A Modern Bathroom Update
When it comes to buying a home, I like to put my own stamp on things, and from the minute we bought this one, the bathroom was on the TOP of the chopping block (really though, what WASN’T on the chopping block).
However, because bathrooms can be total pork chops on the budget, I had to bide my time until we were ready to do it right. And even then, I was hesitant to get the ball rolling until Moen sent me an email and said ‘Heyyyy girl, you doing any renovating? We’d love to supply you with some products!’ SAY NO MORE! The ball was OFFICIALLY rolling.
Now that doesn’t mean that I wanted to blow the bank – I still wanted it to be budget-friendly, so I decided on the following:
- I would keep the vanity. Because it’s built in between two walls, I couldn’t just go to a big box store and get a pre-fab unit that I could drop in – it HAD to be a custom size. So, I decided to get it painted and freshened up with new hardware.
- I would keep the footprint as everything is pretty functional where it is, other than the dead space behind the door (but I figured out something for that too).
- I would keep the tub. Our home is only 10 years old and because that shower rarely gets used, the fibreglass tub is in awesome shape.
- I would use and abuse subway tiles. This would keep the majority of my tile sq footage in line with my budget.
You ready Betty?
Let’s start in the hallway…like most hallways, it’s visually stimulating and an architectural wonder…
Well, it might still be a basic hallway, but NOW it has some personality via a wicked accent wall and is a great lead-up to the main bathroom!
The Best Hallway Paint Colours
I chose Benjamin Moore Gray for the accent wall, alongside Sherwin Williams Creamy on the main walls. We also installed new flooring (sue-prize, sue-prize). The original carpet was showing its age, so it was time for an update! (and no, the madness never ends)
NOW, on to the good stuff – WINE. Just joking…the loo!
The Main Bathroom Area
Before, the maple vanity and dark surfaces made this bathroom feel heavy and moody (like me once a month) and didn’t make ANY sense with the shockingly white 4×4 tile in the shower.
And after…go GREIGE or go home! Maybe I’ll do both seeing as I now LOVE our bathroom…
I chose Benjamin Moore Classic Gray for the walls as I wanted a soft, subtle look that didn’t compete with any of the tilework or countertop. And notice it’s the SAME VANITY, just updated with a fresh coat of paint and hardware!
The Light Fixture, Countertop & Vanity
The old light fixture always made me think of those metal fish that you see on the back of cars that say ‘JESUS’ in the middle. Once I saw it, I couldn’t unsee it. And y’all know how religious I am…
I chose Caesarstone Bianco Drift which is a quartz countertop with warm gray, greige, white and brown tones (you’ll see this same countertop HERE)…
And just LOOK at the shower reflected in the mirror!
From the beginning, I knew I wanted to make the wall behind the vanity into a feature of some sort. I tossed in between subway tile, wallpaper, a wine rack or jazzy accent tile. I went with subway tile because it was affordable and apparently wine racks in bathrooms are taboo (pshawww).
To save some money, I had Delea of Details Painting spray the maple vanity in Benjamin Moore Metropolis. Her work was SEAMless and saved me a whack load of money!
Laminate Countertops – High End Ideas, Low End Prices
The flooring is a gorgeous 12×24 porcelain tile from City Tile. It has a subtle texture and a mix of white, greige and beige tones. I also used it instead of traditional baseboard.
The Faucet
I knew that I wanted a two-handle widespread faucet, rather than a lever-style, so I chose the Glyde Collection from Moen. Because the vanity is six feet long, I feel like this style better suits the length and I like the graceful lines of it. From there, I coordinated the light fixture to have the same finish and the same smooth, slightly curved lines.
4 Subway Tile Ideas for your Kitchen and Backsplash
The Tub & Shower Area
The tub and shower…why would I EVER want to change it? The funny thing is, 4×4 white tile is coming back in style, however, I ain’t hoppin’ on THAT bandwagon. I either wanted a large 12×24 tile or some type of subway tile.
