Shorewood Bathroom Remodel

Nestled in a historic 1900s home on Milwaukee’s East Side, this primary bathroom had great potential, but its complicated ceiling angles, bulky tub corner, and all-white palette left it feeling dated and disjointed. The homeowners envisioned a calm, character-rich space that honored their home’s age while bringing comfort, privacy, and balance to their daily routine. COR Improvements took on a full-gut renovation, rethinking every inch of the room to simplify its layout, enhance flow, and introduce a stunning new focal point: a freestanding clawfoot tub framed by rich green tile.

The original layout lacked cohesion, with a large, corner-set tub dominating the footprint and the toilet exposed in the open. COR’s redesign brought clarity and comfort to the space. The team removed the massive tub surround and replaced it with a graceful clawfoot tub tucked into its own alcove, instantly giving the room a sense of proportion and visual focus. The toilet was relocated behind a partial wall for privacy, while a new, spacious shower—complete with a built-in bench and tiled alcove—balanced the layout and improved functionality. 

While some ceiling soffits could be removed to open the volume of the space, structural conditions required others to stay. COR worked thoughtfully within these constraints, using careful detailing and proportion to make the remaining soffits feel integrated into the overall design rather than intrusive. The result is a room that feels open, intentional, and architecturally consistent.

The homeowner’s vision centered on one key design feature: the striking green tile that wraps the perimeter and shower. This color set the tone for the entire project—warm, vintage, and distinctive. Pairing green with complementary finishes required careful coordination, but COR found just the right materials to create harmony between tile, flooring, and fixtures. The clawfoot tub’s classic silhouette, paired with oil-rubbed bronze plumbing fixtures, adds depth and contrast while reinforcing the timeless character of the home. Vintage-inspired sconces and a frameless glass shower door complete the look, bringing together a palette that feels both historic and refreshingly new.

From the simplified lighting controls to the refined millwork and tile craftsmanship, every detail contributes to the bathroom’s sense of calm and order. The team reduced multiple wall panels of switches down to just three streamlined controls and an outlet, reinforcing the cleaner aesthetic throughout. Soft, layered lighting and the warm glow of the sconces highlight the textures and tones of the materials, bringing depth and warmth to the space.

What began as an overcomplicated room has become a tranquil retreat. The thoughtful reconfiguration, period-appropriate finishes, and centerpiece clawfoot tub transformed this bathroom into a space that feels intentional, inviting, and perfectly aligned with the home’s historic charm. The result is a modern classic—proof that with the right balance of creativity and craftsmanship, simplicity can be truly stunning.