In what was once our master bath at 6:30 am, sipping my coffee while squinting at the single overhead light fixture casting an eerie glow on the space, I realized something needed to change. To say the space was uninviting would be an understatement; it felt more like a utility closet than a space where I’d want to begin my day. You know that feeling when you step into a hotel bathroom and instantly feel pampered? That’s what I wanted in my own home.
The original set up of our bathroom was…functional. Beige, beige, beige. A plain vanity with those obnoxious Hollywood-style bulbs that cast shadows in all the wrong places. And the shower was one of those older, tired-looking fiberglass units that probably seemed cutting edge in 1987 but today looked old. The storage options were limited to a medicine cabinet and whatever you could perch on top of the toilet tank. “Romantic” was not a word I’d choose to describe this space.
For the past couple of years, I’ve been saving up money for our bathroom renovations. Each time I got a bit of money saved, I’d stash it away in a savings account (that included a tax refund I shouldn’t have spent on tile). My partner told me I was being too dramatic about the entire situation. I explained to him that we’re in that space for about an hour every day. That’s seven hours per week. Over 300 hours per year! I framed it this way to help him understand why investing in the space made so much sense.
The first decision I had to make was the layout. Our bathroom was not particularly large about 8 x 10 feet but it had good bones. I took precise measurements of everything, created numerous sketches of layouts on graph paper, and even built a cardboard prototype of the new vanity configuration. (Yes, I’m that person.) The original vanity was placed centrally along one wall, which made it impossible for both of us to use the space effectively. I ultimately decided to run the vanity across the majority of the wall and install a second sink. Huge difference.
Relocating the toilet proved to be more challenging. The toilet was positioned in the center of the space and every design I created looked like I had simply rearranged furniture around the toilet. Eventually, I received three quotes from plumbers (ouch!) and we decided to move the toilet to a corner location. Relocating the toilet wasn’t inexpensive, but it opened up the space and allowed for what would become my favorite element of the space: a free standing soaking tub.
I spent months researching tubs. Cast iron vs. Acrylic, Claw Foot vs. Modern, Deep vs. Wide. I eventually settled on a 60 inch Acrylic Tub by American Standard not the cheapest tub available, but well reviewed and the right size for our space. It came packaged in far more protective foam than a piece of fine art. This gave me comfort about the shipping charges.
My vanity obsession began. I wanted a piece that looked custom but did not require a second mortgage. I visited approximately 15 showrooms (my partner refused to accompany me after Showroom #8) until I located a company that produced semi-custom products. I purchased a 72 inch Floating Vanity in White Oak with Integrated Handles. The white oak adds warmth to the space and the floating design creates an illusion of more space.
Choosing sinks was incredibly difficult. Undermount vs. Vessel, Single Basin vs. Double, Rectangular vs. Oval. I ultimately selected rectangular undermount sinks from Kohler Clean lines, Easy to Clean, Don’t Splash Water Everywhere like some Vessel Sinks Do. Choosing Faucets took longer than choosing sinks. I viewed approximately 50 different faucet designs before selecting Matte Black Single Handle Faucets. They photograph beautifully and have not developed water spots the way Chrome faucets have.
Lighting was extremely important. The horrible overhead fixture needed to go. I installed a combination of Recessed Ceiling Lighting on Dimmers, Pendant Lighting above the Vanity (Beautiful Milk Glass Shades from West Elm), and LED Strip Lighting Inside the Medicine Cabinet. The key is Layering. You need Bright Task Lighting for Getting Ready, but also Ambient Lighting for Evening Baths. I learned this the Hard Way after Initially Installing Lighting that was WAY TOO BRIGHT for Relaxation.
The Shower Renovation turned into a larger Project than Expected. What started as “Let’s Just Replace the Shower Unit,” Became “Let’s Gut the Whole Corner and Start Over.” We went with White Subway Tiles in a Herringbone Pattern on Three Walls and a Beautiful Natural Stone Accent Wall. The Frameless Glass Enclosure keeps the Space Looking Clean and Spacious. I Splurged on a Rainfall Showerhead and Handheld Combo Definitely Worth it for Hair Washing and Cleaning.
Storage was a Puzzle I Was Constantly Trying to Solve. I Wanted Everything to Have a Place, but Didn’t Want Visible Clutter. The Vanity has Four Deep Drawers with Custom Organizer Inserts. We Added a Tall Cabinet in what Used to be Dead Corner Space for Towels and Backup Supplies. The Two Separate Units for the Medicine Cabinet Provide Interior Lighting and Electrical Outlets for Small Appliances.
Flooring Stumped Me for Weeks. I Loved the Look of Marble, But Worried About Maintenance. I Loved the Practicality of Vinyl, But Thought it Looked Cheap. I Ultimately Chose Large Format Porcelain Tiles that Mimic Carrara Marble. They Are Beautiful, Completely Waterproof, and Much More Budget-Friendly Than Real Stone. The Installation was Difficult Due to the Size, but the Result Looks Expensive and Cleans Easily.
We kept the Color Palette Mostly Neutral Whites, Warm Grays, and that Beautiful Wood Tone from the Vanity. I Added Personality through Hardware, Lighting, and Accessories. The Matte Black Fixtures Create Contrast Without Being Overwhelming. Plants (A Snake Plant and Some Eucalyptus) Add a Natural Element, and Good Towels Make Everything Feel Luxurious.
After three months and countless dust covered coffee cups later, we completed our dream bathroom. The Total Cost was Approximately $18,000, Including Labor Not Cheap, But Reasonable for a Full Renovation. Every Morning Now Feels Different. The Lighting Flatters Instead of Harsh Fluorescent Light. The Shower Experience Feels Like a Spa Experience. Brushing Teeth Now Isn’t As Unpleasant Since We Aren’t Bumping Into Each Other.
The Best Part of All of This? Returning Home After Traveling and Stepping into this Space. It’s Exactly What I Hoped For A Daily Retreat Where Ordinary Routines Become Special. Some Investments Pay Dividends In Quality of Life, and This Was Definitely One of Them.