And the winner was subway tile! After exhausting all of the possibilities (you have NO idea how much I agonize over my own home – there is no wine bottle large enough to settle me), I landed on this awesome 4×10 tile from Lowe’s. MAAAAD love. It’s greige, soft, and subtle as I wanted the bathroom to feel fresh and clean, but not ‘stark’.
And seriously, the hexagon accent tile just about did me in when I first saw it, I started drooling on-site and almost biffed it in my own puddle. I’d looked HIGH and low for just the right accent tile and THIS was it!
I found it at Cornerstone Tile in Nanaimo. The warm greige tones were a nice break from the traditional white/gray/black marble that I usually work with in my Online Consulting.
I decided to make a 10″ high wall-to-wall niche for a simple look with some function. I didn’t want it to POP, but I did want it to be a classy statement.
Notice how the subway tile continues right to the end where it meets the alcove seamlessly.
I also chose the Glyde Collection for the tub/shower, for a coordinated look. I’m not really into the huge rain heads and like the simple, low-key look of the Glyde unit.
The Awkward Nook Behind the Door
As for the awkward area behind the door/shower area, I found this linen tower on clearance at Lowes and it filled up the space perfectly. Along with my Glyde robe/towel hooks, this area is now functional and pretty darned purdy!
And look at how soft and subtle Classic Gray looks. I darkened it by 25%, just to give it a weeee willy wink more depth and it still offers just the right gentle touch for this space.
And who gets MAD props on this project? Brett Edwards, that’s who! Brett of BE Tile did an awesome job from start to finish. He humoured me (as most people do) when I couldn’t make up my mind and went above and beyond to make sure that everything turned out JUST how I was hoping. The only negative was that he didn’t bring his baby Maxwell over enough so I could get my baby fix!
Want to know if painted maple cabinets lasted?
Our Maple Painted Cabinets – 2 Years Later
READ MORE
4 Tile & Shiplap Ideas for a Small Bathroom
3 Ideas to Add PERSONALITY to Your Small Bathroom or Powder Room
The 6 Best Paint Colours for a Bathroom Vanity
The 12 Best Whole Home Gray & Greige Paint Colours
Want some personalized ideas for your own home? Check out my Online Color Consulting!
Originally written in 2017, awesomely updated in 2021 for you!
Comments 81
Looks amazing Kylie!
I LOVE IT!! Every darn tootin’ detail lol. I’m a gray greige neutral loving kinda girl. Fantabulous job. I now have tile envy lol. Has to be a total pleasure walking into that door. I have had classic gray on my list for some time now but worried it would be too light. After seeing yours darkened by 25%, and it still looks light and fresh, I’m sold! Thanks so much. Great job.
What a transformation Kylie! It is just beautiful! I would love walking into that bathroom every morning. I love Jesus but I’m glad you got rid of the light, lol! You are so talented.
OMG, so purdy! And I’m not even a griege fan but love how soft & light it all is & decision to frame mirror w wall vs keeping full wall mirror–I don’t know that that would ever have occurred to me!
Ok, big question about cabinet painting, which you’ve posted on before: my niece claims that you can paint cabinets with chalkboard (or maybe just chalk?) paint instead of sanding before painting your chosen color. But I run this by the hardware store guy who says just to wipe it down w deglosser. What’s the best lazy-girl way to prep bathroom cabinets?
Where did u purchase light fixture?
That was from Lowe’s! Thanks for asking 🙂
Love, love, love the light fixture. Can you provide the manufacturer and model information. Thank you!
Author
Hi Tami! It was a few years ago now, but we actually got it from Lowes!
BEAUTIFUL! You mentioned the tile was from Lowes, but I am unable to find it. Will you please share the brand and color?
Hi Michelle, it is a colour called Pearl by Allen and Roth 🙂
Just the inspiration I needed! Beautiful job Kylie!
What is the color of your floor tile? It is stunning and just what I’m looking for.
Oh shoot Diana, I can’t remember the name! It is from City Tile in Nanaimo and I think it ‘might’ be Belagio light! Next time I’m there I can check 🙂
Hi Kylie
Your bathroom is gorgeous and an inspiration for our upcoming remodel. By chance were you able to verify the name and brand of your tile floor? Thanks so much for sharing.
