Relax, Renew, Refresh - Kansas City Homes & Style

A Guest Bath Built Around Wellness

Story by Mollie Pfeifer | Photography by Amber Dawkins

When the homeowner imagined reworking her lower-level guest suite, she envisioned more than just an upgraded bathroom. She wanted to create a space where visiting friends and family could feel welcome and cared for; a place where she herself could relax, recharge, and invest in her health.

That vision became the framework for designer Billie Deatherage, CKD, of Custom Wood Products, who translated the homeowner’s goals into a thoughtful plan. The must-haves included a soaking tub, a spacious shower, a furniture-style vanity, and an infrared sauna. “She wanted to incorporate a sauna into her home for herself, and create a nice retreat for her out-of-town guests,” Deatherage explains.

The infrared sauna became the centerpiece. After accompanying the homeowner on showroom visits, Deatherage worked the freestanding unit into the room so it would feel seamless. A soffit was added above to conceal ductwork, and the sauna’s glass-corner feature was oriented into the suite. The sauna not only supports her wellness goals but also sets the tone for the entire space. “I’m known for creative space planning,” Deatherage says. “In this room, what you don’t see is two and a half feet of the sauna that recesses into the unfinished space; it looks sleek and built in.”

The rest of the space balances comfort and style. Large-format marble-look porcelain tile was used on the floors and shower walls, paired with a black marble pebble mosaic in the shower for traction and visual interest. The shower features a partial glass partition, something the homeowner initially thought might be a concern. In practice, it works well: the heated floors and shower walls keep the space warm, and there is less glass to clean.

The homeowner selected a contemporary white vanity accented with black trim, and Deatherage shaped many of the surrounding design choices to create balance. A round wrought iron mirror wrapped in rope hangs above, flanked by thoughtful lighting. Floating live-edge shelves and a wicker fixture complement the sauna’s eucalyptus wood finish.

A bold, tropical-inspired wallcovering in black, brown, and white was incorporated to balance the warmth of the sauna’s wood with the crisp lines of the vanity. It became a signature element in the suite, adding personality while maintaining the spa-like atmosphere. The large soaking tub, positioned against this backdrop, serves as both a personal retreat and a family favorite.

The result is a space that fulfills its dual roles beautifully: a spa-like retreat for the homeowner and a welcoming space for family and friends.

When asked if she has advice for homeowners planning a remodel, Deatherage emphasizes the importance of designing for yourself. She encourages people to create the home they truly want to live in, rather than following a checklist of features suggested by others. Especially for those planning to stay long term or retire in their homes, she stresses the value of prioritizing personal desires and goals. “At the end of the day, it’s about designing the home you want and focusing on what matters to you,” she says. This project, with its emphasis on comfort, health, and wellness, shows what can be achieved when you design with your own dreams in mind.