How about some faux painting .. to transport you to the beach .. or the country ! :-) I've never done one, but always fancied the idea of giving it a try ! :-)

I'm a wanescoating junkie...I would totally do some batten wanescoating back behind the tub, especially given your design preference. I would ditch the tub and go with a free standing variation. I also love the idea of running tile up that wall with maybe a shelf to cap it off. I would put some large pieces up there to break up that expanse of window. Good luck!

Oh - and I think running a lighting fixture down into the area above the tub would look great, but you might find it dated 10 years down the road.

giant mirror needs to go :) if you decide to put art in place of the mirror, it will need to be humidity resistant, but a window would be really nice if you can.

This space has a lot of visual square footage, and the mirror adds to that effect. The "air" space could easily handle a large chandelier, and the wall paper has to go. Opt for elegance and simplicity. If that is an outside wall and is doable a window with heavy casement would be lovely, if that isn't an option, a tile wainscot detail and art would be beautiful also. Bring any tile from the tub deck to just under the towel bar at that height, trim it and paint the walls a calming aqua blue. Marcie at Divine by Design

glass window blocks

If putting in a window or glass blocks isn't an option, placing a large, framed, round wall mirror would look great IMO. You could do art instead too, if you prefer it. I think once you paint and replace your tiles you will easily find something to put there that you love.

I like the dramatic classical look of your bathroom. You could go with it and make it a bit theatrical by tiling the entire bath wall with metallic/mirror/glossy tile (silver or gold), so it will still reflect an abundance of light, but less clear like the mirror.
A matte seablue-grey floortile and everything else clean white with some sand accents (towels for example)

Another idea:

I see an area that could use a little updating, drama and romance. I wouldn't do a window.. For privacy issues. Plantation shutters just collect dust and the moisture could warp something that cost you quite a bit.
take down those mirrors and tile the entire tub surround or even the entire bathroom. Start the tile 5' from above the top of the tub.
You could add niche boxes (these boxes are made to go between studs and be tiled http ) if you want something classic the tops of these niche boxes can be arched. You could make it contemporary by staggering them at different heights at different sizes or tier them; the middle being the tallest. It will add some texture and give a focal point. In the niches you can put column candles, jars, or something decorative. You could leave them empty and do a mosaic fresco inside the box (think Pompeii) for a latin effect.
Add very shallow depth columns http://www.vogueinteriors.com/residential_interior_design/bellagio_singlefamilyhome_vinyards_naples/ at the left and right where the tub surround will start. Maybe something 2"-3" deep 5" wide and 5' tall. You could tile the columns in 1" x 3" tiles running linearly. Columns could have 90 degree corners for a contemporary/modern look, rounded to mimic a roman column or use a pencil tile to give it a wainscoting look. at the top of the column add a tile molding that mimics crown molding continue it around the top of the entire tub surround or even run it around the entire room. If you like wall paper You could put it from the crown tile to the ceiling.
With or without the niches you could do a tiled wall rug using pencil tile to boarder a tile done at a different angle like a brick pattern or diamond pattern.

I would suggest covering the mirror for a week or so to see if you can live without it. If you were using it as a full length mirror more often than you though you would keep it but add a frame to make it look more polished.

Conrad shades can make a custom window treatment that would cut down on the natural light a bit-filter it:

http://www.conradshades.com/options/sw.html

I like the idea of a standalone tub -- so much more today. You could still tile the entire wall behind it in something fabulous.

I would use stone or an easy cleanable glass tile.

Please check out Ann Sacks tile. You could do a beautiful tile installation. The tile is expensive but would be the focal point of the room. I saw a picture of a bathroom with a mural done using Ann Sacks tile. It was a blooming tree branch and was gorgeous.

A nice light colored tile backsplash will a "pop" to the bathroom.

Budget wise..replace carpeting in the bathroom. I have this type of dilemma myself. It's a big space so some small thing will look silly. If you can do a real window? I cannot, wish I could. I think fake shutters..not wood..would be great. Put a poster..not expensive, of a beach scene behind them. Maybe?

