A guest bathroom transformed in just two months and for under $100K

Design Objectives

The primary objective of this remodel was to make the most of every inch of an existing guest bathroom while staying well within budget and delivering a finished space that felt fresh, modern, and move-in ready.

Katie focused on opening up the shower area by removing the soffit that had made it feel cave-like and confined. Recessing the medicine cabinet into the wall was another key priority, a small but impactful change that adds a sense of spaciousness without touching the footprint. The team also addressed a broken pocket door and carrier, replacing the assembly so it functioned properly for the first time in years.

Beyond the structural work, the bathroom received a comprehensive refresh: all-new plumbing fixtures, a pre-made vanity, new Marmoleum flooring and underlayment, solid surface HIMACS shower walls, a custom half-wall and shower door, and updated drywall, electrical, lighting, and paint.

Design Challenges

The most defining challenge of this project wasn’t spatial. It was the calendar.

Related: How Long Does Remodeling Take? Understanding Design/Build Project Timelines 

The homeowners reached out to Neil Kelly in October 2025 with a very specific and heartfelt goal: to have the bathroom finished before Christmas, when their newly engaged daughter would be coming home to visit. That made a completed, polished remodel the surprise gift. It also meant the team had roughly two months from signed contract to finished project to make it happen.

Delivering a full bathroom remodel on that kind of timeline required disciplined planning, streamlined decision-making, and a willingness to think creatively about materials from the very start.

Design Solutions

With a tight deadline in place, Katie knew early on that tile was off the table. The setting, curing, and grouting process simply wouldn’t allow for it without putting the Christmas reveal at risk.

That constraint opened the door to a more creative exploration of solid surface materials. After diving into the options, the team landed on a HIMACS panel in a soft white with subtle texture and a matte finish. It reads as quiet and refined without being stark, and it became the anchor of the entire color story.

From there, the palette came together naturally. A “Cork Tree” Marmoleum in warm green and brown tones bridges the existing wood floor and the teak vanity, tying the space together with an earthy continuity that feels considered rather than assembled in a rush. The result is a bathroom that looks and feels like it was designed with intention, not built against the clock.

Special Features

A few elements of this project make it particularly worth noting in the Neil Kelly portfolio:

• No tile, no grout in the shower or on the floor. The HIMACS solid surface surround and Marmoleum sheeted flooring create a seamless, easy-to-maintain finish that clients ask about often but rarely see in real-world examples.
• Recessed medicine cabinet integrated into the wall for a clean, built-in look that opens up the visual field of the room.
• Custom half-wall and frameless shower door that define the shower zone while keeping the space feeling open.
• Functional pocket door replacement restoring flow and usability to a previously broken entry point.

Key Suppliers & Manufacturers

• Vanity: Signature Hardware
• Plumbing Fixtures: Kohler
• Toilet: American Standard
• Shower Walls: HIMACS Solid Surface by LX Hausys
• Flooring: Marmoleum by Forbo

If you’re considering a bathroom remodel of your own, the Neil Kelly team is ready to help you figure out what’s possible—on your timeline and within your budget. Our designers bring the same creativity and problem-solving to every project, whether you’re working with a tight schedule or a compact space. Schedule a complimentary design consultation to start the conversation.