Plans for Our Primary Bath Renovation

If you’ve been following along for a while, you probably had a feeling this project would happen sooner rather than later. Our primary bathroom renovation has been a long time coming. I’ve rearranged this space in my head at least a hundred times since moving into our home eight years ago. Now we finally have a plan that feels right. Today, I’m sharing the before images, the layout and floor plan updates we’re making, the overall design direction, and what you can expect to see from this project over the next few months. Demo is already underway! Click through to see where we’re headed…

If you’re renovating or have plans to renovate a bath at some point this year, before you dive into this post… be sure to save these standard bathroom dimensions to know BEFORE renovating. I spent a lot of time compiling those tedious numbers, and they’re the exact ones I used for this space, too!

The Before: Why This Bathroom Renovation Was Necessary

Functionally, this bathroom works. Is it weird and dated? Absolutely… but I do feel fortunate to have a bath with ample space that has functioned for us for many years. This is the bathroom Emmett and I use on the daily, since it’s our en suite… attached to our primary bedroom. That’s about where the praise ends. When we found major leaking and mold, we knew this renovation couldn’t be put off any longer.

The existing layout feels odd and underutilized. There is SO much wasted space in the center of the room, it makes the floor plan feel clinical. Despite all that space, storage is lacking, the finishes don’t reflect our personal aesthetic.

The vanity spans the entire wall, the shower feels gross, and the overall flow could be so much better. As a designer, it’s always harder to live with something you know could be improved. This primary bathroom renovation isn’t just cosmetic- it’s about improving the way we move through the space every day. Emmett and I are so excited to elevate this room to its full potential. Here’s the plan…

Rethinking the Layout

The existing layout is where this primary bath falls short. We’re making strategic changes that will completely transform how the space functions. We’re adding walls, sectioning it off, and instead of having one giant bath, we’re compartmentalizing it into cozy sections that are far more functional. Perhaps that’s not the intuitive answer, but I’m all for a practical layout that is more intentional… even if it feels smaller. Here’s what we’re changing:

• We’re adding a hall with a large linen closet at the end, which provides separation from the walk-in closet and bath.
• We’ll also be separating the vanities for better storage and symmetry… one on each side of the room.
• Alongside the vanities, each will have an accompanying built-in for toiletries.
• The angled walls for the water closet and shower will be re-angled and symmetrical (something that always annoyed me), for a balanced look.
• Since the bathroom is becoming significantly smaller, we’ll be adding a large skylight to make it feel bright and more open.
• We’ll also be reworking sightlines, the lighting plan, and traffic paths.
• Lastly, the closet is also receiving a floor-to-ceiling renovation (on a budget). We’ll be reworking the cabinetry, flooring, lighting, and it will be getting a mini skylight of sorts… a sun tunnel. See some of the closet before images below:

I’m always preaching smart floor planning. You can have beautiful tile and gorgeous fixtures, but if the layout isn’t working, the room never feels right. This new layout makes much better use of the space!

The Design Direction

Now for the fun part! Almost two years ago, I took an exciting trip to Europe. Who remembers reading my Travel Journal: My Trip to Spain Visiting Porcelanosa? I gained so much inspiration from that trip, and fell in love with materials I willingly packed home in my too heavy carry-on from showroom tours. This bathroom has been years in the making, careful planning, collaborating, and saving, so we could achieve some really specific design elements.

For our primary bathroom renovation, I’m leaning into a timeless foundation with subtle warmth. Nothing trendy, just classic materials layered thoughtfully… and I think they’re going to surprise you! Porcelain slabs that will 100% fool you (I swear they’re not marble), polished nickel fixtures, aged brass details, soft architectural lighting, timeless lines with tailored details, and luxury upgrades- heated flooring, a steam shower, a toilet with all the bells & whistles, etc.

I want this bathroom to feel designerly but relaxed. Refined without feeling too formal. If you’ve seen our kitchen renovation, you know I gravitate toward spaces that feel collected and timeless rather than trendy or fussy. That same philosophy is guiding this project. I still want to love this space in 10 years!

What You Can Expect From This Project

This primary bathroom renovation will unfold in phases. Here are some standouts I’m planning to share… because of course I want to bring everyone along for the process! However, please let me know if you’re curious about something specific or would like to see a topic added to my list.

• A closer look at my tile and stone selection
• Periodic renovation updates as things unfold (demo, plumbing, electrical, tile installation, etc)
• How to use large format stone as trim (think casing, base, chair rail, door jambs, etc)
• Why we splurged for a smart toilet (a review of sorts)
• How the skylight functions (and why we wanted one)
• A real life comparison between marble and realistic porcelain (pros, cons, cost difference, etc)
• Things every luxury primary bath needs (a design checklist)
• How to design a high-end bath on a budget
• Styling, sources, and finishing touches in the final room reveal

I’ll also share the mistakes, because let’s be honest, they’re inevitable. I came home from my trip to Austin yesterday to a giant hole in our kitchen ceiling. Emmett fell through the bathroom floor into the kitchen (proof below… view from the kitchen ceiling up into the bath). I wish I were joking! Renovations are never perfectly linear. My goal is to give you the real behind the scenes look at what it takes to remodel a primary bathroom thoughtfully. If you’re planning your own bathroom renovation, I want this series to feel like a resource you can reference years from now.

My Design Goal and Thinking Long-Term

Whenever I’m designing and reimagining our home, I ask myself one question… will I still love this in ten years? We’re renovating our primary bathroom with longevity in mind. I’m prioritizing classic materials over trendy ones, functional storage solutions, classic silhouettes, layered lighting (probably the best lighting plan we’ve ever installed), and timeless plumbing fixtures.

Bathrooms are expensive to renovate. This is not a space I want to revisit anytime soon. Making thoughtful, long-term decisions now is worth every ounce of planning. This primary bathroom renovation is about creating a retreat that feels representative of our home and personal aesthetic. I want it to feel calm in the morning rush and peaceful at night. I cannot wait to bring you along for the transformation!

Questions?

Related Bathroom Renovation Posts

Looking for more bathroom renovation advice, makeovers, and designer approved sources? I’m going to link some reader favorites below…

• 20 Bathroom Remodeling Tips… Before You Begin Your Renovation
• Why an Exhaust Fan & Light Combo Is the Best Choice for Bathroom Renovations
• How to Plan and Design a Shower Niche
• How to Properly Light a Bathroom for Function and Design
• Classic Bathroom Plumbing Fixtures from Wayfair
• How to Style a Bathroom That Feels Like a Boutique Hotel
• How to Make a Small Bathroom Look Larger
• Is Brass Out? How Polished Nickel is Replacing The Favorite Metal
• Stocking a Guest Bathroom: Essentials for Visitors
• Bathtub Refinishing Process & Reglazing A Tub White

Renovating our primary bathroom is equal parts exciting and overwhelming, especially with a baby on the way in a couple months. Our house is feeling all sorts of chaotic and torn apart. However, this space will set the tone for how we start and end every day, so I care about getting it right. I’m approaching this primary bathroom renovation with intention, patience, and more creativity than I’ve mustered in a while. I’ll be sharing every step as we go, from the messy middle to the final reveal. If you’re planning a renovation of your own, I hope this series gives you clarity, confidence, and a few ideas you can borrow along the way! Thanks for following along.