Get inspired with the best master bathroom remodel ideas — from trending layouts and tile designs to budget-friendly upgrades and DIY makeovers.
It is finally time for our master bathroom remodel reveal! If you have been following along with this renovation you know this reveal is a long time coming…
Our master bathroom was a huge eye sore and literally falling apart. So we decided to tackle a DIY bathroom renovation incorporating timeless and traditional design elements.
In case you too are dreaming of an updated bathroom experience we’re sharing the best master bathroom remodel ideas to inspire your next project
We incorporated a mix of space-saving solutions, budget-friendly upgrades and easy DIY projects, to create a timeless bathroom update!
So today I’m sharing trending styles, layout ideas, budget tips, DIY hacks, and more to help you create a beautiful and functional bathroom you’ll love for years to come.
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Bathroom Renovation Before
It’s not a proper reveal if there are no before photos right…
We moved into our home about 4-1/2 years ago and this is one of the only spaces left we haven’t touched.
It was old and outdated when we moved in but slowly started falling apart too. There was a leak coming from the shower that completely rotted the subfloor and the tiles in front of the bathtub were literally falling down.
So we knew from the start that this bathroom remodel would be a full gut project.
Check out this Step-by-Step Bathroom Renovation Checklist before you start your master bathroom remodel!
Master Bathroom Layout Ideas
Our master bathroom is a really good size and the layout actually worked for us.
We made just a few small changes to make this space work even better.
The first change was extending the shower out by 1′. This change was done not only to expand the shower but also so the shower wall would match the other bathtub wall on the other side.
Shower Faucet – Shampoo Bottle Set – Brass Switch Cover – Can Light Medallion
We also decided to add two separate sinks to the space with an armoire for storage in-between them. The original double vanity setup gave us a lot of counter space but it went unused so we decided separate sinks would suit the space better.
We kept our separate shower and bathtub areas because they feel so much more luxurious when they can be separated in my opinion.
I am a fan of a toilet closet or compartment for privacy. Our bathroom already had a full wall on the side of the toilet so we kept that to maintain a bit of separation from the rest of the bathroom.
Toilet – Wooden Toilet Seat – Toilet Brush Holder – Toilet Paper Holder – Art Set
The flow of the new bathroom feels really open and airy without losing any functionality, which is always my goal.
Timeless Tile Ideas for a Master Bathroom Remodel
Choosing the tile for our master bathroom remodel was probably the toughest part. I try to always make permanent design choices that are timeless and not trendy.
That is why for the shower I went with a classic matte subway tile. Subway tile is timeless and does not have to be boring.
We incorporated a chair rail and picture frame molding design using marble stone pieces to elevate the look of the shower.
The chair rail pieces are Calacatta Gold 1/2-in x 12-in Honed Marble Pencil Tile. The picture frame pieces are Bright White Matte 1/2-in x 12-in Matte Composite Jolly Tile.
For the shower floor we went with this beautifully patterned 12-in x 12-in Honed Natural Marble Mosaic floor tile. This incorporated some color and pattern in our shower without being overwhelming.
One of my most favorite design choices in this bathroom remodel is the checkered floor tile. This Checkerboard Matte Porcelain tile is classically elegant and the 24″x24″ tiles made a big statement in our bathroom.
We went with Calacatta and Amani Grey colored tile to soften the look although I also love a black and white check too.
I will say that if you are going to choose a large format floor tile, unless you are a confident tile installer, it might be better to hire a professional. We hired out all the tile installed for our bathroom (mainly because I was in the first trimester of pregnancy and throwing up everywhere) and I have zero regrets.
My biggest tip when choosing tile for your bathroom remodel is to choose pieces that complement each other and not compete. Choosing a bunch of patterned/busy tile types will leave the design looking choppy and cluttered.
Choosing the Right Bathtub Type for your Space
There are multiple styles of bathtubs and install options depending on what you want for your bathroom remodel.
Freestanding tubs are growing increasingly popular, especially the claw foot version. Claw foot tubs add a vintage element to the space and take up less space than other bathtub versions.
Bathtub Faucet – Wooden Stool – Apothecary Jars
Alcove and drop-in bathtubs are more commonly used options, but can still add beauty to a bathroom design.