Kathy
Author
Hi Kathy! I believe it was called Bellagio (Beige or white) from City Tile here in Nanaimo – I’m not quite sure who their main supplier is though…I hope that helps a bit!
Hi there. Beautiful bathroom!
I was curious if the tile went all the way to the ceiling prior to the remodel or is that something you added. I was just going through a contractor not a designer but he thought the tile going all the way up would make my small bathroom look even smaller.
Author
Hi Kim! The tile didn’t go all the way up, and it can actually make the bathroom look larger as there will be less breaks in horizontal surfaces – consistency is much better, I’d go all the way up every time!
Hi Kylie, nice project. I love white kitchens, My counter top is in granite with dark and light brown spots. Will it a good choice to paint the cabinets in white?
Thanks for your help.
NM
Hi Nora, you might want to consider a soft, slightly warm white – rather than a more typical stark or slightly cold white – that way it will tap into your countertop a bit better 🙂
~Kylie
What is the inside (top and bottom) of your awesome tub niche tiled with? It looks like you used a schluter edge and a shiny tile in there? It looks great!
Hi Susie – it’s the actually the same subway tie that is on the walls!
Love your bathroom! Do you remember the make, material and name of the hexagon in the bathtub inset? Exactly what we are looking for! Thanks!!
Hi Christina, thank you! I don’t, it’s from a local store called Cornerstone Tile. Next time I’m in there I can ask them!
Kylie, this is a gorgeous bathroom! Who is your sink by and the name? The dimensions look perfect for our vanity. Thank you, Scotti
Hi Scotti! It was actually a sink provided by the countertop company. I’m not sure of the brand, but it’s a series that they offer when you purchase the countertops – worked for me!
Can yoou provide the information about the sink?
Author
Hi Shar, it’s the Pearl brand and was supplied by the countertop company – Colonial Countertops, so it’s not a Home Depot/Lowe’s type of thing, more of a speciality thing (but not priced that way, just special in that they carry that specific brand).
Love your greige bathroom exactly what we want to do with our three bathroom renos same maple cabinets!! and 4×4 tile shower…… just wondering we have a city tile in burnaby was wondering if you have a product name for the porcelain floor tile I love it!!!! Thank you Patti
Hi Patti! I’m pretty sure the floor tile was the Bellagio line – there’s a few of them, and it was the lightest one of the 3. I hope that helps!
Kylie, I love your remodel and would really like to know the brand of the light fixture. I’ve looked extensively at Lowe’s online and can’t seem to find it.
Thank you so much!
Hi Aleta! Here’s the link here – it’s from the Canadian Lowes. I see that it has TERRIBLE reviews, but that being said we haven’t had a single issue with it ourselves, but i would probably be nervous about the reviews! https://www.lowes.ca/bathroom-vanity-lighting/ashley-harbour-4-light-polished-chrome-bathroom-vanity-light_g1371059.html
~Kylie
Nice job. What’s the color of cabinet?
Thanks.
Thank you John! That was Benjamin Moore Metropolis 🙂
~Kylie
Hi Kylie, your bathroom looks amazing! and the full width recess niche is a really nice touch – was it a lot of work in terms of framing? I assume parts of the studs behind the wall had to be removed and a header needs to be added?
Thank you!
Author
Hi Tian, thank you! Yes, they had to cut into the studs and reframe a bit with a header, but it was WELLLL worth it – it turned out pretty darned cool and in the ‘carpentry’ world it was pretty straightforward stuff!
~Kylie
Hi Kylie,
I am new to this remodel thing. I get anxiety picking a color! Your videos really helped me with understanding undertones. In your hallway is the baseboard painted the same color (creamy) as the walls? I was trying to go with a gray/griege color in my hallway but I have three storybook windows down a very long hallway that are north facing and it is pretty dark. Any of the cooler grays I pick (Big chill, crushed ice) when painted on the wall look Blue! I tried repose gray and it looks green! I’m stuck! I want it light and bright. Any other colors you could suggest?
