Remodeling Bathrooms: What We’ve Learned After Years of Designing Them

Over the years we’ve learned a lot about what works, what doesn’t, and where clients should invest their budget for the best results. Bathrooms are one of the hardest working rooms in the home, and thoughtful decisions about materials, layout, and lighting can make a huge difference in both function and beauty.

Below are some of the most common questions we get from clients when planning a bathroom renovation.

How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel Cost?

The cost of a bathroom remodel varies widely depending on the size of the space, material selections, and whether plumbing or layout changes are required.

To simplify things, we usually categorize bathroom remodels into three general types:

Powder Bath

A powder bath remodel typically focuses on cosmetic updates such as:

• wallpaper or paint including labor $2000 - $3000

• vanity $750 - $1500

• faucet, sink, plumbing $1000 - $1500

• mirror $300 - $600

• lighting, electrical labor $400 - $800

• flooring $1000 - $2000

• accessories and hardware $150 - $300

TOTAL COST RANGE = $6000 - $10,000 plus design and oversight

These small spaces are the perfect place to have fun with bold design choices.

Guest Bath

A guest bath remodel often includes:

• demo $1000 - $1500

• new tile $1300 - $2300

• tile labor $2000 - $3000

• vanity (ready-made or custom) $1200 - $3000

• countertop (remnant with installation) $1000 - $1500

• plumbing fixtures & labor $3500 - $4500

• lighting fixtures & labor $1500 - $2500

• mirror(s) and accessories $800 - $1500

TOTAL COST RANGE = $12,000 - $20,000 + design and oversight

Primary Bath

Primary baths are the most complex because they include:

• large showers

• freestanding tubs

• double vanities

• custom storage

• extensive tile work

• higher-end materials

These spaces also benefit from thoughtful lighting, layered materials, and custom details. TOTAL COST RANGE = $25,000 - $40,000

How Do I Choose Bathroom Materials?

Marble vs Ceramic vs Handmade Tile

One of the biggest decisions in a bathroom remodel is selecting materials.

Marble

Marble is the classic choice for luxury bathrooms.

Pros

• timeless elegance

• natural veining adds movement and depth

• elevates the entire space

Considerations

• more expensive than ceramic

• should be resealed annually

• natural variation requires careful installation

  
  

In one of our recent projects, we even created a custom floor pattern using two types of marble, which required a very patient and talented tile installer.

Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile has come a long way in recent years and offers incredible flexibility.

Pros:

• more budget-friendly

• extremely durable

• available in endless shapes and colors

With the right layout, ceramic tile can still look incredibly custom.

How Can I Make Ceramic Tile Look High-End?

Layout makes all the difference. Instead of a basic stacked or running pattern, consider:

• framed tile layouts

• contrasting grout

• decorative liners

• mixing shapes or colors

In this project we used simple subway tile framed with a soft green pencil liner, creating a custom look using an inexpensive tile.

We also often create patterns with subway tile to provide more interest.

Can I Mix Materials?

Absolutely — mixing materials is one of the best ways to create visual interest without dramatically increasing cost.

For example, we often combine:

• ceramic field tile

• marble accents

• pencil liners

• patterned flooring

Should I Choose a Ready-Made or Custom Vanity?

The answer depends on your space and how the bathroom will be used.

Ready-Made Vanities

While we usually do custom vanities, ready-made vanities can be a great economical solution, especially in powder baths.

They work well when:

• the room dimensions allow standard sizing

• the bath is used less frequently

• budget is a priority

There are also beautiful higher-end ready-made options available, like this one from Four Hands.

Another option we sometimes recommend is purchasing a ready-made vanity and painting it a custom color to better fit the design.

Custom Vanities

Custom millwork gives you complete control over:

• size

• storage

• finishes

• design details

For example, this vanity includes a custom scalloped toe kick, a detail that adds personality and craftsmanship.

Don’t Forget the Floor

Floors are another opportunity to add personality.

Instead of a simple grid layout, we often use ceramic tiles to create patterns that feel custom. Here are some unique ways to lay penny and mini-hex tile, via Pinterest.

Tile Isn’t Just for Showers

Tile can also be used creatively in other areas of the bathroom.

For example:

• as a backsplash

• to frame mirrors

• as an accent wall
  

  

  

Bathroom Remodeling Glossary

Bullnose Tile Tile with a rounded finished edge used to terminate tile installations.

Pencil Liner A narrow decorative tile used to frame or separate tile sections.

Mitered Edge Two tiles cut at 45 degrees so their edges meet cleanly without visible trim.

Niche A recessed shelf built into the shower wall for shampoo and soap.

Schluter Trim A metal edge trim used to finish exposed tile edges.

Bathroom remodels involve hundreds of decisions, but thoughtful planning can turn even a simple bathroom into a space that feels intentional, beautiful, and highly functional.

And if there’s one thing we’ve learned from designing bathrooms for years — it’s that the small details are often the ones that make the biggest difference. Let us know if we can help with your bath remodel!