This Overland Park primary bathroom had some great things going for it—hello, vaulted ceilings! —but also a few less desirable features (ahem, carpet and popcorn ceilings). Our clients met with Brenda Axman to modernize their bathroom while staying cost-conscious. Brenda worked with them to find the best way to update the space without fully gutting it. Doug Schauerman and Jeff Penrose constructed this project into reality. The end result? A bright, spa-worthy bathroom.
Modernizing the Bathroom While Keeping the Vanities
During the design phase, they explored several layout options and ultimately decided to keep the existing vanities in place. This not only saved money on vanity costs but also reduced the need for additional plumbing work. The only change to the supply lines was for the new bathtub.
We painted the vanities a soothing green—Sherwin-Williams Evergreen Fog. When painting cabinetry, especially in a bathroom, we highly recommend using a catalyzed lacquer paint. It provides a much harder finish, offering better durability, scratch resistance, and quicker drying time. For this project, we used ML Campbell’s Pre-Catalyzed Lacquer.
After painting the vanities, we installed new sinks, marble-like quartz countertops, and updated faucets. We kept the existing mirrors, adding wood frames for a fresh look, and installed new light fixtures above both vanities.
Good Design = Larger Shower in the Same Location
While the shower remained in its original spot, relocating the door allowed us to extend it so it now meets the new bathtub. The new glass door opens into the bathroom, and half-walls with glass panels above make the shower feel more spacious and open.
Previously, the shower was compact and dark. By extending it, we gave it much more room, and to prevent it from feeling dim under the slanted ceiling, we added an LED can light. The shower walls feature classic, beautiful subway tile, while the floor contrasts with a gray herringbone-patterned tile. For a touch of luxury, we installed two showerheads, one being a handheld on a sliding bar. A lower niche provides a convenient spot for storing soaps and toiletries.
Also, notice the popcorn ceilings are gone? We scraped and repaired them and left them with a cleaner flat finish.
From Bulky to Beautiful: Replacing a Large Corner Tub with a Sleek Soaker
Back in the 1990s, a whirlpool tub was the ultimate luxury—and this one delivered! It even had a carpeted step-up and a built-in seating area in the corner. But our clients were ready for something more streamlined that wouldn't take up so much space.
We replaced the oversized corner tub with a sleek rectangular soaking tub, positioned along the wall to open up extra space in the bathroom. A quartz backsplash, using the same quartz as the countertops, ties the look together.
Replacing the bathroom carpet in a bathroom with tile
It was time to say au revoir to the bathroom carpet. While there were tiled areas in front of the vanities and shower, carpet in a bathroom just isn’t ideal. We removed all the carpet and the 90s-style white tiles, replacing them with large-format porcelain tile designed to look like limestone—a much more durable and stylish choice.
Good design ensures every square inch is utilized—especially in smaller spaces like bathrooms. These seemingly small changes have made a huge impact on the bathroom’s function. The fresh design choices have transformed it into a spa-like retreat right in our client’s home.
Ready to update your bathroom? Contact Us to speak with a remodeling expert.