A Peaceful Retreat

Project Details

Remodel Type: Bathroom

Design Style: Modern

Trade Resources and Partners

Photography: Alyssa Lee Photography

Contractor: Urban Refurbishment

Counters: Select Surfaces

Cabinetry: Steven Cabinets

Before Conditions

  • After 20 years the homeowners were ready to update the finishes to the modern style they prefer

  • Large expanses of glass around the shower were difficult to clean with hard water

  • Drop in tub surround wasted valuable square footage and forced them to climb over the tub to access the windows

  • Layout lacked places to hang towels

  • Swinging door into water closet restricted toilet size and movement

Client Objectives

  • Warm modern finishes that integrated with their home’s palette of soft grays, whites and light wood tones

  • Reduce glass in shower and add updated plumbing fixtures

  • Add more storage to her vanity

Design Solutions

  • Natural walnut cabinetry bring warmth balanced by the subtle movement in the warm gray floor and wall tiles and the white quartz counters and shower surround

  • Created half walls framing the shower topped with quartz and glass treated for easy maintenance

  • Eliminated angled wall and extra square footage in water closet for a larger vanity

  • Floating vanities make the space feel larger and fit the modern aesthetic

  • Removed the tub deck and bump-out walls with inset shelves for improved flow and wall space for towels

  • The freestanding tub anchors the middle of the room while allowing easy access to the windows

The Details That Make It Work

  • Tall pullout storage at her vanity is one sided to prevent items falling out the back and features shelves with acrylic sides for full product visibility

  • A floating quartz bench in the shower tucked in the corner adds functionality to the large footprint

  • Small towel bars hidden on the side of each vanity allow quick access to dry hands without visual clutter on the walls

  • Self closing pocket door to water closet allowed for easy access and a larger toilet

Project Details

Remodel Type: Bathroom

Design Style: Modern

Trade Resources and Partners

Photography: Alyssa Lee Photography

Contractor: Urban Refurbishment

Counters: Select Surfaces

Cabinetry: Steven Cabinets

About Colleen


I live in Minneapolis with my landscape architect/urban designer husband, my daughter who believes she’s my design assistant and sous chef, an independent Siamese, a feisty grey-striped kitten, and a menagerie of turkeys and other wild animals who visit our backyard for the free food. When I’m not designing, you’ll often find me cooking up a Paleo feast, cheering for my daughter's volleyball team, playing pickleball, or hiding in a corner with my nose in a book.