A Modern Bathroom Remodel Gets Creative

A hex tile bathroom provides a new look, plus a West Elm side table moonlights as a vanity

Last week, we took a peek at Amy and Nick’s sparkling new kitchen. This week, we’re exploring their new bathroom, which takes a style cue from a previous Sweeten story.

Project: Refresh an outdated bath in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn

Before: After purchasing their 2-bed, 1-bath condo, it became clear to Amy and Nick that the old bathroom needed to be given new life. The layout worked, but the tile and fixtures were tired and out-of-style, and a low ceiling made the space feel cramped.

After: The Sweeten contractor who had successfully renovated their kitchen (and who they’d found on Sweeten, a free service matching renovators with general contractors after posting their project) got to work on the bathroom remodel. The layout was preserved but the footprint was expanded; one wall was moved and the ceiling was raised to make the space feel larger. The old tile was ripped up and replaced with a hex tile bathroom floor paired with high-contrast white grout. White subway tile was installed in the shower, along the side of the tub, and across the lower half of the walls. All new fixtures in polished chrome gave the space a bright boost. A new sink and vanity with a Calacatta gold marble countertop was placed center stage (the marble was also added to the windowsill and threshold), while a wall-mounted faucet provides a sleek, contemporary look. It took a couple of tries for Amy and Nick to find the right toilet that would work with their piping; Amy explained, “We knew from the beginning we needed a horizontal connection—just not all the horizontally piped toilets we bought worked for our specific connection. Eventually, we just had our contractor pick one out for us and switched the handle so it was more in line aesthetically with what we’d originally picked out.” A large, recessed medicine cabinet was added above the sink in addition to customized storage; “I like the two built-in nooks (in the shower)—it makes it easy to separate bath products by person and height. We’re also both really pleased with the way the side table/vanity turned out,” said Amy.

Bonus: The vanity was fashioned from a West Elm side table customized to fit a countertop and pedestal sink. Amy was inspired by Sweeten homeowners Ellen and Ben who created their own custom vanity in a similar way.

Style finds: Hex floor tile in a matte finish: Home Depot. Medicine cabinet: Home Depot. Polished chrome shower and tub fixtures: Kohler. Side-table-turned-vanity: West Elm.

—

The bathroom floor is one spot where an unexpected tile choice can add style and personality without overpowering the look of your space.

Sweeten handpicks the best general contractors to match each project’s location, budget, and scope, helping until project completion. Follow the blog for renovation ideas and inspiration and when you’re ready to renovate, start your renovation on Sweeten.