Author: Kristin Dion

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

I recently transformed my laundry space by building a DIY wood countertop over my side-by-side laundry machines.  I have been wanted to do this for years!   I paid someone to do it in our last home but this go-around I took the plunge and did it myself.  This project is not only budget-friendly but also adds beauty and practicality to your space. It provides extra storage and a convenient surface for folding clothes. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create a high-end looking (on a budget) countertop.  Scroll to the end for links for everything I used to complete this project.   And in case you are wondering, my mismatching machines is not on purpose.  I replaced my broken washer and decided to go with white and don’t want to replace the dryer until I have to.  So until then, it is what it is.  Here is the before/after:

Step 1: Plan and Measure

Before heading to the lumber yard, precise measurements are key. Since my project involved creating a countertop that spanned wall to wall, I measured:

Length: The total length of the space from wall to wall. If you don’t have walls on either side, you could buy the same type of plywood for the side panels, which would create a frame that you could install to the back wall.
Depth: How deep you want the countertop to be.  I measured 32.”
Height: The height at which you want the countertop to sit (I chose 41 inches from the ground).
These measurements will guide your material purchases and ideally ensure a perfect fit.  Mine did not end up fitting perfectly because my walls are not perfectly straight, so I had to make some minor adjustments at home using my circular saw and sander.

Step 2: Purchase Materials
With your measurements in hand, go to your local lumber yard and buy the following materials (and have them cut them down to size):

Birch Plywood: One sheet of 3/4” birch plywood ($44).  I had it cut to 69” long by 32” deep.  (Home Depot has plywood but it is more expensive and was not as nice IMO.  Try a local lumbar yard if you have one nearby).
2x4s: I purchased 12 feet of 2x4s for the frame ($5.32). I had them cut into: 1 back piece (69”), 2 side pieces (28” each)
Exterior Plywood: Half a sheet of 3/4” exterior plywood ($20) for the middle frame between the machines. Have it cut into two pieces to glue together for added strength.  This plywood does not show so I bought the cheaper (but still strong) plywood.
Trim: 2” trim for the front edge of the counter for a thicker appearance.  1/5″ trim to cover the 1.5″ of plywood edge in the center frame.

Step 3: Build the Frame
To create a solid base for your countertop:

Create the Middle Frame: Use wood glue to double up the exterior plywood pieces. This will form a frame measuring 41” high by 28” deep. Allow the glue to dry thoroughly.  Then place this directly on the floor in between the 2 machines.  I pushed my machines together to hold it in place.

Attach the Wall Frame: Find the wall studs with a stud finder and mark them. Use a brad nailer and a level to attach the 2x4s around the wall, forming the frame for the countertop.  The brad nailer does not secure the frame but holds it in place for you to then screw the frame into the studs.  Use a drill bit first and then drill the 2×4 into each stud using a 2 1/2″ wood screw (linked below).  The top of the frame should measure 41” from the ground.

Step 4: Prepare and Stain the Wood
Stain the Countertop: Apply a layer of Minwax White Wash as a base, quickly wipe it off, and let it dry. Next, apply Minwax Early American stain. Finish with two coats of polyurethane for a durable, glossy finish.

Stain the Trim: After trial and error, I ended up using Aged Oak gel stain for the trim pieces to match the countertop color.   Remember, different types of wood absorb stain differently, so always test on a scrap piece first.  (I linked all of these stains below).

Step 5: Install the Countertop
Position the Countertop: Place the stained birch plywood onto the frame.  My son helped me with this.  It was heavy and did not fit perfectly the first go-around.  I had to saw off a tiny bit (and then sanded the edge with my circular sander).

Secure the Countertop: Use your brad nailer to attach the countertop by nailing once on each side, in the back, and in the center. Given the weight of the plywood, this should hold it securely while allowing easy removal if needed.

Step 6: Attach the Trim
Attach the 2” Ribbed Trim: Align and nail the 2” trim piece along the front edge of the countertop.  You can have this cut down to size at Home Depot (or wherever you purchase it).  But I highly recommend buying a $12 miter saw to have at home for easy cuts like trim.   Also linked below.

