This article was originally published by a www.houzz.com . Read the Original article here. .
Photo by Ron Simpson
After: Simpson worked with designer Vanessa Papadas to remake the bathroom into a clean-lined space with style and high-contrast hues.
For the shower, Papadas chose teal elongated subway tile and had it laid in a 90-degree herringbone pattern for a contemporary look. Bright white paint and sinks contrast with black matte fixtures and hardware.
One of the big challenges for Simpson was replacing the low-curb shower with a curbless shower. This required the pros to create a slope in the floor toward the drain, seen in the photo along the back of the shower.
There’s a new custom double vanity with a floating shelf at the bottom for extra towels and toilet paper.
Shower tile: Opal series by Cifre Ceramica, Euro Tile & Stone; wall paint: Intense White, Benjamin Moore; quartz: Venatino polished, Vicostone
Read more about this bathroom makeover
This article was originally published by a www.houzz.com . Read the Original article here. .
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
This article was originally published by a www.houzz.com . Read the Original article here. .
3. Light Wood + Radiant White
Bathroom at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple and their three children
Location: Concord, New Hampshire
Size: 160 square feet (15 square meters)
Design-build firm: Granite State Cabinetry
Before: This New Hampshire bath, with the original finishes from 1999, had natural light but a dingy feel. The layout was clunky, with the vanity seen here, a linen closet on the right, a tub with a big tiled surround across from it, an unused fireplace in a bump-out on the right and, on the left side, a toilet closet and a shower. The homeowners wanted something more open, airier and with a makeup vanity, and they brought on kitchen and bath designer Whitney Nelson of Granite State Cabinetry for the makeover.
This article was originally published by a www.houzz.com . Read the Original article here. .
After: Eliminating the bulky tub surround dramatically opened up the 150-square-foot space, creating welcome breathing room around a new freestanding tub. The husband’s one request was a TV, and a Samsung Frame TV now hides in plain sight on the wall at the end of the tub. A faceted brass-and-opaque-glass pendant draws the eye upward, its generous scale well-suited to the room’s high ceiling. For privacy, a motorized woven wood shade with white accents and a linear pattern opens and closes via remote control.
Large-format 12-by-24-inch porcelain tiles on the floor feature subtle marble-like veining, while the wall tile behind the tub has a handmade zellige look that picks up tones from the floor. Together, the materials enhance the bathroom’s European feel. An intricate Turkish rug adds another layer of warmth and pattern, filling the generous space between the tub and the new double vanity.
This article was originally published by a www.houzz.com . Read the Original article here. .
Adjusting living spaces as we age is a smart move: extra light here, less slip risk there, and who wants to spend more time than necessary scrubbing anything? In these four baths, designers considered all of that and then kept going, swapping out hazardous tubs for roomy showers, clearing floor space for wheelchairs and walkers and installing safety features such as grab bars. And of course, they waved the beauty wand too, creating spaces that are a joy to be in. Have a look, then let us know in the Comments if you’re inspired to borrow any ideas.
Before Photo
“After” photos by Leigh Ann Rowe
1. Elegant and Open
Bathroom at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple and the wife’s elderly mother
Location: Laguna Niguel, California
Size: 185 square feet (17 square meters)
Designer: Janna Parr of Sea Pointe Design & Remodel
Before: Stuck in the 1970s, hard to clean and with insufficient storage, this Southern California primary bathroom also lacked safety features to support the elderly mother of one of the homeowners. It had a shower and tub atop a slip-prone step, for instance, and no shower niche, meaning products lined the floor. Designer Janna Parr of Sea Pointe Design & Remodel came up with a plan to make the space modern, streamlined and safer while adding stylish storage.
After: A semicustom rich cherry double vanity now spans the angled end of the bathroom, offering a mix of accessible storage and a spacious, easy-to-clean quartz surface. In front, the flooring is more open for better mobility. Just out of frame to the left sits a new linen closet that adds shelving and a rollout hamper.
