Some projects tug at your heart right from the beginning, and this bathroom was definitely one of those. My client has a fabulous eye and an even more fabulous collection of MacKenzie-Childs pieces. Every corner of her home sparkles with that signature whimsy and charm. But when it came time to renovate her bathroom, she was ready for something a bit calmer. A place to breathe. I knew we could create a space that honored her playful style, while still offering a peaceful retreat.
One of the most important goals for this space was accessibility. It needed to be safe and easy to use with a walker or wheelchair, without giving up beauty or personality.
I Knew What I Wanted the Moment I Walked In
As soon as I stepped into the original bathroom, I had a clear vision. The old whirlpool tub sat tucked in the back corner, and I could immediately picture a black freestanding tub, soft white subway tile on the walls, and some beautiful brass hanging planters to bring in a bit of life. I had just found the perfect ones on eBay, and they were waiting for the right project. This was it.
We removed the old tub and installed a new one with bold black legs and a matte black filler from Signature Hardware. It makes such a statement, especially set against the clean white tile. Heated floors underneath penny round tiles add a layer of luxury and comfort. Yes, even in the southern heat, warm bathroom floors are pretty heavenly.
Soft Materials, Warm Finishes, and a Little Bit of Drama
To keep things feeling fresh but not too bright, I went with Sherwin-Williams Snowbound for the walls. It’s a lovely soft white that pairs beautifully with the darker cabinet base, which we painted in Tricorn Black. The base cabinets were existing, but they got a total refresh with new quartz countertops from Cambria, fresh hardware, and updated faucets. This is such a great way to save on budget and reduce waste.
The mirrors from Uttermost bring in a bit of glam, and I paired them with sleek tubular sconces to tie it all together. I love how the brass tones warm up the whole vanity area.
Function Meets Beauty in the Shower
For the shower, accessibility was key. We installed grab bars, a handheld sprayer, and a generous rain shower head, all in Delta’s champagne bronze finish. A teak bench makes the space feel spa-like but also supports ease of use. I designed a built-in niche for bath essentials, with a towel bar underneath that makes it extra practical.
This space had to be more than beautiful. It needed to work hard for my client, and now it does.
We also installed a ceiling fan with a hidden light, known as a fandolier. It’s from Minka Aire, and it’s one of those clever pieces that is just as functional as it is stylish.
Plants, Personality, and Final Touches
Even in a calm and neutral bathroom, I always like to add something that makes it feel personal and a little unexpected. The plant hangers brought just the right energy. I tucked in a few lush green plants and placed a couple more around the room. This touch of nature brings a sense of softness that works so well with the stone, tile, and metal finishes.
The fixtures were my way of sneaking in a little “color.” The gold finish throughout added richness without feeling overwhelming. It catches the light beautifully and complements the quartz and tile.
Design Boards Make All the Difference
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to visualize a remodel, this is where design boards come in. I created a board that included every element — tile, lighting, faucets, hardware, and more — so my client could see how it would all come together before we touched a single thing. It made the entire process more relaxed and fun, and gave us both confidence that we were heading in the right direction.
Bathrooms may be small spaces, but they carry big responsibilities. This remodel wasn’t just about making things look good. It was about comfort, accessibility, and peace of mind — with a few lovely moments of surprise and style.
If you’re dreaming of creating your own personal sanctuary, whether you’re starting from scratch or updating what you already have, I’d love to help. I’m here to take the stress off your shoulders and bring your vision to life with thoughtful design and practical solutions.
Julie
