Classic Spa Bathroom

A huge built-in tub with heavy columns dominated the original bathroom – it just wasn’t the homeowners’ style. They were looking to update the room with a fresh look that felt more like “them.”

The couple each had their own wish lists. Hers was focused on aesthetics and was very clear: a contrasting combo of dark and crisp-white tile along with warm wood, soft bronze plumbing finishes, and an elegant soaking tub. His list was all about the shower. He wanted to match the experience of a luxury hotel shower. 

Design objectives:

• Open up the space and omit heavy millwork details

• Furniture-style vanity in a warm wood finish

• Classic neutral palette

• Ample storage for toiletries and towels

• Luxurious modern technology, especially in the shower

Design challenges:

• Expand and open up the shower in a way that lets in more light

• Continue crown molding from the rest of the home – solve for how this could work around the shower

• More storage solutions in the same space

• Create an elegant, streamlined look that unifies all of the new elements

Design solutions:

• Shower soffit: Adding a soffit above the shower area allows crown molding to flow continuously 

• Mirrored storage: Large Robern medicine cabinets offer convenient eye-level storage while freeing up vanity space. The mirrors on both sides of the inner medicine cabinet make them bright and sleek without having to be lit.

• Open elegance: A new, spacious tone and feel is created by the free-standing tub highlighted by a large wall mirror and oversized sconces

• Contrasting harmony: White quartz with black and bronze veining ties all the materials together

• Grounding natural element: The warm, contrasting character of walnut adds a nice infusion of nature into the spa-like space

This elegant bathroom is all about symmetry and well-thought-out details. A classic, spa-like appeal emanates from simple beveled subway tile, herringbone patterns in the floor and shower niches, and the gorgeous walnut vanity. The result is a beautiful bathroom that checks all the boxes from the homeowners’ original wish lists.