Designing Kitchens and Bathrooms - Budget Bathroom Update

My 1963 house has a hideous bathroom.
I’m in the planning stage of a bathroom update – new toilet, sink, floor, lighting and wall covering. I was going to do a complete remodel, but decided to wait until the economy improves.

The biggest problem is the shower pan. It appears to be concrete and is badly stained. I tried all types of cleaners, including concrete garage floor cleaner, but the stains will not disappear. I’m thinking it might have some kind of sealer on it, and the stains are somehow under the sealer.
Do you think I can sand the concrete and reseal it? If so, what would I seal it with that wouldn’t be too slippery? What are the other options?

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n158/bobbsledd/house/IMG_2482.jpg

The bathroom has an 8’ ceiling. I was thinking of building a 12” soffit over the shower and installing a shower light.
Does anyone see a problem with this (mold, moisture, code etc.)

While I’m at it I’m going to remove the drywall on the outside wall and insulate the wall, since I’m sure there isn’t much there. I’m going to install green board. Should I use a vapor barrier? If so which side?

The tiled shower enclosure is a solid color. I thought it would look better it if I chiseled out a few rows and added an accent color. Is this hard to do - any tips?

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n158/bobbsledd/house/IMG_2481.jpg

That looks like a nice cast stone base, excellent quality stuff. I would not woryy about a few stains, but have your tried CLR(Calcium/Lime/Rust remover)??

Definitely a 60's color tile, but again, I am old and see nothing wrong. My bathroom has 60's tile and is still in great shape. The shower looks like it has been well maintained and cleaned.

Yes, you could remove some tiles and add accents, but be careful, that is likely drywall or greenboard behind the tile and could open up a major renovation job. It does not look like a full thick mud wall. And that tile may be 4 1/4, which is generally referred to as 4" tile, but it really is not. Measure first.

My advice, leave it alone!!

I'm opposite of Bill I guess. I think that tile is hideous and way out of date. If you don't want to do a total tear out of the walls, then don't touch it like Bill said. It would be difficult to remove those tiles without damaging surrounding ones.

Yes, you can install a soffit and light above the shower. You will just have use a light housing suitable for wet/damp locations, not a big deal. You may have to place the switch in a specific area, away from the shower so many inches/feet, but you should ask that in our electrical forum.

Thanks guy's. I'm glad I asked about the tile.
I haven't tried CLR, but if concrete cleaner didn't do it, I doubt CLR will. The stains are much worse then they look in the picture. It is a good quality base, so I'd like to reuse it. If I can't get the stains out I'll go back to plan "A", a complete tear out.

You can do a lot of things, and IMO, you don't need to tear off all the tiles

My suggestion
1 - add a granite or rustic ceramic border--> this will change the shower "frame" and will provide more integration with the floor
2 - add accents, using a solid color, in this way you will avoid the "busy" look
3 - I'd suggest that you ask about the stains in the cleaning forum

This is more or less my idea

http://www.punchhelpers.com/DIY/showerupdate.jpg

Not bad.
The stripe is pretty much what I had in mind. I was thinking dark blue, two rows wide, 3rd and 4th rows from the top, and the same thing 3rd. and 4th. rows from the bottom. It sounds like tearing off the old tile might be an issue though.