Bathroom Renovation on Lakeshore Drive
A Chicago condo with a fully remodeled primary and guest bathroom, complete with high contrast tile, warm woods and a walk-in shower.
Chicago Bathroom Renovation on Lakeshore
Across the street from the Lakefront Trail Drive across LSD, this condo renovation focused primarily on updating two bathrooms within a high-rise residence. We completely rebuilt the primary bathroom and did a partial remodel with the guest bathroom, improving layout efficiency, lighting, and storage while introducing stronger design + more durable materials.
The renovation addressed both functional and structural issues. Outdated fixtures, tile, lighting, and cabinetry were removed so the spaces could be rebuilt with modern plumbing, electrical systems, and improved storage solutions. The updated bathrooms also now include heated flooring, floating cabinetry, and improved lighting.
Primary Bathroom Renovation
The primary bathroom remodel involved a full demolition of the existing space. Wallpaper, tile flooring, tub and plumbing fixtures, vanity cabinetry, lighting, and exhaust components were removed so the room could be rebuilt from the framing outward.
One of the most significant layout improvements was replacing the traditional hinged entry door with a 28-inch pocket door, allowing the bathroom to function more efficiently within the condo’s footprint.
Reinforcement was added to the vanity wall so the new floating double vanity could be installed securely while maintaining a lighter visual profile.
The new vanity wall incorporates two recessed medicine cabinets and wall-mounted faucets paired with dual sinks. Additional cabinetry was installed above the toilet to increase storage without knocking down walls.
In addition to the visible design changes, the renovation included several behind-the-wall improvements, including:
- Installation of heated tile flooring
- Updated plumbing rough-ins and new sink connections
- Reinforced walls to support floating vanities
- New exhaust ventilation systems
- Upgraded electrical circuits and dimmer switches
- Reframed shower walls with integrated storage niches
Walk-In Shower Design
The new walk-in shower was framed and rebuilt with a cement-board substrate, an integrated bench, and a full-width wall ledge for storage. A tiled curb and recessed niche were incorporated into the shower wall construction.
Plumbing was upgraded to include a steam shower, duel shower head, with one mounted on an adjustable bar. The shower enclosure is paired with quartz surfaces used for the niche sills and curb edges to improve durability in wet areas.
Tile selections use stacked ceramic tile on the walls paired with porcelain mosaic flooring, creating a clean grid pattern.
Heated Bathroom Floors
To improve comfort and eliminate cold tile surfaces common in Chicago high-rise bathrooms, heated flooring was installed beneath the primary bathroom tile. The electrical system was expanded to support the radiant heating system along with a dedicated wall thermostat for temperature control.
This upgrade required additional electrical work and a revised switching layout to integrate lighting, exhaust ventilation, and heated flooring controls.
Bathroom Lighting & Electrical
Lighting was redesigned throughout the primary bathroom to improve visibility and allow the space to shift between task lighting and ambient lighting.
The electrical system was also expanded to support the radiant floor heating system along with a dedicated wall thermostat for temperature control. The plan also included four recessed ceiling lights, decorative sconces at the vanity, dimmer controls, and upgraded GFCI outlets positioned near the sinks. An updated exhaust fan was also installed to improve ventilation within the enclosed bathroom.
The design also explored integrated LED lighting options beneath the floating vanity and along the upper wall to create indirect illumination without introducing additional visible fixtures.
Guest Bathroom Update
The guest bathroom renovation focused on updating finishes while preserving the existing layout. The vanity, mirror, plumbing fixtures, and lighting were replaced, and new cabinetry was installed to improve storage.
The vanity wall was reinforced to support a floating cabinet design similar to the primary bathroom, and new lighting was installed above the mirror to improve visibility. The renovation also included updated plumbing fixtures, repainting, and new trim to match the existing condo profile.
In the expanded renovation scope, the bathtub and surrounding wall tile were replaced and rebuilt with new waterproofing, a recessed niche, and ceramic tile extending to the ceiling.
Bathroom Design-Build in Chicago and Beyond
This project highlights how even targeted renovations like bathrooms within a larger condo, can significantly improve how a home functions day to day. By reworking layout constraints, upgrading behind-the-wall systems, and refining material selections, the result is a space that feels more efficient, more comfortable, and easier to live in over time.
For homeowners in Lakeview and throughout Chicago and the North Shore, we approach each renovation with that same level of detail, aligning design decisions with construction realities from the outset. Whether updating a single space or planning a broader interior renovation, our integrated process is built to deliver clarity, consistency, and a finished result that performs as well as it looks.