4 Fresh New Bathrooms With Shower-Tub Combos
Smart layouts and standout materials bring style and versatility to these hardworking bathrooms
A shower-tub combo remains one of the smartest setups in bathroom design, offering dual function in a compact footprint while ensuring a home retains at least one bathtub for bathing kids, relaxing soaks and added resale appeal. The four bathrooms featured here show how designers are elevating this classic pairing with thoughtful materials and tailored details that make it feel polished and purposeful. Marble checkerboard floors, statement slab surrounds, plaster walls, beadboard paneling and soft fabric shower curtains add warmth and character, while deeper tubs, built-in ledges and layered textures enhance comfort and usability.
2. Family-Friendly Elegance
Designer: Jenny Murphy of J Reiko Design + Co.
Location: Denver
Size: 50 square feet (4.7 square meters); 5¾ by 8⅔ feet
Homeowners’ request. “Set within the storied envelope of a historic home, this second-level bathroom serves all of the main bedrooms — an essential, high-traffic space tasked with meeting the demands of daily life for this young family,” says designer Jenny Murphy. “Following a comprehensive remodel of the main level, the directive here was one of continuity — extending a refined material palette and a restrained, modern sensibility while remaining attuned to the home’s architectural heritage. With the arrival of the homeowners’ first child, the program took on added urgency: The space needed to accommodate both the practicalities of family life and moments of quiet retreat.”
Murphy’s firm uses Houzz Pro software to help manage its business. “We use it mostly for project management, lead tracking, time tracking, invoicing and then logging specifications and creating a product selection sheet,” she says.
Special features. Black vanity. Creamy off-white and greige checkerboard shower tile. Marble tile flooring. Creamy wall paint (Swiss Coffee by Benjamin Moore). Full-height white oak linen cabinet. Curved mirrored medicine cabinet. “A combined tub and shower remained essential, accommodating both the practicalities of bathing a child and the more indulgent ritual of an evening bath for the adults,” Murphy says.
“To elevate this dual function, a deeper tub was specified — generous enough to comfortably serve an adult, ensuring the fixture felt intentional rather than purely utilitarian,” Murphy says. “In place of the expected glass enclosure, a custom linen pinch-pleat shower curtain softens the composition, introducing texture, movement and a hint of informality, aligning with the home’s Craftsman-bungalow-meets-English-cottage sensibility.”
Designer tip. “We were mindful of the budget on this project, so we leaned into simple, well-made pieces like a prefabricated vanity and linen cabinetry,” Murphy says. “From there it was all about how we layered in detail. We chose an affordable tile and elevated it by installing it in a classic checkerboard pattern, adding just the right amount of interest to make the space feel thoughtful and custom without stretching the budget.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “The existing wall length created a small but meaningful opportunity — measuring 69 inches against a standard 60-inch tub-shower insert,” Murphy says. “Rather than forcing a fit we chose to work with it. We introduced a custom-framed bench ledge at the end of the tub, clad in the same checkerboard tile to maintain continuity and intention. This solution does more than resolve a dimensional gap. It adds a place for bath essentials, a landing for toys while bathing a child and an integrated detail that supports the way the space is actually used.”
Vanity: Brittany in Black Onyx, James Martin Vanities; shower tile: Color Wheel Classic in Biscuit and Urban Putty, 4 by 4 inches, DalTile; floor tile: Ocean White honed, 18 by 18 inches, Floor & Decor; faucet: Cassidy in champagne bronze, Delta; medicine cabinet: Grae, Rejuvenation; linen cabinet: Billy/Oxberg in oak effect, Ikea
See why you should hire a professional who uses Houzz Pro software
Designer: Jenny Murphy of J Reiko Design + Co.
Location: Denver
Size: 50 square feet (4.7 square meters); 5¾ by 8⅔ feet
Homeowners’ request. “Set within the storied envelope of a historic home, this second-level bathroom serves all of the main bedrooms — an essential, high-traffic space tasked with meeting the demands of daily life for this young family,” says designer Jenny Murphy. “Following a comprehensive remodel of the main level, the directive here was one of continuity — extending a refined material palette and a restrained, modern sensibility while remaining attuned to the home’s architectural heritage. With the arrival of the homeowners’ first child, the program took on added urgency: The space needed to accommodate both the practicalities of family life and moments of quiet retreat.”
Murphy’s firm uses Houzz Pro software to help manage its business. “We use it mostly for project management, lead tracking, time tracking, invoicing and then logging specifications and creating a product selection sheet,” she says.
