I’m thrilled to share theresults of bathroom renovation project at a charming three-story villa. This first-floor bathroom underwent a complete transformation from an outdated, problematic space to a modern sanctuary that blends functionality with style.
The Demolition Phase: Tackling the Challenges
The project began with a comprehensive strip-out that proved more challenging than initially expected. We had to carefully remove all the existing bathroom fixtures, but that was just the beginning. One of the most complicated tasks was removing an old header tank (water storage tank) that had become redundant with the modern plumbing system.
We discovered a severely rotted wooden lintel above one of the openings that needed immediate attention. This required us to install a new concrete lintel to ensure structural integrity – no small task in an established property! Another major challenge was removing a false wall that had been concealing old pipework and creating wasted space.
The floorboards were in terrible condition – years of moisture exposure had caused significant rot. We replaced them with sturdy chipboards that would provide a solid foundation for the new bathroom.
Behind-the-Scenes Improvements
With the space stripped back to basics, we completely reconfigured the plumbing and electrical installations. Rather than having unsightly pipes running along walls, we channeled them through the floor – a laborious process but one that resulted in a much cleaner aesthetic. This approach required careful planning to ensure all waste pipes had the correct fall while working within the constraints of the existing floor joists.
The walls needed significant preparation work. We installed cement boards in wet areas to provide a waterproof substrate for tiling, and applied fresh plaster to the remaining walls to create perfectly smooth surfaces.
The Transformation
The design choices were guided by a desire to create a bright, spacious feel while incorporating natural elements. The white subway tiles with light grey grout give the bathroom a clean, timeless look, while extending them from floor to ceiling maximizes the sense of height.
For the floor, we selected natural stone-effect porcelain tiles that add warmth and character. They’re not only beautiful but also practical – their texture provides good slip resistance for wet areas.
The walk-in shower is undoubtedly the centerpiece of the renovation. The frameless glass panel creates an open feel while keeping water contained, and the ceiling-mounted rainfall showerhead delivers a luxurious showering experience. The window within the shower area floods the space with natural light while the small collection of plants creates a connection with the outdoors.
The bespoke wooden vanity unit with its vessel basin adds a touch of warmth and natural beauty to balance the crisp white fixtures. We selected a wall-mounted toilet to enhance the sense of space and make cleaning the floor easier.
A chrome heated towel rail ensures warm towels are always at hand while also providing heating for the room during colder months.
The End Result
What was once a dated, problematic bathroom has been transformed into a bright, functional space with a spa-like quality. The combination of contemporary fixtures with natural wooden elements creates a perfect balance of modern convenience and warmth.
This renovation wasn’t just about aesthetics – it addressed fundamental issues with the structure and systems of the bathroom that will ensure it serves the homeowners well for many years to come.
Have you tackled a bathroom renovation recently? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