Install the 1.5” Trim: Affix the 1.5” trim piece to the center frame using your brad nailer.

Tools and Supplies: (all linked below)
Measuring Tape
Level
Stud Finder
Drill
Brad Nailer
Sander
Circular Saw (for any adjustments)
Wood Glue
Stains and Finishes

LINKS TO EVERYTHING 🙂 

Final Touches:
Ensure all nail holes are filled and sanded smooth. Clean any excess stain and polyurethane. Your new wood countertop should now be a beautiful and functional addition to your laundry space!  I ended up making a shelf with the plywood extras.  It measures 3′ long and 11″ deep.  I glued 2 pieces together and used 1.5″ trim for the exposed edge.   And then of course, I styled it pretty.  🙂

If you end up trying this, please feel free to reach out with any questions!   I look at my DMs on Instagram.

xx,

Kristin

If you want to refresh your outdoor patio, a few simple additions can make a world of difference.  I wanted our upstairs patio to be used more — cozier for morning coffee and more appealing to hang out on — and plants and textiles did the trick! Here’s how you can easily transform your patio into a stylish and inviting haven:

The exterior of a house is often the first impression it makes on visitors and passersby.  It sets the tone for what lies inside.  In our quest to create a welcoming and  “organic modern” exterior for our home, we embarked on what felt like one million decisions.  Stucco, windows, roofing, tile, landscaping, and the list goes on!  In doing so, we have completely transformed our house into a place we’re proud to call home.  Here is the story of our exterior home remodel.

It started like this.  We bought the least expensive house on the market in our coveted neighborhood/community.

We lived in it for 1.5 years.  I did several DIY projects to make it reflect our style while living there but as soon as we received our permits from our City, we started construction.   We remodeled instead of building from scratch.  We thought it would be faster and cheaper that way.  It probably was not.  With rising material costs and the complications of this remodel, it ended up being way more expensive than we had budgeted for.  (Another story for another day).  It was a large remodel with an addition upstairs.   We used Ballentine Architect Studio and were happy with their work.  They understood my vision and made it happen.   We kept a lot of the footprint of the home but added a garage in the front and built above it.   We had tons of decisions to make about everything, the exterior too!

1. Choosing the Exterior Finish

One of the first and most significant decisions we made for our exterior remodel was selecting the exterior finish. We chose smooth trowel stucco.   Stucco is a versatile and durable material that can dramatically impact the appearance of a home. After careful consideration, we chose a beautiful, warm white, smooth trowel stucco finish that complements our home’s architectural style. Its earthy color provides a modern yet inviting feel, and the smooth plaster texture adds depth and character to the façade. Stucco not only looks fantastic but also offers excellent protection against the elements, making it a practical choice for our home’s exterior.

2. Tile Selection for the Perfect Accent

To add more texture and sophistication, we decided to incorporate decorative tiles into our remodel.  When I laid eyes on Arto’s Newport Brick, it was love at first site.  Newport Brick Veneer is a long-form, modern looking brick with a limestone textured surface and crisp edges.  The concrete composition is durable enough for freeze thaw climates and can be used for walls and floors. These tiles are strategically placed around the entry and the entire garage exterior wall, creating a captivating visual focal point. The tiles infuse an organic vibe into the overall look, while remaining modern.   This may be controversial, but I did not grout the tile.  I love the non-grouted look of this tile and we have all the necessary water proofing behind the tiles.

The front patio tile is Bone and Early Gray concrete pavers (also from Arto tile) laid in a custom pattern.

3. Windows

To grid or not to grid.  That was a question I debated forever!   Ultimately, we decided against grids and we went with Milgard fiberglass casement windows (with no grid pattern).   Fiberglass is more expensive than Aluminum but at the time, it was the only way I could affordably get white on the inside and black on the exterior of the windows.   They also have many benefits.  Fiberglass windows are low-maintenance and resist swelling, rotting, warping and corrosion. They do not require repainting like wood, but the material is paintable, which is awesome because you know I like to paint!   We painted our library window dark green to match the rest of the room (for example).

