Project Overview: European Design, Expert Execution
This Littleton bathroom renovation represents the intersection of European design sensibility and American craftsmanship. Referred to us by a general contractor who recognized the project required specialized tile expertise, this designer bathroom demanded precision installation of complex elements including a wall-hung TOTO toilet, custom concrete sink, and multi-texture tile design.
The compact bathroom received a complete transformation featuring gray herringbone subway tile walls, a river pebble shower floor, black hexagon floor tile, and modern matte black fixtures throughout. A skylight floods the space with natural light, making the bathroom feel significantly larger than its modest footprint suggests.
The Challenge
Designer bathrooms require more than standard tile installation skills. This Littleton project presented several technical challenges that elevated it beyond typical bathroom remodels:
Technical Challenges:
- Wall-hung toilet system: Steel carrier frame between wall studs, precise plumbing relocation, access panel construction
- Custom concrete sink: Substantial weight requiring engineered support systems anchored to studs
- Wall-mounted faucets: Hot and cold lines routed through the wall for minimalist appearance
- Herringbone tile pattern: Every tile cut at precise 45-degree angles with perfect alignment
- Multiple tile textures: Coordinating herringbone walls, pebble floor, and hexagon tile throughout
During: Professional Construction Process
Wall framing for carrier frame, GoBoard waterproofing installation, and substrate preparation
Our Solution: Designer-Quality Execution
Complete Demolition and Substrate Preparation
We began by removing all existing bathroom components down to the studs. With a clean canvas, we installed GoBoard cement backer board throughout the wet areas, providing a stable, moisture-resistant substrate for tile installation.
- Complete demolition to studs for clean slate
- GoBoard cement backer board with superior waterproofing properties
- GoBoard sealant at all seams and transitions
- Continuous waterproof barrier before tile installation
Wall-Hung TOTO Toilet Installation
The wall-hung TOTO toilet installation represents one of the most technically demanding elements of this project. Unlike standard floor-mounted toilets, wall-hung systems require a steel carrier frame secured between wall studs.
TOTO DuoFit In-Wall System Features:
- Supports up to 880 pounds when properly installed
- Saves approximately 9 inches of floor space
- Dual-flush: 1.28 GPF and 0.9 GPF options (WaterSense certified)
- Tornado Flush technology for powerful performance
We installed a dedicated access panel behind the shower wall to allow future servicing of the concealed tank and plumbing components. This critical detail provides direct access to the fill valve, flush valve, and water supply connections without requiring wall demolition.
Custom Shower Construction
We built a custom mortar bed shower pan specifically designed for the space, installing river pebble stone mosaic on the shower floor. The shower walls feature gray subway tile installed in a herringbone pattern.
Pebble Floor Benefits:
- Excellent wet traction
- Spa-like aesthetic
- Gentle foot massage sensation
Herringbone Pattern:
- Precise 45-degree cuts
- Distinctive V-shaped pattern
- Architectural feature effect
Vertical Niche & Concrete Sink
We constructed an oversized vertical shower niche with two dividing shelves, providing abundant storage. The designer-specified concrete sink required engineered reinforced supports anchored directly to wall studs.
- Three-tier vertical niche accommodates all bath products
- Heavy-duty brackets distribute concrete sink load across framing
- Wall-mounted faucets with concealed plumbing for clean appearance
Black Hexagon Floor & Finishing
The bathroom floor features striking black hexagon tile that grounds the space with bold geometric contrast. We completed the renovation with a recessed medicine cabinet, contemporary mirror, updated lighting, and sliding glass shower door.
- Black hexagon tile creates dramatic visual weight
- Sliding glass door maximizes usable floor area
- Matte black fixtures unify the modern design palette
After: Designer Bathroom Transformation
Wall-hung TOTO toilet, herringbone tile walls, pebble shower floor, concrete sink, and black hexagon floor
Technical Standards
All tile installation follows TCNA Handbook guidelines and ANSI A108.1 standards for thin-set application and coverage. GoBoard installation and waterproofing meets manufacturer specifications for wet area applications. The wall-hung toilet carrier installation follows TOTO specifications for residential 2x6 stud walls, ensuring the system can safely support its rated 880-pound capacity.
Materials & Methods
Results: Compact Space, Designer Impact
This Littleton bathroom demonstrates that compact spaces can deliver designer-level sophistication when proper planning meets skilled execution. The wall-hung TOTO toilet floats elegantly above the black hexagon floor, making the small bathroom feel unexpectedly spacious.
Design Excellence
- Gray herringbone creates visual rhythm drawing eye upward
- River pebble floor grounds design with organic texture
- Floating toilet maximizes perceived space
- Skylight floods space with natural light
Professional Recognition
- Referred by general contractor for specialized expertise
- Contractor continues to recommend for designer bathrooms
- Demonstrates why specialized tile contractors deliver superior results
Interested in a designer bathroom renovation? Explore our complete bathroom renovation services, or see more of our work in our project portfolio.
Designer Bathroom FAQ
Transform Your Bathroom with Designer-Quality Tilework
South Denver Tile Experts specializes in complex tile installations that general contractors prefer to leave to specialists. From wall-hung toilet systems to custom mosaic floors and precision herringbone patterns, we deliver the craftsmanship that designer bathrooms demand.
Serving Littleton, Denver, Aurora, Highlands Ranch, Centennial, Lone Tree, Parker, and surrounding Colorado communities
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