Our bathroom walk-in shower has officially been complete for about a month now, and I finally feel ready to share the why behind the design.
For the most part, I’m really pleased with how it turned out. That said, this was a remodel, not a brand-new build, and with that always comes a few concessions. Our home’s existing layout dictated more than I would have liked, but I truly believe good design is about working with what you have—not against it.
Where the Inspiration Came From
When I design spaces in my own home, I almost always pull inspiration from places that feel meaningful. For us, that’s hotels. My husband and I love to travel, and certain hotels just stick with you—the ones that instantly make you feel calm, grounded, and happy.
For this bathroom, the inspiration came from The Lake House, located on Canandaigua Lake. If you’ve ever been, you know exactly what I mean. It’s coastal, simple, elegant, and timeless. Lots of shiplap, crisp white walls, natural wood tones, and clean gray-and-white bathrooms that feel fresh but never cold.
It’s truly one of my happy places away from home—so when I started thinking about this bathroom, that vision immediately came to mind.
Working Within the Constraints
Because this was a remodel, we didn’t have the freedom to completely reconfigure the space. The tub location had to stay exactly where it was, which meant the shower footprint was predetermined.
Even so, I knew a few things were non-negotiable for me:
- No sliding shower door
- A frameless glass panel for a more open, airy feel
- A low entry point, since this is our forever home and accessibility matters
- A design that felt simple, fresh, and elegant, not overly trendy
Working Within the Constraints
Because this was a remodel, we didn’t have the freedom to completely reconfigure the space. The tub location had to stay exactly where it was, which meant the shower footprint was predetermined.
Even so, I knew a few things were non-negotiable for me:
- No sliding shower door
- A frameless glass panel for a more open, airy feel
- A low entry point, since this is our forever home and accessibility matters
- A design that felt simple, fresh, and elegant, not overly trendy
Tile Choices (and Why They Matter)
Since I was going white, ease of cleaning was a big factor. I chose porcelain tile, which is durable, low-maintenance, and perfect for a bathroom that needs to stand up to daily use.
Wall Tile: Large-format porcelain with subtle texture. The texture adds just enough interest without competing with the calm, coastal vibe.
Grout: 5077 Frost – Givre – Helada for both the floor and walls
Floor Tile: A large hexagon tile paired with gray grout. This was very intentional—gray grout will help disguise buildup over time and keep the shower looking fresh longer.
The Niche & Details
A shower niche was a must. I wanted storage that felt intentional, not like an afterthought.
- I used the same tile as the shower floor inside the niche to tie everything together.
- Added a clear glass shelf to keep it light and visually uncluttered.
For the trim, I went with pencil molding around the shower edges and niche. It’s a small detail, but it gives the entire space a polished, finished look without feeling heavy.
Hardware Reality Check
We matched all the shower hardware to our existing finishes, which meant brushed nickel. What I didn’t fully appreciate at the start was how expensive brushed nickel can be when it comes to shower fixtures. 😅
That said, consistency was important to me. Matching metals keeps the bathroom feeling cohesive and intentional—and in my opinion, that’s where a space starts to feel elevated.
Final Thoughts
This shower may not be huge, and it may not be exactly what I would have done with a blank slate—but it reflects thoughtful choices, real life needs, and inspiration drawn from a place we truly love.
To me, that’s what good design is all about:
✨ Function
✨ Longevity
✨ And creating a space that makes you feel at home every single day
If you’re planning a bathroom remodel, my biggest advice is this: know your inspiration, understand your constraints, and focus on details that will stand the test of time.
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