Shea McGee has transformed an empty storage closet into her new studio bathroom – and a stunning vintage wallpaper steals the show

There's no denying, we love a remodel. We're always impressed by designers who can transform an old space into something unrecognizable, all while acknowledging the original architecture.

Taking an old storage closet and turning it into a bathroom, interior designer Shea McGee entirely remodeled this once-neglected space using some seriously chic bathroom wallpaper ideas, classic tiles and beautiful furniture and accessories. Shea has always been known for her ingenuity, but we were wowed by her nifty mindset and clear vision of this project.

Shea embraces recent bathroom trends and creates a serene, stylish, and sophisticated space that proves remodeling can sometimes be the best step toward your dream home.

Shea runs us through her design process and explains that the bathroom layout was the first piece of the puzzle. 'When I’m designing a bathroom, whether it’s a new build or a remodel, I always start with the layout', she says.

It's important to consider the architecture of the space right at the beginning to avoid any obstacles. 'This space in my studio is built into the roof line and has a really steep hitch, so I needed to bring the walls in so I would have enough wall space to place a vanity and a shower', she says. Filling us in on exactly how to plan a bathroom, Shea says she made infrastructural changes to ensure she had plenty of room for her bigger units.

Instead of opting for neutral bathroom paint colors, Shea credits the Brunschwig & Fils Bird and Thistle Wallpaper as her inspiration for the bathroom design. 'It is all inspired by this beautiful wallpaper that I have fallen in love with. I placed (a sample) on the walls for a couple of weeks and I just know it’s the right one.' By starting with a point of inspiration, the task of designing the bathroom is made much easier. Shea matches the color and details of the wallpaper, saying 'It has this really beautiful climbing effect. I will choose the tile, vanity, and fixtures based on this wallpaper.'

'Every design needs a jumping-off point and in this space, it’s the wallpaper', says Shea. 'I started with this sample and then selected my tile and vanity accordingly.'

Shea has definitely considered bathroom tile trends by opting for a chic neutral tile that pairs perfectly with the wallpaper. She says, 'I started with the wall tile in the shower, I tend to pick the wall tile first as you see it more in the space.' The wall tile covers the shower walls so it's an important one to consider first. 'I went for the Canyon Lake Tile from the Ann Sacks Collection in an antique white color. I love how you’re getting this movement and it’s not an identical match but it works.'

Moving on to the next tile variety, Shea says she 'wanted to select something that brought this together.' Acknowledging bathroom floor tile trends, she selects a marble floor tile designed to cover the floor of the shower area. 'You’re getting the movement and the veining from the marble and the beige dot that ties in with the wallpaper and the wall tile and you can see how nicely those sit next to each other', she says. Shea has definitely proved that it's time to ditch all-white bathrooms and opt for vintage-style decor that brings character and luxury into a sometimes clinical space.

Shop Shea's vintage look

If you're feeling inspired by Shea's beautiful bathroom wallpaper, we've included some chic wallpaper finds below that embrace a wonderful vintage feel.

Shea has undoubtedly nailed her bathroom remodel. She's completely converted a once unused storage closet into a stylish and serene bathroom that's neatly tucked away behind shutter doors. But don't worry if a remodel isn't your thing– there are plenty of quick and easy swaps to update your bathroom in 2025.