Want a bathroom that looks bigger, functions better and doesn’t feel stuck in another decade? This renovation was originally shared by a Reddit user u/the_blind_refereeA narrow bathroom filled with turquoise tile, tiled countertops and mosaic flooring was transformed into a modern space centered around a large walk-in shower.
The original bathroom remained largely unchanged for decades. Turquoise wall tile wrapped the room, the vanity was built right into the tiled countertop, and a small shower sat behind a dividing wall at the back of the space. The layout felt cramped, and the finish dominated every surface.
Instead of updating a few fixtures, the project went to framing and concrete. Walls were exposed, plumbing was moved, the shower was remodeled, and every finish was replaced. The result looks like a completely different bathroom despite having the same footprint. The homeowner completed the renovation in four months for approximately CAD $6,500, sourcing materials through clearance deals and marketplace searches.
The original bathroom was defined by turquoise tile and tiled countertops
The before photo shows turquoise wall tile covering nearly half the room, paired with a matching tiled countertop extending over the vanity. Mosaic floor tiles added another pattern, creating a busy mix of surfaces within a narrow footprint.
A partition wall separates the shower area from the sink, making the room feel long and tight. Small vanity sinks, outdated lighting and limited storage reinforce the dated look.
The renovation began with a complete demolition
The turquoise tile, vanity, walls and shower were completely removed. Once demolition began, the project exposed framing, plumbing lines, concrete walls, and the original subfloor.
Part of the floor slab was opened to accommodate the plumbing changes. The shower area was pulled back into its structure so that a new layout could be created from scratch.
Waterproofing and shower construction became the foundation
After framing and plumbing work, the new shower area received cement board, waterproofing material and a custom shower base. Recessed storage structures were framed into the wall before the finish was installed.
These stages are rarely visible in finished-room photos, but they determine how well the bathroom performs over time. The waterproofing system and shower construction formed the foundation for everything that followed.
A new fountain became the focal point
The finished bathroom is centered around a large walk-in shower enclosed in clear glass. Vertical wall tile extends over the shower walls, while black hardware creates contrast against the lighter finish.
Removing the old dividing wall opened up sight lines from one end of the room to the other. The shower now feels integrated into the space rather than hidden behind a separate enclosure.
Wood beadboard replaced the turquoise wall tile
The original bathroom relies on turquoise wall tile that wraps almost the entire room, including the vanity surround. While the color dominates the space, the tile also creates a hard visual break that makes a narrow bathroom look longer and more confined.
Instead of re-installing wall tile on every surface, the renovation introduced painted wood beadboard and trim details on both sides of the room. Panel treatments add texture and architectural definition without competing with the flooring, vanity or shower. Paired with a lighter wall color, beadboard helps simplify the space while giving the bathroom a more finished custom-built look.
A dark wood vanity grounds the new design
While many bathroom remodels move toward an all-white finish, this project introduced a contrast with a dark wood vanity. Cabinets add visual weight without competing with surrounding surfaces.
The offset sink leaves additional countertop space, a decision the homeowner later explained was a priority during product selection. The vanity also presents a natural texture that balances the tile and painted surfaces.
Checkerboard flooring replaced mosaic tile
One of the biggest visual changes appears below the feet. Smaller mosaic tiles give way to larger format square tiles arranged in a checkerboard pattern.
The large format of the tile minimizes grout lines and gives the room a clean look. The pattern also draws attention down the length of the bathroom, emphasizing the sheer depth of the space.
Black fixtures create contrast throughout the room
The shower hardware, faucets, towel warmers and sliding shower door system all use a black finish. These details stand out against lighter wall tile, vanity tops and painted surfaces, creating clear visual definition without introducing extra colors.
The shower also includes a built-in bench that adds comfortable and practical storage space to the toilet. Above the vanity, an LED-backlit mirror replaces a small mirror and exposed light fixture from the original bathroom. Together, the illuminated mirror, shower seating and black hardware give the room a more contemporary look while improving everyday functionality.
The finished bathroom looks much bigger than before
The footprint remained largely the same, but the perception of space changed significantly. Eliminating visual clutter, simplifying material selection, and opening up the shower area created a room that looked larger and more organized.
The contrast between a turquoise-tiled bathroom and a finished remodel shows how much impact rethinking layout, materials, and surface treatments can have rather than adding square footage.
what do you think
Would you have kept the original turquoise tile bathroom, or would you have taken a similar approach and rebuilt the space from scratch? Let us know in the comments.
The project has been shared on Reddit by a user u/the_blind_refereeAll credits go to the Reddit user u/the_blind_referee.
