This bathroom had seen things. Decades-old fixtures, failing finishes, and a colour palette that could be politely described as “retro.” It was dark, cramped, and had a general air of “please don’t look too closely.”

Our North Whitby client knew it was time for a change — a big one. He wanted a spa-like retreat, and he wanted it done right. What followed was a remarkable journey of transformation, collaboration, and creative problem-solving that resulted in one of the most dramatic bathroom renovations we’ve ever completed.

The Value of Planning Ahead

Unlike many renovations that start with a frantic phone call and a wish list, this one began months in advance. We first met in November, and with the holidays and an early January vacation on the calendar, the start date was set for late January. That gave us plenty of time to collaborate, finalize designs, source the right materials, and work through every detail.

Planning ahead is one of the most important steps in any renovation. It allows time for thoughtful decision-making, better product availability, and a smoother process. In this case, the result was a stress-free lead-up to construction — something we always love to see.

A beautifully renovated bathroom featuring a round backlit mirror, gold fixtures, a glass shower enclosure with marble-style tiles, and elegant blue walls.

Before: A Bathroom Past Its Prime

The existing bathroom had served its time and then some. The steel tub was worn, the vanity was falling apart, and the caulking had long since surrendered to mould. The lighting was poor, the fixtures were outdated, and the whole space felt uninspired.

If this had been a home inspection, the report would have politely recommended, “Proceed directly to renovation — do not pass Go, do not collect $200.”

Close-up of a modern bathroom vanity with a round LED mirror, hexagonal gold-accented backsplash tiles, and a brushed gold faucet

The Vision: A Spa-Inspired Sanctuary

Our client came to us with a clear vision — and a lot of Pinterest inspiration. The plan was a luxurious navy blue, white, and gold colour palette with modern finishes and thoughtful details. From the gold-accented tiles to a custom recessed storage cabinet behind the door, every element was intentional.

He could picture the final space from the very beginning, which made the design process smoother and ensured the finished bathroom looked exactly as he had imagined.

Overcoming Challenges During Renovation

Like all good renovation stories, this one came with surprises:

Close-up of a luxurious shower with marble-look tiles, gold hexagonal accent tiles, and brushed gold fixtures, including a rain showerhead and handheld shower.

Reinforcing the shower wall: The five-foot wall for the walk-in shower had only two studs — not enough to support the massive 2 ft x 4 ft tiles. We rebuilt it to meet code and handle the weight.
Plumbing adjustments: The original tub plumbing stuck up above the floor. To create a seamless curbless shower, we recessed the pipes — a detail-heavy job, but worth it.
Logistical challenges: Navigating a curved staircase with drywall and dense shield was like solving a home renovation obstacle course. Add in tight parking, and it kept us on our toes.

Standout Features

Custom recessed medicine cabinet hidden behind the entrance door.

This was more than just an upgrade — it was a reimagining:

Custom recessed cabinet: A floor-to-ceiling storage solution behind the door made use of otherwise wasted space, with a brushed gold handle that tied beautifully into the rest of the design.
Smart toilet: A Korean smart toilet brought high-tech luxury to the room, complete with its own dedicated electrical outlet.
Gold linear drain: Finding one in the exact brushed gold finish was a lucky win, and it elevated the space’s overall look.
Curbless shower design: Smaller floor tiles allowed for proper drainage while maintaining a seamless, spa-like feel.

The Glass Enclosure Saga

Wide view of a luxurious walk-in shower with marble-look tiles, gold hexagonal accent tiles, a gold linear drain, and brushed gold shower fixtures, including a rain showerhead and handheld shower.

The only real hiccup? The custom glass shower enclosure.
A few scratched panels, some misaligned measurements, and a couple of factory errors meant extra visits to get it right. Our client stayed calm and patient, knowing the perfect result was worth the wait.

When the final enclosure was installed, it was stunning — complete with a unique design where the showerhead and slide bar were mounted directly onto the glass, something both we and the glass company had never done before.

After: A True Transformation

The final result was nothing short of spectacular. Navy blue and white paired with gold accents created elegance and warmth, while LED mirrors, sconce lighting, and pot lights layered in the perfect illumination. Every inch felt intentional — from the large-format wall tiles to the clever recessed cabinet.

It wasn’t just a bathroom anymore. It was a personal retreat.

Lessons for Future Renovations

This North Whitby project proves that:

Planning ahead sets the stage for success.
A clear vision makes design decisions easier.
Hidden issues are part of the process — choose a team you trust to solve them.
Quality materials and thoughtful details make all the difference.

Stunning transformation of a bathroom into a spa-like retreat with blue walls, grey, white and gold tiles and a navy blue wall hung vanity.

Thinking About Your Own Transformation?

If your bathroom is feeling tired, cramped, or just “meh,” we can help you turn it into something spectacular. Whether it’s a full-scale spa retreat or a smart, stylish update, our focus is on creating spaces you’ll love — and making the renovation process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

📞 Call us at 905-999-8524 or email info@multitradebuildingservices.com to start planning your transformation today.