A Barton Creek homeowner wanted to bring their 2003 master bathroom into 2026 — replacing dated beige tile and a cramped layout with a spa-like retreat featuring white subway tile, large-format floor tile, and warm brass accents. The result exceeded every expectation.
Before & After
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The Challenge
The master bathroom had original 4x4 beige ceramic tile on the floors and walls, a single-sink vanity, and a fiberglass shower insert that had yellowed and cracked. The homeowner had been living with it for years but was finally ready for a full transformation. The key challenges: the existing tile was set directly over a concrete slab with no waterproofing membrane, and the shower drain was in a position that would require careful slope planning for the new large-format floor tile.
Our Solution
We designed the remodel around three tile selections that work together to create a cohesive, timeless look: 12x24 white subway tile for the shower walls (stacked vertically for a modern feel), 24x24 matte white porcelain for the floor with a 1/16-inch grout joint, and a 4x12 white marble-look tile for the shower floor with a linear drain. The brass fixtures the homeowner had already purchased tied the whole design together. Waterproofing was done properly from the substrate up — Schluter Kerdi membrane throughout the shower, RedGard on the floor.
Scope of Work
- Demo of existing fiberglass shower insert, vanity, and all floor and wall tile
- Subfloor inspection and repair
- Schluter Kerdi waterproofing membrane installation in shower
- RedGard waterproofing on bathroom floor
- Large-format 24x24 matte porcelain floor tile installation with 1/16-inch grout joint
- 12x24 white subway tile installation on shower walls (stacked vertical pattern)
- 4x12 marble-look tile on shower floor with linear drain integration
- Niche installation in shower (12x24 tile to match walls)
- Schluter RENO-TK transition strip at bathroom entry
- Grout sealing throughout
- Contractor coordination for vanity, plumbing, and fixture installation
Project Photos
The Results
The transformation took the bathroom from a dated, functional space to a genuine spa retreat. The vertical subway tile makes the shower feel taller and more open. The large-format floor tile with minimal grout lines is dramatically easier to clean than the original 4x4 tile. The homeowner reported that the bathroom now feels like a hotel suite and has become their favorite room in the house. The project was completed on schedule and within budget.
"I had been putting this remodel off for three years because I was worried about the disruption and the cost. Capital City made it painless. They were meticulous — the tile work is absolutely perfect, the grout lines are razor straight, and they coordinated with my plumber seamlessly. I wish I had done it sooner."
