The Heritage Bath

This bathroom was a special one. Not just for the clients, but for me as a designer. If you’re familiar with my work, you know I typically design with bold color, layered patterns, and the kind of joyful “loudness” that lives rent-free in my head. But this space? This space is quiet.

It’s neutral. Relaxed. Calming. A far cry from the granny-chic maximalism I’m known for. And that’s exactly why I loved it.

Designing outside my norm challenges me creatively, broadens my portfolio, and teaches me new tricks along the way. This project reminded me that timeless, tone-on-tone design—when done right—is gorgeous.

When these homeowners reached out, they had just purchased their home and were eager to begin their first major renovation. The existing bathroom had an old tiled drop-in tub and a failing steam shower that had caused significant damage—rendering it completely unusable.

They saw it as an opportunity: not just to fix, but to create something that truly felt like them.

Their vision?
A space that was different, neutral, unique, and relaxing—but still resale-friendly. They didn’t want anything too quirky or too trendy. Just special.

Custom millwork was another essential layer to making this bathroom feel high-end and heritage-inspired. From the start, I requested Scott—one of Stonebridge’s carpenters who pours his heart into every detail. My kind of people.

Together, we:

• Upgraded the baseboards from 2 1/2″ to 5 1/4″
• Added classic Adams casing to the doors and windows
• Installed colonial-style crown molding
• Designed ogee shadow boxes for added architectural depth

Even the transition from baseboard to shower curb was carefully debated by Scott and myself and then executed beautifully. True craftsmanship takes time—and it’s always worth it.

One must-have on their wishlist? An arch.

They originally envisioned one in the shower, but worried about it feeling small, dark, or cave-like. So we reimagined the idea: a wide, tiled arch that would feel open, expansive, and architectural.

And let me tell you—this was no easy task.

Every single tile was mitered and bound by hand by Emmanuel from Stonebridge Renovations before installation. It took hours of precision and patience, but the result is extraordinary. That arch is now the crown jewel of the space.

The clients wanted to swap their outdated drop-in tub for something cleaner and more sculptural. A freestanding soaking tub was the obvious choice, and it gave us the perfect opportunity to add another focal point: a White Thassos and Mother of Pearl mosaic niche.

We also designed the shower to balance beauty with function:

• A 24″ wide shampoo niche for plenty of product storage
• A built-in corner bench for shaving, sitting, or bathing dogs and toddlers
• Luxe materials like Zia Zellige, Edward Martin floor tile, and a special 24K gold tile from Clé Tile

This shower may be magazine-worthy, but it’s made for everyday life—and that’s what I’m most proud of.

As I mentioned, we wanted to add a unique touch to the project that made it feel special to my clients. We started with a special 24K gold tile from Cle´Tile, and later decided to add the White Thassos and Mother Pearl mosaic in the tub niche.

This bathroom isn’t loud. It doesn’t scream. It whispers. It invites. It restores. And it will serve as a sanctuary for these homeowners for many years to come.

This is The Heritage Bath—a study in restraint, refinement, and what happens when thoughtful design meets exceptional craftsmanship.