Time can affect many things when it comes to owning and maintaining a home. Styles and technology change, fixtures and finishes start to show wear and tear, and as homeowners, our needs also change. This was the challenge presented to us in the form of a primary bathroom suite that needed an upgrade. These homeowners wanted to make their primary bath more accessible and maintain a traditional and stylish space. They decided to invest in transforming their bathroom, coming to us with a list of ideas. Designers Donna Kirsopp and Kenny Choikhit worked with these clients to create a reimagined primary bath that is elegant, accessible, and ready for the future.
An Outdated Primary Bath
The original bathroom had a lot of underutilized space and a layout that wasn’t very functional. The overall style was traditional, but the finishes were outdated and needed refreshing. The vanity was expansive, with two underused linen closets on either side. We saw an opportunity to create something more practical and elevated. Additionally, the large-format floor tile was worn, and its cream color didn’t complement the rest of the space. It all was a bit vanilla.
Creating a Layout
Our goal was to create a luxurious, spa-like bathroom that would also meet their future needs. The space had a large footprint, allowing us flexibility in the design. We presented several options, some featuring a soaking tub, others with reoriented closets, and one with split vanities. After reviewing the plans, the clients prioritized a large shower and preferred a single, larger closet over the his-and-hers setup. We combined their favorite elements to develop a new floor plan focused on accessibility and ease of use.
The previous layout of the bathroom was overly complex and featured two separate closets and a combined toilet and shower area that didn’t make the best use of the space. The area in front of the window, which was located at the far end of the bath, was particularly underutilized. Our clients expressed a desire for a more efficient design that would still incorporate all of their wish list items as well as more accessibility features. To achieve this, we reimagined the space by converting the two closets into a dedicated toilet room and an expanded shower area. We also removed the oversized linen cabinets that flanked the vanity that opened up the room and allowed for more counter space and closet storage. As we thought about the accessibility piece of the puzzle, many new features emerged like a zero entry shower, a centralized layout, and the introduction of pocket doors.
Before
After
Challenges
The biggest challenge was designing a space that balanced luxury with future accessibility. Once we had a plan, we had to work around the fact that the home is a condo with a shared back wall in the bathroom. We couldn’t place any mechanical components on that wall, but we needed to install multiple plumbing valves for the shower, air supply for the new closet, and switches for the lighting. We assigned a mechanical element to every stud within this wall. Adding a large double niche on the same wall made the challenge even more complex. The zero-entry shower also required us to recess the floor to keep it level with the tile.
Throughout the majority of the remodel, the homeowners were residing in Arizona. To ensure they stayed informed and the project continued to progress smoothly, they made several trips back for key design meetings. The bulk of our communication and decision-making took place through digital channels. We made it a priority to document every step of the process in detail and maintain consistent communication that allowed the homeowners to feel confident in the project despite the distance.
Renderings
It was important to the homeowners that the bathroom didn’t look like it was designed purely for accessibility. They wanted the space to feel like a luxurious spa or hotel. We used large-format marble-style tiles, quartz countertops, brass fixtures, and creamy white cabinetry to create an elevated, warm, and inviting atmosphere. To help them visualize their new space, we provided these renderings thoughtfully created by Katy Culwell.
A New Accessible Primary Bath
The new bathroom truly radiates elegance and brightness! All new cabinetry hints at the previous design but features an elevated look and all-new finishes while maintaining an old-world charm. We installed all new floor tile throughout made of matte porcelain with gold marbling. Every element is now thoughtfully curated. Heated floors run throughout the entire space. It’s not just the fresh cabinetry and stunning tilework that make it shine. We installed new recessed can lights throughout the bathroom on dimmer switches. A striking central semi flush light fixture now serves as the main source of illumination. Over the vanity, three beautiful LED wall sconces provide ample task lighting.
We designed every part of the new bathroom with accessibility in mind. The toilet room now has an extra-wide pocket door, making it wheelchair accessible and features the same floor tile and wall color. We also included a base cabinet in this space topped with quartz for convenient storage. The shower was built with enough space for a full 360-degree turn, featuring a zero-entry design, double doors, grab bars, a handheld showerhead, and a built-in bench. For added convenience, we installed toe-kick strip lighting under the vanity to provide gentle illumination at night.
The new spacious closet features two drawer stacks with countertop surfaces that provide extra space for organizing smaller items or displaying personal touches. We incorporated dedicated shoe storage to keep footwear neatly arranged and easily accessible, along with plenty of hanging racks to accommodate their wardrobe. Thoughtful placement of each element ensures the closet is not only practical but also easy to navigate. We added a sleek pocket door as the transition between the closet and bathroom that saves space while maintaining a clean look.
Vanity
The redesigned vanity has brought both functionality and style to our clients’ bathroom. We removed the two bulky linen cabinets that once flanked the vanity and installed two more elegant cabinet towers. These towers are recessed, creating extra counter space while offering ample storage. We upgraded the vanity countertop to quartz, featuring two undermount sinks that provide a sleek, modern touch. To enhance the overall sense of openness, we eliminated the soffit above the vanity, making room for taller wall towers and visually expanding the vertical space. The new double vanity design also includes double mirrors framed in trim that matches the cabinetry.
The base cabinetry was upgraded to feature full-height doors. The cabinet towers are equipped with three rolling trays for easy access to stored items. All of the cabinetry features Warwick-style doors, crafted from maple and finished with a soft linen-colored polyurethane. To complete the luxurious look, all plumbing fixtures and accessories boast a rich gold finish. Our clients are thrilled with the smarter storage solutions and the newfound sense of openness in their bathroom.
Shower
The new shower exudes luxury and elegance, with gleaming 12″ x 24″ polished porcelain tiles that stretch from floor to ceiling. The spacious bench is topped with a soft quartz slab and adds both comfort and sophistication. Flanking the bench are two-tier niches on each side, perfect for smart storage. We tiled these niches to match the herringbone-patterned floor, adding a cohesive design element to the space. We installed heating elements beneath the shower floor and the bench top for even more comfort.
Accessibility was a top priority for our clients as they plan to continue aging gracefully in their beloved home. We designed a large shower with a zero-entry floor and double swinging glass doors to allow for wheelchair access, making it easy to maintain a sense of independence. The integrated bench features an angled base for ergonomic support, making it easier to sit and wash comfortably. The new shower fixtures include dual brass showerheads, one rain showerhead and the other a hand shower on an adjustable arm for added flexibility. We also incorporated a convenient hook for shower accessories and a grab bar to enhance safety.
Accessibility is a key factor in many of our remodeling projects, as homeowners often want to stay in the homes they love despite age or mobility challenges. Fortunately, our designers specialize in seamlessly blending accessibility with timeless, elegant design. These clients are delighted with their beautifully updated primary bath and the peace of mind that comes from knowing they can age comfortably and gracefully in their cherished home.
Have a space if your home that could use some tailoring to your specific needs? Just looking to add some elegance to your space? Contact us to get started!