It reminds me of a remodel a friend of mine did several years ago. I don't know what is on the other side of the wall, but a window looking out into a lush green private garden area is what she did. She had a small side yard that she closed off and planted shade loving green palms, goundcovers, etc. It looked like she was bathing in her own private garden.

If you don't put a window just put a beautiful tile! Mosaic with a design?

Depends on some factors like is this your forever house and what do you want to put into it. I'd leave the structural changes out of it (new window can be a big deal if your house is brick for example) and invest in a fabulous tile, like a "neutral" watery green on the wall behind the tub. Tile selection has a lot to do with your style and the style of the rest of the house... for example are you going for century home, retro, italy/travertine, modern... or resalable neutral. Then go hunting for a fun and interesting mirror larger scale to hang on it and a chandelier to hang in front of it where the light will get bounced off. Put the chandelier on a dimmer switch too. Then when you get tired of the look, switch out the mirror and go crazy!! I would not personally do anything as permanent as a mosaic both for resale and because your own taste will change. But then again... what do I know?

I had to study the picture for a few minutes to figure it out. I think the the mirror and the fact that the vanity and makeup table are angled is confusing a lot of the commenters. The picture makes the room appear nearly twice the size it really is. It is a great size though. The mirrors on the vanity and makeup table should still reflect plenty of light from the windows above the tub. Removing the mirror won't cost to much, I would start there and live with it a few weeks. I think the wall will need some sort of decoration but you will get a better idea what you want after the mirror is gone. I like the look of a grand chandelier in rooms like this, but that wouldn't fit with the style you are after. I would take it one step at a time. Be sure to consider how the wall will look behind you when you are using the vanity or the makeup table since parts of it may be visible in those mirrors.

My mother in law looks like she has the exact same bathroom. She removed her wallpaper (which happened to be stripes as well) and painted it Benjamin Moore Camouflage. Then she went to Kirklands and bought a large iron piece to go above it. It turned out simple and beautiful. The other option she was looking into was adding a fuax fireplace.
I cannot see getting rid of the tub when it seems to be in great condition. I would update the floor, Tile and the fixtures. Add dramatic lighting. You have plenty of natural light in that bathroom, so I would avoid another window. i would spend the money on the finishes. I never understand throwing out something that is still in good condition :)

If budget and time is there I would go all out and remove mirror(s) and wallpaper. If you want to save money I sort of like the set up and the tub. Add to with accessories. New big, fluffy rugs. Big fluffy towels. A large chandelier would be wonderful. Replace the vanity benches. I have seen mirrors added onto the large type mirror you have. A framed mirror right onto the existing. A new faucet for the tub. Up the decor.

Shelving is an inexpensive way to add dimension and colour by adding accessories such as towels, ornaments etc. See below.

Another example with bath.

Why do you want to remodel the whole bathroom? It is very nice, just dated with the paper. Take the paper down for one. Add a spa like tile where mirror is. I think it has a luxurious set up and you might take away the custom feeling of it. So I would not move anything around. You have to decide what look you want. Check out the bathrooms on Houzz. Do you want dark and light, monochromatic. You should go to a tile store and see what you like. Then work from there. Take down the mirror first. You might miss it as room will feel smaller and still want it. Or just cover it and get the feel. I would not even replace the tub like above unless you like it. It is just a fad for now.

Hi guys, looks as if OP has gone AWOL for 5 days.... ;-(

Do you need a tub? I just ripped out mine and it looked a lot like yours. I made my bathroom this identical picture, minus the tub. Oh the light and breathing room without that behemoth sucking all the light out of the room!

You could do a mosaic tile on the tub surround and extend that tile up the wall with the mirrors. I do like that mirror there. I think a mosaic tile would work really well. I'm attaching a picture of a sample that will hopefully provide you with an idea/inspiration.

You can also check out more of our samples here- http://www.granitetransformations.com/southjersey/products/mosaic-tiles/colors/traditional-mosaic/

I had exactly this same tub/deck in my master bath. We ripped it out and replaced it with a craftsman-inspired painted wainscoting (five feet high) and a free-standing slipper tub. It looks gorgeous, and much less expensive than tiling the whole room.

You always need a tub in a house for resale, especially the master suite. I think the free standing tubs are a cold look. Do not listen to someone who tells you to have no tub. It will kill a real estate deal should you ever move.

