My Dark, Dated Bathroom Leaps Out of the ’70s in This Reno
When my husband and I bought our 1970s ranch house, we knew the main floor bathroom needed serious attention. It was dark and outdated, with orange-y brown cabinets. Once we started the demolition, we were glad we didn’t wait because behind the walls we discovered a burst pipe and moldy insulation.
A professional renovation eliminated the mold, repaired the pipe, and gave the bathroom a sleek, timeless refresh that fit our design vision. Our focuses: comfort, durability, and a few personal must-haves.
My husband and I each had a non-negotiable for the renovation.
My husband wanted a deep soaking tub, and I wanted heated tile floors — something I first experienced at an Airbnb in Spain years ago and have dreamed of ever since. (I love tile, but dislike the way it normally leaves my feet freezing in winter.)
As for the tub, my husband scoured the internet and found the deepest soaking model he could that would fit in the bathroom. He also wanted something a little fancier than a shower curtain, so we opted for a sleek sliding glass door that keeps water in (unlike the trendy half-doors I’ve tried, which look great but splash everywhere). It’s also easy to clean and helps reduce mold and mildew — a win-win.
Because our bathroom is on the smaller side, the electric underfloor heating system only cost a few hundred dollars to install. It’s a much more practical heat source than the radiant ceiling system that was previously used — a setup I’d never even heard of, and for good reason (heat rises, after all). In the colder months, the warmth underfoot feels amazing, and everyone who steps into the room comments on it.
The new bathroom is Carrara marble-coated.
We went with large-format Carrara marble-look tile for the floor and shower surround and ran it halfway up the walls to leave room for mirrors and art. The glossy tile reflects light and helps the space feel larger and brighter; it’s a major upgrade from the dim original.
We chose a double-sink vanity with a Carrara marble top that matches the tile, and it gained us both function and style in one move. Now we don’t have to take turns brushing our teeth or washing up.
We went with black and gold hardware.
For the fixtures, we leaned into a mix of black (to match our tile edge trim) and gold finishes. The sconces above the sinks combine both tones to tie everything together and give the room a cohesive, elevated feel.
We love how it all came together. The glossy tile, rich finishes, and thoughtful details gave the bathroom the luxe, spa-like vibe we were aiming for — and it’s a space we genuinely enjoy using every day.
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