From Dated to Beautiful: Modern Renovation Done Right

Before this bathroom in Bristol, Connecticut underwent its renovation, times had certainly changed. This space was little and old and contained an aging tub-shower combo, worn vanity, and worn vinyl floors. Even the ceiling sported water damage (as seen over the shower area), and there was only the presence of an over-vanity light bar with little else shining bright. One could tell, clearly, a gut job awaited. As Bristol, Connecticut bathroom renovation professionals, we saw an opportunity to redesign this faded bath into a fresh, modern oasis without losing the comfort and character of the home.

The Vision: From Outdated to Outstanding

The homeowners envisioned a Bristol bathroom remodel that would breathe new life into their daily routine. They wanted to trade the dingy, closed-in feel for something brighter, more functional, and truly modern. That vision included removing the bulky old tub in favor of an open walk-in shower, updating all fixtures to contemporary styles, and improving lighting and ventilation to solve the past moisture issues. We planned for durable, low-maintenance materials that marry style with practicality – for example, using Wetwall panels instead of traditional tile in the shower for a sleek look without the upkeep of grout. The color scheme and finishes were selected to create a warm yet updated feel: a fresh green paint for the walls to add personality, brushed brass fixtures for a touch of elegance, and wood-look flooring to bring warmth underfoot. With a clear vision defined, our team at First Choice Pros was ready to turn this plan into reality.

Before: A Dated and Small Space

All great tear-downs start with a great gut-out. Our crew began by completely gutting out the existing bathroom. We removed the old, outdated fiberglass tub/shower enclosure, vanity, sink, toilet, and even tore up the water-damaged floor. Down came sections of ceiling that had suffered years of poor ventilation and leaks. In this Bristol remodel, working back to the studs allowed us to inspect the structure and plumbing for any potential issues. We did discover some rot in the region of the original tub, which we immediately fixed. Now that the room was bare (as shown in the photo above at demolition), we had a blank slate. We replaced the electrical wiring for new light fixtures and added sufficient backing for future grab bars and shelving in the new shower. We also installed a new bath fan/light combination to provide better ventilation, so moisture will not be a problem in the newly renovated area. Once the prep was done – framing adjustments, new plumbing lines for the new fixtures, and a leveled subfloor – we were finally able to lay the foundation for the renovation. This phase set the foundation for all the luxury upgrades that were to come, with the knowledge that behind the walls, everything was rock-solid, secure, and built to last.

After: A Timeless Design with Striking Details

The completed after-photo of this Bristol bathroom renovation is a dramatic before-and-after that brings sophistication, warmth, and function to the bath. The formerly cramped and outdated bath has been updated with a modern sleek walk-in shower in dramatic, bold marble-look wall panels with beautiful veining. The glass shower enclosure, framed in classic traditional brushed gold trim, is another high-end modern touch, while the matching rain-style showerhead and coordinating handrail bring both form and function.

The floor was also renovated to natural-look wood-style vinyl plank flooring, which not only brings elegance with its warm and soft color but also strength and moisture resistance ideal for bathroom use. The pedestal sink was mounted for the sake of an open look, providing a clean and classic look to match the golden faucet. Warm wall sconces with fabric shades provide a warm ambient light and a retro feel. Generally, the room now appears lighter, bigger, and much more elegant—contributing an upscale feel to a formerly outdated bathroom.