Explore our approach to bathroom renovation and creating a serene spa-like atmosphere with Japandi tile.
With so many home renovation projects, it's hard to choose favorites when there are so many good transformations, but I am so excited to share this bathroom renovation because this was really one for the books.
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Bathroom Transformation: The Before
The before was absolutely atrocious! I counted down the days to this bathroom renovation because it was so outdated, I couldn't wait to get started on it.
Bathroom Transformation: The Design
I had seen this Japandi tile everywhere and knew it would be the perfect tile to bring the spa-like feel I was looking for. I am also a huge fan of wall paneling and it looks almost identical to it. It also felt really simple, but I knew it would really make a statement. I decided to couple it with a simple floor and shower tile and it was absolutely the perfect choice.
Before I started the actual renovation, I created this render to put my ideas on paper to help me bring the design to life. It also really helps my contractors when I'm trying to explain my vision. When i can visually show them what I'm wanting it makes the process a lot smoother.
Bathroom Transformation: Demo
With the design all mapped out, it was time to actually get started with the bathroom remodel. So we got right into demo. I always try to do the demo myself to help save money, so I had my assistants help me tear everything out.
There was originally one sink in this bathroom but I wanted to switch it to a double sink, so I pulled out all of the drywall, so the plumber could work his magic. Adding an additional sink was definitely a good call.
We ripped out the old shower and tub and then my plumber added all the additional plumbing needed. The price was a little inflated because there was a lot of additional plumbing work that needed to be done. This house is on a well and has hard water, so we had to replace a lot of fittings. Good thing is, everything is brand spanking new!
I really wanted a rain shower head, but I wanted to make sure it was operational on its own, because I knew I wouldn't want to use it all the time and I knew I wanted a freestanding tub.
Bathroom Transformation: Tile Installation
Since I wanted a more peaceful vibe, I decided to go with a more simplistic floor tile.
My tile guy started laying the floor tile first and it looked so good. Simple but makes a statement and I decided to just go with a white grout so it wouldn't stick out too much.
Once the floor tile was down and grouted, we started adding the drywall and cement board back to the walls to get started with the shower. I opted to add a rain head shower head, so we had to open that up as well for the plumber to add everything that was needed.
Then the guys started prepping for the drypack. They have to set up the wood in order to form the concrete. I showed my tile guy the idea I had for the shower and he was able to create it.
Here is what it looked like once all the concrete was all laid. It took a few days for it to completely dry before we could proceed.
Then it was time to start laying the Japandi tile! I had been waiting on this moment because it meant one step closer to getting my new bathroom. The important part about laying these tiles was making sure that they line up perfectly so that when they were grouted it looked seamless.
I decided instead of having a regular square niche, I wanted to go with an arched niche to give it that Moroccan feel, so I had my tile guy create this unique niche and it was the perfect touch to the shower.
These large format tiles really are nice and seeing the vision come to life in real time was well worth the wait. I was able to find these polished marble mosaic tiles to place in the shower area and they were the perfect fit for the Japandi tiles and floor. It had just enough uniqueness to stand to on its own but still fit in with the full design.
Next up was picking the grout, and I wanted to fins something that was closest to the colors of the tile so that it would blend in with the tile, so I opted to go with Pale Umber.
Once the tiles were grouted, everything really looked seamless, making sure the tiles lined perfectly really made the whole look come together.
Bathroom Transformation: The Details
With the tile work out of the way, it was time to start adding in all of the extra details to make this bathroom come alive.
For the countertops, I decided to go with this pretty marble and decided to do a tall 15" backsplash for a different design. I wanted the mirrors to overlap over the backsplash so I made it a little higher than normal.
The walls in the bathroom had this orange peel texture that I absolutely hate, so I decided to skim coat the walls to give them a fresh look and it was definitely worth it. After skim coating, the walls looked so fresh!
Next up, was adding in the bathroom lighting. I especially love this dome pendant light over the tub, it scream spa to me. The vanity lights were no different; I really love the uniqueness of them. Use code "Ashley20" for 20% off Mitzi Lighting!
Then I had to decide on mirror that I would go well with the tall splash, so I decided on these big square gold mirrors. They come in many colors and sizes, so you hav options if you like them.
Once the backsplash was in place, we had to prep the walls for the backsplash. With the backsplash idea, we did have to bring out the wall a bit, so the tiles would be seamless with the splash. So we added two sheets of thin drywall to bump the wall out. We also made sure to add studs where the mirrors would hang, so there was enough support and we pre-hung the mirrors, so e could just tile around the screws.
I have used this Chloe Tile many times before, so I decided to use it for the backsplash. This was my first time using it in this color. I love Chloe tile so much because of the variation of the tiles.
Just make sure you realize where you are placing your tiles, so you don't get the same color right beside each other.
I was able to find this large tub at a local store called the Builders Warehouse. It was just under $900 and went perfectly in the space. My plumber hooked it in and started hooking in the shower head and handheld and the tub fixtures.
I personally am a fan of mixing metals and finish colors, so I decided to go black with the faucets to tie in with the black shower hardware.
I wanted the cabinet to be slightly darker than its natural tone so I used tung oil to seal the cabinet. it created the perfect color.
I found the prefect hardware to use for the cabinet, so I installed those next. There are these two-tone handles and went perfectly with the mixed metals.
The last step was transforming this square door into an arch and adding in this new interior door!
Bathroom Transformation: The Final Reveal
Here is the final look of my main bathroom. I knew the Japandi tile would look great but this bathroom really exceeded my expectations
Can we talk about this soaker tub though?! It was the perfect tub for this space and I love that its a little larger than a standard size tub.
Everything came together beautifully and the peaceful spa vibe I was going for was created! I'm glad that I decided to go for it and do a higher splash because I love how it looked in the end. Honestly, I wish I would have went a little higher now!
Now it's time for me to go and enjoy my new bathroom. Hope you enjoyed this post.
As Always, Thanks for reading.