Countertop: Pure White, Caesarstone
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Opposite the vanity, a luxurious low-curb wet room has replaced the dangerous tub and shower. (Curbless would have been cost-prohibitive, due to the room’s foundation.) Large-format marble-look porcelain tiles designed for minimal grout lines surround the tub, and the tub filler has easy-to-operate lever handles. The shower has a wall-mounted shower head and a handheld shower with a slide bar for flexibility. A low bench allows a caregiver to help with bathing if needed. And a shower shelf keeps products from becoming tripping hazards.
Tub surround tiles: Origines Or glossy, 24 by 48 inches, Elysium; shower fixtures: Litze in Brilliance Luxe Gold, Brizo
Read more about this project
Before Photo
2. Organic and Warm
Bathroom at a Glance
Who lives here: A pair of empty-nest retirees
Location: Davis, California
Size: 125 square feet (12 square meters)
Design team: Penny Lorain (design) and Matthew Laughlin (project management) of Lorain Design Associates
Builders: Nader Faris and John Rieboldt of AMA Construction
Before: These retiree homeowners in California’s Sacramento Valley wanted to stay put for the long term, so their dated bathroom, with its chopped-up layout, monolithic tub and lack of accessibility, had to go. They brought on Penny Lorain and Matthew Laughlin of Lorain Design Associates to redesign the space for better mobility, ease of use and airy good looks.
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Photo by Rich Baum Photography
After: The team knocked everything back to the studs and got rid of a water closet in front of the old shower, opening up the space. (The toilet is now in an open area at the front right, out of frame.) Then it rejiggered the layout, creating a spa-like bath with a curbless wet-room-style area at one end. Aging-friendly features include wheelchair and walker maneuverability, ADA-compliant grab bars by the tub, grooved floor tiles that help prevent slippage, and a lower sink and makeup area with wheel space below. Style-wise, wood-look porcelain wall and floor tiles, along with polished blue glass accent tiles, create a warm, organic feel and help the existing vaulted ceiling stand out.
Shower wall tiles: Cypress in Natural, 9 by 48 inches, Happy Floors; floor tiles: Elan Ribbon Maple, 24 by 48 inches, Soho Studio; blue accent tiles: Brook Stacked in Sky, Soho Studio
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Before Photo
“After” photos by Spacecrafting
3. Clear and Bright
Bathroom at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple of empty nesters
Location: Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota
Size: 105 square feet (9.8 square meters)
Designer: Stefanie Cohoe of Che Bella Interiors Design + Remodeling
Before: When one of them started using a wheelchair, these Minnesota homeowners tapped designer Stefanie Cohoe of Che Bella Interiors Design + Remodeling to redo their primary bath based on ADA standards. One big to-do: widen the too-narrow main door and shower door openings for maneuverability. While she was at it, Cohoe took the space from uninspired and a bit dark to polished and bright.
After: Generous swaths of white give the redesigned bath a luminous look. The doorway gained 6 inches of width and now has a pocket door that stays out of the way. The right side of the double vanity is lower than the left and has space underneath for wheels as well as a hand towel hook; the mirrors above pivot downward. Rollout shelves in the lower part of the linen closet allow for easy access, and a 9-inch-high toe kick below the cabinet makes room for feet.
Paint: Gossamer Veil (walls) and Pure White (cabinets), Sherwin-Williams
11 Ways to Age-Proof Your Bathroom
Removing the bathtub and expanding into a closet added square footage to allow for a bigger shower stall, this one curbless and with three grab bars, a lower shower niche, a handheld shower head and a portable teak stool. The toilet area, now to the right of the vanity, also has grab bars for safe maneuvering. On the style side, a lively floral painting, plants, green towels and natural materials keep the look spirited rather than sterile.
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Before Photo
4. Convenient and Space-Savvy
Bathroom at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple in their 70s
Location: Newton, Massachusetts
Size: 69 square feet (6.4 square meters)
Design-build firm: Steveworks
Before: Although its first-floor location was ideal for the aging homeowners, this bathroom in their 1923 New England Craftsman had a hard-to-navigate tub-and-shower combo. Could design-build firm Steveworks give them a zero-threshold shower and some safety features, as well as a washer-dryer so they could avoid basement treks? Yes indeed, and with a sweet new look to boot.
