On the positive side, the marble is a nice neutral color. On the negative side, it unfortunately resembles linoleum close up. You don't mention the condition of the shower pan. If it needs to be replaced you surely will need to demo some of the stone and it would be optimal to run the same flooring into the toilet enclosure. I would be inclined to start fresh.

If budget is an issue and you want to keep the marble, I think you could take out the tub and replace it with a full tub deck in that space, as in the photographs below, along with a new frameless shower enclosure to get rid of the thick brass. But I agree with michigammemom that if you go this route it would be best to continue the marble through the whole bathroom into the toilet enclosure, and that may tip you towards starting from scratch. I'd also recommend new lighting and a new counter for the vanity, though I think the vanity itself could work with the updates.

Add an amazing tile mural over the tub on the left side

Either a mosaic mural or imaged tiles.
See photo of undersea glass mosaic just completed for my client to cover the whole bathroom wall

Any image

http://www.AliciaTappDesigns.com

It's time for a fresh start.

If you do not like the marble and are planning to change the tub, I would gut it and go for what you love. The challenge with trying to demo around it is that it will be very easy to damage the floor when removing the tub, etc. The toilet room tile should be cohesive as well. I would save and start again. However, I know money is an issue for most of us. To live with it for awhile I would go with creams and soft yellows. Paint the vanity, new hardware and lighting for that area will spruce up. For the tub area, wall paint, a soft window treatment and a cool chair/bench to the left would warm it up and change the stark look the tub has now. Hang a great piece of large artwork over the tub. A final piece would be a small chandelier over the tub and a few rugs on the floor. I do think this would look nice and hold you for a few years if you are not ready to remodel. Best of luck!

I say gut the whole bathroom. If you're going to be pulling some of it down, you might as well do it all.

Thanks to all of you for taking the time to respond! I think you are right - if I don't like the marble (and yes it does kind of look like linoleum) than it should all come out and go with something I love. Budget is a concern but Durpetti Interiors you gave me alot of great ideas especially is we have to live with it for awhile. Love the tub ideas and never would have thought about hanging artwork over the tub but great suggestion. Thanks again!!!

You'll save more money if you do all of it at the same time. That marble needs to go. It's just not good. Plus, you can go with a tile with a higher friction coefficient. I love stepping out of my shower and if the rug is missing, I have just as much grip soaking wet, as if I was dry. One broken toe, from a slippery floor, is enough!

If it hasn't been said, you could save some money by keeping all the location of the fixtures, which seem to be working well as far as spatial planning goes.

You might; change for a white round bath and change door and side of the shower with no frame.
see;
or Luxury Bath-www.bcdesign.co.uk

Splendid observation, Dytecture! While much must go, some things can stay.

Gut the whole thing. David has a very good point about the electrical. Cap it off while you're working and use the wires in your new layout. Actually, the layout seems fine, so same goes for the plumbing. Hope that helps. Good luck with your project.
Charmean Neithart

The wonderful thing about your bathroom is that it has a functional layout that allows for more of a cosmetic makeover rather than having to relocate electrical and plumbing or take down/add walls which can be very costly and add money unnecessarily to your budget total. The one thing I try and advise my clients is not to save something that doesn't feel right, bc at the end of the project you might look back and be regretful. The marble, should not be salvaged. I think it would be best to remove all of it. It would make your bath feel much more open to simply skim the walls where the marble is and open it up. I would additionally suggest to use a free standing tub instead of creating panels and building the tub in again; allowing some space around it will save some more money but also visually be more appealing. I think selecting a reasonable tile to redo your entire floor and shower will help in unifying the space. Repurposing the vanity by painting it and redoing the hardware will help it look fresh. New vanity lights and plumbing fixtures will also add to that. Good luck with your project! You have a great starting point and I'm sure whichever direction you go in its going to look fantastic!

Libby, thanks so much for all of your input! I like your idea of a free standing tub and agree that it would be more appealing but thought it would be more expensive. Do you have one that you would suggest or a link to ones to look at that you think would be good for that space? Also the vanity is low and that makes it seem outdated - I guess I have gotten used to all the higher vanities. Can something be done to raise the vanity? I would love to paint it and have painted friend's kitchens and bathrooms so feel pretty confident that I could do that myself. Again, thanks for all your help.

