This 80s, builder-grade bathroom had seen its best days. Dated, oak cabinets, and a non-functioning, corner Jacuzzi tub needed to go. The toilet area was adjacent to the shower, but the new layout reconfigured the space by creating a water closet where the original shower was, and flanking custom His and Her vanities next to a new, corner shower. A band of contrasting clay brick sets off the subway tile in the shower.

His vanity is 42″ high to accommodate the client’s tall stature. A beautiful cast-iron, claw-foot tub now sits next to the window where the old Jacuzzi used to be.

The old vinyl flooring has been replaced with a lovely octagon tile with gray keystones to evoke the Victorian feeling that the clients wanted. Sherwin Williams Topsail paint gives the new bathroom a serene feeling.

“We had a fabulous experience working with Shawn Merkel. She’s a total professional and has a unique and creative approach to design. Shawn helped us completely gut and redesign our primary bathroom and closets. They were an early 1990s mess, and the space was poorly utilized. Thanks to Shawn’s eye for maximizing space, we were able to create an elegant bathroom that includes a soaking tub, spacious shower, water closet, and dual vanities, in addition to a walk-in closet. We didn’t think this was possible! Shawn quickly understood our aesthetic vision and reached out to custom cabinet makers who created beautiful cabinets and an efficient closet system. She also helped us with a color palette throughout the home that reflected our tastes. We loved our experience working with Shawn. In addition to being a talented designer, she’s a wonderful human who brought warmth and humor to our working relationship. We recommend her most highly!”

— Shelley G.