Designing Our Own Bathroom: From Carpet Catastrophe to Serene Sanctuary

Let’s just say designing my own bathroom started with a design and practicality emergency.

The original space had wall-to-wall carpeting. Yes, carpeting. In a bathroom. It was as bad as you’d imagine—constantly damp, impossible to clean, and essentially a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. That was the first thing to go.

Goodbye Carpet, Hello Tile

In its place, I installed small marble herringbone tiles from Home Depot. These tiles instantly elevated the space, adding texture and a classic pattern underfoot. Marble may be a traditional material, but in this smaller format, it brings a fresh and timeless feel. And let’s be honest—anything was better than soggy carpet.

Before

Reworking the Layout

To improve the room’s flow, I made the bold move to relocate the toilet across the room, which opened up space for a larger vanity—a must-have for both form and function. The vanity was custom-built by Cam Dexter at DS Huntington Co in Peterborough, NH, crafted from a warm natural wood that grounds the cool tones elsewhere in the space. It feels handmade, intentional, and uniquely mine.

The vanity countertop was a smart splurge-meets-save moment: I found a beautiful stone remnant at Creations in Stone in Swanzey, NH. Sourcing remnants is not only budget-friendly, but also a more sustainable design choice, and often leads to hidden gems that aren't available by the slab.

Before toilet is by the door

After the toilet is replaced by an antique painted dresser for storage

A Focus on Texture and Tone

In the shower, I used square tiles from Brick House Tile in Keene—a mix of soft white and grey tones with subtle surface variation and an opalescent finish. These tiles catch the light in a way that makes the shower feel fresh and bright without being sterile.

All of the hardware is polished nickel, which offers a clean and classic look, but I intentionally added a brass curtain rod to bring in a layer of warmth and contrast. Bathrooms tend to lean cold in both temperature and tone, so mixing metals was my way of giving the space some personality and softness.

Before vanity and outdated hardware

After with updated hardware and warm textured artwork

Finishing Touches That Matter

To further combat the natural chill of a tiled room, I painted the walls a rich green—a color that brings depth, calm, and just a hint of drama. I layered in art in wood frames and added a painted wood dresser for extra storage and charm. These choices make the room feel more like a lived-in part of the home, rather than a purely utilitarian space. We did also add a Ditra heat mat to the floor and a Toto toilet bidet for a luxurious touch.

Lessons From the Inside

Renovating my own bathroom reminded me that even the smallest spaces can (and should) reflect who you are. It’s not just about trends—it’s about balance: warm with cool, texture with smooth, polished with natural. And sometimes, it’s about recognizing that no matter how many beautiful homes you design for others, your own space should feel like a deep exhale.

No more carpet. No more chaos. Just a bathroom that finally feels like home.