Special features. Black vanity. Creamy off-white and greige checkerboard shower tile. Marble tile flooring. Creamy wall paint (Swiss Coffee by Benjamin Moore). Full-height white oak linen cabinet. Curved mirrored medicine cabinet. “A combined tub and shower remained essential, accommodating both the practicalities of bathing a child and the more indulgent ritual of an evening bath for the adults,” Murphy says.
“To elevate this dual function, a deeper tub was specified — generous enough to comfortably serve an adult, ensuring the fixture felt intentional rather than purely utilitarian,” Murphy says. “In place of the expected glass enclosure, a custom linen pinch-pleat shower curtain softens the composition, introducing texture, movement and a hint of informality, aligning with the home’s Craftsman-bungalow-meets-English-cottage sensibility.”
Designer tip. “We were mindful of the budget on this project, so we leaned into simple, well-made pieces like a prefabricated vanity and linen cabinetry,” Murphy says. “From there it was all about how we layered in detail. We chose an affordable tile and elevated it by installing it in a classic checkerboard pattern, adding just the right amount of interest to make the space feel thoughtful and custom without stretching the budget.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “The existing wall length created a small but meaningful opportunity — measuring 69 inches against a standard 60-inch tub-shower insert,” Murphy says. “Rather than forcing a fit we chose to work with it. We introduced a custom-framed bench ledge at the end of the tub, clad in the same checkerboard tile to maintain continuity and intention. This solution does more than resolve a dimensional gap. It adds a place for bath essentials, a landing for toys while bathing a child and an integrated detail that supports the way the space is actually used.”
Vanity: Brittany in Black Onyx, James Martin Vanities; shower tile: Color Wheel Classic in Biscuit and Urban Putty, 4 by 4 inches, DalTile; floor tile: Ocean White honed, 18 by 18 inches, Floor & Decor; faucet: Cassidy in champagne bronze, Delta; medicine cabinet: Grae, Rejuvenation; linen cabinet: Billy/Oxberg in oak effect, Ikea
See why you should hire a professional who uses Houzz Pro software
3. Jewel Box Retreat
Designer: Linette Dai Design
Location: Long Beach, California
Size: 38 square feet (3.5 square meters); 5 by 7½ feet
Homeowners’ request. This bathroom is in a midcentury ranch-style home originally created by renowned designer Cliff May. “The bathroom had previously been renovated but felt disconnected from the home’s midcentury modern roots, with a fairly conventional 1980s look that didn’t reflect the Cliff May aesthetic,” says designer Linette Dai.
“Once we realized the husband and wife used separate bathrooms, we embraced the opportunity to tailor each one to their individual needs and preferences,” she says. “The homeowner wanted a space that felt like a romantic and indulgent personal retreat, somewhere she could truly reset and unwind. We leaned into that vision with rich hues and bold materials to create a space that feels both luxurious and transportative.”
Special features. Pale pink glazed ceramic wall tiles. Marble slab tub surround and sink. Glazed terra-cotta tile flooring in checkerboard pattern. Taupe walls (Dimity by Farrow & Ball). “We chose to keep the shower-tub combo to maximize functionality within the footprint while still allowing the space to feel considered and elevated by approaching it as a jewel box moment,” Dai says.
“The intention was to give the space a stronger point of view through materials, starting with a deeper tub wrapped in a statement marble, hand-selected from dozens of slabs across multiple stone yards. This slab was love at first sight. Its rich royal plum hues pull out the lavender from the vintage rose wall tiles, creating a palette that feels both subtle and evocative.”
Designer tip. “In smaller spaces, I often encourage clients to go bold rather than play it safe,” Dai says. “When approached with intention, a strong material or statement moment can actually expand the perceived scale of a room. A tighter footprint often gives you the freedom to fully commit to a single, clear defining move. Material continuity is key. Here we carried a single marble slab across both the tub surround and a custom sink, allowing the space to feel seamless, intentional and quietly elevated.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “When we considered how to support the floating vanity, there was genuine concern about whether the wall could handle the weight of the marble,” Dai says. “The recommendation was to add a support platform underneath, and instead of seeing it as a compromise, we leaned in and created a curved detail, making it feel like an intentional part of the design. It ended up solving the structural issue while adding a sculptural touch to the space.”
Wall tile: Vintage Rose, Heath Ceramics; marble slab: King Louis XVI, polished, Walker Zanger; flooring: Cotto Allende, Zia Tile; lighting: Bijou globe pendant in aged brass, Alora Mood
Shower Curtain or Shower Door: Which Is Right for You?
