Calacatta-Look Porcelain Sets the Tone in This Bath Refresh
A Chelsea guest bathroom refresh replaced an aging tub with an easier-access walk-in shower and a clean black-and-white palette. Dotted marble floor tile, Calacatta porcelain tile shower walls, and a custom vanity brought in classic style, natural-stone appeal, and smarter storage.
- Homeowners: A couple who bought their Chelsea apartment nearly 25 years ago posted their guest bathroom remodel on Sweeten
- Where: Chelsea, Manhattan, New York
- Primary renovation: The guest bathroom was modernized with the bathtub converted into a walk-in shower for easier access. The remodel also added a clean black-and-white design, marble-style floor tile, Calacatta porcelain shower walls, a custom vanity with more storage, an offset sink, updated fixtures, new lighting, and a new toilet.
- Homeowner’s quote: “The contractor’s designer was the perfect partner for us. They all took the job seriously, completed the job with meticulous work, and got it done pretty quickly.”
An old bathroom in Chelsea that’s ready for an update
Nearly 25 years ago, the homeowners were looking for a three-bedroom rental with more space for their two children, who had been sharing a bedroom. Then they came across a Chelsea apartment in a converted factory building. It was for sale, not for rent, but they decided to take the leap and buy their first home. They’ve lived there ever since.
Over the years, the couple renovated their kitchen but left the rest of the apartment mostly as it was. Eventually, the guest bathroom felt ready for an update. “It was embarrassingly retro. The faucets didn’t work, there was a gap behind the sink. It just looked old,” they shared.
Another key change was replacing the bathtub with a walk-in shower. One homeowner’s father, who is in his 90s, stays with them often, so creating a more accessible bathroom with easier shower access became an important part of the plan.
They posted their project to Sweeten and were matched with a general contractor who could provide design and build support to modernize the space. Help with choosing and sourcing materials was a major reason they chose this remodeling contractor.
“Other contractors facilitate the project, file the permits, demolish, install, etc., but then I would’ve had to go find the sink, the toilet, the faucet,” one homeowner said. “This contractor offered to help us find all of our materials. It was part of their service.”
For homeowners who feel unsure at the start, knowing the right questions to ask a contractor can make those early decisions feel less overwhelming. Sweeten brings homeowners an exceptional renovation experience by personally matching trusted general contractors to your project, while offering expert guidance and support—at no cost to you. Renovate expertly with Sweeten
Permits first, then a classic tile plan
Before work could begin, the building’s co-op board engineer gave the homeowners and contractor a list of possible requirements, including waterproofing and disability access. The contractor also had to apply for several permits. At one point, the Sweeten Client Services team stepped in to help resolve a communication issue and get the homeowner and contractor back on track.
Once approvals and permits were in place, the couple and their Sweeten contractor began looking at bathroom design ideas and materials that fit their vision for a clean, classic black-and-white bathroom. They visited a showroom together to see what stood out, including a dotted marble floor tile.
Because the homeowners love natural stone, they chose Calacatta porcelain tile for the shower walls, a practical option for those considering Calacatta alternatives. The custom vanity ties into the two-tone palette and adds plenty of storage. An offset sink also leaves more open counter space on one side, which is a small detail that can make a bathroom feel easier to use.
A bathroom renovation finished in six weeks
Aside from the initial communication issues, the homeowners had a great experience working with their general contractor. “If you’re clueless like we were, the process is overwhelming. The contractor’s designer was the perfect partner for us,” they shared.
The contracting team was diligent about cleaning up the dust every single day since the homeowners were living at home during the renovation. The guest bathroom is near the entryway and was cordoned off for construction.
“They all took the job seriously, completed the job with meticulous work, and got it done pretty quickly. We saw real care,” the homeowners said.
The homeowners were grateful to have Sweeten as a resource during the renovation. “I am sure Sweeten helps people of all kinds, but we were newbies and needed more direction than most folks,” they shared.
The timeline shifted a bit because of the co-op board approval process. Once the work got underway, though, the bathroom was finished in six weeks, just in time for a birthday party the couple was hosting.
They were also impressed by the subcontractors who handled the demolition, electrical, lighting, and tile work. “I was struck by the uniformly high quality, no matter which team it was,” one homeowner shared.
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Renovation materials
Bathroom:
- Bianco Carrara black dot marble mosaic floor tile; floor stone border in black polished marble; FAP Lumin white matte wall tile 10”x 30”; Fondovalle Calacatta porcelain shower tiles: Tiles by Kia.
- Square Thermostatic shower system with 15” ceiling head and hand-shower: Hudson Reed.
- Vanity with white quartz counter: Custom by general contractor.
- Aquasei ceramic under-mount sink: Lacava.
- Fauceture widespread faucet: Kingston Brass.
- Contemporary metal pulls on vanity, #6899: Richelieu.
- Dual-flush toilet, #CST413MF with 10” rough: Toto.
- Lithonia ultra-in dimmable recessed ceiling light: Home Depot.
Frequently asked questions
Calacatta is a natural marble known for its white background and bold gray or gold veining. It’s often used for a high-end stone look because each slab has its own movement, contrast, and character.
No, Calacatta porcelain tile is not real Calacatta marble. This tile is designed to resemble Calacatta marble, giving the look of natural stone with a more affordable material.
The benefits of porcelain tile are durability and easier maintenance. It resists moisture, stains, and everyday wear well, which makes it a practical choice for bathroom floors, shower walls, and other renovation surfaces.
