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Riobel black fixture with TOTO toilet, custom L shape glass,

Bathroom 38 richmond hill

Bathroom Projects · ·Updated May 01, 2025 · Richmond Hill, Toronto, ON

Richmond Hill bathroom renovation: Riobel black fixture with TOTO toilet, custom L shape glass, LED mirror. Quality craftsmanship and Ontario code compliance.

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From Cramped to Contemporary: A One-Week Richmond Hill Bathroom Transformation

In the heart of Richmond Hill, a beautiful Toronto-area home had a common problem: a bathroom that was functional but far from fabulous. This project is a testament to what’s possible with a clear vision and an expert team. We transformed a dated space using a striking Riobel black fixture set, a high-efficiency TOTO toilet, and a brilliant LED mirror. The true game-changer, however, was a custom L shape glass shower enclosure that completely redefined the room’s layout and feel. This is the story of how we turned a cramped bathroom into a modern sanctuary in just one week.

Quick Facts

  • Project: Primary Bathroom Renovation
  • Location: Richmond Hill, Toronto, ON
  • Scope: Full gut, layout optimization, tub-to-shower conversion, new fixtures, tiling, and electrical.
  • Key Features: Walk-in shower with custom L-shaped glass, matte black Riobel fixtures, wall-mounted TOTO toilet, large-format porcelain tile, vanity with integrated LED mirror.
  • Duration: 1 week

The Design Vision: Maximizing Space and Style

The original bathroom was a classic example of builder-grade design from the early 2000s. It featured a bulky acrylic tub-shower combo that dominated the room, a dated vanity with poor storage, and lighting that cast a dim, unwelcoming glow. The homeowners dreamed of a clean, open, and spa-like environment but felt constrained by the room’s modest footprint.

Our design process began with a single goal: to create the illusion of space. We knew that simply replacing fixtures wouldn’t be enough. The layout had to be re-imagined.

The key strategic moves were:

  1. Tub-to-Shower Conversion: Removing the cumbersome bathtub was the first and most critical step. This immediately opened up the floor plan. We designed a spacious, curb-less walk-in shower to take its place, creating a seamless transition from the main floor area.
  2. The L-Shaped Glass Enclosure: Instead of a standard sliding door, which creates visual clutter, we opted for a custom L-shaped fixed glass panel. This minimalist design choice contains water effectively while keeping sightlines completely open, making the entire room feel larger and more integrated.
  3. Floating Elements: We selected a floating vanity and a wall-mounted TOTO toilet. By lifting these fixtures off the floor, we revealed more of the floor tile, a classic design trick that enhances the sense of spaciousness and makes cleaning a breeze.
  4. A High-Contrast Palette: The homeowners loved the bold, contemporary look of matte black. We decided to use this as a powerful accent against a backdrop of soft grey, large-format porcelain tiles. This contrast adds drama and sophistication without overwhelming the space. The warmth of a wood-tone vanity was introduced to balance the cool tones and add an organic touch.

Materials & Specifications

Every material in this project was chosen for its blend of beauty, durability, and performance.

  • Fixtures: The star of the show is the Riobel Parabola collection in matte black. This includes the pressure-balanced shower valve, a stunning rain head, and a matching widespread faucet for the vanity. Riobel is renowned for its solid brass construction and flawless engineering, ensuring these fixtures will look and perform beautifully for years.
  • Toilet: We installed a TOTO Aquia IV Cube wall-hung toilet. TOTO is the gold standard for performance and water efficiency. This model’s concealed tank system not only saves precious floor space but also contributes to the bathroom’s sleek, minimalist aesthetic.
  • Shower Glass: The custom L shape glass enclosure was fabricated from 10mm tempered, low-iron glass for maximum clarity and safety. It was treated with a protective coating to repel water spots and simplify maintenance.
  • Vanity & Mirror: A floating, flat-panel vanity in a warm walnut finish provides ample storage without visual weight. It’s topped with a crisp white quartz countertop that is both durable and non-porous. Above it, a large, round LED mirror with an anti-fog feature provides perfect task lighting and a soft, ambient glow, eliminating the need for bulky traditional vanity lights.
  • Tile: We used 24”x48” large-format porcelain tiles on both the floor and the shower walls. The sheer size of these tiles means fewer grout lines, which creates a more monolithic, serene look and simplifies cleaning. A textured, matte finish was chosen for the floor to provide slip resistance.
  • Waterproofing: Behind the beautiful tile lies the most critical component: a full Schluter-KERDI membrane waterproofing system. This industry-leading product creates a completely sealed, watertight envelope for the shower, protecting the home’s structure from moisture and mould—a non-negotiable for meeting and exceeding Ontario Building Code standards.

