Few home updates make as big an impact as a bathroom remodel. It’s often the room that feels the most dated in your home, and the one that benefits most from a fresh, modern touch. Maybe your bathrooms feel too small, lack storage or simply don’t reflect your current lifestyle needs. Whatever the case, a thoughtful remodel can completely change the way you experience your home every day.
In this post, we’re sharing six of our stunning before-and-after bathroom remodels in Santa Cruz, Aptos and Soquel, CA, illustrating how thoughtful design can truly inspire your own bathroom remodel. These transformations will show you what’s possible when design, function and personality come together.
Related Post: 5 Ways a Quality Contractor in Santa Cruz Elevates Your Bathroom Remodeling Project.
Project 1: A Primary & Secondary Bathroom Remodel in Aptos, CA
BEFORE
BEFORE
The bathrooms in this Aptos family beach house were stuck in the past, with outdated finishes, low storage capacity and inefficient layouts. The primary bathroom even had carpet flooring—highly impractical for daily use—and bulky showers made the rooms feel smaller.
AFTER
Both bathrooms were completely reimagined within the same layout, and now feature modern fixtures, improved lighting, frameless glass shower screens and custom vanities with slab countertops that bring cohesion and elegance to the home.
“The challenge here was maximizing light and space without changing the footprint,” explains Wilhelm Venter, Designer at Talmadge Construction. “By selecting reflective surfaces and lighter materials, we gave this Santa Cruz bathroom a completely new life while staying true to the homeowner’s vision.”
See this Primary & Secondary Bathroom Remodel project.
Project 2: A Bathroom Renovation in Santa Cruz, CA
BEFORE
BEFORE
This Santa Cruz guest house bathroom felt small, dark and disconnected from the home’s coastal charm, and the outdated tile and bulky vanity left little breathing room. In addition, the homeowners wanted a full bathroom with dual access from both the en suite bedroom and the hallway.
This was part of a larger remodel.
AFTER
With a thoughtful bathroom renovation, we opened the space visually with lighter tones, a sleek vanity and improved lighting, giving it a fresh, modern coastal vibe. We were also able to give the homeowners both a powder room and a full bath that allow them to use the space for themselves, rent out the front portion of the home, or host guests comfortably.
“When we started these bathroom remodels, our goal was to create harmony between the two spaces while also giving each its own character,” says Danielle Grenier, CGBP and Lead Architect & Design Department Manager at Talmadge Construction. “The before-and-after transformations really show how small changes in layout and finishes can completely shift how a bathroom feels and functions.”
See this Seaside Santa Cruz Bathroom Remodel project.
Related Post: Bathroom Makeover Tips for a Stunning Transformation in Décor.
Project 3: A Coastal Spa-Inspired Primary Bathroom Remodel in Aptos, CA
BEFORE
BEFORE
This 1980s coastal home’s primary bathroom in Aptos was awkwardly shaped, cluttered, and weighed down by dark cabinetry, a dated tub, limited storage and poor lighting.
AFTER
We reconfigured the layout to create a seamless flow between the bedroom, bathroom and walk-in closet, added a spacious walk-in shower with a glass enclosure, and introduced natural textures and clean lines. The result is a bright and inviting, boho-chic spa-like retreat that feels both modern and timeless.
“This bathroom remodel was all about creating calm and flow,” says Dave Neighhoff, Designer at Talmadge Construction. “The homeowners wanted a space where they could unwind, and by opening the shower and incorporating natural elements, we transformed the bathroom into a serene retreat.”
See this 1980s Coastal Home Primary Bathroom Remodel project.
Project 4: A Modern Primary Bathroom Remodel in Aptos, CA
BEFORE
BEFORE
The original bathroom felt tight and outdated, with finishes that no longer matched the homeowners’ taste. In addition, the challenge was to create a brand-new layout that required significant structural modifications, including removing walls, cutting into the roofline and repurposing a larger space at the back of the house to create an en suite bedroom featuring the new primary bathroom.
AFTER
With a complete redesign, this bathroom now boasts sleek modern finishes, elegant chevron-patterned glass tilework, and a more open feel that maximizes both function and beauty.
“One of my favorite parts of this Aptos custom bathroom remodel was how we were able to integrate modern design elements while still keeping the space warm and inviting,” Danielle describes. “The before-and-after images show how bold material choices can really elevate a bathroom renovation.”
See this Modern Primary Bathroom Remodel project.
Related Post: How to Design a Luxurious Primary Bathroom in your Santa Cruz County Home.
Project 5: A Primary Jack-and-Jill Bathroom Remodel in Soquel, CA
BEFORE
BEFORE
This Jack-and-Jill bathroom felt cramped and lacked the sophistication the homeowners wanted. Its finishes were outdated, and the floor had worn carpeting.
AFTER
We removed one sink to give the bathroom a more open, streamlined feel and replaced the carpeting with vinyl plank flooring. And using a neutral, modern color palette with a playful and colorful design, we created a functional and stylish bathroom that feels fresh and inviting for everyday use.
“Jack-and-Jill bathrooms present unique design challenges because they need to serve multiple people seamlessly,” Wilhelm says. “This remodel focused on improving flow and durability while also creating a serene environment. The difference in usability between before and after is remarkable.”
See this Primary Jack-and-Jill Bathroom Remodel project.
Project 6: A Contemporary Primary Bathroom Remodel in Aptos, CA
BEFORE
BEFORE
This primary bathroom felt uninspired and dark, with an outdated tub/shower combo and little personality.
AFTER
We replaced the tub/shower combo with a contemporary walk-in shower, upgraded finishes with thoughtfully-selected limestone accents, upgraded lighting, and created a cohesive design palette that now gives the bathroom a clean, elevated look. We even included a heated towel bar as an extra luxurious touch.
“This bathroom renovation shows the power of simplicity,” Dave says. “By stripping away the clutter and focusing on clean lines and quality finishes, we gave this primary bathroom a contemporary elegance that feels refreshing every time anyone steps inside.”
See this Contemporary Primary Bathroom Remodel project.
Related Post: Bathroom Remodeling Trends for 2025: Insights from an Aptos Design-Build Contractor.
Create Your Own Stunning Bathroom Retreat with Talmadge Construction
These before-and-after bathroom remodels highlight just how dramatically a well-planned renovation can transform a space. Whether you’re planning a bathroom remodel in Santa Cruz, gathering design ideas or simply seeking inspiration, these projects prove that even the most dated bathrooms can become stunning, highly-functional retreats.
Partnering with a skilled Santa Cruz design-build contractor like Talmadge Construction means every element—from the layout to the final finishes—is handled with care, resulting in a custom remodel that perfectly reflects your style and needs. We’re known for our integrity, craftsmanship and thoughtful communication, and by managing every step of your remodeling project in house, we can ensure your vision is beautifully executed, resulting in a space that feels both intentional and inspiring.
At Talmadge Construction we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all design; every bathroom is tailored to each client’s lifestyle, aesthetic and budget. So whether you’re dreaming of a serene spa-like retreat or a more efficient family bathroom, our award-winning designers and skilled craftsmen will create a space that balances function, comfort and beauty, all while keeping your project on schedule and within budget.
Contact Talmadge Construction today to begin your remodeling journey.
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