He Tore Out the Turquoise Tile Bathroom and Rebuilt the Entire Space From Scratch
Want a bathroom that looks larger, functions better, and no longer feels trapped in another decade? This renovation, originally shared by Reddit user u/the_blind_referee, transformed a narrow bathroom filled with turquoise tile, a tiled countertop, and mosaic flooring into a modern space centered around a large walk-in shower.
The original bathroom had remained largely unchanged for decades. Turquoise wall tile wrapped the room, the vanity was built directly into a tiled countertop, and a small shower sat behind a dividing wall at the back of the space. The layout felt narrow, and the finishes dominated every surface.
Instead of updating a few fixtures, the project went down to the framing and concrete. Walls came open, plumbing moved, the shower was rebuilt, and every finish changed. The result looks like an entirely different bathroom despite keeping the same footprint. The homeowner completed the renovation over four months for approximately CAD $6,500 by sourcing materials through clearance deals and marketplace finds.
The Original Bathroom Was Defined by Turquoise Tile and a Tiled Countertop
The before photos show turquoise wall tile covering nearly half the room, paired with a matching tiled countertop that stretched across the vanity. Mosaic floor tile added another pattern, creating a busy mix of surfaces inside a narrow footprint.
A partition wall separated the shower area from the sink, making the room feel longer and tighter. The small vanity sink, older lighting, and limited storage reinforced the dated appearance.
The Renovation Started With Full Demolition
The turquoise tile, vanity, walls, and shower were removed completely. Once demolition began, the project exposed framing, plumbing lines, concrete walls, and the original subfloor.
Part of the floor slab was opened to accommodate plumbing changes. The shower area was stripped back to its structure so a new layout could be built from scratch.
Waterproofing and Shower Construction Became the Foundation
After framing and plumbing work, the new shower area received cement board, waterproofing materials, and a custom shower base. Recessed storage niches were framed into the wall before finishes were installed.
These stages rarely appear in finished-room photos, but they determine how well a bathroom performs over time. The waterproofing system and shower construction formed the foundation for everything that followed.
The New Shower Became the Focal Point
The completed bathroom centers around a large walk-in shower enclosed with clear glass. Vertical wall tile extends across the shower walls, while black hardware creates contrast against the lighter finishes.
Removing the old dividing wall opened sightlines from one end of the room to the other. The shower now feels integrated into the space rather than hidden behind a separate enclosure.
Wood Beadboard Replaced the Turquoise Wall Tile
The original bathroom relied on turquoise wall tile that wrapped almost the entire room, including the vanity surround. While the color dominated the space, the tile also created a hard visual break that made the narrow bathroom appear even longer and more confined.
Instead of installing wall tile across every surface again, the renovation introduced painted wood beadboard and trim details along both sides of the room. The panel treatment adds texture and architectural definition without competing with the flooring, vanity, or shower. Combined with the lighter wall color, the beadboard helps simplify the space while giving the bathroom a more finished custom-built appearance.
A Dark Wood Vanity Grounds the New Design
While many bathroom remodels move entirely toward white finishes, this project introduced contrast through a dark wood vanity. The cabinet adds visual weight without competing with the surrounding surfaces.
An offset sink leaves additional countertop space, a decision the homeowner later explained was a priority during product selection. The vanity also introduces natural texture that balances the tile and painted surfaces.
Checkerboard Flooring Replaced the Mosaic Tile
One of the biggest visual changes appears underfoot. Small mosaic tile gave way to large-format square tiles arranged in a checkerboard pattern.
The larger tile format reduces grout lines and gives the room a cleaner appearance. The pattern also draws attention down the length of the bathroom, emphasizing the full depth of the space.
Black Fixtures Create Contrast Throughout the Room
The shower hardware, faucets, towel warmers, and sliding shower door system all use a black finish. These details stand out against the lighter wall tile, vanity top, and painted surfaces, creating clear visual definition without introducing additional colors.
The shower also includes a built-in bench that adds comfort and practical storage space for toiletries. Above the vanity, an LED-backlit mirror replaces the small mirror and exposed light fixture from the original bathroom. Together, the illuminated mirror, shower seating, and black hardware give the room a more contemporary appearance while improving everyday function.
The Finished Bathroom Looks Much Larger Than Before
The footprint remained largely the same, but the perception of space changed significantly. Removing visual clutter, simplifying material selections, and opening the shower area created a room that appears wider and more organized.
The contrast between the turquoise-tile bathroom and the finished remodel shows how much impact can come from rethinking layout, materials, and surface treatments rather than adding square footage.
What Do You Think?
Would you have preserved the original turquoise tile bathroom, or would you have taken the same approach and rebuilt the space from scratch? Let us know in the comments.
Project shared on Reddit by user u/the_blind_referee, all credits go to Reddit user u/the_blind_referee.