Primary Bath Rebirth

Modern Bathroom Remodel: Warm, Functional, and Contemporary This bathroom remodel transformed a dated, cramped space into a warm, functional retreat. The original layout featured a corner shower with glass-block walls, a massive underused jetted tub, and minimal storage, leading to clutter and an awkward flow. By reworking the layout, increasing storage, and selecting warm, textural materials, the new design emphasizes functionality, comfort, and modern elegance.

Improved Layout and Flow: Removing the oversized tub opened up space for a larger walk-in shower and a floating double vanity with expanded storage and a dedicated makeup area. The corner shower was eliminated, allowing for a more spacious, symmetrical layout that improves circulation and balance.

Shower as a Design Focal Point: The walk-in shower, framed in wood-look porcelain tile, became a key feature. An arched window was integrated to maximize light, while the shower’s outside wall features Japanese-inspired matte black field tiles arranged in a staggered vertical pattern, adding depth and texture.

The wall remains open at the top, allowing light to circulate and eliminating the need for a glass door. Inside, large-format stone-look porcelain tiles create a subtle, natural feel, complemented by a terrazzo-style floor. Matte black fixtures, including a grab bar for aging-in-place safety, add modern functionality, and a niche keeps shower essentials off the floor.

Floating Vanity and Custom Storage: A floating walnut-finish vanity enhances storage and visual lightness, with under-mounted LEDs providing ambient night lighting. The quartz countertop, with a warm white base, contrasts the darker wood and highlights the vertically arranged porcelain backsplash tiles in black, white, gold, and bluish-gray tones.

Custom built-ins flank the vanity, providing open shelves and closed cabinets for efficient storage. This eliminates the need for freestanding units, keeping the design streamlined and organized.

Thoughtful Design Touches: Additional features enhance both comfort and aesthetics. A wood bench with metal legs offers a convenient spot to remove shoes or set down clothes. In a corner of the bathroom, a pro-style bonnet hair dryer is paired with a midcentury-modern chair and a pendant light, creating a spa-like nook.

A fabric-backed vinyl wallcovering with a large-scale leaf print softens this area and balances the surrounding tile. This textured detail adds warmth and depth to the space.

Ceiling and Lighting Enhancements: A soffit over the vanity lowers the ceiling slightly, balancing the space and mirroring the dropped ceiling over the water closet. Four damp-rated black LED linear pendants hang in front of the mirror, providing layered lighting.

The vaulted ceiling was further enhanced by wrapping the structural beam in wood, turning it into a subtle design feature. Walls are painted in creamy and cool whites (White Dove and Simply White by Benjamin Moore) to add soft contrast.

A Modern, Inviting Space: The remodel balances modern aesthetics with comfort and functionality, transforming the bathroom into a bright, inviting retreat designed for everyday use.

Project Team:

Architect: Rick Lundin AIA Lundin Architects LLC

Contractor: Austin Sarna of Loren Fields Remodeling

Photography: Andrew Stoup