Before & After: A Bold, Functional Bathroom Makeover from Ontario
This before-and-after transformation comes from Kahley and her husband Steve in Ontario, Canada. They completely revamped the only bathroom in their home, showing that a darker, sophisticated palette can still feel bright and inviting. Below is Kahley’s account of the project and the design choices they made.
We are a young family of four: my husband, our two children Noah (4) and Lexie (2), and myself. The only bathroom in our house dated back to the 1950s, so it was definitely time for a renovation.
Because it’s the only bathroom in the house, we needed it to be highly versatile. The priorities were clear: a tub and shower combination, extra closet space, a dedicated spot for dirty laundry, and lots of concealed storage to keep the space tidy and functional for a busy family.
I chose Benjamin Moore “Gray” as the main paint color from the start. The built-ins flanking the shower were custom-built based on plans I designed myself. The shower curtain was sewn from discount fabric found in the women’s suiting department at Fabricland, and the striped Roman blinds were made by Tonic Living in Toronto. For an accent color, I settled on a warm golden mustard yellow that complements the neutrals and adds personality. The towels were purchased from Sears.
For the vanity, I fell in love with a double vanity I saw at Pottery Barn, but it was out of my budget. Instead, I had a similar version custom-built for a fraction of the cost. This gave us the look I wanted without the premium price tag.
One of my favorite elements is the tile. I used a Centura-style enlarged subway tile, measuring 4″ x 12″, in a high-gloss gray finish. The gloss provides a chic, reflective surface that keeps the darker palette from feeling heavy. If only we’d had the option for a walk-in shower—balancing the needs of a growing family and only one bathroom meant we kept the tub/shower combination. Still, the final result feels modern and lively.
Beyond the aesthetic choices, the renovation focused on maximizing storage and practical features for everyday family life. The custom built-ins on either side of the shower create a symmetrical, built-in look while providing concealed storage for linens, toiletries, and cleaning supplies. A discreet laundry area helps keep dirty clothes contained and reduces clutter in the main living spaces.
The use of dark gray tile on the walls and even a gray-painted ceiling might seem like a daring choice, but the gloss tile and careful lighting choices keep the room feeling airy. The mustard accents and striped blinds add warmth and visual interest, preventing the room from feeling monotonous. The overall result strikes a balance between sophisticated style and family-friendly function.
Which elements stand out most will depend on your priorities: the smart storage solutions and built-ins, or the bold color and tile choices. For Kahley and Steve, both aspects are wins—smartly integrated functionality and a confident, polished design.
Thanks for checking out our bathroom makeover. We hope you love it as much as we do! — xo, Kahley
Psst — have your own before-and-after project to share? Send your story, photos, and any related links to [email protected] for consideration for a future Reader Redesign feature. We love a good makeover and enjoy sharing real-life renovations that inspire practical, stylish solutions.