Remember our main bathroom remodel I shared last year? We’ve been itching to reveal another dramatic transformation from our home renovations, and we promise it was well worth the wait.
If you’ve ever scrolled through “before” photos and wondered, can this space really be saved?, prepare to have your jaw drop. This renovation took a basic, beige bathroom and turned it into a bright, modern, and welcoming retreat—perfect for guests (or, let’s be real, anyone who appreciates a good soak in a stylish tub).
Before: A Time Capsule of Builder-Grade Basics
Let’s start with what we were working with: a plain wood vanity that lacked personality, a countertop that blended into the walls, and peachy tile that had definitely seen better days. The lighting? Functional, sure—but it wasn’t exactly winning any design awards. On top of that, we wanted to keep this makeover budget-friendly, so no major walls were coming down, and the layout stayed the same. This was strictly a cosmetic refresh—but one that completely changed the look and feel of the space.
After: Hello, Modern Oasis!
Tile, Tile, Tile
The real showstopper here is the new tile selection. For the tiles, we knew we wanted to work with Fireclay Tile again since I just loved how they looked in our current main bathroom.
On the walls behind the vanity, tall white tiles laid vertically create a subtle texture and make the space look bigger. We used Fireclay Tile brick tiles in the color Olympic. They truly give the room those upsacle vibes. Plus, I love that 1% of all Fireclay Brick purchases are donated to the National Parks Conservation Association. We love brands that give back!
In the shower, we chose a soft gray tile (it’s the Rainy Day tiles from Fireclay Tile) with a vertical layout to keep things sleek and modern—plus, it pairs perfectly with the matte black fixtures.
And can we talk about that floor?! The patterned tile grounds the entire room and brings in just the right amount of fun without overwhelming the space. The tiles are called Palermo in Neutral. The tiles are all handpainted and are seriously stunning in person. Everyone who comes into the bathroom asks about them…such a dreamy floor!!!
The Vanity Upgrade
We swapped out the dated vanity for a streamlined wood-and-metal vanity, complete with a crisp quartz countertop. The open shelf at the bottom not only keeps the space feeling airy, but it’s also super functional for stashing extra towels (hello, spa vibes!). Black hardware ties it all together and adds a little modern edge.
Statement Mirror + Pendant Lights
Gone is the small, standard mirror—replaced with a large, round statement mirror that instantly commands attention. Instead of traditional sconces, I found these gorgeous minimalist black pendant lights dropping down from the ceiling. The result? A contemporary focal point that doubles as functional art.
All-Black Everything (Almost!)
From the faucet to the shower head to the hand towel holder, we embraced black accents to keep the look cohesive. Even the soap dispenser and the trash can are the perfect chic black! This choice might sound bold, but trust us—it’s the easiest way to add contrast and instantly modernize a space. And in a smaller bathroom, it truly pops.
Fresh, Neutral Palette
By sticking to a mostly neutral color scheme—white, gray, wood tones, and black—this bathroom feels sophisticated and timeless. But it’s definitely not boring! The patterned floor, vertical tile, and punchy black details bring in plenty of personality.
What used to be a run-of-the-mill guest bath is now a modern oasis that feels simultaneously luxe and inviting. It’s got that wow factor that makes guests feel pampered, yet it’s still practical for everyday life. Consider us obsessed—and pretty sure that once you see it, you’ll be inspired to give your own bathroom a stylish refresh. And I’m sharing a Before and After Reel over on Instagram this week that gives you an even closer look at the space so don’t miss that!
Ready for your own renovation? Take cues from this design: pick a cohesive color palette, focus on statement pieces (hello, round mirror!), and don’t be afraid to go bold with tile and hardware choices. Whether you’re hosting friends and family or just enjoying the space yourself, a fresh bathroom upgrade is always a good idea.
Thanks for following along on this mini tour, and stay tuned as I’m going to share our upstairs bathroom in the coming weeks!
Big thanks to Sanaz Photography for all the photos!!
