Dorothy's Whole-Home Renovation with Bathshack

What started as a plan to improve the insulation in Dorothy and Paul’s home soon turned into something much bigger. From new flooring and radiators to three completely different bathrooms, the couple have given their home a transformation from top to bottom.

With help from Michael McKenna, Tile Specialist at Bathshack’s, Dorothy brought her ideas together, creating spaces that look beautiful and work better for everyday life. And while each bathroom has its own personality, there’s one thing Dorothy is certain about: she wouldn’t change a thing.

A Home Renovation That Started with Insulation

Dorothy and Paul first wanted to insulate their home “like an envelope”. As work got underway, they decided to tackle other improvements too. They opened up the kitchen and dining room, fitted new bedroom flooring, added tiles and radiators throughout the house, and completed an ensuite.

That left two bathrooms on Dorothy’s wish list. Both the downstairs bathroom and main bathroom had last been updated in 2005. The freestanding bath was rarely used, and the shower was small and lacked power. This time, she wanted quality that would last.

“We’re going to do it right, and get good quality, and it’s going to last a lifetime.”

Why Dorothy Chose Bathshack

Bathshack came recommended by family. Dorothy’s brother Alan had worked with Michael around ten years earlier, followed by her father and sister Lisa. Lisa encouraged Dorothy to seek his advice, and Michael became her point of contact across the wider renovation.

He helped with bedroom flooring, downstairs tiles, radiators and all three bathrooms. When Dorothy arrived with a floor tile in mind, Michael asked for the house dimensions and showed her alternatives. She chose one of his suggestions and loved the result. His understanding of the whole project helped her make confident decisions even though the work happened in stages.

Bathroom One: A Bright, Practical Ensuite

The ensuite came first. With a sloping ceiling and limited space, the design needed to feel bright while making room for storage. White marble-effect wall tiles continue towards the ceiling, while a compact two-door Josef Martin vanity unit in dark wood provides contrast and useful storage. An Eliseo Ricci round mirror finishes the space.

The result is a practical private bathroom with a fresh feel and plenty of character, showing how a smaller ensuite can make an impact through a few considered choices.

 

Two More Bathrooms Chosen in One Showroom Visit

With the ensuite completed, Dorothy contacted Michael about the final two bathrooms. She arrived knowing the looks she wanted, but remained open to suggestions. Michael showed her a vanity unit and basin combination she had not planned to choose.

“I wasn’t going to go for something like that. I fell in love with it.”

By the end of the visit, she had selected everything for both bathrooms and paid the deposit. The two spaces would take very different directions: one dark and atmospheric, the other open and spa-inspired.

Bathroom Two: A Dark and Moody Downstairs Bathroom

Dorothy wanted her compact downstairs bathroom to feel unlike the rest of the house: dark, moody and masculine. Large-format black porcelain tiles across the walls and floor create a strong backdrop, while a wood-effect wall-hung vanity unit and white countertop basin bring warmth and contrast.

An Eliseo Ricci round backlit LED mirror adds a soft glow, with brushed bronze basin tap and bathroom accessories completing the design. Rather than adding lots of decoration, the room relies on texture, lighting and carefully chosen finishes.

The Room Dorothy Fell in Love With

The downstairs bathroom was the first of the final two rooms to be finished. When Dorothy opened the door, she immediately loved it. Despite having three bathrooms to choose from, this small, dark room became her favourite.

“It is my guilty pleasure.”

It is a lovely example of how dark tiles can work in a smaller bathroom when the materials, lighting and fittings are considered together.

Bathroom Three: A Light and Spa-Inspired Main Bathroom

Upstairs, Dorothy wanted the opposite: a very open, fresh and clean space. The old freestanding bath was hardly used, so the renovation focused on a larger, more comfortable shower and a practical layout.

Large cream wall tiles run towards the sloping ceiling, helping the room feel bright. A dark fluted wall-hung double vanity unit with curved drawers and a wide basin adds contrast and useful storage without making the room feel heavy.

A Walk-In Shower Designed for Everyday Comfort

The new walk-in shower is one of the biggest improvements. Stone-effect tiles, including a ribbed textured finish, add detail to the shower area. Glass screens maintain the open feeling, a black rainfall showerhead contrasts with the lighter surfaces, and a recessed shelf keeps toiletries organised.

Dorothy particularly appreciates having more room and stronger water pressure than before. New radiators also make the space feel more comfortable, while the children have a different favourite: the toilet with a remote control.

“This is just a breath of fresh air.”

Bringing Dorothy's Vision Together

With so many rooms being transformed, Dorothy wanted to make sure every detail worked together. She sat down with Michael McKenna, Tile Specialist at Bathshack, to go through her plans in detail, exploring different layouts, designs and product combinations to find what would work best for her home.

The process started with choosing the tiles, which helped set the direction for each space. From there, Michael guided Dorothy through selecting the sanitary ware, bathroom furniture and finishing touches to complement her choices.

They also explored changes to layouts and designs, making sure each room flowed naturally with the rest of the house while still having its own personality.

By taking the time to plan everything together, Dorothy was able to create three very different bathrooms that felt connected to her wider home renovation, with Michael there to offer advice and support throughout.

The Finished Result: A Home That Feels Brand New

What began as an insulation project became a complete transformation, from flooring and radiators to three bathrooms with distinct personalities. The ensuite is practical and bright, the downstairs bathroom is dark and full of character, and the main bathroom has the relaxing, open feel Dorothy wanted.

Dorothy has already recommended Michael to colleagues who have visited to see the bathrooms. Asked if she would change anything, her answer is simple.

“I wouldn’t change a thing.”

“Worth every penny. The quality, everything. The experience was just brilliant.”

Planning a Bathroom or Whole-Home Renovation?

Whether you’re updating one bathroom or renovating your whole home, Bathshack offers tiles, flooring, radiators, vanity units, showers and accessories. Visit your nearest Bathshack showroom or browse bathshack.com for inspiration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Bathshack supply products for a whole-home renovation?

Yes. Dorothy used Bathshack for three bathrooms, bedroom flooring, downstairs tiles and radiators throughout the house, including the kitchen.

Can you use dark tiles in a small bathroom?

Yes. Dorothy’s compact downstairs bathroom combines black porcelain tiles, a wood-effect vanity, bronze fittings and a backlit mirror.

How can you make a main bathroom feel more spacious?

Dorothy used light cream tiles, glass shower screens, a wall-hung double vanity and a larger walk-in shower to make the space feel more open.

Can you renovate a home in stages?

Yes. Dorothy and Paul began with insulation and the main living areas, then completed the ensuite and the other two bathrooms later.

Where can I get help choosing bathroom tiles and furniture?

Bathshack showroom specialists can help you compare tiles, furniture, showers and accessories. Dorothy worked with Michael McKenna