Thanks,
Tammy
Author
Hi Tammy! In that hallway, the baseboard is BM Cloud White and the walls are Creamy – it’s amazing how natural light can shift things! Now I try to give as much complimentary advice on my blog posts and if that doesn’t work, sometimes it’s time for a closer look with my e-design, this way I can take a look at your room/questionnaire and come up with some ideas that can work, rather than just guessing! It is affordable (particularly for a hallway) and it’s fun! If you’re interested, the link is here… https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/product-category/interior-paint-colors/
Chat soon!
~Kylie
Wow!! Amazing transformation. I love the colours you’ve chosen. It’s so bright and fresh and clean looking! Very up to date too! Hard to believe the vanity is just painted with new hardware! Oh my goodness! I just love love love the final outcome! Awesome!
Author
Thank you Judi! 6 months later I STILL love it, which is rare for me as I get tired of things really fast (it’s an expensive hobby….). And it IS amazing what a lick of paint can do! I’ll be doing a blog post on our Office Bathroom shortly, it’s pretty awesome, I can’t wait to show you!
~Kylie
I LOVE they grey subway! We are using the same line for our remodel. Did you use a white grout? It looks like it might be a smidge darker than white but I can’t be sure. Trying to use a grout that won’t be as high maintenance as white. 🙂 thank you!
Author
Hi Sarah, it was definitely a lighter gray colour – Silver I think???? I’m REALLY glad I didn’t do white grout!
Have you mentioned where you purchased your pulls for the cabinets?
thanks so much for your post- beautiful post and I am very much inspired!
🙂
Nicole
Author
Hi Nicole, those were actually good old Home Depot!
~Kylie
What’s your countertop made of? Color? Thanks!
Author
Hi Laurie, it’s quartz! Caesarstone Bianco Drift:)
Did you use tile on the top and bottom parts of the shelf in the shower?
Author
We did the hexagon on the back only and the top/bottom are subway tile 🙂
Your tile and cabinet look great. Why the boring mirror?
Author
Haha! Yes, it is a boring mirror and that’s for a few reasons!
#1 – the lights didn’t allow for a mirror with a deeper frame
#2 – with a feature tile back wall and more detailed light, a decorative mirror would have been TOO much competition – over the top!
Trust me, thought goes into every choice I make!
~Kylie
Have you ever used BM Classic Gray darkened by 50%? I used it in a bedroom darkened by 25%. It looks great on 3 of the walls but one wall looks washed out by the natural light in the room.
Author
Hi Debby, good question! I get a bit nervous at 50% because I’ve found that 25% tweaks a colour, but doesn’t really alter its undertones. Whereas 50% can sometimes be a bit more unpredictable. The only other thing is that in the evening when the sun is down and ‘all is equal’ there will be a more noticeable shift, that being said, there is a shift on every wall due to shadows anyway!
Hi Kylie,
I love the colour of your bathroom cabinetry. Is it the same colour that you used for the cabinetry in your bar area?
Many thanks ????
Author
Oooo look at you – paying attention! You know what they are SUPER DUPER similar. The bar area is actually a ‘manufacturers colour’ that is SUPER close to the vanity 🙂
So beautiful! Well done. ???? I had a bathroom where you could see the toilet too and so I installed a spring hinge on the middle hinge and the door swings slowly shut to spare the view! I also put a “WC” on the door so guest no where to find it!
Hi there,
I really like your choice of subway tile in the washroom. I have read the article several times and I know that the tiles were purchased at Lowe’s but I didn’t find the colour of the tile. Do you remember the name?
Richard
Author
Hi Richard, I think it was something like ‘Pearl Gray’ perhaps, from the Allen and Roth line – unfortunately we’ve since moved so I can’t look at the spare box!
Hello Kylie, your remodel is beautiful!! If you don’t mind my asking, how much did this all cost? I am wanting to make over my bathroom and just want to be realistic with a budget.
