SANCTUARY
I don’t always get to do a full house remodel—sometimes I’m called in to work on just a room or two. That was the case with this client, who wanted to redo two very outdated bathrooms. The couple had a great sense of style; they were young, hip, and modern. The wife had a refined Scandinavian aesthetic—something I don’t often see in Fresno—but I was all for it. We dove into the project headfirst, starting with the master bath and then moving on to the kids’ bath down the hall.
For the new master bath footprint, we decided to utilize the existing space along with the adjacent walk-in closet. The primary goal was to incorporate a large walk-in sauna and a steam shower. To maximize efficiency, we designed a large shower enclosure that also housed the bathtub.
The sauna was positioned centrally between the two vanities, custom-built at an angle to maximize flexibility throughout the space. Naturally, we included a makeup vanity, creating a storage niche and a small sitting area with decorative lighting, perfect for makeup and hair.
For the finishes, we opted for a neutral, warm palette. Natural wood tone cabinetry accents the rich, dark flooring. Bold porcelain complements the countertops and the interior of the shower. We selected simple yet beautiful lighting fixtures throughout the space, and luxury plumbing fixtures were chosen to add an extra touch of elegance.
For the kids’ bath down the hall, we worked with the existing footprint. The old tub had to be replaced, so we were able to reframe slightly to allow for a bigger tub. We wanted the two bathrooms to coordinate, but they didn’t have to match exactly. So, we kept the color palette similarly neutral to the master bath but lighted it up a bit.
For the cabinets, we chose a glazed white oak, and for the countertops, we went with a soft white quartz. We found a stunning clay tile at a local shop, Creative Tile, which we were able to use on the shower walls. This special tile brought a lot of richness and warmth to the space, making the entire room feel authentic and comfortable.
We had fun with the finishes in the kids’ bathroom as well, particularly the lighting. Unusual ceramic sconces from Cedar and Moss flank the pivoting mirrors, while discreet can lights illuminate the vanity. Wall-mounted faucets flow into dual vessel sinks that rest atop the counter, creating a spa-like atmosphere.
In both bathrooms, we faced spatial constraints, but we optimized every square inch to maximize flexibility and functionality. This bathroom pair took incredible planning and presented unique challenges, yet we were able to create sanctuary spaces within the home. In the end, the results were a success for both the client and designer.
Interiors Editor Erin Melkonian
Photographer Ellie Koleen
