Before and After: 4 Elevated Bathrooms in 170 to 180 Square Feet
See how designers turned these spacious bathrooms into stylish retreats full of comfort and charm
Bathrooms of 170 to 180 square feet offer plenty of possibilities. These generous spaces can easily fit popular features like double vanities, separate showers and tubs and private water closets — all without feeling crowded. See how designers transformed the following four bathrooms into elevated retreats, each with its own distinctive style and relaxing atmosphere.
After: LaBruna grounded the room with classic black-and-white small-scale hex tile, giving the floor a timeless look and a naturally slip-resistant surface thanks to the extra grout lines. The homeowners opted for jet black grout, which helps the floor stay looking clean and crisp.
Warmth comes from two new ready-made walnut vanities, each with removable drawer inserts and built-in outlets with USB ports. Champagne bronze, brass and dark bronze finishes layer in additional richness.
Because the homeowners love tropical motifs and bold color, LaBruna proposed a wipeable, water-resistant vinyl wallcovering featuring lush green leaves. To balance the vibrant pattern, she painted the wall behind the new 67-inch black-and-white freestanding tub in white, ensuring the botanical feature wall remains striking but not overwhelming.
Warmth comes from two new ready-made walnut vanities, each with removable drawer inserts and built-in outlets with USB ports. Champagne bronze, brass and dark bronze finishes layer in additional richness.
Because the homeowners love tropical motifs and bold color, LaBruna proposed a wipeable, water-resistant vinyl wallcovering featuring lush green leaves. To balance the vibrant pattern, she painted the wall behind the new 67-inch black-and-white freestanding tub in white, ensuring the botanical feature wall remains striking but not overwhelming.
Before: The existing shower sat on an angled wall beside the bathroom’s entry door, and the transition where the pebble tile met the main floor tile left something to be desired. The homeowners also didn’t need the existing grab bars and wanted them removed.
They liked the openness of the shower and didn’t want to add any glass enclosure. Since there were no issues with drafts or water splashing, LaBruna was able to preserve the open design in the new layout.
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They liked the openness of the shower and didn’t want to add any glass enclosure. Since there were no issues with drafts or water splashing, LaBruna was able to preserve the open design in the new layout.
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After: Luminous green wall tiles set the tone for the updated shower, reflecting the homeowners’ love of color while adding depth with their subtle tonal variations. The black-and-white flooring from the main bathroom continues seamlessly into the shower, while rich champagne bronze fixtures — echoed in the shower’s shampoo and shaving niches — reinforce the luxe, hotel-inspired vibe of the space.
Read more about this bathroom makeover
Read more about this bathroom makeover
Photos by Tiffany Ringwald
2. Updated Traditional
Bathroom at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple
Location: Marvin, North Carolina
Size: 170 square feet (16 square meters)
Designer: Jena Bula of Delphinium Design
Contractor: Nordic Builders
Before: This Marvin, North Carolina, primary bathroom had a great window, but dark finishes kept the space feeling heavy. A lone chandelier was the only ceiling light, and a dark faux ceiling painting added to the gloom. Though the ceilings were high, cabinetry and shower tile stopped short of the crown molding, making the room feel fragmented. Ornate cabinetry and a busy vanity countertop clashed with the homeowners’ desire for a light, serene aesthetic.
The couple hired designer Jena Bula of Delphinium Design and contractor Nordic Builders to brighten the room, introduce natural stone-look flooring and create an updated traditional style.
2. Updated Traditional
Bathroom at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple
Location: Marvin, North Carolina
Size: 170 square feet (16 square meters)
Designer: Jena Bula of Delphinium Design
Contractor: Nordic Builders
Before: This Marvin, North Carolina, primary bathroom had a great window, but dark finishes kept the space feeling heavy. A lone chandelier was the only ceiling light, and a dark faux ceiling painting added to the gloom. Though the ceilings were high, cabinetry and shower tile stopped short of the crown molding, making the room feel fragmented. Ornate cabinetry and a busy vanity countertop clashed with the homeowners’ desire for a light, serene aesthetic.
The couple hired designer Jena Bula of Delphinium Design and contractor Nordic Builders to brighten the room, introduce natural stone-look flooring and create an updated traditional style.
After: Bula explored numerous light blues before landing on Feather Gray by Benjamin Moore for the new double vanity, which is topped with marble-look quartz. Shaker-style cabinets with subtle beaded insets mix with flat-front top drawers, while traditional cross-handle faucets and a gooseneck silhouette reinforce the updated classic look.
The homeowners loved the tower cabinet storage in their previous bathroom, so Bula extended the cabinets to the high ceiling. Lower compartments house built-in laundry hampers. Mirrors with beveled silver-toned frames add depth. Hardware and sconces are brushed brass, and the plumbing fixtures are polished nickel.
Walls are painted in a warm neutral, Etiquette by Benjamin Moore, with trim in Simply White. Porcelain floor tiles mimic natural stone, laid in a classic herringbone pattern. Their textured surface provides slip resistance while adding subtle visual interest.