When you raise a vanity, it looks like you raised the vanity. Save and do it right from the start. Do nothing until you have the money. In the mean time shop for materials that you like. Take your time pulling it together. Start by finding a tile that you love. Definitely get a free standing tub. MTI has some great ones. Take the half wall between the tub and shower down and make it glass all the way. 12 x24 inch tiles are a really good look. Dal tile has a great looking one called fabrique. Any of the colors on that board is very nice. Mix it up with pebble stones on the shower floor. No need to put tile around a free standing tub. However- if money is an issue the fixtures for the this type of tub does run a little higher- but it is worth it!

The marble is overwhelming. Looks like the shower and tub are dated (side panel on tub coming off). I think I would gut and re-do. You want the same flooring thru out and the toilet needs swapping. I'm sure you want to upgrade the countertops as well. The good news is that the room has a great layout so there won't be a major expense for moving plumbing around. Go for what you love and enjoy it.

Neutral colors would make a better sale,if ever you want to sell the house later on.Clean cut lines I believe woul be better,and put some pizzaz with accessories.

If you plan to remodel the whole bath from the start you will save more time and money than you could ever imagine. This looks like a late 70's late 90's genetic experiment. Pre-plan and the tile hall might get replaced too.

I have a little problem to call this "stuff" marble. It's actually called agglomerate which was produced from the leftovers from the marble industry. It was very popular in the early 80. The shower and it's thick brass framing looks also very antique to me. I would redo the whole bathroom by going to a barrier free shower and a frameless glass surrounding.

Regards,

3D-Tile-Design - Bertram Tasch
Maple Ridge, BC (Greater Vancouver)
http://www.3D-Tile-Design.ca

I've learned after numerous remodelling and redecorating jobs to get rid of what you really don't like. Keep the door, paint the vanity, and replace everything that has to do with the tile and the brass fixtures.

If you can, you can keep the cabinet. You can order a new beautiful counter top and get vessel sinks. New hardware on the cabinet will really help too. I think the vanity that is in there is beautiful (and a lot like all the brand new ones), but it needs some updating with new hardware, and overhead lights or pendant lighting. I'd definately take out all the marble though if you are not happy with that completely. That way, if you get a new counter top for the nice vanity, you can really coordinate what goes together nicely and what YOU want!! Also, you can get the soft close for the drawers on the vanity (nice, cheap upgrade).

Good luck! :)

If you think the vanity is too low, the vessel sinks should help with that. On a personal note- I am short 5'2" and I honestly HATE the tall vanities out there now a days bc when I wash my face, the water just runs down my elbows and gets all over the floor and cabinet. Sounds silly, but when we looked for a vanity for our bathroom that was a big deal for me. Just something to keep in mind.... :)

I am not a designer or decorator but I know what I like. It sounds as if you do as well. Start over and make your bathroom a place that you would like to spend time in. Choose colours that soothe you and make you feel relaxed. I have renovated my home that was built in 1895. Make sure the finished bathroom makes you happy. Good luck.

There are a lot of ways to get around the vanity being too low; as Katie Elizabeth suggested vessel sinks could be a great solution and there are a lot available that range from 4"-6", have a counter on the periphery and would quickly make up the height. Another suggestion could be to use a top that you could laminate the edges (like a quartz type material such as caesar stone) to build the counter up from a standard 1 1/4" to 3". Try sites such as www.lacava.com, www.wetstyle.ca for great large vessel sinks. For a tub I would suggest www.vandabaths.com; something that could really be phenomenal is a Japanese style soaking tub that uses less floor space, is taller and could make the window where the tub is make more sense. They are typically very deep but often times can hold two people. Very cool, just different from the average tub and could be very effective in your bath.

If you have to live with this for a few years I would consider painting your walls the main colour of the marble. I often find overkill can actually end up looking good, it detracts from the marble so it doesn't stand out as much. Your room looks light enough to take it and even paint the ceiling the bath colour to avoid the starkness of white. You could even paint the toilet floor the same colour, there are special paints for tiles now.