I did, however, find the most amazing front door that does have grids to mix it up.  It is also a dutch door!  It is customizable for your exact dimensions and as far as front doors go, reasonable in price.

4. Roofing

Given the extensive nature of our remodel, we had to add an entirely new roof. We chose GAF Timberline Reflector Series in charcoal.

5. Landscaping: Bringing Nature to Life

No exterior home remodel is complete without landscaping.  Yardzen came to the rescue!   We told them everything we wanted and they made it come to life in a rendering.  We used the rendering to implement the design ourselves.  We opted for a mix of real (front yard) and fake grass (backyard) and a mix of plants, some drought-tolerant plants, thoughtfully arranged to create a harmonious balance of greenery and hardscape.  Specifically, in the front, we used olive bushes and white roses.   The climbing vine is star Jasmine.  The addition of a the small stone sections in our walkway leading up to the front door  adds an element of charm to our home’s exterior.  We did the same pattern in our driveway to break up the large amount of concrete.

Here is the rendering we received from Yardzen.

6. Coordinating Colors and Materials

One of the key elements of a successful exterior remodel is ensuring that all the materials and colors work together harmoniously. We made sure that the stucco, tiles, and landscaping elements complemented each other. The earthy stucco and tiles are complimented by the lush landscaping, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. In addition, we painted the garage door black and stained the wood elements black to complement the overall design, tying all the elements together.  For those wondering about our garage door, we used Colima Garage Doors and Repairs and showed him this design and he made it happen.

7. House Numbers, Lighting and Final Touches

I was gifted gorgeous house numbers by Dropcap Studio.  We chose the Forza Light in black. We LOVE them!

I wanted to keep the lighting simple (and inexpensive) so opted for these lights from Wayfair.   They work great and look great AND the price is awesome!

For front porch decor, I added these affordable and comfortable rocking chairs.  We love sitting on the front porch to catch good morning and afternoon sun and people watching.  🙂

I found our mailbox on Etsy.   I love it!

Our exterior home remodel has been a labor of love, resulting in quite the transformation that reflects our style and personality. The choice of stucco, tiles, landscaping, and other design elements has come together to create an inviting and beautiful exterior that we’re proud to call our own.   Feel free to send me a DM on Instagram if you have ANY questions at all.

xoxo,

Kristin
Photo Credit:  James Ogg

We recently completed an incredible home renovation that not only transformed our house but also redefined our backyard, now featuring a brand-new basketball court! When we first purchased the property, the backyard was essentially a driveway because the garage was situated there. Our major renovation involved converting the old garage into a modern open-concept kitchen and family room, and relocating the garage to the front of the house. This renovation has given us a spacious and functional backyard, perfect for adding a basketball court. In this post, we’ll share all the details of our backyard transformation, including the design elements, plants, furniture, and how you can add a basketball court to your own backyard.

BEFORE PICS:

As a family, we decided to add a sport court for basketball games and a large enough patch of artificial grass for tumbling.   And I definitely wanted a hang out space with a fire pit and dining space.  We worked with Yardzen to make our dream our reality.  Yardzen gave us the plans years ago and now it finally and truly is a reality!   I played the contractor role and hired various sub-contractors to get the work done.

We started by pouring the concrete for the sport court.  The concrete guys leveled our yard (at a slight slant for water) but making sure the sport court area was completely level.   It is important to finish it with a medium broom finish on the concrete, so that the sport court tiles can be properly installed on top.     We painstakingly measured the space to make sure we had room for a 3 point line and to ensure that the free throw line was regulation.  Our court is 18′ wide and 25′ 3″ long with the hoop anchored right in front of the court (allowing 2 ft total to the fence to leave room for the hoop crank).  We purchased our hoop from this company.  We purchased the multi-sport 72/36 with pro rim.   If you order from them (the best hoop for the price – please let them know I referred you).