Before and After: 4 Inspiring Bathrooms in 120 to 170 Square Feet
The homeowners loved the tower cabinet storage in their previous bathroom, so Bula extended the cabinets to the high ceiling. Lower compartments house built-in laundry hampers. Mirrors with beveled silver-toned frames add depth. Hardware and sconces are brushed brass, and the plumbing fixtures are polished nickel.
Walls are painted in a warm neutral, Etiquette by Benjamin Moore, with trim in Simply White. Porcelain floor tiles mimic natural stone, laid in a classic herringbone pattern. Their textured surface provides slip resistance while adding subtle visual interest.
Before and After: 4 Inspiring Bathrooms in 120 to 170 Square Feet
Before: The overmount drop-in tub and its surround felt dated, while the framed glass shower and bulky corner bench crowded the space.
After: The generously sized shower feels even more open thanks to a new frameless glass enclosure that minimizes visual clutter. Extending the porcelain wall tile — with subtle tonal variation — up to the crown molding enhances the sense of height and space.
A rain shower head sits 7 feet above the floor for a luxurious, comfortable experience, complemented by a detachable wand on a slide bar, a shampoo niche, a leg-shaving niche and a two-way glass door with a convenient towel bar.
The new undermount tub is wrapped in the same marble-look quartz as the vanity, which continues up the wall to the windowsill for easy cleaning. A hand shower wand adds practicality, while the new millwork surround echoes the cabinetry, giving the space a clean, serene, spa-like feel.
Read more about this bathroom makeover
A rain shower head sits 7 feet above the floor for a luxurious, comfortable experience, complemented by a detachable wand on a slide bar, a shampoo niche, a leg-shaving niche and a two-way glass door with a convenient towel bar.
The new undermount tub is wrapped in the same marble-look quartz as the vanity, which continues up the wall to the windowsill for easy cleaning. A hand shower wand adds practicality, while the new millwork surround echoes the cabinetry, giving the space a clean, serene, spa-like feel.
Read more about this bathroom makeover
“After” photos by Jon Friedrich Photography
3. Warm Transitional
Bathroom at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple, their three kids and their dog
Location: West Chester, Pennsylvania
Size: 180 square feet (17 square meters)
Design-build firm: Pine Street Carpenters & The Kitchen Studio
Before: After working with designer Dana Bender and the team at Pine Street Carpenters & The Kitchen Studio on a kitchen and other home updates, this West Chester, Pennsylvania, couple returned to the pros to tackle a full down-to-the-studs renovation of their primary bathroom.
The homeowners appreciated the room’s symmetry, large soaking tub and natural light, but the shower felt dark and cavernous. They had separate vanities but wanted more countertop space and storage. They also hoped to rethink the swing of the two double doors, which intruded into the room.
3. Warm Transitional
Bathroom at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple, their three kids and their dog
Location: West Chester, Pennsylvania
Size: 180 square feet (17 square meters)
Design-build firm: Pine Street Carpenters & The Kitchen Studio
Before: After working with designer Dana Bender and the team at Pine Street Carpenters & The Kitchen Studio on a kitchen and other home updates, this West Chester, Pennsylvania, couple returned to the pros to tackle a full down-to-the-studs renovation of their primary bathroom.
The homeowners appreciated the room’s symmetry, large soaking tub and natural light, but the shower felt dark and cavernous. They had separate vanities but wanted more countertop space and storage. They also hoped to rethink the swing of the two double doors, which intruded into the room.
After: Keeping the same footprint, Bender scaled down the shower from 3½ by 7 feet to a still-generous 3½ by 5½ feet, opening it with a glass surround that floods the stall with light. A freestanding tub replaces the previous decked model, giving the space an airier feel, while a separate toilet room sits to the right.
Warm tones anchor the design: bold, durable porcelain tiles that mimic terra cotta add pattern and character, while creamy white walls (White Heron by Sherwin-Williams) provide a soft, inviting backdrop. To preserve symmetry and free up floor space, Bender replaced the double entry doors with a sleek pocket door, completing the refreshed, balanced layout.
8 Golden Rules of Bathroom Design
Warm tones anchor the design: bold, durable porcelain tiles that mimic terra cotta add pattern and character, while creamy white walls (White Heron by Sherwin-Williams) provide a soft, inviting backdrop. To preserve symmetry and free up floor space, Bender replaced the double entry doors with a sleek pocket door, completing the refreshed, balanced layout.
8 Golden Rules of Bathroom Design
Before: This vanity, with ornate detailing and traditional lights, felt squeezed in next to the shower stall.
After: By shrinking the shower, Bender extended the vanity by 18 inches, boosting counter space and storage. The cabinetry is plain-sawn white oak in a warm stain, complementing the floor tile. A quartz countertop with subtle marble-look veining adds durability, while a brass faucet and light fixture, paired with matte black hardware and accessories, create a balanced, sophisticated look. A mirrored recessed medicine cabinet with built-in lighting adds more storage.
