A Chicago Bathroom Gets a Vintage-Inspired Makeover for Angi’s House Calls

A couple of years ago, Stacey Shurr moved into her dream condo in downtown Chicago, nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan. Built in 1929, it was packed with vintage charm and character. The only problem? The kitchen and bathroom were in desperate need of an update.

Shurr renovated her kitchen with proceeds from the sale of her previous home. Unfortunately, there weren’t enough funds left to tackle the bathroom—a “terrible eyesore,” as she put it, dating back to the late ’60s or early ’70s. Shurr attempted a few DIY fixes, such as painting the sink and tiles, but she soon gave up. “I didn't really like the tile paint,” she said, “so I didn't get very far in my project.” 

As she grappled with the unfinished renovations, Shurr was also facing personal challenges: Her mother had been diagnosed with esophageal cancer and was undergoing surgery and treatment. This hardship added stress to the lives of her entire family.

Then came a moment of serendipity. While scrolling through Instagram, Shurr came across a story from Darren Keefe (also known as "The Dancing Carpenter"), who was sharing information about Angi’s House Calls. This program connects homeowners in need with pros from the Angi network to complete meaningful home projects. Intrigued, Shurr mentioned the program to her dad, who nominated her. To everyone’s surprise, she was selected for Angi’s House Calls.

Shurr didn’t hesitate to choose her long-neglected bathroom for the makeover. Titan Builders Inc., a Chicago home remodeling company, carried out the work. The final result is a beautifully updated, vintage-inspired bathroom that honors the building’s historic roots and finally feels like part of her “forever home.”

An Outdated “Eyesore” Bathroom

Shurr was eager to change “literally everything” about her bathroom. For starters, the ceiling had faux wood beams and fluorescent lighting panels. The lights lacked warmth, making the bathroom look dim and institutional—almost like a basement.

The walls didn’t help, as they “were tiled all the way up,” said Shurr. The square gray tiles formed a grid pattern with light-colored grout. Above the tiles, mirrored panels wrapped around the upper walls, serving as a reflective (and slightly dizzying) relic to times gone by.

The bathroom also featured the original cast-iron tub, dating back to 1929. While it matched the vintage aesthetic of the building, it was peeling with rust stains. “When I turned the shower on, the water would come out all rusty,” Shurr said. “I had to get one of those shower heads with a filter, which really helped because the water was just terrible.”

Even the floor posed a problem. The off-white tiles were so slippery that Shurr had to warn her father—who stayed with her briefly during her mother’s cancer treatments—to tread carefully on them.

A Vintage-Inspired Vision

Shurr wanted her renovated bathroom to honor the vintage character of 1929, while incorporating a touch of modernity. “It’s the charm and the classic Chicago architecture that I love,” she said. “Vintage has more character.” 

In fact, Shurr wishes the previous owners had preserved the original black-and-white bathroom, which was still found in other units throughout the building. “I probably wouldn’t have needed to do anything if they had just left it alone,” she said. 

As a lover of design and decor, Shurr browsed Pinterest for inspiration, focusing on timeless 1930s-inspired bathrooms. With the help of Titan Builders, she visited local showrooms and selected fixtures, finishes, and materials for the renovated space. 

Tearing Down the Walls

Titan Builders Inc. signed up to complete Angi’s House Calls. “We've been working with Angi for a while, and I thought it would be a great opportunity to get to know the team,” said Miles Schwartz, the company’s Director of Operations. “It’s also a way of giving back.” Titan Builders has always focused on helping the community. In the past, they gave away windows, roofing, or siding to clients who used their financing programs, according to Schwartz.  

The bathroom remodel took several weeks, from demolition to the final install. While the layout or structure didn’t change, Titan Builders updated pretty much everything else, including the lighting, flooring, walls, and more. The demolition phase proved especially challenging due to the building’s age and materials, such as plaster. Schwartz referred to the bathroom as a “bomb shelter” or “concrete jungle.”

The team faced a few minor setbacks along the way, which is expected with an older building. For example, they discovered asbestos insulation inside the bathroom walls. “If you breathe in that asbestos, it can be pretty toxic. You need to have a professional team come and remediate that,” said Schwartz. They also encountered uneven flooring but were able to resolve it without major delays.

Meanwhile, Shurr was worried about the heat. “The day they were going to start, the temperatures went up to the 90s,” she said. “I don't have central air here. It's just a wall air conditioner, and it was super hot in that bathroom because there's not a lot of air movement.” She packed her fridge with refreshing drinks and provided donuts, and the contractors managed to maintain their good spirits. 

The Final Result

Shurr’s new bathroom is classic, timeless, and filled with character. The transformation left her speechless. “I just couldn't believe it,” she said. “It was like something you’ve pictured in your head that you didn't think would happen in the next 10 years, and then it's done.” 

Here’s a look at some of the standout features in her reimagined bathroom:

An Expanded Footprint

There used to be a linen closet just outside the bathroom. Titan Builders ultimately removed the closet and expanded the bathroom into the space. Now it’s a functional alcove with a dresser, a hanging robe, and plenty of extra storage. The added square footage makes the room feel more open and usable.  

Basketweave Floor Tile

The new flooring is a vintage-inspired black-and-white basketweave mosaic tile—a nod to the 1930s design era. “I get a lot of compliments on the basketweave tile,” said Shurr. “And the floor's not slippery, so I don't have to worry about falling.”

Modernized Light Fixtures

Titan Builders replaced the fluorescent panels with decorative ceiling lights, providing the perfect blend of classic and contemporary style. They’re also more efficient at lighting the room. “Before it was dark, almost like an old warehouse feel,” said Schwartz. “Now it’s bright and beautiful.”

Elegant Walk-In Shower

During the remodel, the old bathtub transformed into a walk-in shower with a sliding glass door, quartz threshold, and a custom niche for toiletries. Classic white subway tile with dark grout maintains the old-fashioned aesthetic. 

Fresh and Functional Walls

The old plaster was replaced with drywall, modernizing the space and making future updates easier. Shurr selected a crisp white paint, then she added a bold black border near the ceiling to create a crown molding effect. She said it made a big difference in “completing” the design. 

Classic Fixtures and Finishes

The console sink is inspired by the early 20th-century design style. The black toilet seat lid adds a stylish contrast against the white porcelain, tying together the room’s black-and-white color scheme.

About Angi’s House Calls

Angi’s House Calls helps people facing difficult or unique situations. The program connects homeowners with a professional in the Angi network who will complete a house project that makes an impactful difference. Both the work and materials are donated by Angi.

Anyone can submit a nomination for Angi’s House Calls. Share your story on the submission page here.