An elegant, airy bathroom renovation that bathes the space in natural light
Introduction
When this homeowner decided it was time to give their dated master bathroom a makeover, they envisioned a light, airy retreat that felt like a spa. The resulting remodel certainly achieved that goal and more, transforming the space into a stunning showpiece full of elegant details. We’ll take a look at how they breathed new life into this bathroom, creating a soothing oasis perfect for relaxing and unwinding.
Demolition: Starting with a Blank Canvas
The first order of business was to strip the bathroom down to the studs, removing the old tub, toilet, vanity, flooring and dated wall tile. This allowed the opportunity to reconfigure the layout and correct any issues behind the walls. The footprint remained generally the same, but opening up the space provided flexibility in reimagining the new design.
Spa-Like Features: Tub, Shower and More
- Freestanding tub: A focal point of the new bathroom is the freestanding soaking tub placed beneath the room’s windows. Not only does this let in plenty of natural light, but it also provides a view outside while bathing.
- Frameless glass shower: Adjacent to the tub, they installed a large frameless glass shower enclosure, giving the space an open, airy feel.
- Dual vanities: The new double vanities offer his-and-her sinks with plenty of counter and storage space. The modern floating design keeps the room feeling light.
- Water closet: A separate water closet provides privacy for the toilet. Continuing the spa theme, the door features an Asian shoji style made of rice paper over a wood frame.
Design Details: Materials and Finishes for a Luxurious Look
Several high-end materials come together to create one cohesive, elegant space:
- Marble tile: Honed marble tile in a neutral beige hue covers the floor and shower walls, providing subtle variation and depth.
- Quartz countertops: The sleek white quartz vanity tops coordinate with the tile and provide a touch of understated luxury.
- Wood cabinetry: The vanities are topped with natural wood cabinetry for warmth and texture. An espresso finish adds sophistication.
- Metallic accents: Polished nickel and bronze finishes on the fixtures and hardware add soft metallic shine.
- Crisp white paint: Fresh white paint covers the ceiling and remaining walls, contrasting nicely with the natural materials.
Lighting: Bringing Brightness and Ambience
One of the top goals was to make this bathroom as light and bright as possible, which the lighting plan accomplishes admirably:
- Skylights: Two new skylights flood the space with natural light during the daytime.
- Sconces: Decorative bronze sconces mounted on each side of the mirror provide ambient lighting.
- Overhead lighting: New recessed can lights overhead supplement when needed.
- Dimmers: All of the lighting is on dimmers to set just the right mood.
Tying It All Together: A Relaxing Retreat
The synergistic combination of spa-like features, elegant finishes, an open layout and abundant natural light transforms this bathroom into a truly relaxing retreat. The homeowner now has a tranquil space for starting and ending each day, turning an outdated room into a beautiful, functional oasis. This magnificent makeover proves that a few smart updates can turn even the most tired bathroom into a showstopping suite.
FAQs About Elegant Bathroom Remodels
What elements help make a bathroom feel more spacious?
- Opting for a frameless glass shower enclosure rather than curtains or doors
- Selecting floating vanities to minimize visual weight
- Installing reflective surfaces like marble tile or mirrors
- Painting the walls and ceiling a light, bright white
- Adding skylights and ample lighting
What design choices make a bathroom feel more high-end?
- Using natural stone materials like marble, granite or travertine
- Incorporating metallic finishes and hardware
- Adding architectural details like wainscoting or crown molding
- Installing luxurious freestanding tubs or walk-in showers
- Opting for wall-mounted faucets and vanities
- Upgrading to dual vanities for his and hers
What makes a bathroom remodel successful?
- Careful planning and attention to layout and spatial flow
- Selecting materials that stand the test of moisture and humidity
- Proper ventilation to prevent mold and mildew issues
- Professional-grade installation of all new components
- Staying on budget by setting realistic expectations
- Clear communication between homeowners and contractors
How can you add a spa-like feel to a bathroom remodel?
- Include a soaking tub and open shower with luxurious fittings
- Use tranquil colors like white, beige and gray
- Add accent lighting around the tub and shower
- Install radiant heated floors
- Choose finishes and textures that feel soothing, like marble or stone
- Provide plenty of storage for towels and bath accessories
What are some ways to reduce costs on a bathroom remodel?
- Keep the existing footprint and make modifications rather than moving walls
- Use a stock vanity rather than custom cabinetry
- Install a tub/shower combo instead of separate units
- Opt for painted walls rather than more expensive tile
- Reuse existing plumbing and electrical where possible
- Complete some preparatory demolition work yourself
Conclusion
This inspiring bathroom remodel provides an excellent blueprint for creating an elegant, spa-like retreat in your own home. With careful planning and design choices like abundant natural light, high-end finishes, and open spatial flow, even the most modest bathroom can be transformed into a relaxing oasis. The key is focusing on the details from layout to color palette to create a cohesive vision. The investment pays dividends in ambience and added value to your home. With some creativity and smart renovation decisions, you too can have a bathroom worthy of its own showcase.
