Every era has its trends. The 1970s gave us shag carpet in the bathroom (why?), the 1980s celebrated brass everything, and the 1990s? That was the age of the oversized tub deck, the postage-stamp shower, and enough mirror to make you feel like you were trapped in a funhouse.
For nearly 30 years, the owners of this 1990s master bathroom lived with that formula: big, clunky tub deck, tiny shower, wallpaper that had outstayed its welcome, and a ceiling with popcorn texture best left in the past. Eventually, they decided it was time for a bathroom that reflected who they were now: practical, stylish, and deserving of a true retreat.
Goodbye Tub, Hello Spa
The first order of business was eliminating the tub deck. It took up precious square footage but never actually got used. In its place, the design team introduced what the homeowners had been craving: a spacious walk-in shower with no barrier at the entrance, perfect for aging gracefully in place.
And this wasn’t just any shower. It came equipped with:
- A rain head
- A handheld
- A standard shower fixture for ultimate flexibility
A quartz-capped half wall hides a built-in bench and large shampoo niche, making the space functional without sacrificing beauty. The shower floor features a 2” mosaic, while the walls combine 24” x 24” and 12” x 24” porcelain tiles, arranged with varied grout lines and accented by a striking blue glass band. The effect is both modern and soothing, like stepping into a personal spa.
Storage that Works Overtime
In place of the old shower and tub, a new linen cabinet now pulls double duty. Its lower half is designed for laundry baskets, while the upper shelves store towels and bathroom essentials. Open the tall cabinet doors, and interior lighting clicks on automatically—one of those thoughtful details that makes daily life easier. Painted white, the cabinetry recedes elegantly into the background, letting the tile and finishes shine.
Vanity, with Character
The vanity wall stayed mostly where it was, but the details got a major upgrade. Wide, deep drawers replaced outdated cabinetry, offering easy access to everyday items. Toe-kick details give the vanities a furniture-like elegance. A backsplash of blue accent tile ties the vanity to the shower design, unifying the room with color and texture.
Gone are the mirrors covering entire walls; instead, clear shower glass brings natural light from the skylight above into every corner of the space. Even the exhaust fan was cleverly tucked into the skylight chase to prevent condensation without disrupting the clean design.
A True Sanctuary
What was once a dated bathroom frozen in the 1990s has been reborn as a serene, spa-inspired sanctuary. Large-format marble-look porcelain tiles add luxury, while thoughtful touches—like a flush shower entry, concealed storage, and sparkling chrome fixtures—make the space both practical and indulgent.
The homeowners got exactly what they envisioned: a retreat that’s beautiful today, timeless tomorrow, and ready to grow with them for decades to come.
