Sorry but a gut job is in your future for sure so I think give it a good clean, do LED bulbs everywhere in 4000K at least that will lighten it up. Take a ll the stuff off of the tub and walls get at least a fixture that is a down light for the ceiling.I assume the glass brick wall is part of the shower . In a bathroom this size could you not find a spot for towels instead of the shelving.

I'd start by removing the shelving unit. You can do something like this for your towels.

how would you suppose you bring it up to date? just lighting? a few rugs?

Sorry. It's not going to work.

You could remove the heavy candle things and art, and do a few shelves, or a lighter picture.

wallpapering this bathroom will only make it look dated w/new wallpaper.

It looks dated because of the big ticket items. The glass block window, the shape of the tub, the countertop/sink, the huge builder-grade mirror, the dark vanities, and the lighting in the double tray ceiling.

The actual tile on the floor is ok. You could prob keep it and replace everything else. Or just start over.

You have a huge bathroom with a poor layout. save the money for a complete redo and you could have an amazing space. I mean, really amazing. 30K is the minimum though.

I don't think it is so bad, but there is a lot of stuff. I agree about the sconces by the magnolia picture. Too large. Pictures are too large too. I have no idea what kind of light for that tray ceiling. It hides the light you do have. Maybe search on Houzz for "tray ceiling" to see what lights others have. A better place for towels maybe and clear out all of the clutter. Like others have said, you need color. Too much beige. You can leave big items and just refresh paint, add brighter bulbs, and color. I don't like this trend of removing large mirrors for those small framed mirrors. I think too many people miss them.

It's a nice big room. Do you have a linen closet outside the room? Is there a wall where some shelves or an electric towel warmer/dryer could be installed?

For an easy update to a current, sleeker style (more like a luxury hotel), remove the candle holders and all artwork including the knickknacks. Move the towel storage unit out. Install some towel bars instead of using the shower walls and handles to hold drying towels. Then pick out a large new art piece for the tub area and buy a couple $20 orchids for the countertops. Brighter colors in the artwork will make a statement.

For a more elaborate style, remove items above, then choose a new wallpaper:

The Low House · More Info

Glass-block is "dated"? Not according to the leading architectural blog Dezeen as recently as November 2020. (But in a few days that will be dated too, I suppose.)

Glass-block wall, Dezeen 11/18

Otherwise, I'll second Beth.

The current layout is disjointed and jarring, as far as one can make out without a sketch of the floorplan. I wonder if this room wasn't already "renovated", as the recess above the vanity would make more sense if it were over a bath that would be the first thing to see on opening the entry door.

worthy, I actually don't mind the glass blocks in her space. Everything else surrounding it doesn't really scream 'modern' though. as for your office pic w/the blocks, very different looking from her bathroom! again, it's the whole package.

This is how to do a glass block window. make it a freestanding tub, a wood vintage style linen cabinet, wainscot, nice lighting

so much nicer to have a larger shower in that bathroom.

not necessarily this large. just showing that the block window can be used in a shower

Not a Pro.

I like the glass blocks too.

First thing is to declutter the bathroom and go for a spa like feel. As mentioned above, get rid of the shelving unit and add shelves over the tub instead of the art. Add your towels there, soaps in a dish, a green plant.

Take away the family photos. Add candles, a basket filled with rolled wash towels.

If you feel you need towels for the shower somewhere, roll towels and put them in a large basket on the floor near the shower.

I like the wall paint. Keep the flowers, they look great in there.

I think the window with glass blocks is dated. But I agree that in the picture worthy posted, it is not dated. It is a full wall with a lot of modern elements in it. I know it offers privacy but depending on the view the neighbors have, you maybe be able to get stores that can open/close with a remote .i.e. once your are in the tub, no one can see you.