Designer: Linette Dai Design
Location: Long Beach, California
Size: 38 square feet (3.5 square meters); 5 by 7½ feet
Homeowners’ request. This bathroom is in a midcentury ranch-style home originally created by renowned designer Cliff May. “The bathroom had previously been renovated but felt disconnected from the home’s midcentury modern roots, with a fairly conventional 1980s look that didn’t reflect the Cliff May aesthetic,” says designer Linette Dai.
“Once we realized the husband and wife used separate bathrooms, we embraced the opportunity to tailor each one to their individual needs and preferences,” she says. “The homeowner wanted a space that felt like a romantic and indulgent personal retreat, somewhere she could truly reset and unwind. We leaned into that vision with rich hues and bold materials to create a space that feels both luxurious and transportative.”
Special features. Pale pink glazed ceramic wall tiles. Marble slab tub surround and sink. Glazed terra-cotta tile flooring in checkerboard pattern. Taupe walls (Dimity by Farrow & Ball). “We chose to keep the shower-tub combo to maximize functionality within the footprint while still allowing the space to feel considered and elevated by approaching it as a jewel box moment,” Dai says.
“The intention was to give the space a stronger point of view through materials, starting with a deeper tub wrapped in a statement marble, hand-selected from dozens of slabs across multiple stone yards. This slab was love at first sight. Its rich royal plum hues pull out the lavender from the vintage rose wall tiles, creating a palette that feels both subtle and evocative.”
Designer tip. “In smaller spaces, I often encourage clients to go bold rather than play it safe,” Dai says. “When approached with intention, a strong material or statement moment can actually expand the perceived scale of a room. A tighter footprint often gives you the freedom to fully commit to a single, clear defining move. Material continuity is key. Here we carried a single marble slab across both the tub surround and a custom sink, allowing the space to feel seamless, intentional and quietly elevated.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “When we considered how to support the floating vanity, there was genuine concern about whether the wall could handle the weight of the marble,” Dai says. “The recommendation was to add a support platform underneath, and instead of seeing it as a compromise, we leaned in and created a curved detail, making it feel like an intentional part of the design. It ended up solving the structural issue while adding a sculptural touch to the space.”
Wall tile: Vintage Rose, Heath Ceramics; marble slab: King Louis XVI, polished, Walker Zanger; flooring: Cotto Allende, Zia Tile; lighting: Bijou globe pendant in aged brass, Alora Mood
Shower Curtain or Shower Door: Which Is Right for You?
4. Soft Modern Glam
Designer: Stephanie Tatem of Tatem Interiors
Location: Miami Beach, Florida
Size: 55 square feet (5.1 square meters); 5½ by 10 feet
Homeowners’ request. “This was a full remodel of the entire unit,” says designer Stephanie Tatem. “The client only wanted the bathroom to be updated, but because this bathroom was also to serve as the powder bathroom, I wanted it to feel special like a powder bath. The other main bath in the unit does not have a tub, so the client requested to keep a tub in the second bath.”
Special features. Plaster walls, baseboards, trim and door. Glass shower tile. Outdoor fabric shower curtain. “In order to have all of the walls finished entirely and in order to have other special features, we opted for an alcove tub,” Tatem says. “Although it’s only 32 inches wide, it’s very deep and spacious for a soaker tub and the look is quite modern. I selected soft materials and finishes that would soften the modern look of it. The plaster offers more depth and a soft dimension to the whole bathroom. The glass tile gives reflection and the taupe color complemented the tile floor and vanity top as well as the shower curtain.
“The curtain is really what tips the balance in this bathroom. It’s an element of surprise and that ‘fun factor’ that usually happens in a powder bath,” Tatem says. “It serves to mask the tub area when this bathroom is used as a powder bath during parties but is also an equally important element to the overall composition of this guest bath, which creates a spa-like feel. There’s a glass partition behind the curtain to keep the water out; the curtain is purely decorative.” The curtain track is recessed into the ceiling for a clean look.
Designer tip. “I used the same tile on the floor to create the countertop for the custom-made vanity,” Tatem says. “Because it’s porcelain tile made for flooring, it’s not an easy feat. You need to have a really good fabricator who can make clean cuts so the laminated edges look seamless. Also, for glamour, if you don’t like brass go with polished nickel.”