If not happy with the layout of your bathroom, then I would just gut it. Otherwise, for starters I would keep the existing vanity and upgrade it with paint, new hardware, countertop and sinks. Replace the shower surround with Euro glass (nixing the brass) and perhaps consider a new style of tub which might include new plumbing fixtures. As far as the marble goes, personally I would keep it and give your walls a new coat of paint to tie it in taking in account 'the undertone of the marble'. (On my computer screen it appears to be griege.) As for the *toilet, since relocating it would be the most costly part of your renovation* I would leave it where it is and replace it with a new one and include new flooring as well which co-ordinates with the freshly painted walls in the adjacent area. GOOD LUCK!

I would have to agree with the comments above. Your bathroom should be gutted and you should keep the existing layout as for as the mechanicals go. You can save the money on construction costs here and put your money into some materials you really love. The choice here is are you looking for a platform tub or a free standing legged or pedestal tub? In my opinion you have to concider how you use the tub while bathing, do you enjoy having candles, a book or a glass of wine. I freestanding tub will not allow a place for this so would would need to concider a side table or ledge to accomidate these items. I also agree that starting out with new materials allows you to put your money into the items that are most inportant to you. For example if you want an elaborate shower than you may be able to cut back on the tile costs. i would suggest that you start out with a total budget number and layout. After that I would get and estimate for the labor if you are not going to do this yourself. Than you will have the balance of your budget left to send on materials. Once you have a true material budget you can allocate the approiate dollars for the specific items required for your project, and balance your budget from there.

Hope this helps.

Torry Manzo
Renaissance Kitchen and Home

I agree on removing what you don't like - but if you decide to keep that marble: Is that a hint of blue I see? I love the mural suggested by Alicia. That, with blue vanity top, would make the bathroom pop.

Personally, unless you can afford to gut the entire space, without taking out a loan, leave it as is. If all the mechanics in your bathroom are functional, try painting the walls and trim a warm color,so the tile does not stand out as much. Paint the vanity white, or in a dark colored stain like: mahogany, chocolate, or espresso, and replace the counter top. Change the lighting and fixtures, including the shower frame to a more modern design. I like your bathroom, If you have the cash then go for the bathroom of your dreams. I don't know your financial situation, but I would never take on a home improvement loan,unless I knew that if I lost my job,or had some other financial hardship, I could still afford the payments.

We built a new bath with a Japanese style tub and accessible walk/roll in shower at one end of the room. We LOVE it!! The small deep tub allows you to deeply soak your whole body while sitting. No more sliding down to get your whole body under the water. We shower in the roomy, open shower and then hop in for a soak, using the tub like a hot tub. That way the two of us can use the same water if we want, which stays hot forever. It takes up much less space and uses much less water than the ginormous garden tubs. It looks like you have the room for a similar set up.

Good luck, I agree that you should save your $s to do what you really want and use paint and accessories creatively to tone it down until you get there.

I'm of the view that just change the W.C , and repaint It to a very light shade of your choice and change the lights above the vanity , they look outdated and don't gut it completely .

Hello jwkinsley,

Almost every time when a customer and I met the first time, they ask me what I would do and which tiles I would install. And every time I give them the same answer. It is not my bathroom, neither I will use it a couple times a day. It's YOUR bathroom and YOU should only build it in the way YOU like it. I will give you advices what is possible and what to consider to avoid failures and dissapointments etc.

For example: You ask your Sister what she would do and and finally you install the tiles she recommended. Then comes your brother and he says the layout of the room is nice but he doesn't like the size and also not the color of the tiles. Now comes your aunt and she doesn't like the bathroom at all.

As you can see, the answers in this thread range from "keep it as it is" to "gut it completely" This thread shows perfectly that EVERYONE has a different "taste" and a different imagine from his dream bathroom or at least from a stylish and good looking bathroom. And everyone has different needs. Some people wants to have only a big shower and no tub, others like a shower-tub combination and, and, and..... The list is endless.

So at the end it's totally up to you to build the bathroom YOU like. You can and you should ask others to get ideas, but you should definitively build your bathroom how YOU like it.

