If bathrooms could talk, this one would have begged for a makeover decades ago. Tucked into a cozy condo built in the early 1990s, the space had all the hallmarks of that era: yellowing molded marble counters, oak-trimmed laminate cabinets, a fiberglass tub surround that refused to look clean, and a tile floor the color of old almonds. In short—it was a time capsule, and not the kind you put in a museum.
The owners, lovers of their lakefront view, wanted the bathroom to match the serenity and beauty of Lake Michigan. But as with many condo remodels, there were rules: plumbing couldn’t be relocated, and the laundry machines had to stay put. The challenge was clear—how do you inject spa-like calm and timeless style into a space with immovable obstacles?
Out with the Tub, In with the Spa
The biggest change came with the removal of the clunky old fiberglass tub. In its place, a full shower with a quartz bench was designed, bringing both function and luxury. This wasn’t just a shower—it was a retreat. The walls were dressed in three different tiles that together created a watery, layered effect. One long wall glimmers with blue-green glass tile that echoes the colors of the lake. Alongside it, a large-format white tile with a dimensional wave pattern adds texture, while an iridescent linear mosaic brings a touch of sparkle.
The shower floor? A pebble mosaic that feels like stepping onto a sun-warmed pier. A linear drain—cleverly designed to align with the existing plumbing—disappears seamlessly into the floor.
Details That Delight
Function was just as important as beauty. A quartz bench with softly rounded corners was anchored into the shower, its support discreetly hidden by a band of linear mosaic tile. Dual shampoo niches trimmed in marble pencil liners keep toiletries organized, while the backs of the niches were finished with the same lake-inspired glass tile for a subtle punch of color.
The vanity was upgraded to one with deep drawers—finally providing room for a hair dryer, cosmetics, and the usual arsenal of bathroom essentials. To maximize every inch of the space, a shallow wall cabinet was installed above the toilet—perfect for storing band-aids, medicine, and all the little things that don’t deserve to clutter the countertop.
The countertop itself? A polished quartz surface that matches the shower bench, tying the whole space together with elegance and ease.
A Cohesive Finish
Even the flooring joined in the theme. Durable, worn wood-look tiles were chosen to mimic the weathered boards of lake piers, grounding the spa-like blues and whites in a natural, rustic texture. The old tile base was swapped for a marble base, its height perfectly aligned with the shower threshold. The shower door now rests on solid marble, ensuring durability while keeping maintenance easy.
To soften the look of the utility area, a new curtain conceals the laundry machines—because nothing says “spa” like hiding your piles of towels and socks.
Big Style in a Small Space
What began as a dated and uninspired bathroom is now a stylish, spa-inspired retreat that reflects the shimmering blues and natural textures of Lake Michigan. With smart storage, durable finishes, and thoughtful design details, this condo bathroom proves that size doesn’t matter—style does.
