I really don’t do many bathroom remodels. Kitchens are my jam. Every once in a while I will get approached about designing a bathroom and the circumstances are all aligned where it is a good fit for me to get involved. I’ve got one of those to share with you today. What are the right circumstances? Fabulous clients, lots of creative freedom, a healthy budget, and a great contractor to manage the project.
The Bathroom Before
I saw something in this bathroom that I’ve never seen before. The bathtub was sunken into the floor with no safe way to get in and out.
No grab bar, no steps, no safety measures. And– you had to get into the tub to push the stopper at the bottom of the tub. So you have to climb in and out before even running the water.
The shower wasn’t much better. The valve to turn on the shower was inside the shower underneath the shower head on the back wall.
There was no way to turn on the water without getting drenched with cold water while waiting for the water to heat up.
The vanities really didn’t work for our clients. They were short, dated, and lacked useable storage.
We can do better than this. And we did.
The bathroom after
The clients requested a free standing bathtub. They wanted it to be a beautiful statement.
They also asked for minimal grout lines in the shower so it wouldn’t be hard to clean. They also asked that it be beautiful. That’s it. The rest they left up to me. That’s what made this project so appealing. They turned me loose to design everything from the floor up. Which I did. I don’t think they changed a single element. That almost never happens. The result- a beautiful bathroom that feels like a sanctuary.
The details
We used a large format porcelain floor tile that looks like limestone. In the shower we used 2×2 mosaic tile on the shower floor and full slab porcelain tiles with minimal grout lines on the walls. The pattern is book matched in the corner.
We had vanities custom made in white oak. The large round hardware really is the star in the bathroom.
We mixed a few different brass metals with black metals in the fixtures and shower details. The wall covering was used sparingly to create a visual punch.
Vertical ship lap was applied on the bottom of the walls to add texture. One statement lantern in the center of the room is reflected all around the room in the large scale mirrors. I love the depth of this photo!
Shaded sconces were placed at eye level on each side of the mirrors.
My client’s recently welcomed three adopted grandchildren into their family and I like to think about those smiling faces taking a soak in grandma and grandpa’s beautiful new bathtub. This bathroom really stretched my creative muscles and I couldn’t be more proud of it. 
Want to see another bathroom I’m super proud of?
After photos by Leslie Brown
General Contractor- Bob Whitley
Need help with your kitchen?
Remember, I don’t really design bathrooms- but kitchens are my jam. Do you have a kitchen that needs an update? We would love to help you fall in love with your kitchen too. Whether you are ready for a full kitchen update or just in need of cabinet refinishing, we would love to help. We do everything from custom cabinet refinishing and painting to full kitchen project management and design. Fill out the form below if you’d like more information.
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