Bathroom Remodeling in Chester, CT – From Outdated to Modern Luxury
Bathroom Remodeling in Chester, CT – From Outdated to Modern Luxury
This case study documents a full bathroom remodel completed in Chester, CT, focused on a clean, modern aesthetic and long-term performance. The finished space is a dramatic upgrade: dark, large-format tile throughout, a custom tiled shower with a pebble mosaic floor and matching recessed niche, matte-black fixtures, and a floating vanity paired with an LED backlit mirror.
As First Choice Bathroom Remodeling, our approach is simple: plan carefully, demo thoroughly, waterproof correctly, and finish with craftsmanship that holds up for years. That philosophy is reflected across our service offerings (full bathroom renovations, custom showers, and vanity installations) and our emphasis on in-house work rather than subcontracting.
Before
Before the Remodel
The homeowner’s goal for this Chester bathroom was a complete aesthetic modernization: remove the dated finishes, eliminate the bulky corner shower footprint, and rebuild the room around a more intentional, upscale look.
What we built (as shown in the “after” photos):
- A custom, fully tiled shower with a pebble mosaic shower floor and a recessed niche with a stone shelf
- Large-format, dark stone-look tile on walls and floors for a seamless “wet room” feel
- Matte-black shower fixtures (rain head + handheld set) for a contemporary contrast
- A floating, warm-wood vanity with a dark countertop and modern black faucet
- An LED backlit mirror and refreshed lighting for a sharper, cleaner look
This style choice matters for real-world use: fewer visual breaks, fewer materials to transition between, easier cleaning, and a high-end finish that looks cohesive from the entry to the shower. The “before” photos show a bathroom that functioned, but felt dated and chopped up:
- A corner shower enclosure with framed, frosted glass and a molded base that visually dominated the room
- Standard small square floor tile with wide grout lines (a common dirt-trap and maintenance headache over time)
- A builder-grade vanity and mirror/light setup that didn’t add much storage or style
- Painted walls and older trim details, plus signs of previous patching and unfinished transitions near door casings
The biggest layout issue was the corner shower itself. In narrow bathrooms, corner units often eat up usable floor area while still feeling tight inside the shower. The remodel direction was clear: rebuild the shower area properly, modernize every finish, and make the room feel intentionally designed rather than pieced together.
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During the Renovation
A bathroom remodel is really two projects at once:
the visible finishes (tile, fixtures, vanity), and the hidden performance layer (water management, ventilation, and code-compliant work). For a tile-forward bathroom like this, the shower build is the make-or-break element. Tile and grout are not inherently “waterproof,” which is why professional shower construction relies on a true waterproofing strategy behind or directly under the tile layer.
Shower waterproofing and drainage planning
The remodel required a full rebuild of the shower assembly, including:
- properly integrated waterproofing,
- correct slope to the drain, and
- tight detailing at corners, edges, and the niche.
Industry guidance is explicit that tiled shower assemblies need a waterproof membrane and that shower floors should be pitched to shed water correctly (commonly referenced as 1/4" per foot).
Detail work that adds “custom” quality
Several features in the after-photos indicate detail-focused craftsmanship:
- Recessed niche: clean edges, framed in dark trim, and finished with a matching pebble mosaic interio
- Stone niche shelf: a solid surface shelf that reads premium and cleans easily
- Large-format tile layout: consistent lines across planes (especially challenging in smaller rooms and across sloped ceilings)
- Pebble mosaic shower floor: visually striking, but it requires careful setting to prevent lippage and to maintain proper drainage
These are the kinds of details that separate a surface-level refresh from a true custom bathroom renovation..
After
After
Post-Renovation
Custom shower with matching pebble mosaic + niche
The shower is now a true focal point:
Dark, stone-look large-format wall tile creates a seamless, modern envelope
Pebble mosaic shower floor adds texture and traction
Recessed niche uses the same pebble mosaic for a coordinated design moment
Solid stone niche shelf and dark edge trim give the niche a crisp, finished look
The matte-black shower set (rain head + handheld) adds contrast and reads modern without being flashy.
Floating vanity + LED mirror for a cleaner footprint
The vanity area was rebuilt with a contemporary layout:
Floating wood vanity visually opens the floor and makes cleaning easier
Dark countertop + integrated sink look keeps the profile sleek and minimal
Matte-black faucet matches the shower hardware
LED backlit mirror provides clean, even light at face level (a big functional upgrade over older vanity-light setups)
Full-room tile continuity
A major visual upgrade here is continuity:
the same dark tile language carries across floor and walls, producing a high-end “wet room” feel rather than a patchwork bath.
This is one of the most effective ways to make a smaller footprint feel intentionally designed.
After
After
Project Snapshot
Project Location: Chester, Connecticut
Service: Full Bathroom Remodel
Walk-In Shower: Custom-built walk-in shower featuring dark stone-look large-format porcelain tile installed floor-to-ceiling. The low-profile entry and clean white stone threshold create a sleek, modern transition.
Shower Floor & Niche:
Black, white, and gray pebble mosaic tile installed on the shower floor and inside the recessed niche for visual contrast and texture. The niche is precisely framed and aligned for a seamless built-in storage solution.
Tile Work: Large-format porcelain tile throughout the walls and flooring minimizes grout lines and delivers a clean, contemporary finish that feels cohesive and high-end.
Floating Vanity:
Wall-mounted wood-tone vanity that visually opens the floor space. The floating design makes the bathroom feel larger and more modern.
Sink & Faucet:
Integrated black sink with a matte black single-handle faucet, creating strong contrast against the wood cabinetry and stone tile.
Mirror & Lighting:
LED backlit mirror providing soft, even illumination. Recessed ceiling lighting enhances brightness and eliminates shadows throughout the space.
Hardware & Finishes:
Matte black hardware accents, including toilet paper holder and shower fixtures, tying the entire design together with consistent modern detailing.
Waterproofing System:
Built with a professional waterproofing system behind the tile to ensure long-term durability and moisture protection — critical for bathroom remodeling in Chester CT homes.
Local Spotlight
Chester, CT is known for its charming village center, historic homes, and vibrant arts community along the Connecticut River. Just like the carefully preserved buildings in the Chester Historic District and the craftsmanship showcased in its local galleries, we believe the details matter. Whether it’s perfectly aligned large-format tile, a precisely framed recessed niche, or the clean installation of a floating vanity, our bathroom remodeling work reflects the same level of quality this town is known for. We love helping Chester homeowners modernize their bathrooms while honoring the character and integrity of their homes, delivering thoughtful upgrades that match the timeless beauty of the community.
Why Choose First Choice Bathroom Remodeling?
📞 Call us at: 860-560-1028
🌐 Visit us online: firstchoicebathremodeling.com
📷 Follow us on Instagram: @firstchoicebathremodeling
▶️ Follow us on YouTube: @FirstChoiceRemodeling
Book a free 30-minute in-home estimate at any available time. We’ll walk through your bathroom, discuss design ideas, materials, timeline, and pricing with no pressure and no obligation.