In the shower, body jets and a handheld wand enhance functionality, while the removal of a built-in bench frees up floor space. Walls feature 4-by-12-inch polished ceramic tile with subtle texture, and the pebble tile floor adds slip resistance and another layer of visual interest. A pony wall includes a towel bar, and a hook on the shower door provides extra convenience, completing this warm, spacious transitional-style bathroom.
Read more about this bathroom makeover
In the shower, body jets and a handheld wand enhance functionality, while the removal of a built-in bench frees up floor space. Walls feature 4-by-12-inch polished ceramic tile with subtle texture, and the pebble tile floor adds slip resistance and another layer of visual interest. A pony wall includes a towel bar, and a hook on the shower door provides extra convenience, completing this warm, spacious transitional-style bathroom.
Read more about this bathroom makeover
“After” photos by Allison Elefante; photo styling by Katie Houston
4. Elevated Classic
Bathroom at a Glance
Location: Franklin, Tennessee
Size: 180 square feet (17 square meters)
Design-build firm: Sebring Design Build
Before: These Franklin, Tennessee, homeowners turned to Sebring Design Build to update their primary bathroom. Although spacious and featuring two vanities, the layout felt chopped up and cramped. A toilet room sat to the right of one vanity, while a shower stall and second vanity flanked the opposite end of the bathtub.
The couple didn’t want a bathtub and asked for a layout based on universal design principles, including a wheelchair turning radius. They also envisioned a clean, elevated traditional style with a spa-like, airy feel.
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
4. Elevated Classic
Bathroom at a Glance
Location: Franklin, Tennessee
Size: 180 square feet (17 square meters)
Design-build firm: Sebring Design Build
Before: These Franklin, Tennessee, homeowners turned to Sebring Design Build to update their primary bathroom. Although spacious and featuring two vanities, the layout felt chopped up and cramped. A toilet room sat to the right of one vanity, while a shower stall and second vanity flanked the opposite end of the bathtub.
The couple didn’t want a bathtub and asked for a layout based on universal design principles, including a wheelchair turning radius. They also envisioned a clean, elevated traditional style with a spa-like, airy feel.
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
After: The toilet room and tub were removed, opening up the layout to create the airy, spa-like atmosphere the homeowners envisioned. The toilet is now wheelchair-accessible, and the team prepped the space with supports for grab bars to be added later.
A warm walnut vanity echoes rich wood tones found elsewhere in the home. It’s topped with a quartz countertop and backsplash that mimic Calacatta marble. Polished nickel faucets add classic elegance. Designer Victoria Lauer incorporated the home’s signature trimwork into the bathroom, extending her custom pattern across the vanity wall and seamlessly integrating mirrors cut to fit within the design, uniting function and style.
A warm walnut vanity echoes rich wood tones found elsewhere in the home. It’s topped with a quartz countertop and backsplash that mimic Calacatta marble. Polished nickel faucets add classic elegance. Designer Victoria Lauer incorporated the home’s signature trimwork into the bathroom, extending her custom pattern across the vanity wall and seamlessly integrating mirrors cut to fit within the design, uniting function and style.
Before: The shower sat at one end of the bathtub, with a curb and a narrow opening that made wheelchair access impossible. A second vanity sat just to the right, further crowding the space.
After: Lauer swapped the shower and vanity locations to create a larger stall with a wide, zero-threshold entry. The shower features a low-iron frosted glass enclosure and 12-by-24-inch digitally printed porcelain tile with a translucent, onyx-like effect. The second vanity is now wheelchair-accessible, with clearance to pull up, and its walnut cabinetry with brass pulls echoes the main vanity.
The mosaic floor combines marble and limestone, with a decorative border adding polish. Rated for slip resistance, the tile continues seamlessly into the curbless shower, which slopes toward a center drain to keep water contained.
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The mosaic floor combines marble and limestone, with a decorative border adding polish. Rated for slip resistance, the tile continues seamlessly into the curbless shower, which slopes toward a center drain to keep water contained.
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1. Midcentury Tropical
Bathroom at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple
Location: West Palm Beach, Florida
Size: 170 square feet (16 square meters)
Designer: Julie LaBruna of Sunny Interior Design
Before: In West Palm Beach, Florida, these homeowners loved midcentury modern design and weren’t afraid of bold color or risk. But their aging primary bathroom — dominated by a bulky tub and surround in the center and standard vanities on opposite walls — felt uninspired and out of sync with their adventurous style.
They’d long wanted to give the space a fresh start but struggled to define their vision. Turning to Houzz for inspiration, they discovered local designer Julie LaBruna, who happened to live right in their neighborhood. They hired her to lead the design and manage the project. LaBruna used Houzz Pro software to organize proposals, invoices and purchase orders throughout the renovation process.
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