Tub: Underscore soaking tub, Kohler; plumbing fixtures: Lollipop in polished nickel, Franz Viegener; shower tile: Stacked Glass, TileBar; curtain fabric: Geta, Great Outdoors, Holly Hunt
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Designer: Stephanie Tatem of Tatem Interiors
Location: Miami Beach, Florida
Size: 55 square feet (5.1 square meters); 5½ by 10 feet
Homeowners’ request. “This was a full remodel of the entire unit,” says designer Stephanie Tatem. “The client only wanted the bathroom to be updated, but because this bathroom was also to serve as the powder bathroom, I wanted it to feel special like a powder bath. The other main bath in the unit does not have a tub, so the client requested to keep a tub in the second bath.”
Special features. Plaster walls, baseboards, trim and door. Glass shower tile. Outdoor fabric shower curtain. “In order to have all of the walls finished entirely and in order to have other special features, we opted for an alcove tub,” Tatem says. “Although it’s only 32 inches wide, it’s very deep and spacious for a soaker tub and the look is quite modern. I selected soft materials and finishes that would soften the modern look of it. The plaster offers more depth and a soft dimension to the whole bathroom. The glass tile gives reflection and the taupe color complemented the tile floor and vanity top as well as the shower curtain.
“The curtain is really what tips the balance in this bathroom. It’s an element of surprise and that ‘fun factor’ that usually happens in a powder bath,” Tatem says. “It serves to mask the tub area when this bathroom is used as a powder bath during parties but is also an equally important element to the overall composition of this guest bath, which creates a spa-like feel. There’s a glass partition behind the curtain to keep the water out; the curtain is purely decorative.” The curtain track is recessed into the ceiling for a clean look.
Designer tip. “I used the same tile on the floor to create the countertop for the custom-made vanity,” Tatem says. “Because it’s porcelain tile made for flooring, it’s not an easy feat. You need to have a really good fabricator who can make clean cuts so the laminated edges look seamless. Also, for glamour, if you don’t like brass go with polished nickel.”
Tub: Underscore soaking tub, Kohler; plumbing fixtures: Lollipop in polished nickel, Franz Viegener; shower tile: Stacked Glass, TileBar; curtain fabric: Geta, Great Outdoors, Holly Hunt
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Sponsored
Designer: Aimee Meisgeier of AM Interior Design
Location: Seattle
Size: 70 square feet (6.5 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “We wanted to keep a bathtub in the house so elected to keep one in the guest bathroom versus another shower,” says designer Aimee Meisgeier. “We gutted the whole space, reconfiguring it and the adjacent room to allow for a bit more room. The owners wanted to have not only a usable guest bath for their guests to use but one that their guests would find beautiful and would love using. The project is a 1920s Tudor-style home, so I wanted to respect the integrity of the architecture of the home and use materials that felt rich in history with old-world charm, like they could have been part of the original design when the house was first built.”
Special features. Checkerboard tile flooring in Calacatta Gold and Bardiglio Gray marble. Custom vanity. Carrara marble countertop, backsplash and shower niche shelf. Warm greige shower tile. Beige beadboard wall paneling (Accessible Beige by Sherwin-Williams). “Since the project is in a historical home, we wanted to incorporate charming vintage-style details like beadboard wood panels, marble checkerboard flooring and a custom vanity that looks like a furniture piece,” Meisgeier says.
Designer tip. “Don’t be afraid to go bold in small spaces,” Meisgeier says. “Mix all the patterns, textures and finishes for a big impact.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “We wanted to use marble for the countertop and backsplash to tie in the marble checkerboard floor tile, but since it was such a small amount we decided to try and find a remnant versus a complete slab to save money,” Meisgeier says. “After searching for months, we found the perfect remnant of Carrara marble for $200, which had enough square footage for the vanity counter, backsplash and shower niche ledge. We felt so proud of ourselves and our budget-friendly find.
“Unfortunately, during the fabrication process the stone fabricator broke our original stone remnant. We were so bummed and thought we would have to go back to searching, possibly without the same great results. Luckily the stone fabricators made it up to us and gave us a part of a marble slab from their inventory, which was even more beautiful than our original remnant. Despite the slight snafu, the bathroom ended up beautiful and my clients were so happy with the final results.”
Flooring: Riad Tile; stylist: Teressa Johnson; project photographer: Kara Mercer; custom vanity: Phinney Ridge Cabinet Co.; plumbing fixtures: Castia by Studio McGee in matte black, Kohler; medicine cabinet: Ciaran, Shades of Light; wall paint: Snowbound, Sherwin-Williams
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