1970s guest bathrooms often share the same formula: a tub-shower combination at one end, a long vanity along one wall, a dated finish and little visual impact. Reddit user u/TooKool4This Started with exactly the same type of space before deciding to rebuild almost every surface from the stud out.
Rather than simply replacing the fixtures, the project removed the side wall of the tub to create a larger shower area, upgraded the insulation and electrical system, installed new windows, and introduced a striking blue tile feature wall. A fluted wood vanity, large-format porcelain tile and a frameless glass enclosure completed a remodel that bore little resemblance to the original bathroom.
Builder-grade finishes cover every surface of the original bathroom
The original bathroom measured approximately 5 feet wide by 11 to 12 feet long, with a double vanity running along one side and a tub-shower combination occupying the far end. The space relies on beige flooring, cream countertops, wood cabinetry, and a large wall mirror.
Natural light pours in through a horizontal window above the tub, but much of the finish reflects the builder-grade look common in many homes from the era.
Removing the vanity exposed the original design of the bathroom
Removing long vanity exposed plumbing connections, electrical wiring and wall surfaces that had been hidden behind cabinets for decades.
Countertops, sinks, mirrors and storage were removed, leaving an empty shell that made room for major structural changes later in the remodel.
Removing the wall instantly transformed the room
By removing the vanity and opening up the walls, the underlying structure of the bathroom was completely exposed. Plumbing, wiring and framing that had been hidden for decades became visible.
The wall next to the tub was gone, revealing a more open floor plan and making room for the large shower that would define the finished remodel.
New shower area ready for waterproofing
Backer board and waterproofing membranes replaced the original wall surface as the new shower enclosure began to take shape. Later, a recessed niche was built into the back wall, creating built-in storage without adding shelves or accessories.
The former tub area was being converted into a dedicated walk-in shower. Waterproofing of walls, window areas and plumbing penetration laid the foundation for the tile installation that followed.
Blue tile turned the shower into a focal point
Glossy glacier blue ceramic tile covers the bath walls from floor to ceiling, replacing the small tub that previously occupied the far end of the bathroom. A vertical installation emphasizes the room’s height while creating a strong visual backdrop for the new shower area.
Black fixtures, a rainfall shower head and a handheld sprayer contrast against the blue tile. A recessed niche finished with lightly textured tile introduces the collection without interrupting the clean lines of the wall.
Fluted wood vanities replaced builder-grade cabinets
Wood cabinetry with fluted drawer fronts replaces the original vanity, introducing texture and warm tones to a room now dominated by stone, porcelain and glass surfaces.
Black plumbing fixtures, brass-framed mirrors and large-format wall tiles create a layered mix of materials. At the opposite end of the room, a blue fountain remains visible through a glass enclosure, connecting the two sides of the design.
A wall came down and the bathroom hardly looked the same
A narrow vanity, beige flooring and a tub-shower combination once occupied nearly every visible surface. The finished remodel replaces those elements with a walk-in shower, floor-to-ceiling blue tile and a custom-looking vanity wall.
Most of the change came from changing the layout and materials rather than enlarging the room. The result looks bigger, despite staying within almost the same footprint.
According to the homeowner, labor cost about $15,000, the finish added another $10,000 and the permit cost about $1,000. Demolition, drywall, electrical work and project management were completed by the homeowner.
Which change made the biggest impact: the blue tile shower, the fluted wood vanity, or removing the wall and replacing the tub with a walk-in shower?
All image credits go to reddit user: TooKool4This