They always say that about resale but there are no absolutes when it comes to buyers. Having said that I would also leave the tub there unless you have an overriding desire to remove it. What if you added art glass to the windows. Change them from questionable to art?

No, I definitely want/need a tub as it is used quite often. I do not like the tub now, however, as it is a jetted jacuzzi (which I never used the jets) and it is very difficult to keep the jets clean. I have no desire to use it as a whirlpool tub so we are definitely going to rip it out and either replace it with a non-jetted one or I really love the look of a clawfoot tub so we are still mulling all of that over. Love all of your suggestions! Keep them coming!

Keep it simple. Change the tub to a smooth style, and tile the side, similar to the picture from Granite Transformations, above. Paint the walls a spa blue/green color instead of the wallpaper. Keep the mirror over the tub, and hang a beautiful light fixture over the tub, or wall sconces above the tub on the side walls. Once you get rid of the wallpaper and fix the tub surround you may find that you like the mirror.

Here's a thought. You definitely need more natural light in the room ( and your inspiration rooms suggest you are craving it as well as they all have abundant natural light). I'm thinking replacing the mirror with larger windows is probably not an option (privacy/budget) but maybe a system like the Solatube Daylighting system will work for you. No structural framing needed, very cost effective and easy to install (reportedly). That said you seem to like a very classic traditional look so I would suggest as others have wainscotting either with painted (white) wood/beadboard or light, maybe glass, tile. Good luck :)

by the way, I'm also pulling my jetted tub as we speak, totally hate that thing for the reasons you mentioned, and installing a beautiful clawfoot stand alone tub. If it's in the budget, I say go for it!

I personally would not put that mirror back up. I would, however, opt for a reflective backsplash wall of some kind. Painted back glass, glass or metallic mosaics, or a mixture of tile with sparkly mosaics and add some sconces or attention getting chandelier, would make that wall a focal point. I would invest some time into designing a pattern to make it interesting and relate to other design in the bath. Frame in some "fake" windows or hang old window frames backed with mirror. Frame in a large scenic print as your "window". Make it all work together and it will turn out great. Good luck
[houzz=]
[houzz=]
[houzz=]
[houzz=]
[houzz=]

Mosaic art. Perhaps an ocean scene.

Personally, I like the mirror, it just needs to be framed in. The wallpaper is dated, but wallpapering just the back wall (tub wall) would give it some drama. If you don't want to wallpaper than use a small tile to give it some color and it could continue around the tub area. Paint is always easy to change out, but then I do my own painting.

mosaic pattern or mixing would definitely enhance the interior of the washroom. I have attached various projects we have done in mosaic so that you could get an idea about what could be achieved through mosaics. Please don't hesitate to write us if you have any questions.

I don't see mosaic on the right two pics!

Hi, this is all hand made glass mosaic work on the walls as shown in pictures. The bottom right has a combination of 24K Gold mosaic in it while the upper right picture shows the flower pattern which is also made in glass mosaic.

These projects are from Brian Gluckstein. The library bathroom is his own, something very different.
The second one you could do with outdoor fabric drapes, backlit with ropelighting?
Last photo probably most likely up your alley...best of luck!

Came across a picture in an ideabook that made me think of this post:

looks like a hotel bath that I could never afford :)

I love the majority of the remodels featured,but they are clearly out of the price range of the average homeowner.

Definitely a claw-foot or free-standing tub would look really nice. If you could put another window below the triangular ones, that would bring some nice light into the space, but I doubt that is an option. Whomever brought up the idea for a nice piece of large art (48"+ wide x 36"+ high) framed beautifully and a chandelier was correct. This could be your centerpiece!

This looks like a John Weiland house. What did you end up doing?

We suggest putting a window in if this is a possibility. A window underneath the two higher windows would create even more natural light. If you're concerned about privacy, you could look into frosted or bubbled glass for this window. We have many high end options for these window features. A nice touch would be a remote control blind system as well. If you'd like to email me questions about your bathroom, I can be reached at ssouth@legendofsouth.com

Best,

Steven South

Owner, LS Enterprises