Our Top Three Bathroom Transformations of All Time

When it comes to bathroom design, the true magic isn’t just in selecting the right tile or swapping out old fixtures—it’s in reimagining how a space can support daily life (and maybe even make Monday mornings a little less cruel). A well-designed bathroom should do more than function; it should restore, inspire, and offer a quiet moment of calm in a busy world.

Here are three of our all-time favorite bathroom makeovers—proof that there’s hope for even the most “what were they thinking?” bathrooms.

1. From Cramped Cave to Spa-Like Sanctuary in Vienna, VA

This Vienna bathroom originally felt dark and cramped. A huge column awkwardly stood in front of the shower, dividing the space and blocking any natural light. One client even said, "It felt like stepping into a cave every time we used the shower." To top it off, the oversized, outdated tub took up way too much space without providing any real comfort.

Before – TriVistaUSA Design + Build Bathroom Remodel, Vienna, VA

After confirming that the problematic column was purely cosmetic, we removed it and completely reimagined the space. We relocated the old 15 sq. ft. shower and expanded it into a beautiful 33 sq. ft. glass enclosure, filled with light and luxury. For the walls, we selected mosaic Porcelain Stoneware and added refined detail with Calacatta Vida Herringbone Honed Marble Mosaic accents.

After – TriVistaUSA Design + Build Bathroom Remodel, Vienna, VA

The vanity area was elevated with Candice Olson Pavilion Wallpaper in warm grey from the Breathless Collection, paired with Beckham Modern Sconces in burnished brass. A sculptural freestanding tub replaced the bulky original, becoming a serene focal point for soaking and unwinding. Peace restored.

From Dated to Dreamy: A Serene Bathroom Transformation in Arlington

This Arlington bathroom belonged to a busy family of six—two full-time working parents and four energetic kids. The dark, outdated layout wasn’t doing anyone any favors—it only added to the daily scramble. When the family came to us, their vision was clear: they needed a bathroom that wasn’t just beautiful, but a mini sanctuary. A place to pause, breathe, and maybe even enjoy 30 uninterrupted seconds before someone knocks on the door.

Before – TriVistaUSA Design + Build Bathroom Remodel, Arlington, VA

To open up the space and create a true sense of retreat, we removed the existing shower wall and reimagined the layout as a bright, airy wet room. The new design is lined with timeless neutral tile and anchored by a freestanding tub—an elegant focal point that enhances the spa-like atmosphere.

One of our favorite elements is the accent wall: Kenridge Ribbon White 24x48 Wood Look Matte Fluted Porcelain Tile. Its subtle texture and fluted detail add warmth and visual interest to the otherwise sleek, modern aesthetic.

After – TriVistaUSA Design + Build Bathroom Remodel, Arlington, VA

We kept the dual sinks that worked so well for the couple’s morning routines but upgraded the vanity with cleaner lines and much-improved storage.

This standout transformation has been featured in Mansion Global and The Washington Post, celebrating its elegant balance of luxury and functionality.

Want to know more about how this project came together?

Read Stressed Parents Build Themselves the Spa Retreat They Needed—an in-depth interview with Interior Designer Carlos Nyce, Pre-Construction Coordinator Jemma Parsonson, and the homeowners themselves. From layout challenges to design breakthroughs, they share the story behind the space—and how it changed the way the family feels at home. (Spoiler: the kids now refer to it as “the fancy bathroom.”)

Clean Lines & Light: A Modern Refresh in Fairfax

In this Fairfax bathroom, the bathroom had great bones and beautiful natural light, but the layout fell short. An oversized built-in tub overwhelmed the room, making the space feel visually heavy and unnecessarily constrained.

Before – TriVistaUSA Design + Build Bathroom Remodel, Fairfax, VA

Out went the clunky old tub, and in came a sleek, glass-enclosed shower that lets the natural light pour in and makes the whole room feel bigger. We added a floating double vanity for a clean, modern vibe—bringing both storage and style while keeping things airy and bright.

After – TriVistaUSA Design + Build Bathroom Remodel, Fairfax, VA

A standout feature in the shower is the 2” Hex Ancient Sky Porcelain Tile on the floor and shelving details. The tile’s texture and subtle variation give the space a custom feel.

For the vanity, we brought in warmth with Walnut Slab Wynnbrooke Cabinetry. The result is a modern, light-filled bathroom that feels balanced, intentional, and refreshingly peaceful.