Photo by Robert Umenhofer Photography
After: The new walk-in shower has a sliding barn door that’s wide enough for a walker, with a large handle, as well as a built-in seat and an adjustable handheld shower head. Steveworks’ Tova Greenberg moved the sink from that corner to make way for the roomier shower and a petite all-in-one washer-dryer unit on a pedestal next to it. Slip-resistant flooring, ample lighting and a grab bar by the toilet boost safety too, while botanical wallpaper (April Blossom by York Wallcoverings) and lots of white update the room’s style.
Oh, and that original radiator? Yes, it takes up some floor space, but it has charm and does important work keeping the space toasty on cold days. The Steveworks team just refinished it so it would fit the fresh look.
Read more about this project
Your turn: Does your bath support aging in style? Show us in the Comments.
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Spa-like features can transform a daily routine into a restorative ritual. Curbless showers, soaking tubs, heated floors and natural materials soothe the senses and create calm, comfortable spaces that rival a day at a luxury spa. Here, design and remodeling pros share the spa-inspired details they used to bring that relaxing vibe to four newly uploaded bathrooms on Houzz.
1. Organic Retreat
Designer: Maegan Ayukonchong of M. Swabb Interior Design
Location: Del Mar, California
Size: 234 square feet (22 square meters); 13 by 18 feet
Homeowners’ request. “We fully renovated this entire home, including a complete transformation of the primary bathroom,” says designer Maegan Ayukonchong. “During our discovery phase, the clients shared their vision for an organic spa-like retreat with a few playful design elements. They love taking thoughtful design risks while still maintaining a timeless aesthetic.”
Spa-like features and details. “A soaking tub was high on their wish list, and to elevate the experience even further they were set on incorporating a TV recessed into the slab wall — perfect for unwinding, watching their favorite shows, listening to music and creating a true moment of relaxation,” Ayukonchong says. “A double vanity was also essential, along with a rain shower head and a floating shower bench to bring a clean, elevated feel to the space. Every material was thoughtfully chosen — from the calming pebble stone shower floors to the tranquil rain shower head — to reinforce the serene, spa-inspired atmosphere.”
Other special features. “Throughout the space, we incorporated natural, calming materials to reinforce the serene aesthetic,” Ayukonchong says. “The slab we selected, White Pearl quartzite (for the countertop, tub surround and shower walls and bench) brings a beautiful sense of warmth and texture, while the pebble tile flooring in the shower adds subtle pattern and movement. The limestone bathroom floors elevate comfort even further — they’re fully heated. To introduce a touch of playfulness, we installed a stunning blue Deco tile on the vanity wall. For the vanity itself we chose a rifted white oak finish with clean slab-front doors to keep the lines minimal and modern.”
Designer tip. “Don’t be afraid to mix finishes and tiles,” Ayukonchong says. “You’ll notice on the plumbing fixtures in the shower we went with a matte black to tie in the window details. But on the vanity wall we opted for brass finishes on the wall-mounted faucets and the sconces.”
Ayukonchong uses Houzz Pro software to manage her projects. “The features we use the most are proposals, invoices and the purchase order and tracking features,” she says. “This is so key during the construction phase so we can keep up to date with the items paid, being ordered, tracked for delivery and to mark things that are on-site and ready for installation. Our clients benefit the most from their client dashboard, where they can access the documents shown as paid or pending approval — things like that are great to keep transparency throughout the project.”
See why you should hire a professional who uses Houzz Pro software
2. Light-Filled Escape
Designer: Rachel Brooks of Feinmann
Location: Lexington, Massachusetts
Size: 254 square feet (24 square feet)
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners, now nearly empty nesters, were ready to move beyond their small, crowded primary bath and create a space they could truly enjoy,” says designer Rachel Brooks. “A freestanding tub was essential, and although the house is traditional, they were drawn to a clean, modern aesthetic that would still feel at home within the architecture.”
