Hi! This blog post provides all of the sources and the background behind this gorgeous primary bathroom remodel. Scroll to the bottom for the sources + for lots of beautiful pictures.
I have to start with the back story of this gorgeous historic home . . . When my sister and her husband (my bro in law) bought a historic fixer-upper in Washington DC, it was clear that this was going to be a labor of love. The house, divided into several apartments by a previous owner, was dilapidated and just waiting to be restored to its former glory. My sister, with excellent design sense and a keen eye for detail, has an impressive track record refreshing spaces for her real estate clients. But when it came to her own home, she wanted help my help with the design. Working alongside her incredibly talented architect, Erik Hoffland, we set out to bring the house back to its historic splendor, infusing it with charm, original details, and a modern feel. The result? You tell us but I think it is truly stunning.
A Historic Canvas with a Modern Twist
One of the first challenges we tackled was transforming the primary bathroom into a serene sanctuary while honoring the home’s historic roots. With the house’s original layout having been fragmented with addition that was clearly approved and built without any attention to the historic detail of the original home, we had the unique opportunity to reimagine this space from scratch. Our goal was to honor the historic elements and overall look and feel of the house while creating a bathroom that feels both timeless and modern. It was previously one of the apartment’s living area:
Embracing Natural Light
A key feature of our design was the introduction of abundant natural light. It was already light filled but we added more windows and relocated existing windows to be more cohesive with the overall look and feel of the house. This room was a previous addition that did not match the historic details of the home. The play of natural light against the marble tiles and gorgeous fixtures adds a sense of openness and airiness, making the bathroom feel like a true retreat.
Custom Double Wall-to-Wall Vanity
One of the standout features of the bathroom is the custom double wall-to-wall vanity. We chose white oak cabinets, finished with a perfect light brown stain that complements the historic vibe of the home. The marble countertops add a touch of timeless elegance, honoring the home’s heritage. To further nod to history, we incorporated vintage brass knobs that not only serve a functional purpose but also act as a charming design detail. My sister opted for single handle modern faucets and we found them in the perfect finish to match the historic, yet modern, vibe. For added convenience and a streamlined look, we included built-in frameless medicine cabinets. The frameless design ensures that the focus remains on the gorgeous windows rather than the mirrors, enhancing the room’s light and airy feel. For lighting, we chose vintage brass double lights that seamlessly blend into the design.
Marble Herringbone Floors
The floors are another highlight, featuring marble tiles laid in a herringbone pattern. This classic design choice not only adds historical value but also creates a sophisticated and cohesive look throughout the space. The herringbone pattern brings a sense of movement and texture to the floor, tying together the modern and historic elements of the room.
Freestanding Tub with Skylight
The freestanding tub is a focal point that truly elevates the space. Positioned beneath a skylight, it adds a serene, spa-like vibe to the bathroom. The tub’s sleek, modern design complements the overall aesthetic while providing ample room to walk around it. We selected an affordable solid surface tub that achieves an expensive look without the hefty price tag, proving that style and value can go hand in hand.
The Enormous Walk-In Shower
No bathroom remodel would be complete without a luxurious shower, and this one certainly delivers. The enormous walk-in shower features two shower heads and a steam shower system, offering an indulgent, high-end experience. The marble herringbone floor continues seamlessly into the shower, while the walls are adorned with classic subway tiles from Bedrosians. The Bedrosian cloe tile is slightly varied in color adding a warmer effect, creating a perfect contrast to the cool marble and enhancing the overall ambiance of the space.
Conclusion
The finished result is nothing short of heavenly. This primary bathroom combines historic charm with modern luxury, creating a space that feels both timeless and contemporary. From the custom double vanity and marble herringbone floors to the freestanding tub and expansive walk-in shower, every detail was meticulously curated to ensure that the space is as functional as it is beautiful. An added bonus? The toilet room is seamlessly tucked away and doesn’t interfere with the design at all.
Designing this bathroom with my sister was an incredible experience, blending our creative visions to craft a space that truly reflects both her personal style and the historic elegance of her new home. It’s a perfect example of how thoughtful design can transform a fixer-upper into a luxurious haven, proving that with a little creativity and a lot of heart, even the most modest spaces can become something truly extraordinary.
Sources/credits:
Photos: Kate Wichlinski
Architect: Erik Hoffland
Stone/Marble Work: R Bratti Associates
Custom cabinetry: Custom Millwork Design Group
Design: Kristin Dion Design + my sister/homeowner Megan Conway
Products/Sources:
* the rug is vintage but I linked a similar one from the same Etsy store
xx,
Kristin