also created a strong horizontal block in the middle of the bathroom that cut the room in half.
After the renovation, the entire vanity wall reads more relaxed and soft. White countertops, arched mirrors, white oak cabinetry and vertical Zellige tiles replaced the dark contrast that had previously dominated the space.
Instead of one large mirror reflecting each surface, separate arched mirrors now create space between each sink area while drawing attention upward. Lighter finishes also pair better with checkerboard floors and frameless glass, helping the bathroom read as one continuous design.
A freestanding tub opens up the entire back wall
Replacing the built-in tub with a freestanding matte white tub changed how open the room looked near the window wall.
Instead of a large framing around the tub, the visible floor space now runs under and around it. That one change removes a great deal of visual weight from the center of the bathroom.
The remodel relocated the tub filler to the wall instead of inside the tub platform. According to a Reddit post, the old setup forced the owner to climb into the tub area just to turn on the water.
The checkerboard flooring changed the whole mood
One of the biggest upgrades came from floor tile.
Old diagonal beige flooring keeps the bathroom reading as an uninterrupted tan surface. After the remodel, a soft checkerboard pattern introduced contrast and movement without making the room look busy.
Because the tones are warm rather than stark black and white, the floor keeps the bathroom grounded rather than cold or overly graphic.
Arched shapes soften straight tile lines
Arches are repeated throughout the bathroom to break up the hard edges and straight tile lines.
High arched mirrors above the vanity draw attention upward while the sink helps the wall appear taller. Matching arched niches near the tub and inside the shower continue the same shape language throughout the room.
That revision makes the bathroom read as one complete design rather than several disconnected upgrades.
White oak cabinetry provided a stark contrast
Dark granite counters and dark cabinetry make the original vanity appear dense and spacious.
Rather than replace the entire vanity structure, the remodel kept the existing frame but added custom white oak doors and drawer fronts while raising the counter height four inches.
That light wood tone changes the center of the bathroom without dominating the room.
An undermount sink also simplifies the countertop surface by removing the thick sink edges from the original design.
Frameless glass opens up the shower area
Older shower enclosures relied on thick framed walls that separated the shower from the rest of the bathroom.
Frameless glass now keeps the line moving around the room instead of cutting the layout into small compartments. The shower reads as part of the overall design rather than isolated to the side of the tub.
Warm brass hardware connects directly to faucets, mirrors, sconces and even towel rings throughout the space.
According to the Reddit post, the shower remained compact at about 40×40 inches, proving that in many bathroom remodels the perception of the layout is more important than the actual square footage.
Zellige tile adds texture without adding clutter
Instead of using busy marble patterns or large feature walls, the remodel relies on soft Zellige tile for texture.
An uneven glossy finish reflects light across the walls while vertical stacking helps pull the room upwards.
The owner later shared that the wall tile used was Floor & Décor ot Zelij.
Removing the interior doors changed how the bathroom flowed
One of the most important upgrades happened before the end.
According to the owner, the original bathroom had three separate sections: a shower and tub area with its own door, a toilet room with another door, and a vanity area sitting between them.
Part of the remodel removed the door leading to the bath and shower section and instead widened the opening. Double doors were then added to the main entrance to the bathroom.
That layout decision opened up the room without expanding the footprint.
Small details give the bathroom a custom built look
A few minor improvements pushed the remodel away from the standard builder-grade design.
A hidden outlet drawer inside the vanity stores hair tools without leaving cords across the counter. Recessed niches near the tub add storage without adding shelves. A small built-in shower footrest became one of the most talked-about details in Reddit comments when readers realized it was designed for shaving legs.
Pottery Barn’s textured sconces also soften the vanity wall with warm lighting and texture.
Warm neutrals replace the flat beige palette
One of the reasons the remodel works so well is that the neutral palette now uses layers instead of repeating one flat beige tone on every surface.
White oak, warm brass, matte white finishes, checkerboard flooring, soft top Zellige tile and textured lighting all create variety while staying within the same warm color family.
The result looks warmer and more custom without relying on dark contrast or dramatic colors.
The bathroom keeps almost the same footprint but looks completely different
The remodel didn’t rely on enlarging the room or rebuilding every plumbing line.
Instead, the change came from removing large platforms, opening sight lines, smoothing transitions, repeating soft shapes, and reducing visual clutter on every surface.
A finished bathroom reads a lot less like a standard suburban primary bath and a lot closer to a quiet boutique hotel suite built around warmth, texture and openness.
All credits go to the Reddit user u/throwaway5038480 For original remodels and images.
