A Brief Overview
As the only bathroom in a 1,120 sq ft 1950s home occupied by a growing family—with one child and another potentially on the way—the goal was clear: maximize functionality, support both daily showering and bathing needs, and meaningfully increase the home’s long-term value.
Timeline
3 Weeks
Location
Sacramento, CA
Budget
$17,500
Key Features
- Removed non-functional soffit to visually open the tub/shower area
- Cloé ceramic tile by Bedrosians for a timeless tub surround
- Metro 2.0 porcelain floor tile by Bedrosians set at a 50% stagger
- 54″ Kingston Brass alcove tub balancing bathing and shower needs
- Built-in shower niche for everyday organization
- Signature Hardware fixtures in polished nickel for elevated finish
- Custom flush inset vanity with reduced depth and maximized length
- Relocated toilet to improve storage efficiency
- Minor door relocation to enhance flow
- White oak floating shelves for added storage and warmth
The Vision
The Transformation
The Bathing Area and Fixtures
One of the first changes addressed an outdated design choice that limited the room’s potential. The original bathroom featured a full soffit above the bathtub, serving no functional purpose other than reflecting the design trends of its era. By removing it, we immediately gave the tub and shower area a more open, spacious feel without altering the room’s footprint.
For the tub surround, Presley specified Cloé 2.5″ x 8″ Glossy Ceramic Tile in Grey by Bedrosians Tile & Stone, delivering a clean, timeless look that felt appropriate for the home’s age while still feeling fresh. The bathroom floor was finished with Metro 2.0 12″ x 24″ tile in Arcadia, set in a 50% stagger for visual movement and durability.
To balance space efficiency with everyday usability, we installed a 54″ Kingston Brass alcove tub—a reduced-size model that functions comfortably as both a bathtub for children and a shower for adults. A built-in niche was added to keep shampoo, conditioner, soap, and bath accessories organized and off the tub ledge.
Fixture selections were one area where the homeowner chose to invest a bit more. A Signature Hardware fixture package in polished nickel was selected for both the tub/shower and vanity, adding a refined, high-end feel while keeping the overall remodel grounded within the Essential tier.
Smarter Storage Through Subtle Layout Changes
The most impactful layout improvement involved rethinking how storage was distributed. Originally, a built-in storage closet occupied one side of the tub while the vanity area remained limited. The designer proposed relocating the toilet into the former storage closet footprint, allowing us to consolidate storage at the vanity wall instead of splitting it across the room.
This shift made room for a custom-built vanity, designed to meet several specific requirements:
- Flush inset cabinetry per the designer’s vision
- Reduced depth to improve walkway clearance
- Maximum possible length to capitalize on otherwise dead space
The finished vanity measured 54″ wide, topped with a cultured marble countertop, and painted to the exact color specified by the designer. This solution delivered far more usable storage without making the compact room feel crowded.
To accommodate the new layout, we also shifted the bathroom door a few inches, subtly improving circulation and making the space feel more open.
To round out the storage needs, we installed custom white oak floating shelves above the toilet—providing accessible storage while adding warmth and character to the room.
The Result
This remodel delivered a highly functional, family-friendly bathroom while staying true to the spirit of our Essential Bathroom Remodel tier. With only minor layout changes, we were able to dramatically improve usability, storage, and comfort—while giving a 1950s home what may be its first major bathroom update.
The end result is a space that works for parents, children, and future buyers alike—proof that thoughtful planning and craftsmanship can make even a small bathroom do big things.
Marin Design Co
