Software
Houzz Logo Print
tisucka

improving bathroom look

10 years ago
We have an outdated bathroom with old dark marble tile and we're hoping to update it a bit without breaking the bank but still making it more modern.

One idea we had was buying a white vanity and toilet. Any thoughts? Any ideas would be appreciated.

Comments (27)

  • 10 years ago

    A white vanity and toilet would go well with the dark tile which appears to be in good condition.

    You may also want to consider replacing the mirror and lighting.

  • 10 years ago

    You could also consider replacing the blinds with a Roman shade.

  • PRO
    10 years ago

    I think a white vanity and toilet would definately help and new sinks for sure new taps and new lighting would go a long way, stacks of white fluffy towels too

  • 10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago

    If the tile under the vanity allows for a different shape/configuration, I would look for a really modern style, which I think will give the biggest impact. Just keep the toilet so it matches the tub and when purchasing the sink, use the same color. Mirrors and lighting are important as well. I would just use a film on the window for more of a sleek look.

  • 10 years ago

    I agree with Beverly, keep all the fixtures, replace vanity with something dark.

  • 10 years ago
    Have the tub professionally refinished in white. New toilet, sinks , vanity, mirrors and lighting. Maybe even a new shower door.
  • 10 years ago

    That is a lot of tile that you'd ever love or hate. If you're going to keep it, then I would pair it with a dark vanity.

  • 10 years ago
    I would do a dark cabinet with a light top, match the toilet and sinks to tub. Can't tell if it's white or cream. Also soften with a window treatment and an area rug. Nice fluffy towels too.
  • 10 years ago
    I like Beverly's suggestion to keep toilet and sinks to stay coordinated with tub. Looks like mirror needs to stay as tile was designed around mirror to transition. One suggestion regarding replacing vanity with a dark one using current sinks but installing new fixtures. How about a raised vanity that would meet bottom of mirror in order to lose backsplash strip. New light fixture and great Roman shade for window. Hope this helps. Once you have a raised vanity you can never go back ;-).
  • 10 years ago

    I also would do a dark vanity, the same as the darkest color in your tile. I'd change out the top, the basins, and the fixtures. Consider vessel sinks or a trough.

  • 10 years ago

    And pendant lighting.


  • 10 years ago
    Thank you for everyone's response this is extremely helpful. It's how many have said to go with a dark vanity when we were considering white to brighten it. Here is a picture of a vanity we were considering, do you think dark would be better thank this? What program do you guys use to place other vanities into the bathroom I think that's great for visualization purposes.
  • 10 years ago

    Really like the vanity but if using white, if the toilet and tub are not white, I would replace the toilet and perhaps refinish the tub (not sure how durable refinished tubs are though).

  • 10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago

    How's the lighting? It's obvious but if you can improve the lighting that would help tremendously, if the space feels gloomy.

    The dark vanity really gives a lift to the space, atleast based on the mock ups. White might look anemic. Big sparkly metal handles, maybe in a warm tone would give a nice effect.

  • 10 years ago
    For lighting we already have 2 recessed lights and were thinking of adding 2 more and removing the globe lights across the mirror and getting a new mirror also. Can you guys let me know what program does the mock up, I would love to see how white looks to compare with dark.
  • PRO
    10 years ago

    I would not go with a white vanity. It's not really in keeping with the level of sophistication that the stone inherently has. Embrace the beautiful sort of smokey sultry look that that stone has and make a darker bathroom. I would definitely change the mirror and lighting.I would not use pendant lighting as it will give an odd look as it is reflected in the mirror. An example of one below:

    http://www.lightingdirect.com/progress-lighting-p2852-wb-reign-four-light-bathroom-vanity-strip/p2217027

    I would also opt for a dark wood framed mirror to really give the room a high end feel. Choose something that complements the vanity you chose.

    The photo below is a project we did for a client that was going to quickly sell this property and didn't want to spend too much. The beautiful vanity was purchased at a Builder's surplus store quite inexpensively and it looks like a million bucks. The house sold in 3 days (full price)after being on the market and the buyers said it was due to this bathroom. Money well spent!

    North Laguna Beach Ocean View Condo total remodel · More Info


  • 10 years ago
    What is that tall dark space to the left of the door?
    Also can you replace the huge mirror with maybe 2 smaller ones, even if it means redoing the Sheetrock on that wall? It's reflecting a vast amount of the tile you don't like.
  • 10 years ago

    Here's another dark vanity

  • 10 years ago
    I just want to make sure that you are focused on where tile ends and mirror is in relation to it. If you decide to go with two mirrors, will it look ok to have tile end and a space between it and a couple of framed mirrors hanging over new vanity sinks. BTW while watching This Old House a few weeks ago someone was having vessel sinks removed because of all the splashed water that got on counter tops. Don't have vessel sinks myself so don't know firsthand if that's a real problem.
  • 10 years ago

    I like the dark cabinet. Beautiful.

  • 10 years ago
    In order to not have an awkward transition where the tile ends and the new mirror we were thinking of doing a metal piece floor to ceiling. As for mirror we kind of like one long one instead of two smaller ones. My wife is into very modern and unique so this is a tough bathroom for her to work on and I don't want to completely redo it. Here is our other bathroom which we just did to show you our style.
  • 10 years ago

    Very beautiful.

  • 10 years ago

    I agree with what's been said. Glam it up and don't fight it.

    Dark vanity, better lights, big mirror....

    It's going to be so fabulous...and please paint something other than white...

  • 10 years ago
    The marble you have is not outdated at all. It is really quite popular. Just update mirror and fixtures, paint and your bath will be wonderful!
  • 10 years ago

    I'd recommend you look hard and long at the tile.... live with it awhile before making any decision. You may notice shoddy construction which we can't see in the photos, and that may tip the scales in favor of just ripping and replacing with something brighter and lighter, which it seems you would prefer.

    In the interim the bathroom as is, isn't all that bad.

  • 10 years ago
    The new bathroom is beautiful. You hit a home run there so why not use similar finishes in the current bathroom. I remain of the opinion that a dark vanity is the way to go after seeing new picture. And the integrated sinks solves a quandary about tub color not matching sink color.