Who: Barbara VanBlarcume & Karen Martin

Where: Columbus, OH

What: Complete bathroom remodel

Products: Tub-to-shower conversion with a white base, white side walls, and accent wall in Evo with all shower walls to the ceiling. Matte black fixtures including showerhead, sink, curtain rod, grab bars, and light fixtures. Three-drawer Centennial vanity in black with a white marble top and Wave sink. Luxury vinyl plank flooring in Versailles Bronze.

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Bringing Black and White Bathroom Ideas to Life

A stylish and safe tub-to-shower conversion lets mother-daughter duo turn their black and white bathroom ideas into reality

Some remodeling projects simply update a room, and some are create a space that you love every single day. For Barbara VanBlarcume and her daughter Karen Martin, this bathroom renovation was both!

Barbara had worked with Improveit previously on a window project, so when she and Karen began discussing a tub-to-shower conversion, she already knew who she trusted. Karen laughed that she originally planned to research several companies but, “Mom was adamant that she wanted to work with Improveit,” she says. “She told me, ‘I know what they stand for, and if there’s any problem, they’ll take care of it.’ So I said, well, let’s go with Improveit!”

Designing a safer space around their stylish black and white bathroom ideas

Both Barbara and Karen prefer showering to using the tub, but for Barbara the change was also about comfort and safety. “At the maturity that I am, it was getting dangerous stepping over the side of the bathtub,” she shared. Replacing the tub with a low-threshold walk-in shower made everyday access easier and safer while elevating the overall design.

The original bathroom featured a tan bathtub, yellow-tan shower walls, and limited storage. Barbara and Karen came into the design process with a vision, including a love for matte black fixtures. Their Improveit design consultant helped them bring that vision into focus. “He helped us a lot,” Karen says. “Some things we did have in mind, but he offered insight we wouldn’t have thought of.”

The final design featured the matte black fixtures they wanted on a background of black, white, and gray finishes that keep the space simple, stylish, and modern. “It’s the prettiest bathroom I’ve ever seen – and it’s in our house!” Karen says, “I don’t have to go to a fancy hotel to see it. And it’s personalized for exactly what we wanted.”

Thoughtful Installation & Small Bathroom Accent Wall Ideas

During installation, the team discovered water damage beneath the old tub, which required replacing the flooring beneath the shower. Karen was impressed with how smoothly everything was handled. “The installers were amazing,” she says. “I will definitely request the same crew for any future work.”

One detail that especially stood out was the installers’ attention to small details that even Barbara and Karen hadn’t considered. For example, the installer took special care to replace an old floor vent cover with one that matched the new flooring, and recommended positioning the new vanity to eliminate wasted space. “Everything just fit together like a perfect puzzle,” Karen said.

All finished, the final design is anchored by a three-drawer vanity in black with a contrasting white marble top and Wave sink. New gray-toned flooring leads you to the brand new walk-in shower with a white shower base and side walls, and and eye-catching back wall in our pebbled gray Evo design. That small bathroom accent wall idea is framed by matte black fixtures throughout the shower area, and around the sink and vanity, bringing everything together.

A Transformation Worth Celebrating

When the project was complete, the Barbara and Karen’s emotional response spoke volumes. “I teared up a couple of times,” Karen admitted. “I was in a daze just looking around thinking, ‘this is the prettiest bathroom!’ I’m so tickled and proud of it. We show it to everyone who comes over!”

More importantly, they feel confident in knowing the investment is protected. “Improveit stands behind not only their products but their workmanship, which is really hard to come by these days.”

The Improveit team is thrilled to know that Barbara and Karen love their new bathroom, and can’t wait to work with them on future projects. Here’s to many safe, comfortable, and beautiful spaces ahead!