Embarking on the exciting journey to design our basement guest bathroom, my initial vision was a charmingly intimate retreat. I pictured a quaint space, complete with a beautifully ornate vintage mirror, classic old-school blue patterned tiles, and crisp white subway tiles creating a fresh, timeless backdrop. Yet, as with many home renovation projects, what began as a clear mental image quickly evolved. The stunning reality of our **basement bathroom reveal**, featuring what we confidently proclaim as a truly remarkable and **best tile of 2018** selection, turned out to be not just different, but profoundly better than anything I could have originally envisioned.
In fact, almost everything I had envisioned for this bathroom, save for the concept of white subway tile (which eventually found its way into the shower), pretty much got tossed aside. It was a humbling realization that perhaps my initial “vision” was more of a loose suggestion than a concrete plan. But then again, this very transformative process led to a **basement bathroom reveal** that is truly exceptional, boasting a design, particularly the tile, that still feels incredibly fresh and functional years later.
As always, all the breathtaking photos capturing every detail of this transformation were taken by the incredibly talented Becky Kimball. We absolutely adore her work, and we highly recommend following her on Instagram for more visual inspiration!
Coming into this project, I freely admit that my knowledge of construction is practically non-existent. Every time I looked at the bare bones of the bathroom space, I genuinely believed it was going to be a tiny, cramped room. With just studs and insulation in place, the area felt incredibly narrow, making it difficult for me to truly visualize the potential. It’s a common challenge in renovations – seeing past the raw construction to the finished aesthetic.
However, once the walls went up, suddenly the space began to take shape. It was at this crucial stage, as we started looking at tile options, that a profound realization hit me: this wasn’t just a small bathroom. This was an opportunity. An opportunity to make intentional design choices that would actively make the space feel much larger, brighter, and more inviting than its actual footprint suggested. This pivot in perspective was a game-changer for the entire project.
Adding to this design advantage was an unforeseen architectural quirk. The original builder of our home, whether by design or happy accident, dug the foundation deeper than standard. This fortunate mistake gifted our basement with impressive 10-foot ceilings. Instead of the typical dark, low-ceilinged basement often associated with subterranean spaces, ours felt more akin to a main living area. I was determined to capitalize on this unique feature, ensuring the bathroom leveraged the vertical space to enhance its open and airy feel.
Our quest for the perfect tile led us to a local gem here in Utah called Modern Tile. Since that initial discovery, they have become our exclusive tile shop for all home projects. Their selection and expertise are simply unmatched, making the often-daunting tile selection process remarkably smooth and enjoyable.
I must confess, I suffer from a severe case of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) when it comes to making significant purchases, especially for home renovations. This means I dedicate an exhaustive amount of time to researching, comparing, and analyzing every option. I constantly worry that I might overlook a better deal, a superior product, or a higher quality material just around the corner. While this meticulous approach is incredibly time-consuming and frankly, exhausting for me, it ensures that when I finally recommend something to you, it comes with my absolute seal of approval and thorough vetting. You can trust that the research has been done!
And so, after extensive consideration, I can confidently say: Modern Tile truly is the best. During our discussions, we learned valuable insights about current tile trends. For instance, while cement tile is incredibly popular right now for its unique aesthetic, it also tends to be the first to show wear, developing cracks, chips, and other issues over time. Nobody wants to invest in a beautiful bathroom only to face the prospect of replacing tiles prematurely. With durability and longevity in mind, we ultimately chose this stunning, classic black and white porcelain tile. Its timeless pattern and robust nature promised both enduring style and practicality.
Originally, we had planned for crisp white grout to accompany the black and white tiles, aiming for a stark, high-contrast look. However, a last-minute decision led us to switch to a dark grey grout. This proved to be an inspired choice, as it not only blended seamlessly with the tile pattern, creating a more cohesive look, but, more importantly for me, it will be significantly easier to keep clean. Practicality, especially in a high-traffic area like a guest bathroom, always matters to me, and I know it matters to you too.
Modern Tile provided not only the most up-to-date and diverse selection of tiles but also invaluable advice and assistance throughout our decision-making process. The name of this particular tile, which brings such character to our basement bathroom, is “Decor A Class Noir.” Now the pressing question remains: what exquisite tile will we choose for our master bathroom? Ah, the never-ending cycle of home projects!
