Before & After: An Upper East Side Bathroom Transformation

When Megan and Ryan moved into their new place on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, they decided that renovating the bathroom had to be their first priority. Although, at a glance, their bathroom might not seem so bad, up close it was a bit of a disaster: a crumbling vanity cabinet, discolored and mismatched tile that had been painted (yes, painted) over, and a bathroom window that had been painted and tiled shut.

Their vision for the space was pretty simple: a crisp, updated space with additional storage space, and a working window. Let’s see how they did.

The biggest change in the bathroom was the decision to replace the tub with a glassed-in shower, a bold move that helps to open up the small space. A new vanity provides much-needed storage in this small bathroom, and a more centralized outlet makes the space much more functional.

Marble hex tiles cover the floor, and coordinate with the new marble vanity top and window sill. Sleek new silver fixtures and a new light fixture contribute to the airy, streamlined feel.

My favorite detail from the new bathroom is the band of tiny marble pencil tiles, laid in a herringbone pattern at the top of the new shower. It’s the perfect finishing touch to a beautiful new space.

Meg and Ryan found their contractor, Alan, through Sweeten, a resource that connects New York-area homeowners with designers, architects, and contractors. You can read more about the project, and see more photos, on the Sweeten blog.