From Outdated to Outstanding: A Master Bathroom Renovation in St Louis, MO

Eventually, every home hits a point where the spaces we once loved no longer serve our needs. That was the story with this master bathroom in St Louis, MO. Built in the 1990s and largely untouched since, the space had seen decades of use—and it showed.

The layout felt awkward, the finishes were outdated, and many features no longer functioned well for the homeowners. So they turned to Thompson Price for a much-needed upgrade, and we were more than happy to take on the challenge.

Before the Renovation: A Bathroom Stuck in the Past

While the footprint of this master bathroom was generous, it wasn’t being used effectively. A massive drop-in tub with a deck and surrounding stairs took up a huge chunk of floor space. It met the shower at a sharp angle, creating a narrow, uncomfortable entryway with a small shower door. The layout didn’t just feel awkward—it actually made everyday use more difficult.

The floors were cracked and uneven, showing clear signs of wear. The vanity cabinets were low-quality builder-grade units with little storage and even less personality. There was also a sit-down makeup area—something the homeowner never used. Meanwhile, the built-in linen closet featured fixed wire shelving that offered very little in terms of actual storage functionality.

Let’s not forget the finishes. The bright, polished gold plumbing fixtures screamed “1990s,” and many had already lost their luster—literally. The cultured marble shower walls and base were a challenge to clean, no matter how much effort the homeowners put in. They also noticed mildew forming in corners, largely due to the lack of proper ventilation above the shower. The only vent fan in the room was in a separate commode space, doing little to help with moisture control in the main shower area.

And then there were the lighting and toilet issues. The original lighting consisted of outdated incandescent bulbs that dimmed the entire space. The old toilet was low in height, high in water use, and poorly functioning. To sum it up: this bathroom was past its prime.

Existing Bathroom in St Louis, MO Before Renovation

Completed Master Bathroom Renovation in St Louis, MO

The Homeowners’ Goals: Keep It Simple, Make It Stunning

When our design team met with the homeowners, we were impressed by their clarity and simplicity. They didn’t want a complete overhaul of the layout. Instead, their top three goals were:

1. Keep the overall footprint and layout similar.
2. Incorporate their beloved antique hutch cabinet.
3. Match the new cabinetry to the existing hutch for a cohesive look.

Other than that, they wanted the bathroom to feel bright, open, and updated—with smarter use of space and materials that could stand up to daily use without losing their charm.

Our Solution: Custom Design With Personal Touches

First things first: we removed the oversized tub and the surrounding platform. This gave the room an instant visual lift. In its place, we installed a sleek free-standing tub that feels modern, clean, and open. This one design decision transformed the entire vibe of the room—and made the space around the tub feel much larger. Ironically, the shower area got slightly smaller in terms of square footage but now feels significantly more spacious thanks to improved layout and flow.

Next, we said goodbye to the outdated built-in linen closet. Homes from this era often have pantry-style closets with wire shelving that’s hard to organize and even harder to love. Instead, we replaced it with a tall custom cabinet with adjustable roll-out shelves—far more functional, and far more fabulous.

The vanities got a serious glow-up, too. We installed custom cabinetry that included wall cabinets down to the countertop. Not only does this create a luxurious furniture-style look, but it also offers tons of useful storage—without sacrificing elegance.

Custom Cabinetry That’s a Perfect Match

Since matching the new cabinets to the existing hutch was non-negotiable, we turned to our custom cabinetry experts. We borrowed a drawer from the customer’s hutch and used it to replicate the exact stain color and sheen. After creating a sample block and getting the thumbs-up from the homeowners, we used it as our guide to build and finish the new cabinets.

This level of customization is what sets Thompson Price apart—especially when you’re blending old with new and aiming for a seamless aesthetic.

Details That Make the Difference

Here’s where we added the finishing touches that truly elevate a master bathroom remodel:

• Large-format porcelain tile across the entire floor adds a high-end look with fewer grout lines. Beneath that? Heated flooring. Because cold feet in winter? No thanks.
• Widespread brushed nickel faucets at both vanity sinks, paired with coordinating fixtures in the shower and a sculptural free-standing tub filler.
• Coordinated accessories like towel bars, hooks, and toilet paper holders that echo the brushed nickel finish for a polished look.
• New light fixtures above each vanity for better illumination, and recessed lighting removed to make way for something even better.
• A custom wood beam at the vaulted ceiling created a flat mounting point for a gorgeous chandelier over the tub—yes, we checked the codes!
• A new vent fan installed directly over the shower, drastically improving moisture control and reducing the risk of mildew in the future.
• A solid surface shower base that’s built to last and doesn’t show wear like traditional tile pans. On the walls? Gorgeous porcelain tile for that perfect spa vibe.

A Bathroom Renovation Timeline with Twists and Triumphs

After final design approval, we got to work—starting the project just five days before Christmas. Consider it an early gift!

But like many remodels, this one came with a surprise twist: we discovered a carpenter ant infestation behind the existing shower wall. A leaky window seal had allowed water to creep in over time, creating a cozy home for ants. Gross, but fixable. We brought in a pest control expert to evict the ants, replaced the window seal, and proceeded without missing a beat.

Here’s how the rest of the project unfolded:

• Week 1: Demo and site protection. The tile floor put up a fight, eating up most of the week.
• Week 2: Delays from ant removal and window repair.
• Week 3: New shower framing, linen closet removal, HVAC reroute for the vent fan, and rough plumbing/electrical. Inspections passed by week’s end.
• Weeks 4–5: Drywall went up, Warm Floor system installed, and tile prep began.
• Week 6: Floor tile laid. Cabinets installed shortly after.
• Week 7: Countertop templating complete. (We’re on a roll!)
• Week 8: Shower tile installed with attention to detail.
• Week 9: Custom shower glass templated. Baseboards and final painting handled while we waited.
• Week 10: Countertops arrived and were installed.
• Week 11: Plumbing and lighting trim-outs. Vent fan completed. Shower glass and custom mirrors installed.
• Week 12: Punch list wrapped, final cleaning completed, and final inspections passed.

From start to finish, this master bathroom remodel took just under 3 months—including holiday delays and an unexpected insect invasion.

The Result: A Light, Bright, Personalized Retreat

Today, this St Louis, MO master bathroom is a far cry from where it started. It’s no longer awkward or outdated—it’s airy, functional, and beautiful. The layout flows. The materials shine. And every detail—from the hutch-inspired cabinets to the warm floors—feels intentional and uniquely “them.”

We loved bringing this vision to life and helping our clients fall in love with their home all over again.

Ready to Remodel Your Master Bathroom in St Louis?

We can’t promise you won’t find a few surprises inside your walls (hey there, ants!), but we can promise expert guidance, premium craftsmanship, and a design you’ll love for years to come.

If you’re considering a master bathroom remodel in St Louis, MO or anywhere around the St. Louis area, the Thompson Price team is ready to help. Schedule your free design consultation today and take the first step toward your dream bathroom.