How Designer Mandy Cheng Gave Major Polish to a Tiny '90s-Style Bathroom

If there’s something we never get tired of seeing, it’s a great makeover. Whether it’s transforming a retro bathroom into a modern oasis or giving a lackluster bedroom a fresh look, pros perform these design miracles all the time. 

To give designers a chance to showcase their favorite makeovers—and to bring you plenty of inspiration for your own home—we’re sharing the best before and afters we’ve seen in our series, Makeover of the Week. Take notes for your next renovation.

“The old bathroom in this Mediterranean Revival home felt narrow and dark and was covered in a dusty floral wallpaper—even the area above the shower tile was wrapped in wall covering!” interior designer Mandy Cheng says. “The clients tasked me with brightening up the space and making it feel larger.”

Before:

“There was a lot of '90s design in this small bathroom—the green marble floor tiles and matching countertop, the full wall mirror with its gold frame, the ceiling covered in rose wallpaper, and the multi-armed brass light fixture. We needed to update pretty much everything,” notes Cheng. 

After:

“I wanted to get rid of the soffit above the vanity/toilet area, but there wasn’t enough space to recess the ductwork. So I put the focus on three different tiles to draw attention away from the ceiling—the navy blue subway wall tile, the terrazzo cement floor tiles, and the white shower tiles,” says Cheng. “In the end, the renovated bathroom is exactly what the client wanted, a spacious and clean-looking guest bathroom.” 

What Changed:

• Color theme: Navy + white + pops of brass = a cool and sophisticated palette. 
• Floor tiles: Patterned black terrazzo cement tiles add modern design to the floor. 
• Wall tile: Navy tiles in a farmhouse brick finish add texture and depth to the walls.
• Vanity: The floating white oak vanity is paired with a neutral colored quartz countertop and brushed brass faucet.
• Wall sconce: A ceramic and brass wall sconce complements the other metals in the room.
• Shower tile: Matte white subway tiles in a herringbone formation add visual interest to the shower area. 
• Shower fixtures: Brushed brass fixtures add to the sleek aesthetic.
• Mirror: A round brass mirror plays against the rectangular features in the room.
• Towel rack: A single brass towel bar keeps the wall uncluttered.

Shop the Look:

Cement Tile Shop Zebra Terrazzo Tile $18.00

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Cedar & Moss Venus Sconce $219.00

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Rejuvenation Round Metal Framed Mirror $219.00

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