Project Details:
A quick, high-impact remodel that turned a dated University Place bathroom into a refined, functional space. This project focused on elevating the room’s overall design, blending timeless materials with custom craftsmanship to create a cohesive, spa-inspired retreat.
Project Highlights:
- Tiled bathtub surround with over 1,000 hand-laid porcelain tiles
- Built-in niche for storage
- Marble-look porcelain tile flooring
- Modern vanity with vessel sink and storage
- Brushed brass faucet and lighting
A Fresh Start for a Classic Bathroom
This University Place bathroom started with the basics: a standard fiberglass tub, plain floors, and a vanity that had seen better days. While functional, the space lacked personality and warmth, and the homeowner was ready for a change.
The remodel brought a complete transformation. The old insert was replaced with a brand-new bathtub surrounded by over 1,000 hand-set tiles, creating a striking yet timeless tiled bathtub surround. Elegant marble-look floor tiles, a modern vessel sink, and brushed brass fixtures added layers of sophistication while keeping the palette clean and classic.
The goal was simple: elevate a tired bathroom into a calm, cohesive retreat that feels both current and enduring. The result is a perfect balance of craftsmanship, detail, and design—proof that even compact spaces can make a big impression.
Before the Bathroom Remodel
Drab, Outdated & Ready for a Change
The Original Bathtub and Surround
Before the remodel, this University Place bathroom featured a standard fiberglass tub and shower insert—the kind that’s more practical than inspiring.
The once‑white surface had yellowed over time, and the molded ledges left little room for anything beyond the basics. With no visual texture or tile detailing, the tub area set the tone for a space that felt dated and flat.
Floors and Fixtures That Fell Flat
The original wood‑look flooring added some warmth but clashed with the cooler wall tones and outdated finishes. A simple drop‑in sink, builder‑grade vanity, and hexagonal mirror completed the look. It was functional, but far from cohesive.
The lighting fixture played off the mirror with its geometric and modern shape, but it didn’t quite balance the rest of the bathroom’s understated design. We knew there was a better way to bring some style into the room.
A Space Ready for Potential
Despite its shortcomings, the layout offered solid bones to work with: a well‑proportioned bathtub alcove, natural light from the hallway, and enough square footage to support upgraded materials. All it needed was vision, craftsmanship, and a design plan that brought elegance and efficiency together.
The Tile Transformation
Over 1,000 Tiles, Hand-Laid with Care
A Custom Tiled Bathtub Surround
That Steals the Show
The true centerpiece of this University Place bathroom remodel is the tiled bathtub surround—a striking design feature that blends craftsmanship with function.
Gone is the plain white insert; in its place, a dramatic wall of vertical subway tile now wraps the bathtub in color, texture, and timeless style.
Sage Green Subway Tiles, With a Twist
We used slim, rectangular tiles in a dark sage green tone to give the space both warmth and sophistication. Laid vertically, the pattern draws the eye upward, making the room feel taller and more open.
This layout is not only modern but also a subtle departure from traditional horizontal tilework—proof that bathtub tile designs can be both classic and contemporary.
Built-In Niches for Storage and Style
To add function without interrupting the visual flow, we integrated recessed niches into the bathtub shower tile layout. These built-ins offer smart storage for toiletries while maintaining a clean, uncluttered look. Framed with matching tile that continued the pattern, they feel fully integrated into the overall bathroom tile surround.
Craftsmanship in Every Tile
Over 1,000 individual porcelain tiles were meticulously hand-laid in this bathtub tile design. Projects like this require more than just attention to detail—they demand proper leveling, perfectly spaced grout lines, and a careful approach to every cut and corner. The result is a seamless installation that elevates the entire room.
Floors & Fixtures That Finish the Look
Marble-Look Tiles + Brushed Brass Accents
Elegant Flooring That Grounds the Space
To complement the striking bathtub tile surround, we upgraded the floors with a marble-look tile that brings classic style and modern durability. The subtle gray veining adds movement and texture without overwhelming the room, making it a standout choice for bathroom tile designs that feel both timeless and fresh.
These tiles are not just beautiful—they’re also water-resistant and easy to clean, making them ideal for any bathroom remodel in Tacoma or University Place.
Spa-Inspired Vanity and Fixtures
A modern vessel sink and tall brushed brass faucet set the tone for the vanity area, offering a spa-inspired look that feels both luxurious and approachable.
The soft white of the sink contrasts elegantly with the warm golden finish of the fixtures, creating a sophisticated balance of color and texture.
A Cohesive Design from Top to Bottom
From the flooring underfoot to the lighting overhead, every detail in this bathroom was chosen to work in harmony. The brass accents add warmth that plays beautifully against the cool greens of the tiled surround, while the soft marble tones keep the palette grounded and serene.
It’s proof that even a compact space can feel custom, luxurious, and uniquely yours.
The Results: Smart Storage & Timeless Style
A Modern Upgrade with a Timeless Feel
Functional Upgrades With Lasting Impact
Every practical detail in this bathroom remodel was carefully considered—from the new vanity with ample storage to the updated toilet and sleek towel rod.
Built to meet today’s codes and tomorrow’s needs, these upgrades prioritize function without compromising on style.
A Space That Works—
and Wows
The tiled shower wall includes a recessed storage niche that keeps essentials tidy and within reach, while blending seamlessly into the overall layout.
With clean lines, balanced proportions, and a timeless mix of finishes, this bathroom now combines everyday function with enduring style.
