Relax In This Soothing Bathroom Remodel - Kansas City Homes & Style

Story by Ann Butenas | Photos by Matt Kocourek

When the last of their kids headed off to college, these homeowners decided the master bathroom could use a new look. Clinging to its 1990s vibe, it was time to introduce the space to a 21st century look. While keeping most of the main components generally in the same locations, designer Cara Christman of Kitchens & Baths by Briggs made significant changes without necessarily having to reconfigure the entire footprint of the room.

“We made changes with things in place. The location of the windows essentially dictated what could and could not be changed ” she noted. “The homeowners’ top priorities with this project were to remove the old carpet and expand the shower.”

Among the essential highlights of the project are the shower expansion and the free-standing tub.

“We expanded the shower by 18 inches,” stated Christman, who also removed the worn-out carpet and installed 18” x 36” porcelain tile pieces that resemble poured concrete, along with textured tile beautifully accenting the shower and the niche behind the free-standing tub.

“The tub is partially enveloped on one end with built-in with shelving, which easily hides the plumbing,” said Christman.

Christman opted for two separate vanities in place of the original 72-inch one, giving the homeowners their own spaces. The headers nestled above the vanities are made from reclaimed, rebuilt and stained Ipe, a type of Brazilian walnut, the same material surrounding the tub.

Layers of lighting also delight the space, which include recessed lights, LED lights in the shower, and pendant lights, almost all of which can be adjusted for the desired amount of ambient lighting. For a final touch, the walls in the bathroom were also repainted.

As its personality has taken shape, this bathroom confidently exudes both masculine and feminine touches, as for every curved design element, there is something straight and linear complementing it.

“It’s a balance of sleek and organic, which engages the entire space,” expressed Christman.