We hired a sport court expert to order and install our tiles , which includes cutting, anchoring and painting the lines.   Please let me know if you want his number!

After our concrete was poured, we started with the artificial grass.  We had our gardener install the grass, which involves leveling, gravel and decomposed granite for proper drainage.  We installed a 15′ by 15′ square of grass.   It is right off our garage, which is perfect and easily accessible for my daughter’s gymnastics equipment.   It is kid/pet friendly and adds a nice pop of grass without requiring water or causing mud.  🙂

Lastly, we hired a company to install pavers.   We decided on Courtyard stone combo pavers in the dark gray/copper/charcoal color.   They came in and finished in a week – we had over 300 sq ft total.  If you install pavers near your sport court, make sure they are level to the court.  Our pavers were installed before the sport court tiles, so we had the pavers 5/8in above the concrete to ensure they were level to the court once the 5/8in sport court tiles were installed.

AFTER:

Plant sources: Our privacy hedge is ficus.  For the other plants, I purchased and planted a combination of grasses, ground cover and silver sheen bushes/trees.

Furniture:
The fire pit is from Terra Outdoor  
The dining chairs
The dining table is from Article but no longer available.
The sofa and chairs are our fav!   They are the brown wicker from Outer  – linked here.
We love that it is made from recycled materials AND it is incredibly comfortable.  We LOVE how easy it is to keep it clean and dry with the easy to use attached cover.  Use coupon DIONOUTER for 5% off.

Email me at kristindiondesign@gmail.com or DM me on IG for sub-contractor info or for any other information.   Happy to share!  I had an awesome experience with all.

xoxo,

Kristin

Besides a missing window covering, this boy’s bathroom is done!   I have encountered many hiccups when trying to reveal rooms in our newly remodeled home because not all of the details are done.  But this one is close enough!  We all, especially him, love it!  First, let’s talk about the beautiful tile, tile pattern and huge tub.

The tiles are from Arto.  They are 3×6 Studio Field Sierra Snow.   I decided to display them in a basketweave pattern.  I love mixing patterns, so I had fun mixing in stripes and plaids against the pattern of the tile.

The bathtub is a large acrylic alcove tub that is larger than what people typically use but I wanted a large shower and a large soaking tub and we had the space so why not?!  It measures 60″ (L) x 36″ (W) x 21-5/8″ (D).

After being an almost exclusively delta faucet purchaser for my faucets, I was lucky enough to work with Delta Faucet!  A dream!  This tub/shower combo faucet is the Kayra Monitor 14 Series tub & shower trim in matte black.   It is beauty meets function at it’s best.  I will link all accessories below.

Let’s talk about the sink/vanity situation.   It is what you see when you walk in and it does not disappoint.

We bought this vanity from West Elm – it is their Donovan 36in vanity in white oak (note: it is a white oak engineered finish, easy to wipe down).  It comes with a beautiful white resin counter and sink and beautiful black hardware.

The faucet is the Kayra single handle pull-down faucet in matte black from Delta Faucet.   It is SO nice to pull it down for easy cleaning, especially for those hard to reach toothpaste spots …

Ok let me link all the accessories for you!   Styling can make a room FOR SURE.

• striped shower curtain – I ordered a long one and hung the shower rod high
• light fixture 
• This cutie rug is from the Chris Loves Julia x Loloi collab
• tension shower curtain rod (so I did not have to drill into the tile)
• shower curtain hooks 
• black soap stand
• striped towels – so comfy and my fav towel company
• towel hooks 
• mirror is from my collection at Home Goods, which has been discontinued BUT here is a similar one 

Last, but certainly not least, we decided to run our hardwood floors into all of our bathrooms, except the primary.  The floors are gorgeous.  They are “fika” from Stuga.

Hope you like it!  Let me know your favorite part below in comments!  You can find all this and more on my Instagram and Pinterest.  Thanks for reading!

xoxo,

Kristin