Large platform tubs once defined many master bathrooms built in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Recent remodels show a different direction. Homeowners remove raised tub decks, expand shower spaces, install floating vanities and replace closed layouts with open floor plans that feel larger without adding square footage.
Reddit user u/Impressive_Chard7943 Completed the final bathroom in a three-bathroom renovation after living with the original space for eight years. Heated floors, Taj Mahal quartzite, freestanding tubs, expansive showers and high ceilings transformed the more than two-decade-old bathroom into a tranquil, spa-inspired retreat.
A raised platform tub dominates the original layout
The original bathroom revolved around a large tiled platform tub that consumed almost one side of the room. A framed shower enclosure, drop ceiling, large vanity and separate fixtures divide the space into narrow circulation paths.
Removing the built-in deck became the foundation for the remodel. Once the platform disappeared, the room gained uninterrupted sight lines and enough space for larger fixtures without changing the footprint.
A separate toilet room received the same material
The original toilet room consisted of little more than painted walls, basic floor tile and a small window. It felt disconnected from the rest of the bathroom and lacked storage or architectural details.
The remodel continues the same lower wall tile in the room, creating visual continuity. Floating oak shelves above the toilet provide storage while matching the vanity finish, making the space feel connected rather than isolated.
A freestanding tub replaced the built-in deck
A freestanding soaking tub now rests directly on the floor instead of sitting inside a standing surround. That decision exposes more of the flooring and creates a strong sense of openness with the vanity toward the back wall.
A low tiled pony wall separates the tub from the shower without obstructing the views. Wall-mounted tub fillers eliminate deck hardware and maintain the tub’s clean profile.
A reeded vanity became a staple piece of furniture
Instead of traditional cabinetry, a floating vanity introduces furniture design to the bathroom. Vertical reeded oak fronts create texture throughout the cabinet while hidden toe clearances expose more of the floor below.
Taj Mahal Quartzite is wrapped on the entire countertop, backsplash and integrated side returns. Wall-mounted California faucets fixtures keep countertops free of deck-mounted hardware while simplifying cleanup.
Walk-in shower expanded into former tub space
The fountain has a much larger footprint than before. Frameless glass keeps the room visually open while allowing natural light to travel throughout the bathroom.
Large-format vertical tile, a recessed niche finished in Taj Mahal Quartzite, a ceiling-mounted rain shower, handheld fixtures and a linear drain create a layout focused on function rather than decorative trim.
Artwork personalizes the bath area
Instead of placing decorative accessories around the tub, the homeowner installed a large painting over half the wall. According to u/Impressive_Chard7943, the artwork depicts a grandmother’s house in Pakistan, painted by a cousin as a tribute to family memories.
The artwork introduces color in a palette dominated by warm stone, oak and neutral tile without competing with the architecture.
Floating shelves improved the toilet room
The finished restroom replaces blank wall space with thick floating oak shelves that mirror the vanity below. Baskets, towels and small accessories remain accessible without adding bulky cabinets.
The half-height tile wraps the room under the shelves, tying the space to the rest of the bathroom through repeated materials rather than a separate finish.
A pocket door cleared the walkway
The remodel replaces traditional swing doors with frosted glass pocket doors. According to the homeowner, adding a pocket door required moving the plumbing inside the wall, including relocating the shower valve.
Removing the swing path opens up more usable floor area around the vanity while allowing a frosted glass panel to bring light into the entryway.
Frameless glass keeps sightlines open
Black-framed hardware outlines the glass enclosure without overwhelming the room. The shower, tub and vanity are visible from almost every angle, giving the bathroom a spacious look.
A pony wall defines the shower area while maintaining openness throughout the layout. Black shower hardware also balances the black mirror frame used above the vanity.
Before and after show the biggest change
The comparison highlights more than the updated finish. The remodel removes the platform tub, enlarges the shower, raises the ceiling by six inches, introduces heated floors, adds a floating vanity, and replaces heavy cabinetry with furniture-inspired millwork.
The room shifts from a collection of separate fixtures to a layout where each element shares the same materials, proportions and circulation paths.
The toilet room matches the main bathroom
A side-by-side comparison shows how repeating finishes transform even the smallest of rooms. Plain painted walls and basic tile textures give way to wall tiles, floating shelves, warm wood tones and continuous flooring.
Rather than treat the toilet room as a secondary space, the remodel extends the same design language throughout the suite, making each area feel part of a unified bathroom.
All image credit goes to the reddit user u/Impressive_Chard7943 .
