Primary Bathroom
This is our favorite type of project – taking a poorly designed, underutilized layout and transforming it into something that genuinely improves daily life. In the Murphy home, a previous addition had created a large but underwhelming primary ensuite that never lived up to its potential. The space had two entrances, one from the main hallway and one from the primary bedroom, forcing it to serve as both a guest powder room and the homeowners’ primary bathroom. As you can imagine, that setup wasn’t ideal for privacy, comfort, or everyday use.
Despite the generous square footage, the room felt inefficient. A massive soaking tub went unused, the shower was surprisingly small for the size of the space, and much of the layout felt disconnected from how the homeowners actually lived. They were ready for a change that felt intentional, private, and aligned with the character of the home.
The Opportunity
- 5Separate the shared bathroom into dedicated powder room and private primary ensuite spaces
- 5Eliminate the unused tub and replace it with a luxury, oversized shower
- 5Improve daily comfort and privacy while better utilizing the available square footage
- 5Bring finishes and detailing in line with the style of the home and surrounding neighborhood
The Planning
The biggest challenge in the Murphy Primary remodel was rethinking how the space should function, not just how it should look. The homeowners were clear about their priorities. They wanted guests to have access to a proper powder room without walking through their bedroom, and they wanted their primary bathroom to feel like a true retreat rather than a shared space.
To achieve this, we planned a complete reconfiguration of the layout. A new wall was designed to divide the bathroom into two distinct rooms, allowing each space to serve a clear purpose. From there, we worked through plumbing strategies, fixture placement, and finish selections to ensure the new layout felt cohesive and efficient. Every decision focused on creating better flow, improved privacy, and a more intentional use of space.
The Build
This project required extensive behind-the-scenes work to bring the new vision to life. Building the new wall meant re-routing drains and water lines, resulting in a significant amount of custom plumbing. Nearly everything was relocated, with the exception of the original vanity, which was repurposed as a pedestal sink in the new powder room.
The primary ensuite was elevated with a dedicated toilet room enclosure and a fully custom, frameless shower door that became the centerpiece of the space. In the powder room, upscale details like wainscoting and wallpaper added character and a sense of polish that feels both timeless and welcoming for guests.
Beyond the bathroom itself, the scope expanded to include refinishing all flooring throughout the downstairs and second-floor bedrooms. We also rebuilt the staircase to correct sagging and squeaky treads, updating the trimwork to create a cleaner, more modern look that ties the entire home together.
Project Tips
1. Don’t Let Square Footage Fool You
A large room doesn’t always mean a functional one. The original layout wasted space where it mattered most. Thoughtful planning can make a room feel bigger, more comfortable, and more intentional without adding square footage.
2. Design for How You Actually Live
This project worked because the homeowners focused on daily routines, privacy, and real-world use, not just appearances. Separating guest and private spaces made an immediate impact on comfort.
3. Invest in the Details
The Resolution
Let’s Get Started
Contact us today for a personalized consultation and discover how we can transform underperforming spaces into something truly special. From bathrooms and kitchens to basements, staircases, and full interior remodels, we specialize in creating spaces that work better and feel like home.