The Process & Timeline: A Masterclass in Efficiency

Completing a full bathroom renovation of this calibre in just one week requires meticulous planning and flawless execution. Here’s how our team made it happen:

  • Pre-Construction: Weeks before the start date, all materials were ordered and confirmed. The custom glass was measured, and the vanity was fabricated. A detailed project plan was created and shared with the homeowners. This preparation is the secret to a smooth, fast-paced renovation.
  • Day 1: Demolition and Protection: The crew arrived early to lay down floor protection throughout the home. The old bathroom was carefully gutted down to the studs. Debris was removed immediately, leaving a clean slate.
  • Day 2: Rough-ins: Our licensed plumber and electrician got to work. Plumbing was re-routed for the new wall-mounted toilet and the relocated shower drain. New electrical wiring was run for the LED mirror and a code-required GFI outlet was installed beside the vanity.
  • Day 3: Preparation and Waterproofing: With the walls open, we added any necessary blocking for the floating vanity and grab bars. The cement board was installed, and the Schluter-KERDI waterproofing membrane was meticulously applied to the entire shower area, including the floor and curb-less entry.
  • Day 4 & 5: Tiling and Grouting: Our master tiler began laying the large-format porcelain. This is a precise, demanding job that sets the stage for the final look. Once the thin-set mortar cured overnight, the tile was grouted with a high-performance, stain-resistant epoxy grout.
  • Day 6: Installation and Painting: This was a big day. The floating vanity, quartz countertop, and TOTO toilet were installed. The stunning Riobel fixtures were carefully fitted. The room was then painted in a soft, light-reflecting grey.
  • Day 7: Finals and Finishing Touches: The custom glass panels were installed, the LED mirror was hung, and all silicone sealing was completed. The team performed a final, thorough cleaning and a detailed quality inspection with the homeowners, who were amazed to have their dream bathroom back in just seven days.

The Final Look

Walking into the finished bathroom is like stepping into a different home. Where there was once a dark and cluttered room, there is now a bright, airy, and sophisticated space. The open-concept shower with its seamless glass feels enormous. The matte black Riobel fixtures stand out as bold, sculptural elements against the subtle grey tile. The TOTO toilet appears to float, and the warm wood of the vanity prevents the modern design from feeling cold. The glow from the LED mirror provides perfect, flattering light, making the daily routine feel like a luxury spa experience. It’s a space that is not only beautiful but also intuitively functional.

Design Takeaways

This Richmond Hill project offers several key lessons for any homeowner planning a bathroom renovation:

  1. Layout is Everything: Don’t be afraid to move things. Converting a tub to a glass-enclosed shower is one of the most impactful changes you can make in a small to medium-sized bathroom.
  2. Invest in Quality Fixtures: Fixtures are the “jewelry” of the bathroom. High-quality brands like Riobel and TOTO not only look better but are engineered to last, saving you headaches down the road.
  3. Go Big with Tile: Large-format tiles can make a small room feel grander. Fewer grout lines mean a cleaner look and less maintenance.
  4. Light it Right: A single overhead light is rarely enough. Layering light with an LED mirror for tasks and pot lights for general ambiance creates a more functional and inviting atmosphere.
  5. Plan, Plan, Plan: A fast, stress-free renovation is the result of intensive pre-planning. Having every single item on-site before Day 1 is the key to avoiding costly delays.

Ready to see what a thoughtful redesign can do for your space? Get in touch for a free, no-obligation quote and let’s start planning your transformation.

Maintenance Tips

To keep this beautiful bathroom looking brand new:

  • Glass: Use a squeegee on the glass after every shower to prevent water spots. Once a week, clean with a simple solution of white vinegar and water.
  • Matte Black Fixtures: Clean with a soft, damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals, which can damage the finish.
  • Porcelain Tile: Porcelain is incredibly durable. Regular sweeping and mopping with a pH-neutral cleaner is all that’s required.
  • Grout: The epoxy grout used is highly stain-resistant, but it’s still wise to clean up any spills of hair dye or harsh chemicals immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can a full bathroom renovation be completed in just one week? It comes down to three things: a dedicated and experienced team, having every single material on-site before we begin, and meticulous project management. For our projects in Richmond Hill and across the GTA, we schedule our licensed tradespeople—plumbers, electricians, and tilers—back-to-back with no “dead days,” ensuring constant progress.

2. Is a walk-in, curb-less shower a good idea in a Toronto home? Do I need to worry about leaks? A professionally installed curb-less shower is an excellent, safe, and stylish choice. The key is proper waterproofing. We use a comprehensive system like Schluter-KERDI that creates a fully sealed basin beneath the tile, and we engineer a subtle slope in the floor to ensure all water flows directly to the drain. This method meets and exceeds all Ontario Building Code requirements for wet rooms, guaranteeing a leak-proof result.

3. Are matte black fixtures a trend, or are they here to stay? While matte black has certainly been popular, it has proven to be a timeless choice with real staying power. Like chrome or brushed nickel, it acts as a sophisticated neutral that pairs well with almost any colour or material, from warm woods to cool marbles. Its versatility and bold character have cemented it as a modern classic.

4. What are the benefits of a wall-mounted toilet like the TOTO model you used? The primary benefits are space-saving and ease of cleaning. Because the tank is hidden in the wall, the bowl protrudes less into the room, saving valuable inches in a smaller bathroom. And since the toilet is lifted off the ground, you can easily clean the floor underneath it—no more awkward crouching to get behind the toilet bowl!

5. I’m thinking about a similar project. What’s the first step? The first step is to define your goals and inspiration. Think about what isn’t working in your current bathroom and gather images of spaces you love. The next step is to consult with a professional. We can help you translate those ideas into a feasible plan that respects your budget and the unique characteristics of your home.

This Richmond Hill bathroom is more than just a renovation; it’s a re-imagining of daily life. It proves that with smart design and expert craftsmanship, any space can become a source of comfort, pride, and daily delight.

If you’re ready to start a conversation about your own home renovation, we’d love to help. Contact us today for a complimentary quote!