We chose to go with a drop in bathtub version because I personally like to have the functionality of a stone ledge around the tub. Also I don’t love the idea of having to clean behind and underneath a clawfoot tub…
For our bathtub skirt we DIY-ed this dark wood traditional style front. This DIY tub skirt cost about $115 and was so easy to build.
We went with a Provincial stain color and I love the added elegance it gives to our bathroom remodel.
Bathroom Hardware Finishes
Vanity – Faucet – Sconces – Mirror
One of the simplest ways to elevate the look of your master bathroom remodel is by choosing the right hardware finishes.
Faucets, cabinet pulls, towel bars, and shower fixtures may seem like small details, but together they set the overall tone of the space.
Matte black finishes add modern contrast and pair beautifully with light tile or white cabinetry.
Brushed nickel is a timeless, low-maintenance option that works well in both traditional and transitional spaces.
For a touch of warmth, we went with brass and champagne bronze finishes. These finishes look stunning when mixed with natural materials like wood and marble.
I also love choosing bathroom hardware that has extra functionality, like the handheld sprayers on our shower and bathtub fixtures.
Don’t be afraid to mix finishes — for example, using black for cabinet hardware and brass for lighting — to create a layered, designer look. Just be sure to keep the number of finishes to two or three so the space feels cohesive, not cluttered.
Check out how to mix and match hardware finishes and styles here!
Lighting Ideas to Make Your Master Bathroom Feel Bigger and Brighter
The right lighting can completely transform the look and feel of your master bathroom — especially if the space is on the smaller side.
For our bathroom remodel we went with a mix of ambient lighting and task lighting.
Our semi flush mount light adds to the antique design of our bathroom remodel and closely resembles the light we chose for our hallway makeover.
The milk glass is charming and it surprisingly gives off a good amount of light.
We also added these pretty brass sconces around the bathroom vanity mirrors. I love sconces around the mirror because they add extra light when I’m applying makeup and reduce shadows.
The simple white light shades let through the perfect amount of light and look classically simple.
Even our recessed shower light was adorned with an ornate medallion for a little extra design detail.
Storage & Organization Hacks for Master Bathroom Remodels
One thing that was super important to me when designing this master bathroom was making sure we had ample storage.
Smart storage is one of the most important (and often overlooked) parts of a successful master bathroom remodel. You can easily maximize vertical space with built-in shelving, floating shelves, or tall linen cabinets that keep essentials off the countertops while adding visual height to the room.
We also added a recessed niche in the shower to neatly store shampoo and soap without taking up floor space. These plastic shampoo, conditioner, and body wash bottles were also a nice touch in keeping everything looking neat and tidy.
Our bathroom vanities have two large pull-out drawers that store all our personal bathroom items. Drawer organizers and pull-out baskets inside vanities make everyday items easy to access and prevent clutter from building up.
We purchased this large antique style armoire for storing towels, washcloths, and larger bulk items. I love the mirrored doors that are perfect for outfit checks.
The items on the bathroom vanity tops are contained in these pretty mirrored trays to keep items neatly contained and styled.
Simple bathroom storage and organization can go a long way in making a bathroom feel neat, organized, and uncluttered.
Choosing the Right Paint Color for a Bathroom Remodel
The paint color you choose can completely change the atmosphere of your bathroom — making it feel brighter, larger, cozier, or more luxurious.
For a fresh and airy look, opt for light neutrals like soft whites, warm beiges, or pale blues, which reflect light beautifully and make the space feel open.
For our bathroom I chose to paint the shiplap Chantilly Lace, the perfect white paint color that isn’t too stark but also doesn’t pull any yellowing hues.
If you want a touch of drama, deep greens, moody blues, or dark stains can create a spa-like retreat when paired with warm metals and natural textures.
To add depth and contrast to our white bathroom I stained the trim with Provincial stain. It is a deep, dark stain color that warms up the space.
Consider how your chosen color interacts with tile, lighting, and fixtures, these elements can shift how the shade appears throughout the day.
Satin or semi-gloss finishes are ideal for bathrooms since they resist moisture and are easy to clean, while still giving walls a polished look.
Don’t forget to test paint samples on the wall first — lighting can drastically change how a color reads in a small space. I prefer to use Sampalize peel and stick samples, I find them to be the most accurate representation of the color plus they are easy to remove.