Spa-like features and details. “A must-have soaking tub anchors the space,” Brooks says. “Generous walnut cabinetry provides ample storage while adding warmth and richness. The double vanity, complete with his-and-hers sinks, enhances both functionality and comfort, making the bathroom as practical as it is luxurious.” The large walk-in shower features stone-look porcelain tile. The flooring is the same tile in a smaller format, installed in a herringbone pattern. The countertops are soapstone-look engineered quartz.
Other special features. “Natural materials, high-end finishes and thoughtful architectural details like exposed beams and transom windows create an atmosphere of tranquillity and understated elegance,” Brooks says. “Every element was chosen to balance beauty with functionality, resulting in a serene retreat tailored for relaxation and daily rejuvenation.”
Designer tip. “Previously, the bathroom had only a small window, limiting daylight,” Brooks says. “A large-paned window, skylight and transom window in the shower now flood the space with natural light, enhancing the bright and refreshing ambiance.”
Design-build firm Feinmann uses Houzz Pro software.
Cabinetry: Walnut hybrid veneer in Breakwater stain and matte finish, Greenfield Cabinetry; shower and floor tile: Mystic Pearl in polished finish, Elysium Tiles
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3. Accessible Luxury
Designer: Linda Machmeier of Signature Homes of the Chippewa Valley
Location: Jim Falls, Wisconsin
Size: 223 square feet (21 square meters); 13½ by 16½ feet
Homeowners’ request. “[These homeowners wanted] a custom home with an efficient but dramatic primary en suite bath with an enclosed toilet area, ample storage and a heavy, well-made tub,” says designer Linda Machmeier.
Spa-like features and details. “Porcelain tile was installed on a hydronic heated floor for a soft, warm underfoot feel,” Machmeier says. “The shower walls and vanity backsplash tile unify the space and offer an organic yet dramatic feel. The zero-entry shower with wide opening and no door offers accessibility and age-in-place living. This was constructed so that a door could be added later if desired. A freestanding solid-surface tub (partially visible in the foreground) is insulated to keep water warm longer.”
Other special features. “The custom Thorcraft cabinetry is solid walnut with stainless steel legs, dual storage areas and a solid-surface quartz countertop,” Machmeier says. “Above the sink is a Robern Uplift modern medicine cabinet mirror providing storage, additional electrical and a no-fog feature. The mirror front rises vertically for ease of use and access.”
25 Home Design Trends Defining How We’ll Live in 2026
4. Coastal Calm
Designer: Jenny Keenan Design
Design-build firm: Buffington Homes
Location: Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Size: 247 square feet (23 square meters); 13 by 19 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The home is an oceanfront property that is surrounded by pine and oak trees,” says Joanna Buffington of design-build firm Buffington Homes. “The homeowners wanted a home that made you feel connected to the outdoors, among the tree canopies, and to enjoy the ocean from every room.”
Spa-like features and details. Large curbless shower with floating bench. Large soaking tub. White oak vanity. Dolomite marble tile flooring. The shower walls are porcelain slabs. “The homeowners wanted a clean palette that’s light and soothing — white stone, soft veining and natural wood accents,” Buffington says. “The finishes are intentionally quiet so the architecture and craftsmanship can be the focal point.”
Other special features. “The large windows were essential to bring in the natural light and to showcase views,” Buffington says. “When privacy is handled thoughtfully, expansive glass brings in natural light, connects you to the outdoors and instantly transforms a simple bathroom into a spa-like retreat.”
Design-build pro tip. “Do not be afraid of white walls with white tile and countertops,” Buffington says. “Layering white paint on the walls alongside white floors and white shower tile can actually make a space feel brighter, larger and more cohesive. The key is to mix in subtle textures and finishes so it makes the room feel intentional.”
Wall paint: White Dove, Benjamin Moore
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Designer: Victoria Johnson of M. Victoria Johnson Interiors
Location: Maple Grove, Minnesota
Size: 50 square feet (4.7 square meters)
Location: Maple Grove, Minnesota
Size: 50 square feet (4.7 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “This bathroom is shared by three teenage girls,” says interior designer Victoria Johnson. “The parents reached out wanting to maximize storage and give the space a more elevated, timeless look.”
