Makeover of the Week: How One Designer Added Warmth to a Cold, Unwelcoming Bathroom

By
Colleen Sullivan
Colleen Sullivan
Colleen Sullivan
Colleen has been a contributor at MyDomaine since 2019. She also writes for Brides, Today.com, Business Insider, and HGTV. Previously, Colleen worked on staff at Vogue, Working Woman, McCall’s, Health, and HGTV Magazine, and was a contributor for Brit + Co and MIMIchatter.
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Updated on Aug 11, 2021
bathroom after

Ace Misiunas

“A young couple purchased this dated 90s home with the dream of renovating it into an authentic midcentury house,” says interior designer Natalie Myers.

Meet the Expert

Natalie Myers is a Los Angeles-based interior designer and the owner of Veneer Designs, an award winning full-service interior design studio. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design from Cornell University and is a LEED accredited professional.

“The first room to get an overhaul and the full design treatment was the primary bathroom, with the hopes of creating a Zen-like modern retreat.”

Primary Bathroom

The term “Primary Bathroom” is now widely used to describe the largest bathroom in the home, as it better reflects the space’s purpose. Many realtors, architects, interior designers, and the Real Estate Standards Association have recognized the potentially discriminatory connotations in the term “Master.” Read more about our Diversity and Inclusion Pledge.

Before:

bathroom before
Courtesy of Natalie Myers

“We were dealing with things like chipped laminate cabinetry, dated glass blocks, and commercial-looking ceramic floor tiles,” says Myers. “The immediate goal was to reconfigure the space and infuse it with modern luxury. We started by swapping the tub and the vanity, and then knocked out part of the wall by the shower to add a glass enclosure to open up the space.”

After:

bathroom after
Ace Misiunas

“The size of this large bathroom didn’t change, yet the space now feels more serene yet has a minimalist vibe to it,” notes Myers. “We created recessed shelving next to the freestanding tub by taking space from a hall closet on the other side of the wall. Art, along with furniture pieces, in a bathroom are important touches most people don’t think to incorporate. The Gray Malin print depicts a scene from the Palm Springs Parker Hotel that has meaning for the couple, while the Danish designer Hans Wegner’s walnut wood chair encourages the couple to spend time together while getting ready for their day.”

What Changed:

  • Color Theme: Shades of warm grays and white produce a calming, not stark, result.
  • Vanity: A large floating vanity, with his and her sinks, is made of walnut wood and holds six drawers with leather pulls for storage.
  • Faucets: A mix of brass and matte black plumbing fixtures throughout the room balance out the feminine and masculine needs of the shared space. 
  • Mirror: A piece of custom cut glass is suspended over the length of the vanity to fill out the wall and provide reflection.
  • Wall tile: Variation in the 2” x 8” porcelain—vertically stacked—glazed tiles give the walls subtle movement.
  • Floor: The 24” terrazzo tiles, with their mix of white and grey shades, give off an earthy and organic feel.
  • Pendant lights: The two wood cylinder-shaped pendants compliment the wood vanity.
  • Chair: A leather, three-leg lounge chair fills the space and creates a spot to rest.
  • Tub: Rounded curves on the freestanding resin tub balance out the room’s mostly straight lines.
  • Shower: A glass-enclosed shower is tucked into the corner of the room, while fixed frosted glass on the wall lets in light but provides privacy from the sun deck on the other side.
  • Print: A whimsical print rests above the towel rack and adds a pop of color to the room.
  • Accessories: Plants, candles, crystals, and art keep the vibe clean and fresh, but not sterile.