Must-Have Features to Include in Your Master Bathroom Remodel
I guess this list should really be called nice to have, none of these are “necessary” per se. But they are all really nice features if you have extra room in your bathroom remodel budget.
Starting with heated floors! I am so excited to utilize these heated floors this winter. We used this heated floor kit that was very easy to install.
The next nice to have item on our list was adding a Frame TV to our bathtub area. I built this simple DIY frame to go around it and when it’s not in use it looks like a beautiful piece of artwork.
Another item I really wanted in this bathroom renovation was this bathtub faucet that also has a handheld option. The handheld sprayer makes cleaning the bathtub and washing our little one’s hair so much easier.
This sweet little addition was a budget friendly find and the cutest way to have a toilet brush readily available.
Budget Breakdown: How Much Does a Master Bathroom Remodel Cost?
Master bathroom remodel costs will vary depending on where you are located, how much remodeling you plan to do, finishes you select, etc. Also whether you plan on hiring out some, all, or none of the work.
Basically a bathroom remodel can range anywhere from $5,000-$50,000.
For our bathroom remodel we set and saved $20,000 to tackle this project. Let’s see if we stayed on budget and how our money was spent.
Flooring Cost
- Sub Floor Replacement Boards $273
- Tile $1,224
- Tile Install $875
- Heated Flooring Kit $1,293
- Thinset + Grout $166
- Total: $3,831
Shower Cost
- Wall Tile (including chair rail, subway tile, picture frame molding) $1,354.47
- Shower Floor Tile $223.68
- Niche $96.98
- Kerdi-Shower Kit $714.96
- Shower Hardware $181
- Grout + Thinset $145
- Tile Install $1,484
- Shower Hardware Install $260
- Total $4,576.75
Bathtub Area Cost
- Bathtub $514.12
- Bathtub Hardware $536
- Stone Surround $1,160
- Tub Drain Tie in $125
- DIY Tub Skirt $115
- Frame TV $599
- DIY Frame for TV $15
- Total $3,064.12
Vanity Area Cost
- Two Vanities with Marble Tops $5,476
- Faucet Hardware $114
- Vanity Mirrors $162
- Moved Plumbing to Fit New Vanity Configuration $481
- Armoire $2,099
- Total $8,332
Toilet Area Cost
- New Toilet $342
- Wood Toilet Seat $110
- Vintage Toilet Brush Holder $33
- Toilet Paper Holder $23
- Framed Artwork $33.98
- Total $541.98
Shiplap/Crown Molding/Baseboard Cost/Trim Work
- Shiplap $1,078
- Crown Molding $128
- Baseboard $112
- Door/Window Trim $$250
- Total $1,568
Bathroom Paint and Ceiling Finish Cost
- Scraped Popcorn Ceiling $0
- Skim Coat + Painted Ceiling $800
- Paint + Supplies $133
- Total $933
Bathroom Lighting Cost
- (4) Sconce Lighting Fixtures $119
- Semi-Flush Mount Fixture + Medallion $235
- Shower Light Medallion $24.83
- Total $378.83
Total Master Bathroom Remodel Cost: $23,225.68
I would just like to say this is a rough estimate of our total cost, I did not include the cost for some of the small extras like caulk, painters tape, etc because I did a poor job at keeping those receipts…
All in all though we did a complete bathroom gut and remodel for less than $25,000 which seems reasonable considering we did end up hiring out a good bit of stuff. That’s what happens when you find out you’re pregnant a week into a major renovation (I can laugh about it now that I’m not throwing up everywhere).
Thankfully bathroom remodels can really increase your home’s value, so it’s never wasted money.
I could not be happier with how far this bathroom has come and how beautiful it turned out.
Absolutely insane that this is the same space, I am just so happy.
Let me know what you think about our bathroom remodel and if you think that is a reasonable amount to spend.
Shop Our Bathroom Here
You Might Also Like:
Step-by-Step Bathroom Renovation Checklist
Small Bathroom Remodel on a Budget: Vintage Bathroom Reveal
Painting Tile the Easy Way: Bathroom Makeover
Bathroom Remodel Ideas On A Budget: $100 Bathroom Makeover Reveal
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