Please read this article. I hope it'll help you to make your decision a bit easier.

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/can-my-new-mb-ensuite-just-have-a-toilet-sink-dsvw-vd~130530

Regards,

3D-Tile-Design - Bertram Tasch
Maple Ridge, BC (Greater Vancouver)
http://www.3D-Tile-Design.ca

The bones are fine, lose the marble, change out the tub for a square topped version and change out the shower glass surround for a frame less clip style shower surround. If that proves to costly you can spare the tub and build the surround out to a square form and tile up the edge of the tub with travertine using a rounded edge. As a remodeling contractor I have done this successfully and correctly to more than one bathroom.

3D-Tile-Design - you make a very good point, renovating for yourself and what you can live with is the most important thing. If you are not planning on moving in the near future, forget resale and enjoy. However, asking others for opinions is also important and the more input the more choice you have. Thoroughly check out all options offered and try to visualise what would look best in your room and meet your specific needs. There is an old saying that very much applies to renovating - "To thine own self be true". I am also finding with the volume of renovating I am trying to do that my brain feels in total overload and often the most obvious of solutions just don't hit me until someone makes a comment (generally on this website) and I just can't believe I didn't think of it myself. Hasten slowly and take time out to declutter your mind.

If you can, make a fresh beginning. Reorganize, maybe leaving on the marble and painting the walls a warmer color. But that bathroom looks cold , impersonal and in need of a good designer's help.

It all depends on the homeowners skill level

Thanks again to all of you for taking the time to respond - 3D-Tile-Design you are right about going with what I like - but it has been so helpful to read all these responses and the insight from so many different people. Gives me a lot to ponder but ultimately I think I just feel more confident that I will love the finished project if I go with what makes me happy...

With the exeption of the vanity, the mrrtor, and the lighting OVER the mirror, it seems very nice. The tub may need a touch up, the walls some wallpaper, ( gentle not overpowring) and a Roman Shade on the window , beginning higher than the top of the window and a little wider. I would use some molding, it alway's makes a room more attrractive.Could the vanity be replaced my something that does not take up the whole wall, thereby leaving room for perhs built in sheving, eithrr glass and maybe on the bottom shelf basket(s)?Some LIFE. a green plant,no bath rugs, use a real rug if you use one, and even a painting or two.also a nice small accent table near the tub, for your glass of wine etc.and a chairGood Luck, asave money, I like the marble it is neutral, but not boring. Madeliene

I vote to gut it!

As many have said before, the layout works. that is the most expensive thing to change. Your vanity is also fine, and if your shower pan is in good shape you are really in a cosmetic makeover. Do a search on Houzz for tub wood and you will find many beautiful wood surrounds for tubs so that the shape of the tub is not bothersome. Of course if the tub is functional. Then choose a style you like, and basic color scheme that is pleasant to you. then go tile shopping. Then choose a vanity top and go with vessels since it will improve height and make you gain more storage. Then is paint and medicine cabinets or mirrors. and finally fixtures. But first find what you like. Great space!

The marble looks smooth so it will be slippery when wet... not a great combo in the bath. If you do not like the marble - I really would suggest removing it. THAT alone will make a huge difference in the look of your bath. The light fixture needs to be replaced as well. If you plan on keeping the tub I would suggest having a platform built to install it in.. something that ties in with the cabinets better. Also I new color of paint besides the stark white would help. I attached a picture of one of our clients finished baths for an inspiration. :-)

The marble is good but there is too much of it... lose the marble on the walls- your idea of neutral or complementary wainscotting is good

I would say to gut everything in the toilet room and start over. In the main bath area, the marble on the walls and shower walls is not bad maybe if the plumbing is good just change the tub surround with a darker stone tile to blend, would also replace the fixtures - brass is ugly. Change to venetian bronze which would set off the colors nice on the walls and floor. New Basco shower door in the same finish and new shower fixtures. Vanity is not bad, change top to a chocolate quartz and new lighting - maybe get the mirror cut down into two mirrors. Hope this helps! This option would save you money from a complete gut and redo until you can save the $$ to do the bath that you are dreaming of.

Immediately change out that gross toilet seat. It will cost less than $50.00.