A Luxurious Transformation: A Calming Oasis

Reimagining a primary bathroom with thoughtful design and elegant details.

Story by Judy Goppert | Photography by Matt Kocourek

When this family relocated from Texas to their new home, they found the primary bathroom to be a little too busy for their taste, with dark mirror frames contrasting sharply against white cabinets. Lana, the homeowner, turned to Celia Aldrich of Aldrich Contracting for help in transforming the space into a luxurious and serene retreat.

“We retained the existing layout but made key updates, such as adding a wood surround to the mirrors and integrating a tower cabinet in the makeup area,” Aldrich explains. “To maximize counter space, we recessed the 15-inch-deep tower into the wall. We considered removing the angled wall, but a plumbing vent leading to the upstairs bathrooms made it impractical. Inspired by a previous project where we wrapped mirrors with wood, we suggested the same to Lana. She loved the idea, as it allowed us to mount the sconces on wood, giving the room a more cohesive and elegant look compared to the previous three-mirror setup.”

Lana wanted to maintain a makeup station while also gaining additional storage. The solution? A clever tower cabinet with a pull-out makeup mirror inside. This design also includes interior outlets for charging devices like razors and toothbrushes, as well as convenient outlets on each exterior side for easy access.

For the countertops, the homeowners initially considered the super white dolomite they had in Texas. However, during their search, they discovered Fantasy River Brushed and immediately fell in love with its unique appearance and texture.

“The shower, a generous 48 inches wide by 72 inches deep, features striking picket tiles that, to our tile setter’s dismay, don’t come on a mat!” Aldrich continues. “We extended the tile all the way to the ceiling to enhance the sense of height. The shower floor is made of a cut stone that’s both beautiful and comfortable underfoot. We installed a larger showerhead, body jets, and a handheld sprayer. The existing bench was widened from 10 to 14 inches for added comfort and topped with the same Fantasy River Brushed material. We also reconfigured the shower wall to align with the tub height, adding a niche with a glass shelf. The glass door, made from ¼-inch glass with European hinges, swings both in and out for added functionality.”

The existing windows, which the homeowner loved for their natural light, remained untouched. The original jetted tub was replaced with a spacious soaking tub. To complement the design, Aldrich chose a beadboard surround that mirrors the style of the picket tiles, giving the tub a furniture-like feel. The backsplash was raised to allow for two rows of tiles, and the tub was undermounted using the same countertop material for a seamless look — an installation method that, while more complex and costly, achieved the desired elegance.

Reflecting on the completed project, Lana shared, “What I appreciate most about this bathroom is its calming ambiance. Celia and I worked through numerous detailed plans for the vanity, and I believe we achieved the perfect balance between beauty and functionality. I don’t have a linen closet, so the countertop tower was essential, and I think we absolutely nailed it.”