Project Freiberg Drive: Master Bathroom Before and After

What are your must-haves for a spa-like master bathroom? We love this question because there is no wrong answer! Our clients were craving a calm space to start and end their days. So we whipped up a neutral, tone-on-tone sanctuary for them to enjoy for years to come.

Project Freiberg Drive Master Bathroom: BEFORE

Our clients are busy, working professionals and knew that out of all the rooms in their large 90's home, the master bath was a priority to update first. It’s the first space they use in the morning and the last space they use before they rest their heads for the night.

After seeing our client’s home and the state of the master bath, I was left wondering what they wanted their aesthetic story to be. From their perspective, they wanted a "traditional" master bathroom update. But when I shared inspirational images of spaces with traditional lines, finishes and vanities, it wasn't clicking.

We regrouped and had a "come to interior designer moment"! It became clear an exercise in the definition of traditional design vs. transitional was needed. Once new inspiration images in the transitional/modern ballpark were shared, the vibes started flowing. Clean lines, warm neutrals, light walls.

BEFORE: Typical 90’s, new-construction master bathroom with corner whirlpool tub.

BEFORE: Too low cherry cabinet vanity with shiny brass pulls.

BEFORE: Tiny shower with tile that has seen better days.

The Design Process: AFTER 

Now let’s address the floorplan and must haves. Originally, our clients had hopes of keeping the 90’s corner whirlpool tub and too-low cherry wood vanity. My opinion on the aesthetic aside, we wouldn’t be doing our jobs as good designers if we didn’t effectively explain the reasons, from a functionality perspective, why these items should retire. The corner tub took up precious real estate and the vanity was far too low to wash your face comfortably. Luckily, they agreed on all fronts as long as a new whirlpool tub was incorporated, and our plans moved forward.

The dated overhead globe lights also said goodbye and we welcomed chrome sconces flanking his and her mirrors. We adjusted the light placement over the new tub and added the Kelly Wearstler flushmount, which tied in the vanity and its subtle bronze accents brings out the warmth of the wall tile and tumbled stone floors. Having all lights on dimmers was also a priority.

AFTER: Updated freestanding vanity with chrome finishes and sconce lighting.

AFTER: Modern flushmount light, updated window millwork and custom roman shade.

One last non-negotiable — the heated towel rack. Their previous version was a plug-in and our clients preferred the same with the renovation but luckily we convinced them to hardwire from both an aesthetic and function perspective.

As I began to source the finishes of this renovation, I imagined being in a calm, neutral, natural stone spa. A tone-on-tone space that provided the function they requested and the relaxation they desired. I sourced large format tumbled marble to be laid in a versailles pattern for the main floor and a smaller, long hexagon shaped tile (that reminded me of the shape of leaves) for the shower floor.

AFTER: New shapes and tone-on-tone tile for the shower.

For contrast, and to balance the black vanity, we used a larger format subway style tile in timberline (a gray/green/beige color). The vanity countertop is Caesarstone Quartz in linen (also used for the shower sills and shelves).

The selected California Faucets chrome fixtures are also in-line with the transitional aesthetic.

Finishing design touches also included updating the trim around the window, door and baseboards to reflect more of a modern style (it was your basic traditional trim prior), painting the room Sherwin Williams Toque White and adding a custom linen roman shade in a similar hue as the wall tile.

AFTER: Fun fact! The vase on the fabulous walnut stool was made by another client.

AFTER: Curved edge chrome mirrors with transitional California Faucets are a perfect balance.

AFTER: Tub controls now come out of the designed half-wall for a seamless look.

AFTER: Natural stone, tone-on-tone, spa-like master bathroom.