Just as we mentioned last week, Reader Redesigns are back—and we’re excited to kick things off with Michelle’s stunning bathroom renovation. She and her husband, David, took a dated, intensely yellow bathroom, stripped it down, reconfigured the layout, and rebuilt it in a calm palette of greys and crisp whites. Their transformation is dramatic and thoughtful. Here’s Michelle’s note to us:
Hi Sherry & John! Your bathroom at your first house inspired my husband and me to renovate our 1952 en-suite. We followed so many of your tips and ran into the same demolition headaches (that wire mesh was a nightmare). Thankfully, the hard part is over. I shared the big final reveal on my blog Ten June, and you can look back at the whole renovation there too. Thanks for the inspiration! —Michelle
The result is almost unrecognizable compared to the original space. Where there was once an awkward layout with a bathtub and toilet dominating the footprint, Michelle and David created a much more functional plan that feels open, modern, and serene. They replaced the cramped fixtures with a beautifully arranged double shower, added refined finishes, and used a restrained color palette to give the room a fresh, cohesive look.
The double shower is a standout: it now occupies the area where the toilet and tub used to sit, and it’s clad with hex tiles that add subtle pattern and texture. Those hex tiles are used thoughtfully throughout the shower design, creating a cohesive, layered look without overwhelming the space. The tile selection and its repeated details throughout the shower area pull the whole design together and elevate the renovation from simply practical to refined and intentional.
A soft gray vanity anchors the space and pairs gracefully with the white countertops and polished chrome fixtures. Angled mirrors add visual interest and reflect light, creating a brighter, more open feel. Small but impactful choices—like coordinating tile accents and thoughtful hardware—help unify the design and make the bathroom feel like a carefully curated retreat rather than just a remodel.
Michelle and David also shared many before, during, and after photos on their blog, which document the full progression of the project: from demolition challenges to finishing details. Viewing the sequence of images highlights how much planning and effort went into reworking the layout and selecting materials that would stand the test of time. Their process is a great example of how thoughtful design decisions and persistence through the messy phases of a renovation pay off in the end.
Sherry and I could not help but gush over the tile choices, the balanced color scheme, and the way the room now feels both fresh and timeless. The renovation proves that even a small, dated bathroom can be transformed into an elegant and functional space with the right vision and attention to detail.
Want to see more of Michelle’s project? She shared the full reveal and photo series on Ten June, including detailed shots of the tile work and the new layout. Thanks to Michelle for sharing her inspiring before-and-after journey with us!
Have your own impressive before-and-after project? Send your story, photos, and any related links to [email protected] to be considered for a future Reader Redesign feature. We love design eye candy and enjoy sharing inspiring renovations from readers.