Undersea Adventure Master Bathroom Renovation

Sometimes on the nose is so perfect it hurts, and after a gut renovation this jewel box of a master bathroom hurts so good. After years of living with the previous owner’s design decisions, the client was ready to transform the space into something distinctly her own. Her unabashed request was for a bathroom inspired by an underwater world with a hint of Victorian submersible—sophisticated, imaginative, and grown‑up. She had me from Victorian submersible.

AFTER - Following the complete renovation, the master bathroom now shines with thoughtful planning, significantly improved storage, high‑end finishes, and an undeniable sense of character.

BEFORE - Prior to the renovation, the space suffered from inefficient use of its limited footprint, inadequate storage, and a lack of cohesive design, resulting in a bathroom that felt safe but uninspired.

From a purely functional perspective the bathroom made poor use of its small footprint, so before any style considerations we had to discuss and address the obvious issues. The existing storage was minimal at best and incredibly awkward to boot. There was not medicine cabinet, the pedestal sink was of no help, the "closet" was a 3 foot tall open niche and the remaining shelving was both narrow and impractically deep.

During the renovation the space was gutted and only the stained glass window in the shower was kept.

The solution was a full gut renovation, including the removal of the tub in favor of a custom walk‑in shower. Fortunately, the home’s split‑level configuration allowed us to reclaim space from an unused closet above the bathroom niche, enabling the addition of a full‑height linen closet. Pocket doors for both the linen closet and the bathroom entry further maximized usable square footage. Introducing a vanity was essential for storage, but the non‑standard depth of the room required a creative approach. Semi‑custom 18‑inch‑deep cabinetry was installed with blocking to allow for a 22‑inch‑deep countertop, achieving both functionality and visual balance. A custom‑cut deeper end panel completed the illusion of full‑depth cabinetry.

The shower enclosure was designed as a fully immersive experience, enclosed on all sides except for an opening above the arched glass entry. Walls and ceiling were tiled in luminous art glass tile, with white tile at the uppermost rows and ceiling to create a sense of openness. A humidity‑sensor‑activated exhaust fan was installed within the shower to manage heat and steam. The layout accommodates a built‑in shower seat, two shelves, and a rain shower head paired with a handheld wand, resulting in a luxurious and highly functional space. Penny round tile in the shower, terrazzo flooring in the main area, and a quartz countertop were all selected in soft, sandy tones to reinforce the overall design concept.

The walk in shower created by removing the tub allowed for a shower seat, luxurious tile work and a greater sense of space with the wide glass shower door.

Outside the shower, the walls are wrapped in Cole & Son Nautilus wallpaper, featuring a whimsical yet refined angler fish motif that perfectly complements the underwater theme. The Kohler Salute glass vessel sink, with its subtly rippled edges, evokes the image of a drifting jellyfish. Kohler Artifacts fixtures were used throughout—from the sink faucet to the shower fittings, lighting, and accessories—bringing a cohesive, antique‑inspired elegance that reinforces the Victorian submersible narrative.

The new semi custom vanity allowed for a large increase in storage as well as counter space. The glass vessel sink casts ethereal shadows and is reminiscent of a graceful jellyfish.

While construction in such a compact space presented its challenges, the client’s enthusiasm and willingness to fully embrace a bold vision made the process deeply rewarding. The renovated bathroom now offers substantial improvements in storage and functionality, elevated luxury in its shower design and fixtures, and—most importantly—a space that authentically reflects the client’s imagination. Designed without regard for trends or resale conventions, this master bathroom stands as a celebration of Wonder and Imagination in Everyday Living.