From Tub to Shower Conversions to Spa-Like Escapes: Designing Bathrooms for Real Life

The bathroom one of the most used, most personal, and most underappreciated spaces in any home.

06:11 21 May 2025

Introduction

A bathroom isn't just where you brush your teeth and rinse off the day—it's one of the most used, most personal, and most underappreciated spaces in any home. Today’s homeowners are starting to recognize its true potential. Whether it’s about simplifying routines or indulging in comfort, bathroom design is shifting from utilitarian to intentional.

That shift is especially evident in the growing popularity of tub to shower conversions and fully customized layouts. More people are ditching outdated bathtubs for modern, accessible showers, while others are investing in full bathroom remodeling projects to create spa-like spaces designed around real-life needs.

When it comes to bathroom remodeling, the best results aren’t found in one-size-fits-all ideas. They come from asking: What do you want this space to feel like? How do you use it? What’s missing—and what could make every day better?

Whether you’re remodeling with minimalism, efficiency, or luxury in mind, here’s how to design a bathroom that works hard, feels right, and fits your life.

Rethinking the Tub

From Obsolete to Optional

In older homes, a bathtub was standard—sometimes the only bathing option available. But for today’s homeowners, tubs have become more optional than essential. If you're not soaking regularly or if the tub rarely gets used except to collect dust, it may be time to rethink its place.

Tub to shower conversions are increasingly popular for this reason. They free up space, improve accessibility, and often make the entire room feel more open. A sleek, walk-in shower replaces bulky fiberglass enclosures or outdated tile, offering easier cleaning and a more streamlined appearance.

This isn't just a cosmetic upgrade—it’s about tailoring the space to how you actually live.

Practical Gains with Every Inch

Showers make smart use of limited square footage. For smaller bathrooms, replacing a tub with a shower instantly increases usable floor space and creates room for features like built-in shelving, frameless doors, or bench seating.

This design flexibility makes shower remodeling an excellent entry point for a broader bathroom renovation. It gives homeowners more room to personalize without expanding the room’s footprint.

Form Meets Function: Real-Life Design Considerations

Daily Use Should Drive the Layout

A beautiful bathroom is great. A beautiful bathroom that works is better.

That means thinking through how the space gets used—not just by you, but by everyone who lives in your home. Do you get ready at the same time as someone else? Do you need double vanities? Would a separate toilet enclosure offer more privacy? Is there enough storage for towels, toiletries, and cleaning supplies?

Full bathroom remodeling gives you the opportunity to correct layout flaws and reimagine the space around real-life habits. The result is a more efficient, personalized, and enjoyable room.

Built-In Storage That Stays Out of the Way

Clutter is the enemy of relaxation. Floating shelves, recessed niches, hidden drawers, and under-sink cabinetry can all keep your essentials organized and off the counters. Built-in storage also creates a more cohesive look, reducing visual noise and maximizing every inch of the room.

One of the biggest mistakes in bathroom remodeling is overlooking storage. Think beyond a medicine cabinet—plan for dedicated spots to keep things accessible but hidden.

The Rise of the Spa Bathroom

Comfort Is No Longer a Luxury

You don’t need to visit a spa to enjoy its comforts. With the right design choices, you can bring the same sense of calm and care into your own home. From rainfall showerheads and warming towel racks to dimmable lighting and underfloor heating, spa-inspired features are now more accessible than ever.

These touches aren't frivolous—they’re about elevating daily routines. Something as simple as stepping into a warm shower with soft lighting and no clutter can shift your entire day.

That’s why more homeowners are treating bathroom remodeling as a form of self-investment—not just property improvement.

Materials That Make a Difference

Natural textures like stone, wood, and matte tile add warmth and tactile comfort. Frameless glass enhances openness, while quartz or marble counters offer both beauty and durability. The goal is not to overdesign—but to select finishes that feel intentional and grounded.

Small details like hardware, mirrors, and wall color tie everything together. These choices may seem minor, but in a space you use every day, they create atmosphere.

Balancing Budget and Vision

Where to Prioritize

You don’t need an unlimited budget to create a standout bathroom. The key is to focus on high-impact upgrades that improve both function and feel.

Consider prioritizing:

• Shower remodeling or a tub to shower conversion
  
  
• Improved lighting and ventilation
  
  
• Durable, easy-to-clean surfaces
  
  
• Storage enhancements
  
  
• Upgraded fixtures for long-term savings
  
  

These changes form the backbone of any successful remodel. Once they’re in place, cosmetic updates like paint, décor, and small accessories can elevate the look further without stretching the budget.

Working with Professionals

Bathroom remodeling is one of the most complex types of renovation. It combines plumbing, electrical, tile work, ventilation, and cabinetry—all within a small footprint. Even small mistakes can become costly.

That’s why working with experienced remodelers like Renken Remodeling ensures that design decisions align with function, codes, and long-term durability. The right team can help you strike the perfect balance between creativity and practicality.

Accessibility and Aging in Place

Designing for Long-Term Use

Whether you're planning for your future or remodeling for a loved one, accessibility should be part of the conversation. Walk-in showers with no thresholds, wider doorways, and slip-resistant flooring are not only safer but also more modern and easier to maintain.

Even homeowners without immediate accessibility needs are choosing to future-proof their bathrooms. Doing so increases home value and ensures the space can evolve along with your needs.

Subtle Doesn’t Mean Clinical

Accessibility features no longer mean institutional design. From elegant grab bars to barrier-free shower entries and seated bench areas, these elements blend seamlessly into modern styles—proving that safety and beauty can absolutely coexist.

Conclusion

Bathroom remodeling isn’t just about fixing what's broken or chasing trends. It’s about creating a space that fits your life today—and tomorrow. Whether that means a full bathroom remodeling project, a tub to shower conversion, or upgrading your shower to something more inviting, the focus should be on building a room that works for you.

Design matters. So does functionality. And when the two come together in a well-planned space, daily routines become more enjoyable, and life at home becomes easier.

Renken Remodeling helps homeowners achieve exactly that—bridging the gap between dream designs and practical, personalized results.