These homeowners found themselves facing a different decision. Their family loved the neighborhood, loved the home, and had no real desire to move. Yet several spaces throughout the house still reflected an earlier renovation that never felt quite right. Rather than begin a search for a new home, they chose to invest in the one they already had.

The primary bathroom quickly rose to the top of the priority list. The existing space felt dated, compartmentalized, and lacked the sense of comfort and retreat the homeowners envisioned. The goal became creating a sophisticated environment that could deliver some of the same comforts and indulgences associated with a luxury spa while still supporting the practical needs of everyday family life. The result is a warm, modern primary bath that balances elegance, functionality, and timeless appeal.

We were so excited to design a kitchen that would solve their problems and maximize their use and enjoyment of the space. 

THE REMODEL

Design Objectives:

• Create a Retreat – Transform the primary bathroom into a spa-worthy space focused on comfort, relaxation, and everyday luxury
• Reflect Personal Style – Replace generic finishes with a more refined and sophisticated aesthetic
• Improve Functionality – Create a layout that better supports daily routines for two adults
• Expand the Shower Experience – Incorporate a larger, more luxurious shower with premium features
• Increase Storage – Add practical storage solutions without making the room feel crowded
• Incorporate a Makeup Station – Create a dedicated area for daily grooming and preparation
• Enhance Visual Interest – Introduce memorable design elements while maintaining a timeless look

Design Challenges:

• Narrow Footprint – At just 7½ feet wide, the room needed to accommodate numerous functions without feeling cramped
• Underutilized Bathtub – A large soaking tub consumed valuable floor space despite rarely being used
• Competing Functions – The homeowners wanted dual sinks, a dedicated makeup station, generous storage, and an expanded shower within the same footprint
• Storage Deficiencies – Everyday toiletries, cosmetics, and personal items lacked organized storage locations
• Existing Window Location – The room’s window occupied prime wall space while also presenting an opportunity for natural light
• Generic Character – The existing bathroom lacked the personality and sophistication the homeowners wanted for their long-term home
• Maintaining Openness – Adding functionality risked making the relatively narrow room feel crowded

Design Solutions:

• The existing kitchen had two main walkways that limited the workspace capacity. A long, narrow island made it feel like a bowling alley. A new “T” shaped island will incorporate maximum workspace for multiple people (food prep and homework/crafts). There are now two seating areas flanking the island, one side is a built-in banquette with both bench and chair seating and the second area is opposite the banquette with space for two stools. Both seating areas provide easy conversation spaces and separate workspaces for everyone. Only one walkway is needed – family members can now spread out and not be in each other’s way.
• Each cabinet is designed for a specific function and/or item. In addition to standard pull-outs for waste/recycling, cutlery and utensil storage, we defined spaces for tea towels, countertop appliances and pantry items (split between two tall pantry cabinets). There is an in-cabinet microwave on a pull-out, and spaces for craft supplies, a toe-kick stepstool and more. It was very important for the main cook in this family to be able to stand at the island and open a drawer or door to grab something easily in one step (versus opening a door then having to pull out a roll-out).
• We kept the hearth-like floor-to-ceiling brick surround that encompasses the cooktop and ventilation. Crown molding connects the two tall pantry cabinets that flank the brick surround. Hardwood flooring was refinished on the entire first floor – it blends with the kitchen cabinets and warms up the family room and living room spaces that can be seen from the kitchen.

The finished bathroom represents more than a successful remodel. It reflects a decision to invest in a home the family already loved rather than start over somewhere else.

Morning routines and end-of-day unwinding now happen in a space intentionally designed to feel removed from the pace of everyday life. The expansive shower, body sprays, heated towel warmer, dedicated makeup station, and carefully layered materials work together to create an experience that feels more like a boutique spa than the compartmentalized bathroom that existed before.

Yet the greatest success of the project isn’t any single feature. It’s how naturally the space reflects the homeowners themselves. The timeless finishes, thoughtful functionality, and understated luxury all feel perfectly aligned with the aesthetic they have carefully cultivated throughout the rest of their home.

For homeowners who chose to stay and invest in the home they already loved, the result is more than a beautiful bathroom. It’s a spa-worthy retreat that feels distinctly their own.