When a home has only one bathroom, a full remodel presents significant logistical challenges. Steve and Laura McElhaney, owners of a 1941 bungalow in Jacksonville, Florida, lived with their single bath’s cracked pink tile for five years before deciding to take action. Their story of transforming a cramped, dated space into a timeless, functional bathroom offers valuable lessons for any homeowner or contractor tackling a similar project. For those beginning the planning process, understanding the key principles of bathroom design is an essential first step toward a successful renovation.
Planning the Bathroom Renovation
Any successful renovation begins with thorough planning, and this project was no exception. General contractor Dean Celano approached the McElhaneys’ bathroom remodel with a clear strategy: maximize space while maintaining the character of the original 1940s bungalow.
Assessing the Existing Space
The original bathroom measured only 35 square feet, making it one of the smallest rooms in the house. Key challenges included:
- Cracked pink tile throughout the space that had deteriorated beyond repair
- A nonworking chimney occupying valuable floor area that could be repurposed
- An inefficient layout with the toilet in an awkward position and limited counter space
- A pedestal sink that provided no storage and minimal functionality
- Outdated plumbing and wiring that would need complete replacement
Developing the Layout Strategy
The contractor developed a plan to annex space from both the adjacent hallway and a bedroom closet. This approach would increase the bathroom footprint to 58 square feet a 65 percent increase that would dramatically improve functionality. The strategy required relocating the doorway, moving plumbing lines, and reconfiguring the entire floor plan.
Key Layout Changes
- One wall was moved outward by 5 inches, annexing a portion of the bedroom closet
- The doorway was shifted further down the wall to create a more private location for the toilet
- A 5-foot tub was replaced with a 4-foot model to allow for the new door swing
- Space from the hallway added 2 feet of length to the room
- The sink was relocated to its own alcove for a dedicated grooming zone
Selecting a Timeless Design Palette
Laura McElhaney drew inspiration for the bathroom’s color palette from her collection of blue and white transferware. This classic combination provided the foundation for a design that feels both fresh and enduring. The homeowner tip that emerged from this project underscores an important principle: base your palette on something you genuinely love rather than chasing temporary trends.
Tile Selection and Application
Tile played a starring role in this renovation. The design team selected three distinct tile formats that work together harmoniously:
| Tile Type | Location | Color | Supplier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oversize subway tile | Main wall field tile | White | American Olean |
| Penny-round mosaic | Sink wall (floor to ceiling), floor, tub ceiling | White and blue | Merola Tile |
| Blue penny-round border | Accent band around walls, tub ceiling | Blue | Merola Tile |
The custom flower-pattern mosaic on the floor required painstaking work: black penny rounds were pried one by one from their net backing and replaced with blue pieces to create a bespoke look. This attention to detail elevated the entire space. Contractors looking to replicate such results should study innovative tile installation solutions for achieving precise patterns and durable finishes.
The Alcove Tub Detail
A standout feature of the renovation is the alcove tub enclosure. The contractor created a lowered arched ceiling above the tub lined entirely with blue penny-round tiles. This architectural detail serves multiple purposes:
- It defines the bathing zone within the larger space
- The lowered ceiling makes the room feel more intimate and cozy
- The blue tile creates a visual anchor that draws the eye
- The arch softens the transition between the tub area and the rest of the room
Fixture Selection and Space Efficiency
Every fixture in the renovated bathroom was chosen with both form and function in mind. The goal was to maximize utility without sacrificing style, creating a space that would serve the homeowners well for decades to come.
Choosing the Right Toilet
The homeowners selected a Kohler toilet with a slim profile measuring just 14.25 inches wide. This compact design made the most of the space borrowed from the hall and bedroom closet. The narrower footprint allowed for better traffic flow while still providing the performance and comfort expected from a high-quality fixture. For more detailed guidance on selecting fixtures, builders can explore bathroom sinks and lavatories as part of a comprehensive fixture strategy.
The Wall-Hung Sink Solution
The original pedestal sink was replaced with a wall-mounted basin that includes a towel rack and a storage shelf. This decision had several benefits:
- Visual lightness The exposed floor area beneath the sink makes the room feel larger
- Easy cleaning No pedestal base means the floor can be cleaned without obstruction
- Built-in storage The integrated shelf and towel bar eliminate the need for additional furniture
- Contemporary aesthetic The floating look aligns with the timeless eclectic style the homeowners wanted
Creative Storage Solutions
One of the most ingenious aspects of this renovation was the repurposing of the nonworking chimney space. Rather than simply sealing it off, the contractor installed open shelves finished with blue paint (Sherwin Williams’ Open Seas) and filigreed iron brackets sourced from eBay. This created a display area that is both functional and decorative. Homeowners looking to maximize every square inch should review efficient bathroom storage strategies for additional ideas on smart cabinet design and space maximizing techniques.
Project Timeline and Lessons Learned
The entire renovation was completed in approximately three weeks. During this period, the McElhaneys relied on neighbors for temporary access to bathroom facilities. This arrangement required advance coordination and good communication with those offering help.
What Worked Well
- Gutting the space completely Starting from scratch allowed the team to address all infrastructure issues at once
- Annexing adjacent space The 65 percent increase in square footage transformed the usability of the room
- Sticking to a cohesive palette The blue and white scheme creates unity across different materials and surfaces
- Investing in quality tile work The custom penny-round mosaic and arched ceiling demonstrate that craftsmanship endures
- Choosing timeless over trendy The design avoids dated looks by blending traditional elements with contemporary fixtures
Practical Considerations for Single-Bathroom Homes
For homeowners with only one bathroom, a full remodel requires careful planning around daily routines. The McElhaneys’ experience highlights several practical strategies:
- Arrange alternative bathroom access with neighbors or family members in advance
- Plan the renovation during a period when work schedules allow for flexibility
- Consider a temporary solution such as a portable toilet for emergencies
- Communicate the timeline clearly with all household members
- Build in a buffer of extra days in case of unexpected delays
The result of this carefully executed renovation is a bathroom that the homeowners describe as the perfect combination of cheery and restful. By focusing on smart space planning, a timeless color palette, and quality materials, the McElhaneys transformed a dated, dysfunctional room into a space they will enjoy for years to come. Their project demonstrates that even the most challenging bathroom renovation can succeed with the right team, a clear vision, and meticulous attention to detail.