Bathroom Remodel Case Study: Complete Demo and Custom Onyx Shower Installation in Newark, NY
A complete bathroom remodel gives homeowners the chance to start fresh. Instead of working around outdated materials, awkward layouts, or older shower features, the space can be rebuilt with a cleaner design, better function, and finishes that feel more personal to the home.
For this bathroom remodel in Newark, NY, the homeowner wanted a complete demo and a brand-new shower system built around the look and durability of Onyx. The goal was not just to replace what was already there. The goal was to create a more modern, comfortable, and custom shower space with thoughtful details like a floating bench, knee wall, rain glass, black fixtures, and built-in storage.
Bathtub Made New completed the remodel with a strong focus on layout, usability, and clean visual contrast.
Project Overview
This Newark, NY bathroom remodel included a complete demo of the existing bathroom and the installation of a new Onyx shower system with several custom features.
The homeowner wanted a shower that felt updated, open, and functional while still having some privacy and structure. The design included a knee wall, a glass panel with black framing, a floating bench, side-wall valve placement, built-in storage, and sleek black shower fixtures.
The finished look combines modern contrast with practical comfort, giving the bathroom a much more updated feel.
The Homeowner’s Goals
The homeowner knew they wanted an Onyx installation from the start. That decision helped guide the rest of the design because Onyx offers a clean, durable, low-maintenance shower wall system with a more finished look than standard builder-grade shower materials.
They also wanted the shower to include:
A floating bench
A knee wall
An Onyx wall cap
Black shower fixtures
A side-wall valve layout
Two Liberty City tower caddies
Rain glass with a black frame
A modern square shower head
A dual-handle Delta shower valve
A clean shower base and wall color combination
The homeowner also liked the look of shiplap, which helped influence the overall design direction. The goal was a bathroom that felt current, clean, and custom without becoming overly busy.
Starting With a Complete Demo
Because this was a full bathroom remodel, the project started with a complete demo. This gave the Bathtub Made New team the ability to rebuild the shower area properly and make the layout work with the homeowner’s requested features.
A complete demo is often the best approach when the homeowner wants more than a surface-level update. It allows the remodel team to address the space from the ground up, including the shower footprint, wall layout, plumbing placement, bench location, glass layout, and finishing details.
For this project, the demo created the clean starting point needed for a more customized Onyx shower installation.
The Custom Shower Layout
One of the most important parts of this remodel was the new shower layout.
The homeowner wanted a knee wall that measured approximately 42 inches wide and 48 inches high. This helped define the shower area while still allowing the space to feel open. The knee wall also created a more custom look than a basic full-height enclosure.
The shower valve placement was also carefully planned. Instead of placing everything in a standard location, the valve was positioned on the knee wall/side wall area for better usability and a cleaner shower experience.
This type of detail matters because fixture placement affects how easy the shower is to use every day. A well-planned valve location can make it easier to turn the water on without stepping directly under the shower head.
Onyx Wall System and Material Choices
The shower was designed with Onyx materials, including Polina walls, Polina niches, and a Waterfall base. The bench was also finished in Waterfall, creating a coordinated design that ties the shower together.
The Onyx wall cap on the knee wall helped give the installation a finished, polished appearance. These small details make a big difference in a custom shower because they help the entire project feel intentional rather than pieced together.
The combination of Polina and Waterfall gave the shower a clean, modern look with subtle contrast. It kept the space bright while still adding visual interest.
This is one of the reasons Onyx is a strong option for homeowners who want a bathroom that feels upgraded but still practical for everyday use.
Built-In Storage With Liberty City Tower Caddies
Storage was another important part of this remodel. The shower included two Liberty City tower caddies, giving the homeowner built-in space for shampoo, soap, body wash, razors, and other daily items.
Built-in storage helps keep the shower clean and organized. It also reduces the need for hanging caddies or bottles sitting on the shower floor or bench.
For homeowners planning a remodel, shower storage is one of those details that should be discussed early. It may seem small, but it has a big impact on how the shower functions after the project is complete.
A Floating Bench for Comfort and Style
The shower also included a floating bench finished in Waterfall. A floating bench is a great feature because it adds comfort without making the shower feel bulky.
It gives the homeowner a place to sit, rest a foot while shaving, or simply enjoy a more comfortable shower setup. Because it floats visually, it can make the space feel more open than a full block-style bench.
In this remodel, the bench also added to the custom look of the shower. It became part of the design rather than just a practical add-on.
Sorantino Glass With Black Frame and Rain Glass
The shower glass was another major design feature.
The remodel included a 36x42 glass panel with a black frame and rain glass. The black frame coordinated with the rest of the black shower fixtures, while the rain glass added texture and privacy.
Rain glass is a smart choice when homeowners want some separation without completely closing off the shower visually. It allows light to move through the bathroom while softening the view into the shower.
The black frame gave the shower a modern edge and helped the glass feel connected to the fixture package.
Black Fixtures for a Bold Modern Finish
The homeowner chose black handles, brackets, shower head, and related shower hardware. The shower included a square black shower head and a black dual-handle Delta shower valve.
Black fixtures work especially well in a bathroom with lighter wall panels because they create contrast. They help define the shower area and give the bathroom a more finished, designer-inspired look.
This remodel used black accents in a way that felt clean and intentional. The fixtures did not overpower the bathroom. They created just enough contrast to make the shower feel modern and sharp.
Why This Remodel Works So Well
This Newark bathroom remodel works because the details all support the same design direction.
The Onyx shower walls provide a clean and durable foundation. The Waterfall base and bench create a coordinated look. The Polina niches add storage while matching the wall system. The knee wall gives the shower structure. The rain glass adds privacy. The black fixtures and frame create contrast.
Nothing feels random. Every choice connects to the next one.
That is what separates a basic bathroom update from a well-planned remodel.
The Finished Result
The finished bathroom now has a much more modern, custom feel. The old bathroom was completely removed, and the new shower area was rebuilt with premium materials and thoughtful features.
The homeowner now has a shower that is easier to use, more attractive, and better suited to their personal style. The floating bench, tower caddies, rain glass, black hardware, and Onyx surfaces all work together to create a bathroom that feels updated and high-end.
This project is a great example of how a complete bathroom demo can open the door to a more personalized remodel.
Planning a Bathroom Remodel in Newark, NY?
If your bathroom feels outdated, cramped, hard to clean, or no longer fits your style, a complete remodel may be the right solution. Whether you want a custom Onyx shower, a tub-to-shower conversion, a more accessible layout, or a full bathroom transformation, Bathtub Made New can help you plan the right approach.
Bathtub Made New serves homeowners in Newark, NY, Rochester, NY, and surrounding communities with professional bathroom remodeling and refinishing services.
Contact Bathtub Made New today to start planning a bathroom that looks better, works better, and feels built around the way you live.