The vanity itself is a testament to Cade’s ingenious craftsmanship. We wanted something unique and character-filled, steering clear of standard off-the-shelf options. This beautiful white dresser was a local vintage find, offering both charm and a sustainable approach to design. Cade masterfully cut out sections of the drawers to accommodate the sink plumbing, but with incredible foresight, he also added small, custom-fitted boards. This clever modification ensures that the drawers remain perfectly useable, providing essential storage space for toiletries and other bathroom necessities, all while seamlessly integrating around the pipes. Unfortunately, as it was a unique vintage piece, I can’t provide a direct link to it, but I wholeheartedly encourage you to consider repurposing an old dresser. It’s not only a more budget-friendly option but also injects a unique personality into your space that mass-produced vanities simply can’t replicate.
To protect this one-of-a-kind piece from the inevitable splashes and moisture of a bathroom environment, we meticulously sealed the entire dresser with a water-based Polyurethane. This crucial step prevents water damage and ensures the wood remains pristine for years to come. We applied a generous three coats, allowing ample drying time between each, to create a durable, water-resistant barrier that will withstand daily use.
For the walls, we opted for our absolute favorite paint color: the Sherwin-Williams Simply White Match. Through numerous painting projects, we’ve learned invaluable lessons about paint quality, and this particular shade from their Emerald Collection stands out. It’s a premium, high-performance paint that offers exceptional coverage and a luxurious finish. Its clean, crisp white instantly brightens any room, making it feel more expansive and inviting. The positive feedback we receive from everyone who visits and experiences this color reaffirms our choice every time.
To add a subtle yet sophisticated dimension to the room, we chose a flat finish for the walls, which creates a soft, almost velvety look that beautifully absorbs light. For all the trim work – including baseboards, door frames, and window casings – we used an un-tinted pure white. The slight difference in sheen and the subtle contrast between the “Simply White Match” walls and the untinted trim is just enough to highlight the architectural details without being overtly noticeable. It’s a design trick that adds depth and polish, making the space feel thoughtfully designed and finished without drawing too much attention to itself.
Creating a truly welcoming guest bathroom goes beyond aesthetics; it’s about anticipating needs and offering thoughtful touches. I vividly recall visiting a home as a teenager where the guest bathroom was meticulously stocked with essentials like toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, and conditioner. That gesture left such a lasting impression on me, demonstrating a level of hospitality that made me feel genuinely cared for in case I had forgotten something. It’s a small detail, but it speaks volumes.
Inspired by that memory, we’ve implemented the same philosophy in our basement guest bathroom. The vanity drawers and shelves are discreetly stocked with a variety of travel-sized toiletries, ensuring our guests have everything they might need for a comfortable stay. Beyond the basic dental and hair care products, we’ve also included practical items like a blow dryer and razors, just in case. These little conveniences aim to make our guests feel right at home, providing a stress-free experience during their visit.
Beyond the core elements of tile, vanity, and paint, every other detail in this bathroom was carefully selected to complement the overall aesthetic and enhance functionality. We aimed for a harmonious blend of classic style, modern simplicity, and inviting warmth. The beauty of this entire renovation lies in its success: it delivers a space that feels both simple and profoundly inviting, without requiring an exorbitant budget. It’s proof that thoughtful design, strategic choices, and a little DIY spirit can transform a space into something truly special.
For your convenience, here’s a comprehensive list of items we used or similar alternatives for replicating this inviting guest bathroom design:
Our Go-To Painter – Josh – +18017120191
Vanity – Local Vintage Shop Find (Similar option we found online)
Lights – Lighting Connection
Mirror – Hobby Lobby (50% off sale – Similar One on Amazon if unavailable)
Shelves – Hobby Lobby (50% off sale – Similar options available as originals may vary)
Rugs – Target (Found during a 30% off sale)
Sink – Kohler
Hand Towel Bar – Moen
Towel Bar
Toilet Paper Holder
Toilet – Home Depot (For competitive pricing)
Shower Fixtures – Moen
Baskets – Home Goods Clearance Sale
Towels – Target (Often best to order online for availability)
Hand Towel – Target
Shower Glass – Frameless Glass Custom Installation
Plant – Home Goods
Clear Apothecary Jars (3-Pack) – Amazon