Shower-tub combo. “The homeowners chose to keep the shower-tub combo primarily for resale value, as families with young children often prefer having a tub,” Johnson says. “Plus, their teenage daughters still enjoy using it. To make the setup more functional, we designed a wall-to-wall niche large enough to hold all their hair products, soaps and razors neatly. We also added a hand shower, which serves both as a spa-like feature and a practical one — it’s perfect for washing their beloved dog.”
Other special features. “Everything in this bathroom was designed around the idea of three — one for each daughter,” Johnson says. “We installed a triple medicine cabinet, which we purchased on Houzz, so each girl has her own section. We also designed a custom recessed cabinet between the studs, again divided into three compartments for individual storage. The custom vanity features a single sink to maximize counter space, a decision that has proven incredibly functional for busy mornings.” The countertop is Taj Mahal quartzite.
Designer tip. “There are three features I absolutely love here,” Johnson says. “First, the wall-to-wall niche. It’s such a simple upgrade that dramatically improves usability, and I’ll likely do this in every project moving forward. Second, medicine cabinets. There are so many beautifully designed options now and the hidden storage they provide is invaluable. Third, when space is tight, adding recessed cabinets between studs is a clever way to gain storage without sacrificing floor space.”
Wall color: Pearly White, Sherwin-Williams
This article was originally published by a www.houzz.com . Read the Original article here. .
Single-family homes started in 2024 typically had two full bathrooms, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Annual Survey of Construction. Homes with three full bathrooms continued to have the second largest share of starts at around 23%. Meanwhile, both homes with four full bathrooms or more and homes with one bathroom or less made up under ten percent of homes started.
A full bathroom, as defined by the Bureau, is one that has a washbasin, a toilet and either a bathtub or shower, or a combination of a bathtub and shower. In 2024, 65.0% of new single-family homes started in 2024 had two full bathrooms, marking the second consecutive year that this share has increased. The share of single-family starts with three full bathrooms fell for the third straight year, down to 23.3%, while the share of single-family starts with four or more bathrooms increased to 7.2%. For starts with one full bathroom or less, the share fell to 4.5%.
Across the U.S., the East South Central division had the highest share, 71.6%, of new single-family starts having two full bathrooms. No other division had above a 70% share. The Census division with the lowest share was the Middle Atlantic, with 52.0% of new single-family starts reporting two full bathrooms. Starts in Middle Atlantic division were far more likely to have 4 full bathrooms or more, at 20.2%, more than double any other division in terms of share.
Half-Bathrooms
Most new single-family homes started in 2024 had no half-bathrooms at 53.7%. Following closely is the share of new single-family homes with one half-bathroom at 44.9%. New single-family starts with two or more half-bathrooms had a small share of 1.4% in 2024. A half bathroom contains a toilet, bathtub, or shower, but not all facilities to be classified as a full bathroom.
Half-bathrooms are historically more prevalent in the New England Census division as compared to the other eight divisions. In 2024, 64.0% of new single-family homes started in the New England division had at least one half-bathroom. The lowest share occurred in the Pacific division, where only 38.3% of starts had at least one half-bathroom.
This article was originally published by a eyeonhousing.org . Read the Original article here. .
Before Photo
“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
This article was originally published by a www.houzz.com . Read the Original article here. .
After: Simpson worked with designer Vanessa Papadas to remake the bathroom into a clean-lined space with style and high-contrast hues.
For the shower, Papadas chose teal elongated subway tile and had it laid in a 90-degree herringbone pattern for a contemporary look. Bright white paint and sinks contrast with black matte fixtures and hardware.
One of the big challenges for Simpson was replacing the low-curb shower with a curbless shower. This required the pros to create a slope in the floor toward the drain, seen in the photo along the back of the shower.
There’s a new custom double vanity with a floating shelf at the bottom for extra towels and toilet paper.
Shower tile: Opal series by Cifre Ceramica, Euro Tile & Stone; wall paint: Intense White, Benjamin Moore; quartz: Venatino polished, Vicostone
Read more about this bathroom makeover