Today we're going to take a deep dive into how we brought our most recent bathroom renovation to life - so let's get into it!
Transforming a primary bathroom into a luxurious yet functional retreat was the clients' dream. They envisioned a spacious vanity area, an elegant shower, and the addition of a water closet. However, their desires evolved as the design process unfolded, leading to a stunning and unexpected outcome that exceeded their expectations.
BATHROOM EXPANSION + DESIGN EXPLORATION
The initial goal was to create more space in the primary bathroom, allowing for a larger vanity and a more spacious shower. The clients also hoped to include a water closet. After exploring several layout options and engaging in meticulous space planning, we discovered that by utilizing space from an adjacent bedroom closet, we could introduce a freestanding tub into the design. This was an exciting revelation for the clients, who never imagined this possibility.
DESIGN INSPIRATION + SELECTION PROCESS
The clients had sent us a Pinterest board before the project began, filled with ideas that emphasized organic textures, traditional elements, and warm wood tones. We typically source various options ahead of time to create a curated selection process, which helps avoid overwhelming the clients with too many choices. This approach allowed us to maintain a cohesive theme throughout the design.
BALANCING BUDGET + LUXURY
Although the clients had a healthy budget, we were mindful of where to splurge and where to save. The most significant splurge was the exquisite water-jet marble accent in the shower, which the clients selected themselves at the tile showroom. This piece was essential to achieving the elegance and classic look they desired, so it was a non-negotiable item in the design. We incorporated this luxurious material into an arched niche within the new wet room, providing both a beautiful focal point and additional storage in the shower.
To balance the budget, we chose mid-range tiles for the rest of the bathroom. For the floor, we selected a large-format Italian porcelain that closely resembles real marble but requires less maintenance and comes at a lower cost. The walls were adorned with a lovely sage green tile with an artisan look. We opted for a library stack layout to add interest without creating an overly busy pattern. Attention to detail was paramount, ensuring that the tiles lined up perfectly with the niches and finished out in full tiles on all walls, avoiding distracting slim pieces.
TRADITIONAL TOUCHES + MODERN TWISTS
We echoed the sage green color around the room by incorporating traditional beadboard, which complemented the home's classic features. This was beautifully anchored by a warm wood floating vanity with a skinny shaker design to add a modern touch. We selected classic knobs in champagne bronze to make the vanity feel more like a furniture piece. The quartz countertops, with their thick build-up and miter edge, gave the illusion of a solid, luxurious piece of stone, although they were actually crafted from a more affordable remnant piece—a clever trick to achieve a high-end look without exceeding the budget.
PLUMBING + FIXTURE SELECTIONS
Plumbing fixtures were another area where we found opportunities to save. We chose designer upgrades for the sink faucet and tub filler with Brizo fixtures. However, for the showerheads and trim, we opted for Delta fixtures, which share the same finishes as Brizo but come at a more affordable price point. This allowed us to maintain the desired look while being budget-conscious.
FINAL TOUCHES + THOUGHTFUL DETAILS
The final details truly elevated the bathroom's luxurious yet approachable feel. We selected black mirrors to offset the gold tones throughout the space, with black accents subtly incorporated elsewhere to create a cohesive design. The black elements grounded the space, acting like mascara for eyelashes—adding the perfect pop.
We chose linen shades for the sconces to reintroduce a traditional feel, echoing the square shape of the faucets. A normal knee wall between the toilet and vanity was arched to mirror the shower niche, adding interest to an otherwise plain wall. This wall also provided extra privacy, giving the illusion of a water closet without sacrificing space.
The clients desired ample storage, so we included a cabinet above the toilet, blending it seamlessly into the room with the same green color and adding glass doors to mimic the window's look. This design choice provided storage without compromising style.
One final, striking detail was the LED lighting under the floating vanity. This feature enhanced the vanity’s floating effect and cast a jewel-like glow throughout the room. Equipped with a motion-timed switch, the lighting also served as a practical nightlight, blending form and function to add dramatic flair to the space.
This bathroom renovation was a perfect blend of luxury and practicality, achieving a look that feels both elegant and timeless. Through thoughtful planning and creative design choices, we were able to transform the clients' vision into a reality that surpassed their expectations. The result is a beautiful, functional space that they will enjoy for years to come.
Final Project Photos by My Name is Lovejoy Photography
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