Case Study: From 90s Time Capsule to Modern Spa in Duluth, GA
Let’s be honest: Duluth, Georgia is a beautiful place to live, but from May to September, the humidity can make stepping outside feel like walking through a bowl of warm soup. When you live in Gwinnett County, a good, refreshing shower isn’t just a luxury—it’s a daily survival requirement.
But for homeowners William and Marianna, their master bathroom wasn’t exactly providing that tranquil, spa-like escape. It was stuck in a design era that most of us would rather forget. Thankfully, they called in the experts at Custom Bath & Shower to perform a full-scale intervention.
The Challenge: The Dark Ages (and the Cardinal Sin of Flooring)
Take one look at the “Before” photos, and you’ll see why William and Marianna needed a change. The space was dominated by heavy, dark patterned wallpaper that seemed to actively absorb whatever natural light tried to peek through the window.
The layout featured a classic 90s dilemma: a massive, space-hogging corner bathtub that probably hadn’t been filled since the Clinton administration, sitting awkwardly next to a claustrophobia-inducing, frosted-glass shower stall. Over at the vanity, a gigantic, builder-grade slab mirror reflected the harsh glare of “Hollywood dressing room” bulb lights.
And then, there was the flooring. Carpet. In the bathroom. We don’t need to explain why wall-to-wall carpeting next to a bathtub is a recipe for disaster (and a lot of squishy footsteps). It was time for the wrecking ball.
The Solution: A Breath of Fresh Air
The Custom Bath & Shower team arrived ready to bring this space into the 21st century. The game plan was simple: maximize the light, update the textures, and build a shower worthy of washing off that sticky Georgia summer heat.
First, the carpet and the gloomy wallpaper were officially banished. We then demolished the unused tub and tiny shower combo to reclaim that entire back wall. In its place, we installed a sprawling, luxurious walk-in shower. We wrapped it in sleek, frameless glass and lined it with large-format, wave-textured tiles in a calming, airy hue. We even added a built-in bench—because sometimes, you just need to sit down and contemplate life under a warm stream of water.
For the vanity area, we ditched the mega-mirror and heavy lights. We created a stunning focal point using a textured grey tile backsplash, mounting two elegant, modern oval mirrors and flanking them with sleek brass sconces. To tie the whole room together, we wrapped the lower walls in crisp, classic white wainscoting.
The Outcome: A Luminous Duluth Oasis
The transformation is quite literally night and day. What was once a dark, cramped time capsule is now a bright, airy, and highly functional retreat.
By reallocating the square footage from the unused tub, William and Marianna gained the massive, walk-in shower of their dreams. The clean lines, modern fixtures, and thoughtful lighting have completely opened up the room. It’s no longer a bathroom you just use and leave; it’s a personal sanctuary right in the heart of Duluth.
