Modern Bathroom Remodel in Athens, GA

When Encompass Contracting took on this Athens, Georgia bathroom remodel, the goal was simple: transform a small, outdated space into a modern, functional retreat that didn’t feel cramped. The result is a sleek, light-filled bathroom that proves good design and craftsmanship can make even the smallest spaces feel spacious and luxurious.

The Homeowner’s Challenge

The homeowner came to Encompass Contracting with a familiar problem: a small bathroom that felt dark, crowded, and underutilized. The layout wasn’t optimized, storage was minimal, and the old finishes made the space appear even smaller.

Better function was a top priority. The homeowner wanted to make better use of every square foot, with modern fixtures, improved lighting, and a beautiful, practical shower design. That meant rethinking the framing, plumbing, and layout to create a more open and user-friendly environment without expanding the footprint.

Timeline & Scope

This bathroom remodel took place in Athens, Georgia, spanning from late September to early October 2025, a compact, on-schedule process completed in just a few weeks.

The scope included a complete renovation of the existing bathroom: new framing and rough plumbing, installation of a fully tiled shower with a recessed niche, updated electrical and lighting, a new vanity and fixtures, a frameless 3/8” glass shower enclosure, and a new toilet.

Despite the small footprint, the Encompass Contracting team managed every phase, from demolition to final finishes, with precision and efficiency, ensuring the homeowner’s vision came to life without extending the project timeline.

See the updated local cost for projects like this and other popular remodels in our complimentary cost guide here.

Design Vision, Features & Materials

This Athens bathroom remodel created a clean, modern design that maximized both function and flow within a small footprint. The Encompass Contracting team focused on thoughtful materials, consistent finishes, and visual openness to achieve a sense of space and calm. See other great examples of our design and execution in our portfolio here.

Shower Design

The shower became the focal point of the remodel. Encompass installed glossy gray subway tiles from local specialty tile ship, Traditions in Tile, that extend from floor to ceiling, drawing the eye upward and making the room feel taller. A recessed niche adds both convenience and visual depth, while a frameless 3/8” tempered glass door eliminates visual barriers, helping light reach every corner. The upgraded Delta MultiChoice rough-in valve and large rain-style showerhead elevate the experience while keeping the design sleek and uncluttered.

Vanity & Fixtures

To bring balance and character to the neutral tile palette, the team selected a custom vanity from Ferguson Home in a muted gray-green finish with a crisp white countertop. Brushed metal fixtures were chosen to coordinate perfectly with the shower hardware, ensuring a cohesive look across the space. A wide mirror above the vanity enhances light and depth, subtly suggesting a larger room.

Lighting & Ventilation

Lighting was a key part of the transformation. The old, dim fixture was replaced with layered illumination, a new ceiling-mounted light for general brightness, a stylish vanity light for clarity at the mirror, and a subtle recessed fixture above the shower to showcase the tilework. A new ceiling exhaust fan improves airflow and protects the updated finishes from humidity.

Behind the Walls

Encompass also replaced the rough plumbing with durable PEX supply lines for longevity and efficiency. 

Finishing Touches

A new Kyler toilet completed the renovation, chosen for its simple, modern lines and space-saving design. 

Challenges and Creative Solutions

Working within a small bathroom always comes with its share of obstacles, and this Athens remodel was no exception. The limited footprint required strategic planning to fit all the desired upgrades without overwhelming the space.

The Encompass team approached this by rethinking spatial relationships. They carefully re-framed the shower area to maximize usable width and depth, allowing for a generous shower enclosure that didn’t encroach on the vanity. The choice of a frameless glass door was both practical and visual, eliminating the need for bulky framing while creating an uninterrupted sightline across the room.

Lighting was another critical consideration. Small bathrooms can easily feel dark and closed in, so the team layered illumination: a ceiling-mounted fixture for general light, a vanity light for task use, and a subtle recessed light above the shower to highlight the tile work. Together, they eliminate shadows and showcase the craftsmanship throughout.

Tile installation also demanded precision, especially where the walls and niche met. Every tile was meticulously aligned, ensuring perfect grout lines and a continuous, professional finish. 

Ready to Remodel Your Bathroom in Greater Athens, GA?

If you’re inspired by this transformation and ready to update your own space, Encompass Contracting is here to help. Our team in Northeast Georgia specializes in custom remodels that change your daily life by supporting your style and routines.

Contact us today to start your own personalized transformation with the right partners to make it possible.