Author
Ooo, good question, let’s see…
Painted vanity: $600
Countertop: $1200
All tile: Approx $500
Labour for tiling (demo,prep,install) – $2500
Plumbing: I was given the plumbing fixtures by Moen and just bought a $350 toilet.
So I would say in the end, hardware, paint, all that jazz, between $5-$6000.
Hope that helps!
We’re redoing our shower and I was hoping to make a niche just like this! Wondering how you made it go end to end with the studs being there?
Author
Hi Tam, it was a non-load bearing wall, backing onto a closet, so we cut into the studs and had the fellow rebuild around them a frame of sorts for the niche to sit in!
Did you use same grout color for floor and wall tile?
Author
Hi Sonya, no we didn’t! I don’t remember what they were, but the first round of grout on the shower tile was not done the right way (they did the wrong colour), so they had to use a grout tint/paint to change the colour! The floor is lighter 😉
Your bathroom turned out great! What is the length of the vanity? I ask because I want to get a 60″ with one sink but the opinions from my daughter and the plumber is that 1 sink will look weird on a cabinet that long.
Author
Thank you Sandra! Actually it was a slightly longer one, I think it was 65″… 🙂
Forgive me if this has already been asked. How much did you budget for this remodel?
Author
Hi Celia, it was a few years ago now, but i BELIEVE it came in around $5-6000. Not having to replace the vanity was a HUGE savings, but the tile labour was the big cost… 🙂
Love love your remodel!!!! What type of tub did you go with and color?
Author
Hi Carol, we actually kept the original (white) tub as it had a great shape to it and was in good condition 🙂
I may have missed it but what is your trim paint in bathroom?
Author
Hi Mary! We’ve moved since, but i THINK I did BM White Dove 🙂
Hi Kylie,
I was wondering what color tile you have in your bathroom. I ask because I am looking for the perfect greige to tone down the pink tone I am seeing in my taupe tile. Do you think classic gray would work? Unfortunately, the piece of tile alone looked to be the perfect taupey/gray color but when up on the wall I see pinkish tones. I really appreciate your help!
Thank you!
Lori
Author
Hi Lori! It’s hard to say without seeing photos, but I personally used Classic Gray and had great success with it! I darkened it by 25% though, just to get a bit more body from it.
Hi Kylie,
I am in the middle of a remodel of our 1/2 bath and decided to use the same cabinet color as you used in this bathroom remodel. However, our local BM store doesn’t darken any paint so I cannot use the 25% darkened classic gray you used. What other color would best match the 25% darkened classic gray? I tried Balboa Mist as this was the next color on the color strip next to the classic gray, however, I found that color a bit too dark next to the Metropolis (aka Eagle Rock). Thanks for all the information you provide through this website.
Author
Take a look at Sherwin Williams Egret White and see how it feels!
Kylie this looks lovely. I am planning to do a double shower no tub which means il will have a dead space too – from shower stall. A linen closet does not thrill me. ???? do you think your concept would translate? Your area has a lovely little curve .
Thanks Jan
Author
Hi Jan! I quite loved this little spot! If the wall were flat ALL of the way (and didn’t angle out) I would’ve even considered doing a bit of beadboard/board and batten on that wall and hanging hooks with a bench underneath. :).
Do you have the name of the accent tile. Our bathroom is being redone as we speak. I’m going crazy trying to find the accent tile and boom that’s it!!!
Author
Oh, I don’t have the name any more, it was several years ago, but it WAS from Lowes and the colour was Pearl (I think…) and it the Roth and Allen brand (we’re in Canada, but I’m sure I had someone in the states be able to track it down :).. I hope that helps!
I have that same subway tile in my kitchen for the backsplash just in the smaller size! I absolutely love it! 🙂
Beautiful greige bathroom luv it all. Kylie I was wondering how you hung your frameless mirror on the tile wall?
Author
Good question! We actually got a mortar bit and went through the tile – which WAS NERVE-WRACKING, but actually went really well! I’ve done a few similar things since – sloooow and easy.