Creating the Ultimate Luxury Bathroom

The multi-purpose linen tower became an essential addition for storage and added spatial definition for the his-and-her vessel sinks. Exposed plumbing under each sink gives the illusion of more space.  After photos by Robert Church Photography

The Homeowners in this Lakeville, Minn., home had several remodeling projects under their belt to boost the curb-appeal of their home, but the master bedroom and bathroom was a space they never fully connected with. They commissioned College City Remodeling, also in Lakeville, to redo the space and saw the project as the final chapter of their efforts to make the home truly their own. (College City Homes, the remodeler's sister division, had built the high-end townhome, so there was intimate familiarity with the space.)

"They already had a beautiful bathroom, but both of the homeowners live busy and active lifestyles that include physical exercise, so they wanted the bathroom to function as a rejuvenating retreat. They wanted it to be a very private and personal space," says College City Remodeling Lead Designer Jennifer Murnan.

To accomplish this in the existing footprint of an approximately 8- by 5-square-foot space, Murnan focused on features, finishes and fashion. The new bathroom has a stand-alone tub; a walk-in shower with five-spray body massaging system and recessed shower shelf; and a linen tower with dual vanities. Granite countertops, ceramic tile and high-end in plumbing fixtures finish off the space. The vanity's wood was custom stained to match the tub's frame for seamless styling throughout.

The thick textured glass panel above the tub almost appears to be a water feature upon first glance - the sheet bayou glass aesthetically connects the tub to the shower.

Murnan let the contemporary, clean lines, floor-to-ceiling tile and warm brown and cream hues create a sleek, unfettered space that complemented the open floor plan and 9-foot ceilings of the existing townhome. The countered the homeowners' perception of their previous bathroom, which they described as narrow and cold. Murnan adds that the materials are also virtually maintenance-free, appropriate for the clients' busy lifestyle.

A project like this — which didn't add any square footage to the space and simply focused on making what was there better — is indicative of a continuing trend of clients looking for personalized spa bathrooms with to-the-max accessories to fit within their budget. This approximately 150-square-foot bathroom cost $129,600.

"The majority of the clients that we deal with, they all want the spa, and that means different things for different people," Murnan says.

"These homeowners were incredibly detail-oriented, so for them, it wasn't just function. It was curb appeal — that 'wow' factor."